Top 10 tips for first-time solo female travelers

If you’re gearing up for your first trip as a solo female traveler, it’s only natural to have a whole host of questions and concerns keeping you up at night. That’s why we’re bringing you the top ten solo female travel tips from expert female adventurers who’ve seen it all! From everything that goes into planning and preparation pre-trip to tips for solo females navigating new cultures, these are our top tips on how to travel alone as a woman. 

Don’t bite off more than you can chew 

So you’ve started planning your first-ever solo trip, but remember, you don’t have to do everything all at once! Why not test the waters somewhere close to home? Get out of your comfort zone by starting small and taking the time to build up your confidence. Visiting a destination where you speak the language may also make you feel more comfortable on your first trip alone. 

Do your research

We normally like surprises, but not when traveling alone as a woman! Reading reviews, blogs, and forums as well as speaking to people who’ve been to the place you’re visiting can give you a great insight into the destination. Life may be very different wherever you’re going, so it’s important to educate yourself on local customs, crime rates, potential scams, and political stability. Learning a few phrases in the local language can also be a good idea, as it will help you make meaningful connections with locals once you’re there. It’s also helpful to memorize how to communicate any allergies or medical conditions you have, and if you’re not confident about your pronunciation, just write it down. 

Pack like a pro

Fill your backpack but don’t overfill it. Master the art of packing by following our solo female traveler packing list, and don’t forget essentials like a portable charger, universal adapter, and a small first aid kit. Bring a combination padlock to keep your stuff safe and pack light, versatile clothing that’s respectful of local customs.

Take photocopies

When things don’t go to plan, having photocopies of your important documents can make life a whole lot easier. Keep photocopies of your passport, ID cards, and anything else you think might be useful in a safe place inside your bag. You may also want to store copies in a secure place online, and emailing them to family members or close friends can add an extra layer of security. 

Bring multiple cards

There’s nothing worse than being unable to access your cash when you’re away. Some cards may not be accepted in certain places, and situations like having your card swallowed by a cash machine, losing it, or accidentally blocking it can put a real spanner in the works. It can take weeks for a replacement card to arrive while abroad, so it’s always a good idea to bring a couple of backups as a safety net. Make sure you choose cards with a reasonable exchange rate, and keep them in separate places in your bag.  

Leave valuables behind

These solo travel tips are all about staying savvy, and it’s generally safer to leave valuables tucked away at your accommodation rather than bringing them out with you. Most hostels and hotels have safes for valuable items, and if not, the inside of a pillowcase or under the mattress can make good hiding places. Just don’t forget to grab them when you leave! If you do need to bring your prized possessions out with you, keep them close, ideally in a bag concealed under your clothing. 

Use your phone the right way

It goes without saying that being glued to your social media, waving your phone around, or leaving it lying on a table can make you a target for thieves. But that doesn’t mean you have to leave your phone at home - it can be an extremely useful tool when navigating your way around a new place. Downloaded maps like Maps.me can be used offline to pin the locations you want to visit (and keep track of all the places you’ve been!). You can also download languages on the Google Translate app to scan menus and communicate with locals without an internet connection. Save local emergency phone numbers on your phone and if you’re ever feeling uncomfortable in a situation, send your location to a friend or family member so they can keep track of your movements. 

Be streetwise

Even though you’re a tourist, not everyone has to know! Avoid drawing attention to yourself, be aware of your surroundings, and stay vigilant. Err on the side of caution and don’t be afraid to come across as rude if a situation’s making you feel uncomfortable. Where possible, get to grips with the area you’re staying in during daylight hours and find out when the sun goes down so you can plan accordingly. If you’re going out at night, it’s generally safer to go with someone you know or use public transport or taxis. If you do decide to walk, always choose the busiest route over the most direct one. Finally, trust your instincts - if something seems too good to be true, it probably is! Cheap accommodation, discounted holiday packages, and even a “free” photo can all be red flags not worth saving those pennies on. Find out more about staying safe while on the road with these safety tips for solo female travelers.

Stay safe on transport

Safety is priority number one when learning how to travel solo as a woman. In many cases, public transport can be the safest way to get around for female solo travelers, and will even save you money. Apps like Citymapper and Google Maps can make it easier to navigate your way using public transport, but it can still be confusing to get your head around. Unfortunately, local taxis have a bad rep in some countries, so with the option to read reviews before stepping into the car, Uber may be a safer alternative. Hotels and hostels can also often arrange taxis for you, which can be particularly useful when you’re first arriving. Whichever form of transport you choose to go with, always keep your valuables on you (rather than in the boot of the taxi or under the bus), and keep your wits about you.

Enjoy making connections 

Booking a solo trip doesn’t mean you have to do the whole thing alone! From connecting with fellow solo travelers in an all-female dorm to joining the ever-growing community of fearless female travelers online, you’ll never be short of inspiring women traveling solo who are with you every step of the way! Whether you’re house sitting or backpacking, there are always opportunities to meet people along the way - in fact, it’s one of the biggest pros to traveling alone as a woman! 

A lot of people wonder “Is it safe to travel alone as a woman?”. The answer is both yes and no; solo traveling as a woman can be safe as long as precautions are taken. The world is waiting to be explored, and by following these solo female travel tips, you’ll be better equipped for your globetrotting adventures! Not sure where to start? Check out our post on the best places to travel for solo females, and get ready to pack your bags, embrace your wanderlust, and set off on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment that will stay with you for a lifetime!