Solo Female Travel: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Trip

Five years ago, I sat in my apartment, staring at a flight booking page, finger hovering over the "confirm" button. First solo trip. First time traveling anywhere alone. First time seriously questioning my life choices.

Now, I've solo-traveled through 40 countries, and I can tell you: that nervous girl booking her first flight was worrying about all the wrong things.

The Truth About Safety (It's Complicated)

Let me start with the elephant in the room: Yes, solo female travel requires extra awareness. No, it's not as dangerous as your family thinks.

I've walked through Istanbul at midnight, hitchhiked in New Zealand, and explored markets in Morocco alone. The worst thing that happened? I got scammed $5 by a taxi driver in Athens. Meanwhile, I've felt way more uncomfortable walking home from bars in my hometown.

Here's what actually matters:

Trust your gut - That feeling when something's off? Listen to it. Always. I once left a hostel at 11 PM because something felt weird. Turned out to be nothing, but better safe than sorry.

Look confident - Even when you're completely lost (which I am about 60% of the time), walk like you know where you're going. Predators target people who look vulnerable.

Have a plan - I always know how I'm getting back to my accommodation before I leave. Having a backup plan (and backup-backup plan) is crucial.

Things That Actually Helped

A fake wedding ring - Sounds silly, but in some countries, this shut down unwanted attention immediately. Cost me $3 on Amazon, saved me countless awkward conversations.

Local SIM card - First thing I do in every country. Being able to call for help, use maps, or just text someone "I'm alive!" is worth every penny.

Staying in female dorms - In hostels, I always book female-only dorms. Better sleep, generally quieter, and you meet amazing women with great travel tips.

The "I'm meeting someone" line - Works like magic. Random guy being pushy? "Sorry, meeting my boyfriend in 5 minutes!" Problem solved.

Unexpected Challenges

Nobody warned me about these:

Eating alone feels weird... for about 3 days - Then you realize it's actually amazing. Bring a book, people-watch, and enjoy not having to share your fries with anyone.

Decision fatigue is real - When you're traveling solo, YOU make every single decision. Where to eat, when to leave, which tour to take. It's exhausting. I started setting one day a week where I just followed recommendations without researching. Game changer.

Solo travel tax - Single rooms cost almost as much as doubles. Some tours charge solo supplements. It's annoying but budgetable.

Taking photos of yourself gets old - I have approximately 700 photos of my arm holding my phone at various landmarks. Asking strangers gets easier with practice.

The Best Parts Nobody Talks About

Complete freedom - Want to spend 4 hours in a museum? Do it. Want to skip the famous cathedral to eat gelato? Skip away! Your trip, your rules.

You become incredibly resourceful - Missed your bus in rural Portugal with no Portuguese skills? You'll figure it out. (I did. Eventually.)

The people you meet - Some of my closest friendships started in hostel common rooms. There's something about solo travelers – we just get it.

You discover yourself - Cliché but true. When it's just you and your thoughts for weeks, you learn things about yourself you never knew.

Common Fears vs. Reality

Fear: I'll be lonely

Reality: You're rarely alone unless you want to be. Hostels, group tours, and even just chatting with cafe owners – connections happen naturally.

Fear: I can't handle emergencies alone

Reality: You absolutely can. I've dealt with food poisoning in Thailand, a sprained ankle in Iceland, and getting stranded in the Balkans. You survive, you adapt, you get stronger.

Fear: People will think I'm weird

Reality: Literally nobody cares. And the few who do? Their opinion doesn't pay your bills or fill your passport.

Fear: What if I hate it?

Reality: Then you come home early! There's no shame in that. But plot twist: most people who try it get hooked.

My Advice for Your First Trip

Start easy - Don't make your first solo trip a trek through the Amazon. I started in Portugal – English widely spoken, safe, affordable. Built my confidence.

Book the first night's accommodation - Knowing you have somewhere to sleep when you land is huge for peace of mind.

Join a group tour or two - Great way to meet people and have some structure while still being independent.

Pack light - You'll thank me when you're running for a train. One backpack, that's it.

Document everything - Not for Instagram, but for yourself. I look back at my first trip photos and journal entries all the time.

The Bottom Line

Is solo female travel safe? Yes and no. Is it worth it? Absolutely yes.

Will you have moments of fear? Probably. Will you also have moments of pure joy, incredible pride, and life-changing experiences? Definitely.

That nervous girl from five years ago is now writing this from a cafe in Lisbon, planning her next adventure. She learned that the world is mostly full of good people, that she's stronger than she thought, and that the best way to predict your future is to create it.

So book that flight. Take that first step. Your future self is out there waiting, and trust me – she's incredible.

Safe travels, brave souls! 💪✈️