A Comprehensive Guide To Solo Travel For Women
Women travelling solo has become increasingly popular in recent years. Solo travel for women is an emerging trend for obvious reasons, and it is here to stay. The majority of travellers, especially women travellers, find travelling alone an empowering experience. Time alone allows better self-discovery and fosters self-independence, boosting self-confidence during and after a trip.
Discovering new destinations worldwide with your own personalised itinerary and at your own pace is a wonderful yet challenging experience. Finding the safest places to travel alone as a woman on their first trip is crucial for people new to solo travel.
Knowing all the practical travel tips, like what to pack, will definitely reduce stress before a big trip. This guide is made to help solo travel for women become an easy and stress-free experience. Girls, you can do it!
Is It Okay For A Woman To Travel Alone: What To Expect
Travelling solo allows you to focus solely on your own personal needs and reconnect with your inner self.
Before diving into the best destinations for solo female travellers, there are certain things to keep in mind before solo trips. It is important to be prepared and keep an open mind.
Tip 1: Choose Your Destination Wisely
The world is huge, and there are just so many exciting destinations to explore. However, not every destination is safe for solo travellers, especially women travellers. Safety should always be your first criterion when researching new destinations.
How can you know if a destination is safe? You can start by checking government resources such as your home country's travel advisories and important notices from your destination country's embassy. You can also follow female travel influencers for travel advice and find insights from other women travellers in travel forums.
Tip 2: Plan Your Itinerary Well, But Leave Room For Spontaneity
It is possible to craft an itinerary that is well-planned yet not too overwhelming. The last thing you want on a holiday is to feel exhausted every day. Since the list of must-sees and must-dos is endless and your travel time is limited, it is best to find a balanced mix. You can select the activities based on your personal interests.
Tip 3: Familiarise Yourself With Common Scams
You can create meaningful connections and cherishable memories on the road with local women and fellow travellers. Unfortunately, not everyone can be trusted, and scammers are everywhere. It is best for your self-interest to be aware of the common travel scams and know what to do if it happens to you. Common travel scams to look out for include taxi scams, fake policies, ATM scams and rental scams.
Tip 4: Always Have A Plan
Unexpected situations happen, no matter how well-prepared we are. This is especially true on the road, as many things can arise during solo trips for women, such as lost belongings, getting sick, getting lost, flight cancellations, or delays. Here are some considerations to stay safe while travelling alone as a woman:
- Have a step-by-step plan to handle common situations (scams, etc.)
- Know all the important contact information (local police, your country ambassador, your friends and families in the destination, etc.)
- Never go to a new place without a plan of how to get back to your accommodation safely.
Where Is The Best Place To Travel Solo As A Female?
With many wonderful countries to explore, selecting the best travel destinations is challenging. However, safety factors should be more prioritised in solo travel than group travel; we suggest these destinations for solo female travellers to explore based on safety and ease of navigation.
New Zealand
New Zealand has always been a world-famous destination with dramatic sceneries, diverse landscapes and thrilling outdoor adventures. The country is known as one of the safest destinations in the world, with low crime rates and welcoming locals. A perfect country to start your solo adventures.
Japan
Almost everyone wishes to visit Japan at least once. Japan is a safe country for both solo travellers and local people. There is an extremely low crime rate, unmatched hospitality and exceptional service. Moreover, you can enjoy the hearty ramen and the neon-lit city of Tokyo on a budget if you do it right.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a peaceful destination in Southeast Asia, famously known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, sun-kissed beaches and delicious cuisine. Vietnamese people are welcoming and are well-known for their hospitality. You can meet local women to learn about their inspiring stories by travelling beyond the popular tourist spots. Vietnam also offers impressive value for money.
Australia
Australia is known for many things. Whether you love to explore Australia's natural landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef or meet cute wild koalas and playful kangaroos, Australia will not disappoint. Solo women travellers can comfortably navigate the unfamiliar streets of Sydney and Melbourne as public transportation is well-connected, easy-to-use and safe. You can explore different lively neighbourhoods with the help of friendly locals or spend quality time on Australia's picturesque coastline.
Europe is generally safe for solo female travellers. IG:@zkleczek
Thailand
Thailand is your year-round destination with endless things to do. The country is generally safe, but common safety threats are tourist scams. Thailand is also a budget-friendly destination with numerous options for adventures and wellness. You can relax on the pristine islands of Phuket or Koh Phi Phi and then get a Thai massage to pamper yourself. Or take a hike through the country's lush jungles and national parks. Thailand is also home to a number of elephant sanctuaries, which you can visit to learn more about lovely elephants and support this ethical cause.
Singapore
Singapore is super walkable, and its public transportation system is highly efficient. English is widely spoken, which allows travellers to explore further the multi-cultural mix of Singapore. Singapore is heaven for solo travellers for many reasons. There is an ultra-low crime rate, and you can visit almost all attractions on foot. All tourist attractions can be reached with the well-connected public transportation system of MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), buses and LRT (Light Rail Transit).
CabinZero's Tips: Singapore is not the cheapest destination to visit. However, you can stretch your budget by staying in pocket-friendly accommodations like hostels and enjoying local dishes in delicious yet affordable hawker centres across the country.
Switzerland
Travelling solo in Europe is on the wishlist of many travellers. You can use the well-developed system of transportation in the country to visit most destinations effortlessly. Safety and security are no issue for female travellers as Switzerland is a safe and sound country.
Taiwan
This fascinating island nation is a vibrant cultural tapestry. There is something for everyone in Taiwan, from picture-perfect landscapes to exciting travel experiences, must-visit places, and delicious Taiwanese dishes, and Taiwan guarantees a good time. Taiwan has excellent infrastructure in modern cities such as Taipei and Kaohsiung, where you can uncover hidden gems and bustling night markets. Many local people use English comfortably, so non-Mandarin speakers can find it easy to navigate the cities alone with the help of friendly locals.
Denmark
Denmark, the land of the strong Vikings, is certainly in the travel list of many globe-trotters. With various on-going initiatives regarding sustainability, the cities of Denmark are highly walkable and bike-friendly. You can choose to get around by the country's efficient public transportation system or cycling. Learn from the famous Hygge culture and start making meaningful connections in the relaxing vibes of a hygge-like atmosphere, either to yourself or to fellow travellers.
Spain
Life is a fiesta in Spain, and you are definitely invited. The welcoming people of Spain are world-famous for their love of life and fiesta spirit. Spain is a well-developed nation with an easy-to-use transportation system. Female solo travellers can get around safely and comfortably. So, no matter if you are a history buff, an inspiring foodie or a beach lover, Spain is your destination.
How Do You Protect Yourself As A Woman Travelling Alone?
It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
For solo female travel, safety is a major concern and knowing how to protect yourself on the road is a must. Once you have a plan, you can try out exciting travel experiences and take on a new adventure to different destinations in the world comfortably. Here are our top tips for protecting yourself as a woman travelling solo.
Book A Trip On a Female-only Tour
One would argue that the safest place to travel alone as a woman is among other inspiring women. Solo trips for women from female-focused travel companies are catered to the needs of women travelling. A female-only capsule hotel in Japan can be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals. A bonus is that you can get unique insights and perspectives from a female-only environment.
Learn The Basics Of Self-defence Skills And Survival Skills
Self-defence skills include but are not limited to physically defending yourself. You can start learning to protect yourself by practising and paying attention to your surroundings, including recognising alarming body language, spotting potential exit routes, determining safe spots, and more. Carrying self-defence tools, such as pepper spray or personal alarms, is an easy way to be prepared for unexpected cases.
Keeping Someone Else Informed About Your Whereabouts
Unexpected things happen, no matter how well-prepared someone is. You might become stranded, fall ill or get into an accident alone in a foreign place. Therefore, it is best that you let someone else know where you might be and when you should be in touch again.
There are many ways to stay connected with your family or loved ones back home. You can share your location in real time, message them about your itinerary, or schedule a daily call. Asking for help from your accommodation staff is also a possible solution.
Use Your Common Sense
Again, this is the best way to protect yourself from danger; don’t do anything reckless that you wouldn't do at home. You can can have fun on a trip as long as you know the boundaries of your limit and what should or shouldn’t be done.
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*CabinZero tip: You could ask/direct more questions about the other person rather than let them ask about yourself in a conversation. Also, take the initiative by asking for their contact information instead of sharing where you're staying or how to reach you when arranging how to meet at a later date.
Packing Tips For Solo Female Travellers
Travel light and packing strategically is a smart way to travel. IG: @embusyliving
Knowing the travel essentials for women and having a packing list can help you avoid overpack. Depending on your specific destination, time of travel and planned activities, your packing list can be adjusted accordingly. Overall, here are items that you should consider bringing:
Pack Light
Overpacking is real, and most of us don’t want to leave a cute dress behind (or that chick hat and that trendy glasses…). But you should realistically pack what you can lift and carry by yourself. Travelling alone means you have to handle everything by yourself, so don’t let luggage distract or prevent you from moving around quickly and easily. The key principle is to ensure you have at least one free hand at all times (one carry-on and one personal item is a good balance).
Always Have a Budget To Spare
Some options, such as private car rides or group tours that cater to solo female travellers can be safer than the alternative. But they always cost more £££. Hence, it makes sense to set aside a budget for emergencies and anything that you will pay more for peace of mind when travelling as a solo female traveller.
Have at least one credit/debit card as a backup. Stucking in the middle of nowhere and unable to withdraw cash is the last thing you want on a trip, much less a solo one. And don’t forget to alert your bank of your travel plans so you don’t get locked out of your account in the first place.
Think Of Your Phone
Your phone is your lifeline. It’s a way to call for help, find your way around, stay in touch with everyone, hail a ride, and more. So it makes sense to keep it juiced up for added convenience and security.
- International adapter
- Power bank
- A backup charger for your phone
- Sim card/e-sim/an international plan
- A fake number to give away
- A backup phone in case your primary device is lost or stolen
- Selfie sticks to take photos without relying on strangers
- A phone lanyard.
Pack These Safety Items
While we advise everyone to pack light, there are some essentials that we think you shouldn’t leave behind:
- First aid kit
- Pepper spray or personal safety alarm
- Money belt or a hip-pack
- A TSA lock for your backpack/carry-on
- Your medication, along with the doctor’s prescription
- Medical alert bracelet, if needed
- Copies of your important travel documents.
Buy Travel Insurance
A safety net in case things go haywire is always welcomed. Besides claims for luggage theft or delayed flights, travel insurance often has plans for covering the medical fees (which can shoot up to six figures easily), getting home, or even for someone to be there with you. Before you set off on your journey, take the time to choose a travel insurance plan that suits your needs.
Choose Secure and Organised Luggage
Solo travelling as a woman means there’s no one to look out for your luggage, especially when you are out and about. That’s where the CabinZero backpack lineup comes in. CabinZero backpacks are equipped with lockable sliders to keep your valuables safe, and the Okoban tracking tag adds an extra layer of reassurance, allowing you to trace your bag if it ever goes astray. Plus, with carry-on convenience for all major airlines, you can breeze through airports without the hassle of checked luggage. Shop now and discover why we're the go-to choice for travellers worldwide.
- More than 20 chic colourways to showcase your sense of style
- As light as 600g—about the same as carrying just two paperback books
- Easy to carry with room for everything
- Secure with lockable sliders and an Okoban tracking tag.
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FAQs
1. What Is Good Advice For Female Solo Travellers?
Research and planning in advance will keep women solo travellers properly prepared. Thus enhancing their confidence and significantly increasing their chances of dealing with unexpected situations on the road. Remember that safety should always be every traveller's top priority, especially female travellers.
2. What Is The Safest City For Solo Female Travellers?
It is impossible to select the safest city since there are numerous factors involved and each person has a different subjective view. Based on crime rates, infrastructure and local hospitality, here are a few notable cities that are known for their safety towards solo female travellers: Singapore, Zurich, Tokyo, Osaka, Sydney, Copenhagen and Melbourne.
3. Where Should A First-Time Traveller Go?
For first-time travellers, the most suitable destination varies from person to person. There are many factors to take into consideration, including personal interests, available budget, preferred travel styles and comfort level regarding a new environment.
Your first destination to travel as a solo female wanderlust should be somewhere you are comfortable with to build confidence. Consider the following factors to choose a good destination for first-time solo female travellers:
- A high safety index
- English is widely spoken
- Well-maintained infrastructure, such as public transportation and accommodations
- Align with your budget
- A culture that values women (or similar to your own)
- Welcoming and protective locals.
A Comprehensive Guide To Solo Travel For Women
Are you ready to embark on a world adventure on your own? We certainly hope this guide to solo travel for women offers you helpful advice and travel tips for your next trip. Whether you are seeking to relax, reconnect with yourself or learn more about this exciting world of ours, travelling is always a promising adventure.
There are more and more accessible cities in the world as well as beautiful destinations for women travelling solo to experience. Next time, pack your bag with confidence and join other solo women travellers around the world for a trip to remember.
Chau Dao
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