Okay, so here’s the tea: I used to be that girl who couldn’t even go to the bathroom without dragging a friend along. 🙈 Seriously, I was the queen of “we’re in this together” vibes. But then, something shifted. I don’t know if it was the monotony of my 9-to-5 or the fact that my Instagram feed was flooded with these stunning solo female travelers living their best lives, but I decided it was time to take the plunge. Spoiler alert: it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Let me rewind a bit. I’ve always loved the idea of traveling, but the logistics of coordinating schedules, budgets, and preferences with friends always felt like a nightmare. One friend wants to splurge on a luxury resort, another wants to backpack on a shoestring budget, and I’m just sitting there like, “Can we just go already?” 😩 So, one day, I said, “Screw it. I’m doing this alone.”
My first solo trip was to Bali. Yes, cliché, I know. But hear me out. Bali is like the training wheels of solo travel for women. It’s safe, it’s beautiful, and everyone speaks English. Plus, the Instagram potential is off the charts. 📸 I remember stepping off the plane, my heart racing, and thinking, “What the hell did I just do?” But then, something magical happened. I realized I was free. Free to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.
I spent my days exploring hidden waterfalls, taking yoga classes, and eating my weight in nasi goreng. I met incredible people from all over the world, and for the first time in my life, I felt like I was truly living. There’s something so empowering about navigating a foreign country on your own. It’s like, “Hey world, I’ve got this.” 💪
But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There were moments of loneliness, sure. Like when I was sitting at a beachside café, watching couples hold hands, and I thought, “Damn, I wish I had someone to share this with.” But then I realized, I did have someone to share it with—myself. And honestly, that’s a relationship worth nurturing.
One of the biggest misconceptions about solo travel is that it’s unsafe for women. Let me set the record straight: it’s not. Yes, you need to be smart and aware of your surroundings, but that’s true whether you’re traveling alone or with a group. I’ve found that people are generally kind and willing to help, especially when they see you’re a solo female traveler. Plus, there’s a whole community of women out there who’ve got your back.
One of the most transformative aspects of solo travel is the way it forces you to confront your fears. For me, it was the fear of being alone. I’ve always been someone who thrives on social interaction, so the idea of spending weeks by myself was terrifying. But you know what? I survived. And not only did I survive, I thrived. I discovered a strength and resilience I didn’t know I had.
Another thing I love about solo travel is the way it allows you to connect with locals on a deeper level. When you’re with a group, it’s easy to stay in your bubble. But when you’re alone, you’re more approachable, more open to new experiences. I’ve had some of the most meaningful conversations of my life with strangers I met on the road.
Of course, solo travel isn’t for everyone. It takes a certain level of confidence and independence. But if you’re even remotely curious, I encourage you to give it a try. Start small—maybe a weekend trip to a nearby city—and see how it feels. You might just surprise yourself.
So, why did I ditch the squad and go solo? Because I wanted to prove to myself that I could. Because I wanted to break free from the comfort zone that had become my prison. And because I wanted to experience the world on my own terms. And you know what? I’ve never looked back.
If you’re a woman considering solo travel, my advice is simple: just go. Don’t overthink it. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect companion. The world is waiting for you, and trust me, you’re ready for it. 🌍