13 Excellent Tips for The Solo Female Traveler

Last Updated: Oct 5, 2020

While I’ve titled this post “Excellent Tips for The Solo Female Traveler,” I could have left the female out of it as the tips I’m about to share apply to you guys as well.

But I’m focusing a bit more on women as women are the ones who are traveling alone in greater numbers.

And it’s not just young women.

Women over 50 are the fastest growing group that are choosing solo travel.

So don’t think just because you’re 50-something or 60-something that you can’t take a trip on your own — because you can.

I’m now in my mid-50’s and I took my first trip to Europe — alone — at the age of 39.

I was kind of old to take that first trip abroad, right?!

Did you know that women are also far more interested in the idea of traveling alone than men — even those that have yet to make that first solo trip?

Yup.

All true.

So what are some of the best tips for the solo female traveler — at any age?

Let’s start at the beginning.

Tip 1: How to take your first solo trip (even if you’re scared shitless)

You have to start somewhere.

My suggestion for your first solo trip is to start small.

And now — during this crazy pandemic time — is a fabulous time to stay close to home.

It’s also a great time to venture out on your own for your first solo trip.

Take a short drive to a nearby city or town or interesting site you’ve always wanted to visit or perhaps a state park or a national park.

Stay just a couple of nights.

Dip your toes in the water.

See how it feels.

If you’re a bit more adventurous then maybe try something further away and/or for a longer period of time.

The point is to simply try it.

How does this feel to you?

And how do you feel about yourself?

When I lived in Colorado, I took weekend trips to the mountain towns from the Denver area where I lived.

It was just far away enough, but not too far.

Start small and choose a destination that you’ll feel safe and comfortable in AND is a place you want to experience.

I loved going to the mountains on my own when I lived in Colorado. A weekend trip was a great way to begin my solo travels.

Tip 2: Choose a safe place to stay

As someone who has traveled quite a bit on my own, where I stay is one of the most important aspects of my trip.

You always want to choose accommodation that is safe.

And to be honest, so much of this will depend on location — especially in big cities.

Do some research to find the safest areas of the city you are visiting.

Then find a hotel, guesthouse or B&B that has good reviews, especially from female travelers.

Airbnb’s can be a good option as often a room with a shared common area and shared bathroom can be similar to staying in a B&B or a hostel — and the price can be great.

Or if you want an entire place to yourself — and have the budget — then you can choose an Airbnb to suit you.

Hostels are a good choice too — even if you are a more mature traveler.

Not only are hostels affordable, but they are a wonderful place to meet other travelers.

You definitely want accommodation that has some sort of lock on the front door and/or a front desk attendant in big cities.

In small towns and villages, you’ll still want to ensure that you have a safe place, but having that front desk attendant isn’t important.

I find that small towns and rural locations — at least in most of Europe — are safer in general.

I’ve stayed in B&Bs, farm houses and simple guesthouses in small towns and rural areas and never felt unsafe — even without a lock on the front door.

Actually, I’ve used Airbnb only twice but have been reasonably happy with my choices — one city location and one rural location.

One was an entire apartment and one was a room with my own bathroom down the hall.

And yes, I’ve stayed in hostels though not much in Europe as I do like having my own bathroom.

The most important thing, especially as a solo female traveler, is to have a safe place to stay.

If it costs a bit more to stay in a safe area and in secure accommodation, then please splurge to ensure your safety.

My room in Verona, Italy was in an older building with just a few rooms. It was called Palazzo Gelmi. There was an outdoor lock and the neighborhood was safe and near some of the main sites. It might have cost just a bit more than I like to spend, but it was worth it!

The view from my lovely room at Palazzo Gelmi. The neighborhood was very safe and located near some of the main sites.

My room at Garni Erna in the small town of San Vigilio di Marebbe, Italy (in the Dolomites) was perfect for a solo traveler. The price was fabulous too!

Tip 3: Eating out as a solo female traveler

I have always been baffled by women who tell me that they feel uncomfortable eating out alone.

Why?

If anyone has an answer, please enlighten me.

Because when you are out to dinner or lunch in Germany or Italy or Spain, no one is really paying that much attention to you and the fact that you’re alone.

Get over yourself!

Okay.

That might be a bit harsh.

But really, I highly doubt the other diners are worried about your solo dining experience.

If you feel a bit uneasy and don’t know what to do, then bring a book or your travel journal.

More restaurants and cafes have wifi so you can use your smart phone or tablet to catch up on emails or social media or read some articles about the site you’re going to visit the next day.

I’ve been given complimentary glasses of wine as a solo female traveler in Italy by waiters.

I secretly think the Italians might feel a bit sorry for you as a solo traveler just due to their social nature.

But I don’t let that bother me.

That’s on them, not you.

And it’s typically only the wait staff that notice I’m alone.

So please don’t feel awkward as a solo diner.

No one really notices or cares.

In fact, you may even be looked upon as brave — or you may get a free drink.

You can still enjoy a delicious meal in a fabulous restaurant while traveling alone. This one from Darcy 12 in Clifden, Ireland.

My complimentary glass of vino in Italy. Sometimes dining alone has its perks!

Tip 4: Packing light

One tip that I stress to anyone and everyone traveling to Europe is to pack light.

And I will stress this even more so as a solo traveler, especially a solo female traveler.

If you can’t lift it, then it’s too big.

You’ve over packed.

And it makes you a target for theft.

You really don’t need as much as you think.

Keep it simple, keep it light and you’ll enjoy your trip just as much, if not more so.

This doesn’t mean you need to do only carry on.

What it does mean is that you need to pack only what you absolutely need.

Not what you think you might need.

Packing in an organized way and lightly is a must. Be sure you can lift your bag up stairs, onto trains and into the trunk of a car.

Tip 5: What to do at night as a solo female traveler

I think this can be a big dilemma for the solo female traveler.

You want to go out at night to do something — maybe a late dinner or to take in a local show or concert.

You may even want to go out to the pub and have a drink and mingle with the locals.

But you feel a bit uneasy about being out at night — alone.

I believe you can still enjoy these evening activities safely.

Taking part in an evening or night tour is one fabulous idea.

You might want to take an evening walking tour or a ghost tour.

This gives you the safety of a group at night and something to do.

And if you’re concerned about getting to the tour from your accommodation and back safely, then splurge on a taxi instead of public transportation or walking.

The same holds true if you want to go out for some local culture — maybe a flamenco show in southern Spain or a pub in Ireland for traditional Irish music.

If you feel unsafe walking, then take a taxi.

Or perhaps join a group from your accommodation that is going to the show.

You can go out at night.

Just use your common sense.

And…

Listening to some local music in Schull, Ireland. You can enjoy a bit of nightlife as a solo female traveler. Just do so safely!

Tip 6: Watch your alcohol intake

If you read this blog you know that I enjoy an adult beverage just as much as the next gal.

But I always watch how much I drink.

I know my limit and I don’t cross over it when I’m out at a restaurant or pub.

Drinking at my B&B or guesthouse is another story (haha).

Have a drink or 2 to enjoy the culture if this your thing.

Just don’t drink to get drunk as this can be dangerous.

Don’t put your drink down and leave it to go to the loo.

Keep that drink in sight as there are some bad people out there that might be inclined to slip a little something in your drink.

Have fun, but be smart and be safe.

I know my limit when it comes to alcohol and I don’t go over it. Enjoy the culture, but be smart about it.

Tip 7: Know the area

This tip goes hand in hand with choosing your accommodation.

You want to know the area you are staying in and the general area you are going to be visiting.

So if you’re traveling to Paris, you want to know the parts of the city that are a bit sketchy.

That way you can avoid them.

There might be areas that are fine during the day, but not so safe at night.

Or perhaps there are spots to avoid both day and night.

And there might be places that are safe at any time of day or night.

Know where you are going.

Do your homework before you make your plans.

On my recent visit to Paris, I walked through a kind of red light district as I walked from my hotel in Le Marais to a wine tasting in the 9th arrondissement.

It was during the day so I was fine with it.

But I would not have walked through the area at night.

I just wouldn’t have felt safe alone.

Know the area you are staying and the area are visiting so you can be safe — especially in bigger cities.

If you know the areas of the city that are safe and those that aren’t so safe, you’ll stay safe!

Tip 8: Ways to combat loneliness

Many folks avoid solo travel because they’re afraid of feeling lonely.

And I will admit that not everyone out there is meant to be a solo traveler.

However, I think you’ll find that traveling alone does not equal loneliness.

One good idea is to take a day or half day tour.

A walking tour of London or a food tour in Rome or a river cruise on the Danube in Budapest are wonderful ways to be part of a group for a few hours and stave off loneliness.

Go out to the local bar or pub and eat or have a drink at the bar.

You may very well meet some locals if you have that drink or eat a meal at the bar versus a table.

Talk to other guests at your hotel or guesthouse when possible.

You may make some new friends and get an invitation to dinner.

Taking a tour is a great idea for the solo traveler. I took a wonderful walking tour of London. It gave me a the chance to see the city and spend time with fellow travelers.

Tip 9: Relish in your aloneness as a solo female traveler

For me I typically bask in my aloneness.

I do what I want to do, when I want to do it.

I wander around villages with my camera without worrying about someone else’s time.

Do something you’ve always wanted to do as you travel.

It might be spending an entire day in a museum or sitting at an outdoor cafe and reading a book.

Or perhaps you’d love to take a bike ride through the vineyards, stopping to have a taste or 2.

Savor these days, hours and moments of being alone in a fabulous destination.

This is one of the best things about solo travel!

Being on your own means you can take your time, do what you want, when you want. Including spending some time on an Irish beach, feeling the sand between your toes and the sun on your face!

Tip 10: Using public transportation

Using public transportation is a great idea as a solo traveler.

It’s definitely environmentally friendly and will save money.

My biggest piece of advice is to NOT take public transportation at night as a solo female traveler.

However, even during the day you need to be aware.

It’s still very safe, but you just want to be on alert.

First of all train and bus stations are great places for thieves and scammers.

Keep your belongings close to you as you wait for your train or bus.

Be very aware of your surroundings.

By packing light you won’t have bags with things falling out of them.

Use a lock to secure your bag onto a luggage rack on the train — especially on longer journeys.

If you are traveling by bus try to keep your bags on the bus with you if possible.

If you need to put a larger bag in the hold area of the bus, try to ride on the same side.

This way you can see if someone tries to run off with your bag at one of the stops.

I’ve not had any issues with this nor even seen this — at least not in the parts of Europe I’ve traveled by bus.

I’m not sure it’s really common, but I always feel better doing this.

I do think using public transportation is a wonderful way to get around Europe as a solo traveler.

It’s safe, environmentally friendly, economical and can be a fabulous way to meet other travelers and locals alike.

Just be aware and use your common sense.

Be alert at train stations as they can be great places for petty theft. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Yours truly on a train in the UK. Trains are fabulous way to get around so many European countries. And as as solo traveler, trains and buses make a lot of sense.

Tip 11: Renting and driving a car

There are times when you want to delve into the nooks and crannies of a destination so the best way to get there is by car.

While renting a car is a bit pricey as a solo traveler, it can be a wonderful way to experience the hard to reach places.

I’ve rented cars as a solo female traveler in Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.

My biggest tip: Avoid driving at night.

First of all it can be really dark in some places and, if you don’t know the road, it just makes it more nerve wracking.

Not fun!

Secondly, if something happens — like a flat tire — you just don’t want to be out on the road at night.

Right?

Some other tips?

Be sure to be alert and well rested as you drive.

Just like at home, don’t be a distracted driver.

If you need to stop to use the bathroom, fuel up or get a bite to eat, try to choose places that are busy, not deserted — if possible.

Have paper maps with you just in case the GPS or the app on your phone doesn’t work.

And be sure your phone is fully charged or have a charger with you.

Don’t stop to help folks who look like they might be stranded on the side of the road.

I know that sounds cruel, but you need to play it safe.

And do be sure you have the number for the car rental company stored in your phone as well as having it on the paper work.

There is always a number to call in case you have car problems.

Lastly, keep your eyes on the weather.

Check the weather report before you drive and know the routes you can take.

I always have a couple of ways mapped out to get from Point A to Point B.

Typically one is more scenic but may include a road that might not be as good or as wide.

It might go over a mountain pass or skirt along the coast.

The other route is more heavily traveled but may be less scenic.

If the weather is good, then I take the scenic route.

If the weather is not so good, then I take the Plan B route.

Don’t get caught in a snow storm on a mountain pass!

There are places where a car is a good option such as in the Scottish Highlands. It makes delving into the nooks and crannies easier. Be sure to rent the smallest car possible to keep costs down.

Tip 12: Some other basic tips for the solo traveler

As a solo female traveler do dress conservatively.

I hate to say this as I don’t think it should matter what you wear.

There’s no excuse.

But I do think watching what you wear and avoiding flashy dress or jewelry is simply a good idea.

It makes you less conspicuous and less of a target.

Have a business card of where you are staying with you in case you forget where it’s located or if you need to get a taxi and there’s a language barrier.

Do learn a few words of the local language.

This holds true for every traveler, but I think this is even more important for the solo traveler.

Be aware of any local scams.

Don’t overshare with strangers.

You might want to avoid telling others where you are staying or that you are traveling alone.

In fact, I’ve even used the line, “I’m meeting my friend/boyfriend/husband/sister” if I felt uncomfortable in a situation.

That being said, don’t be afraid to meet locals and other travelers.

I find that, as a solo female traveler, couples welcome you as can small groups of women traveling together.

I ran into a lovely Australian couple around 3 times in the Italian town of Bellagio which resulted in them asking me to join them for dinner.

It’s a wonderful travel memory.

And if you get to know some locals, they’ll probably look after you as well.

I always say that there are far more good people in the world than bad.

So don’t assume that everyone is out to get you — because they’re not.

Be open just enough and be cautious just enough.

It’s a fine line, but you’ll find it.

Which leads to the final tip…

I met this lovely young Aussie couple in Italy. We were staying in the same B&B. We spent some time talking and I invited them to join me for my day of wine tasting and then dinner. Great memories for sure!

Tip 13: Trust your gut

I am such a believer in trusting your gut or your intuition.

Whatever you call it, trust it.

If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t.

And if it all seems good, then it probably is.

My gut hasn’t let me down yet.

If you trust your intuition at home with good results, then simply do the same as you travel.

I met these 3 lads as I walked the West Highland Way trail in Scotland. I trusted my gut and accepted their offer to walk with them on the final day. And I have wonderful memories and new friends! Photo courtesy of Andrew Johnstone.

Good destinations in Europe for solo female travelers

I think most of Europe is good for solo travel, especially the solo female traveler.

A lot of Europe has good tourist infrastructure and good public transportation so it makes a wonderful place to travel alone.

Europe has always felt relatively safe to me.

Yes, the big cities will always have areas to avoid.

This holds true in most any city in the world.

Much of Europe is easy to navigate as a solo traveler.

Some of my favorite places to travel alone as a woman may differ from someone else simply because of my age and my inclination to not like cities as much as I like being in nature.

Ireland is a wonderful country for solo travelers as it is so easy to make new friends there.

The Irish are so welcoming!

However, a car is best for getting to all the fun villages and to explore rural Ireland.

While Paris might be quite romantic, I find that it’s a wonderful city to explore on your own.

There are museums and parks to peruse and the streets are made for wandering — during the daylight hours.

You know, every place I’ve been so far has been solo traveler friendly and places where I have felt safe.

Sure, Venice or Santorini might be kind of romantic, but I’ve loved traveling to these destinations on my own.

And while some folks might prefer to have a buddy for hiking in the mountains, I know my comfort level so I’ve been happy hiking some trails on my own.

Scotland, Spain, Slovenia — all good destinations for the solo traveler.

And I’m sure those of you reading this who have traveled on your own, will have your favorite destinations to add to this list.

I think Ireland is a great destination for the solo traveler.

Are there cons to solo travel?

Yes.

I’m not going to lie and tell you that 100% of the time it’s all sunshine and roses.

Because it’s not.

There are times when it can get lonely — when you just want to chat with someone or share a special travel moment with someone you love.

There are times when I’ve wanted to have a second opinion on what to do that day or which restaurant to eat at.

I’ve definitely had a few moments of wishing I had someone to help me navigate the trains or be a co-pilot in the car when I’ve wondered if I was headed in the proper direction.

But typically these times are merely moments — they don’t last long.

For me the benefits far outweigh the cons.

Which leads to the last section of this post…

Benefits of being a solo female traveler

Lastly, there are some amazing benefits to solo travel — especially for women.

Here’s a list that I think will convince you to make that first solo trip — or to keep traveling solo if you already have:

• You get to do what you want to do when you want to do it (my personal favorite).
• You’ll meet new people. This seems counter-intuitive, but if you travel with a friend/relative, you’ll have someone to talk to. When you’re on your own, you are kind of forced to seek out other folks for conversation. This can lead to making new friends — for a lifetime or for just a moment.
• You become more independent. It’s all up to you. You get to make the decisions on everything from what time to get up to what to do to where to eat.
• And to go along with that is that you become a better problem solver. If something does go wrong then you have to figure it out. There’s no spouse, friend or parent to help you out. Which leads to…
• Gaining more self-confidence. You figured how to read a bus schedule in Spanish, got yourself on the proper bus and to your guesthouse without any snafus. Then you ordered your dinner in Spanish (okay it wasn’t perfect but the waiter understood) and found your way back to your guesthouse through the maze of streets. You kick ass!
• You’ll learn to trust people and see all the good in people.
• You will feel so incredibly free — free to be authentically YOU.
• Mostly, you’ll discover more about yourself. You’ll find out what scares you and what doesn’t. You’ll discover what you’re made of. You learn to listen to your intuition and to your heart. Your self-awareness grows. It’s all good!

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating although some places are slowly opening up. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC. I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home and stay safe!

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This post was originally published in 2018.

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