Women are out there traveling alone!
For some, it's a first time. For others it's the umpteenth time.
We love hearing from all of them. Here's a recent note we received:
"This month I booked my first solo trip to Paris. ... I just wanted to share this with you because you inspired me to let go of 2017 and forge ahead into 2018 with the knowledge that it does not require “someone else” to make my own way. I will be in Paris on my 57th birthday and I am very excited! Thank you so much. I have more to check out on your site and on Facebook but your message is an important one. Not just for the resources but for the spirit in which you support and encourage!!!
I have been telling my friends, “I am woman, hear me roar!” :)" Wendelyn
Table of Contents
Women Travel Solo for the Sheer Pleasure of it.
The Solo Travel Society on Facebook has over 230,000 fans and 63% of them are women. A Booking.com survey found that 65% of US women are taking vacations without their partner. This is consistent with my experience. I see women traveling solo far more often than men. In one case I was on a train in India and, randomly, there were four female solo travelers in one row. A Brit, a Canadian and two Americans.
We asked the female members of the Solo Travel Society why they travel solo:
- 46% said freedom, independence and the chance to do what they want when they want
- 22% said they weren't willing to wait around for others
- 15% said to challenge themselves and gain confidence. Solo Travel let's you go travel your way
I was a late bloomer as far as travel goes. I took my first solo trip to Nassau, Bahamas when I was 34. I was nervous at first. But I got there and made so many travel friends. I had a glorious time. I haven’t stopped travelling yet and I’ll be 64 soon. Planning another big trip around the world. Retired now and will live on the “road” until I decide to come back." Deborah
Think you can’t or think you can- you are right! I’m 55 and I started with traveling solo within my own country. Then to Bali. Then the UK, Ireland, Europe, Thailand, and Hawaii: all solo. Why? I trusted myself enough to know I could and I did! Solo travel? I love it! Only way to go! Safe travels!" Diane
Women Travel Alone and Gain Confidence
While gaining confidence ranked third in our poll it is a big reason that women travel solo.
I was 58 when I took my first solo trip to Mexico a year ago. I never thought I could or would enjoy traveling alone, but I ended up loving it. ... My self confidence skyrocketed and I finally understood why so many people tout solo travel. I went back to the same Airbnb this year with a friend and I must say that my solo visit was ten times more fun. Just do it!" Nancy
The nature of confidence is that it only comes after you take the risk." Joanne
Helping Get You on Your Way to Travel Solo
To help you get on your way, Tracey and I dug into over 1,600 posts on Solo Traveler to find the ones that we think women would benefit from most. Here they are.
Solo Female Travel Tips: Why, Where, How and Safety
This is the master post on solo female travel. It covers why women should travel solo - at least some of the time - best destinations, top tips for fun and interesting trips and what you need to stay safe. It has all the basic information you need in one place.
Solo Travel Safety: 10 Ways to Look Confident
Confidence is a traveler’s armor. But, what if you’re not naturally so? Here’s how to look confident for solo travel safety.
Women Welcoming Women: A Gateway to International Friendships
Tea in London. A conference in Los Angeles. Dinner in Seattle. On her grand 9-week solo adventure, an organization of women provides information, connections and friendships around the world.
Solo Travel Basics: Answers to the Questions Everyone Asks
I’m often interviewed by the media and the questions are about solo travel basics. Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions on solo travel.
Solo Travel Safety: The Fundamentals for Safe Travel
Solo travel safety is the #1 priority when you travel alone. These 5 basic principles and your own personal rules and you should have it covered.
Life, Death, Divorce and Solo Travel
To mark her new life after divorce, Elizabeth took the trip of a lifetime to Cape Town, South Africa. After 36 years of marriage, she had earned something special. From high adventure to profound learning, Elizabeth shares her experiences.
What to Do at Night When Traveling Alone – 7 Tips
Truly. Traveling alone does not mean that you’re confined to your room with a book come evening. There’s lots to do. Here are a few of my evenings and 7 tips.
“So, like, you’ve had botox, right?”
I believe that solo travel keeps me young. Well, young at heart at least. Here is a musing on aging well and connecting with travelers of different generations. Both are managed much better by attitude than with any practical steps.
Reflections on Women Traveling Alone
My first trip after starting Solo Traveler was a down the Blues Highway from Chicago to New Orleans by train. It gave me new experiences to mull and time to consider just what it is like to travel alone as a woman.
Solo Travel Posts for All
Top Solo Travel Posts of 2017 and All Time
One post directing you to many. Here are links to the top solo travel posts of 2017 and the top solo travel posts of all time on Solo Traveler.
Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers: the 2018 Shortlist
After scouring the lists of budget destinations recommended by other sites I've come up with a shortlist of top destinations for budget solo travel in 2018. Below this list you can see the suggestions for 2017 and 2016 as well. All are perfect for women traveling alone.
Travel Alone and Love it: 50 tips (Revised and Updated)
You could fill a book with solo travel tips. In fact I done it with The Solo Traveler's Handbook. But here, free, are some of my top tips to help you travel alone and love it.
First Time Solo Travel: Tips for Newbies
Here are our best solo travel tips for newbies. This essential guide is a shortcut to the info you need plus tips from the Solo Travel Society. Want more? Read: Getting Past the Fear: Taking Your First Solo Trip.
Solo Travel Mistakes to Avoid
15 Solo Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Traveling solo is a wonderful experience but you, alone, are responsible for your safety. Here are 15 solo travel safety mistakes to avoid.
25 Travel Money Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
There are many ways to save travel money and there are an equal number of ways to make travel money mistakes. Here are the top 25 and how to avoid them.
And Some Solo Travel Essentials
