Nuts & Bolts Tips: Solo Travel for Women

So, you want to go on an adventure—but your friends are busy, your partner’s not interested, or maybe you just really want to do your own thing for once. Welcome to the wildly wonderful, gloriously liberating world of solo travel for women.

Spoiler alert: it’s not scary. It’s not lonely. It’s actually one of the most empowering things you’ll ever do.

Here’s how to make your solo adventure not just safe and smooth—but soul-filling, story-worthy, and let’s be honest, a little bit iconic.

1. Pick a Destination That Excites You and Feels Right for solo travel

Let your heart lead, but also listen to your gut. If you’re new to solo travel, start with places known for being easy, safe (I have a longer note on safety below), and filled with wonders. Japan, Europe (think Portugal, Italy, the UK), and Australia are all fabulous beginner spots for solo travel for women.

These destinations tend to have great infrastructure, easy public transit, and plenty of fellow travelers. You’ll feel safe navigating—and you’ll also find more English speakers, which definitely helps ease the nerves on trip #1.

2. Have a Plan to Stay Connected (Yes, Mom, I’m Alive)

Whether you go full-on digital nomad with an international SIM card, rely on Wi-Fi only, or use your U.S. carrier’s international plan (like T-Mobile or Verizon TravelPass), figure it out before you land.

You don’t want to be stuck trying to summon a ride or translate a menu when your phone is basically a decorative brick.

Also communicate with your family and friends how often you will be in touch and what to do if you miss a check-in, or if you’ll be out of reach for a certain amount of time.

3. Money Stuff: Call Your Banks & Ditch the Fees

Tell your credit card companies you’re leaving the country (so they don’t block your card mid-airport snack binge), and if you haven’t yet, get a card with no foreign transaction fees.

Personally? I use Charles Schwab for my ATM card—they refund all ATM fees, even the sketchy airport ones. No one likes hidden fees with their gelato.

4. Create Your Itinerary (With a Dash of Spontaneity)

Start with flights, then loosely sketch out your days. I swear by a combo of guidebooks, TripAdvisor, and whatever’s currently trending on Instagram. And because I’ve got a running bucket list saved in my Notes app, I’m never starting from zero.

Pro tip: build in some “nothing” time. Some of your best moments will be the ones you didn’t plan for.

5. Socket to Me

Different country = different plugs. Shocking, I know.

Some places just need a socket adapter, while others (with different voltage) need a voltage converter or transformer. If your hair straightener starts smelling like fried dreams, you brought the wrong one.

6. Let the State Dept. Know You Exist

It’s not sexy, but it is smart. Register your trip at STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, so the U.S. embassy knows you’re abroad in case something wild happens (like a volcano, or you accidentally become queen of a small island).

7. SAFETY 101 for Solo Travel for Women

My general thought on safety is this: unless you live in a small town where you don’t lock your doors, bad things can happen anywhere. There are plenty of crimes that happen to women at home and abroad, many times by an acquaintance. You: A. don’t want to be a target, B. want to be prepared and proactive, and C. always trust your gut.

How Not To Be a Target

– Don’t wear expensive clothes or jewelry

– Don’t drink too much alcohol

– Don’t tell people you meet along the way (cab drivers, guides, waiters) that you’re alone

– Take earbuds out if you’re walking alone

– DO NOT ACCEPT DRINKS THAT YOU DID NOT SEE A BARTENDER POUR. DO NOT LEAVE DRINKS UNATTENDED.

Be Prepared and Proactive

– Have a local map accessible on your phone (maps.me is a good option that doesn’t use cell data)

– Know how to get around – what color are cabs, are ubers okay, are pedicabs reliable. You hostel or hotel can answer all of these questions when you get there. I prefer to have my hostel or hotel organize transport from the airport because I am usually tired and grumpy (and they have a nice little sign with your name).

– LIE LIE LIE. My boyfriend is here for a conference, my friend is meeting me later today, I’ve stayed at this hotel before. You ge the idea.

– If you want to party, stay in a hostel with a bar or that hosts social activities. Appearing drunk or having one too many will make you a target for anyone looking to take advantage, so set yourself up for success so that the party is a short walk home or even AT home.

– Bring locks for luggage in hostels, divide up your cards and IDs (leave some in you luggage and bring some with you), and always have a photo of your passport.

– Book your accommodation in advance. As a solo traveler, you don’t want to show up to a new place, no accommodation booked, only to find there’s a huge conference in town or there’s an unexpected holiday.

Always Trust Your Gut! If someone is giving you the creeps, that’s all you need to know. If someone is being too forward or asking too many questions or just seems off to you, don’t question it. Find a way out of the situation ASAP. On my first solo trip to Japan, the first night I went out with some folks from the hostel, they promised they were trustworthy (they were, but I am skeptical). The day I met my aussie ex-boyfriend on a brewery tour, I took my drink to the bathroom with me EVERY SINGLE TIME. He was also trustworthy (I dated him for 3 years). You can never be too careful. You also don’t want to be super paranoid (I was at first). With thank being said, you will figure it out at your own at your own page.

8. Thoughtfully Book Your Stay

Where you sleep matters—a lot.

Personally, I never arrive without a place booked, especially on night one. I want to know it’s safe, clean, and in a decent location (bonus points if it’s walkable to fun stuff).

If I’m feeling social, I’ll go for a hostel with a bar or activities. If I want quiet me-time, I book a boutique hotel or a private room in a hostel. Solo travel doesn’t have to mean total isolation—unless you want it to.

The last thing you want is to show up in a city or town and have no available legitimate accommodations because of a local holiday or conference that you didn’t know about.

9. Bring a Travel Journal

You’re going to have thoughts. Feelings. Plot twists. Little wins and hilarious mishaps. Don’t let them slip away.

Write them down—future you will thank you. You can even tape in train tickets, use a mini photo printer, or doodle your daily espresso count (zero judgment here).

10. Get EXCITED

Seriously—you’re about to do something bold, beautiful, and completely unforgettable. You’re saying yes to adventure, freedom, and becoming the kind of person who doesn’t wait for permission to live fully.

Cue the main-character energy. You’ve got this.

Solo travel for women isn’t just about seeing the world—it’s about seeing yourself in a whole new light. So go on. Book the flight. Eat the weird street food. Wander the alleyways. Dance alone. Laugh loudly.

This is your story. Write it well.