Hey girls! I just got back from another amazing solo adventure and I’m here to spill all the tea on traveling solo as an independent woman.
Let’s start with the why. Why would anyone choose to travel alone? Well, for me, it’s about the freedom. When you’re on your own, you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. There’s no need to compromise on what sights to see, where to eat, or how long to stay in a particular place. I remember my trip to that beautiful coastal town. I spent hours just sitting on the beach, watching the waves crash, and reading my book. If I had been with someone else, they might have been bored or wanted to move on to the next activity, but I could soak up that moment for as long as I pleased.
Another big reason is self-discovery. Traveling solo forces you to step out of your comfort zone and really get to know yourself. You learn how to handle unexpected situations, like getting lost in a foreign city (which has happened to me more times than I’d like to admit!). But each time, I found a way to figure it out. I asked locals for directions, used my map app (even when it was being a bit wonky), and eventually found my way back on track. Through these experiences, I realized I was way more capable than I thought. I could navigate new places, communicate with people even when there was a language barrier, and solve problems on the fly. It was like a crash course in building confidence.
Now, let’s talk about the planning part. It can seem a bit daunting at first, but trust me, it’s not as bad as it seems. First off, research is key. I spend hours looking up the best places to stay, the must-see attractions, and the local hidden gems. I read travel blogs (like this one I’m writing now, ha!), check out reviews on travel websites, and even ask for recommendations on social media. For my trip to that mountainous region, I found this amazing little bed and breakfast tucked away in the woods through a blog post. It ended up being the coziest place ever, with the friendliest owners who gave me great tips on local hikes.
When it comes to packing, less is more. I used to overpack like crazy, thinking I needed a different outfit for every occasion. But after a few trips where I lugged around a heavy suitcase, I learned my lesson. Now, I focus on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. A good pair of jeans, some basic tops, a couple of sweaters for cooler evenings, and of course, a comfortable pair of walking shoes. And don’t forget the accessories! A scarf can double as a shawl on a chilly plane ride or add a pop of color to an otherwise plain outfit.
Once you’re actually on the trip, safety is always a concern. But don’t let that scare you off from solo traveling. There are plenty of precautions you can take. For example, always let someone back home know your itinerary. I send my mom or a close friend a detailed schedule of where I’ll be staying each night and what my plans are for the day. It gives them peace of mind and also means someone will notice if something goes wrong. Also, trust your instincts. If a situation or a person gives you a bad feeling, get out of there. I was once in a situation where a guy was being a bit too pushy trying to get me to go somewhere with him. I just firmly said no and walked away. My gut told me it wasn’t a good situation, and I listened.
Meeting people while traveling solo can be one of the most rewarding parts. You get to connect with locals and other travelers from all over the world. I’ve had some of the most interesting conversations in cafes, on buses, or during guided tours. In that same coastal town I mentioned earlier, I met a group of local artists who invited me to their studio. I got to see their amazing works and learn about their creative process. It was such an enriching experience that I never would have had if I hadn’t been traveling alone. You just have to be open and friendly, and people will respond in kind.
And let’s not forget about the food! Food is a huge part of traveling for me. When you’re on your own, you can explore the local cuisine to your heart’s content. I’ve eaten my way through markets, tried strange and wonderful dishes in small family-run restaurants, and even taken cooking classes to learn how to make some of the local favorites. On my trip to that Asian country, I took a cooking class where we made this amazing spicy noodle dish. I still make it at home sometimes and it always brings back those wonderful travel memories.
Solo traveling as an independent woman is an adventure like no other. It’s filled with challenges, but also with incredible rewards. You get to see the world on your own terms, make memories that are truly your own, and come back home with a newfound sense of self. So, if you’ve been thinking about taking that solo trip, don’t hesitate. Just go for it! I promise you won’t regret it.