Solo Travel For Women: What No One Tells You

Solo travel for women comes with a lot of opinions, most of them unsolicited.

If you’ve never traveled alone, it’s easy to assume it’s lonely, unsafe, or only meant for a certain type of person. I used to hear all of that too, especially after sharing that I took a solo trip to Isla Mujeres.

What those reactions missed is that solo travel isn’t about proving anything. It’s about choice. Choosing how you move through a place, how you spend your time, and how comfortable you are being with yourself.

This post isn’t meant to convince everyone to travel alone. It’s meant to be honest about what no one really explains before you try it.

Misconceptions About Solo Travel For Women

One of the main reasons people, especially women, hesitate to travel alone is misconceptions. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard, “Wait, you go to New York City by yourself?”

The comments like, “I can’t figure out if you are ignorant or harmful for promoting a female going to Mexico on their own.” You can’t make this stuff up.

Let’s break some of these misconceptions down:

1. Solo travel is lonely.

Solo travel can feel lonely at times, but it often creates more connections than traveling with someone else. When you’re on your own, you’re more open to conversation, more observant, and more likely to engage with the place you’re in.

I’ve met people while traveling solo that I never would have spoken to if I’d been focused on someone else’s schedule or preferences. I also genuinely enjoy my own company, which makes solo travel feel grounding instead of isolating.

2. Solo travel is dangerous.

Safety matters, but solo travel itself isn’t inherently dangerous.

Being aware, researching neighborhoods, trusting your instincts, and avoiding risky situations go a long way. These are habits I use whether I’m traveling alone or with Gerry.

Solo travel doesn’t require fear. It requires awareness.

3. It’s only for extroverts.

This one always makes me laugh.

Solo travel actually works very well for introverts because you control the level of interaction. You can socialize when you want to and opt out when you don’t. There’s no pressure to perform or keep up.

4. You Have To Be Wealthy To Travel Solo

Solo travel doesn’t have to be expensive. In many ways, it simplifies spending.

You eat when you’re hungry, not when it’s convenient for a group. You choose experiences that matter to you. There’s no pressure to overspend to keep up with someone else’s expectations.

Why Solo Travel Feels Different

Solo travel gives you full control over your time. You don’t compromise plans, rush experiences, or justify your choices.

It also builds quiet confidence. Navigating unfamiliar places alone, making decisions on the fly, and solving small problems as they come adds up quickly.

Learning to enjoy your own company is another unexpected benefit. Being alone doesn’t automatically mean being lonely. Solo travel helped me get comfortable with silence, reflection, and presence.

1. Freedom like no other.

• You don’t have to compromise on plans. If you want to change destinations at the last minute, sleep in, or take a spontaneous detour, you can.

2. Building self-confidence.

• Navigating a new city alone, problem-solving on the go, and handling unexpected challenges all build confidence. Every solo traveler will tell you they return home feeling stronger and more capable. 

3. Learning to enjoy your own company.

• You get to fully embrace solitude without feeling lonely. This is the perfect opportunity for self-reflection, mindfulness, and simply being present in the moment. There truly is magic in learning to be alone without being lonely.

4. Unexpected connections.

• Ironically, solo travelers often meet more people. Locals are more likely to approach you, and fellow travelers are often looking for company too.

5. Personal growth.

• Every solo trip pushes you out of your comfort zone, helping you grow in ways you never expected. Try navigating a foreign airport and a subway system where you don’t speak the language on your own. It’s anxiety-ridden at first, but then you feel like a total badass!

How It Differs from Traveling with a Partner

Listen, I adore traveling with Gerry. It is one of the things that we have most in common, but solo travel is a must for people of all genders. I’ll explain why it is different from traveling with a partner.

There are pros and cons, so let’s review them.

The Pros of Traveling Solo:

• No compromises – You do what you want, when you want.
• More flexibility – No need to coordinate schedules or preferences.
• Less social burnout – You can take alone time whenever you need it.

The Cons of Traveling Solo:

• Higher costs – No one to split expenses like accommodations or taxis, but this usually works itself out with the money you save.
• Wishing you could share experiences – Sometimes, you’ll see something amazing and wish you had someone to share it with.
• Handling logistics alone – You’re in charge of every single detail, from navigation to safety.
• The Women’s Issue – Ok, let’s not ignore the fact that, as a woman, I often feel as though I have to hide that I am traveling solo. There are some things I do like to mention casually, such as “My husband and I are here,” or “Oh, I have plans with hubs later!” It sucks, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

There’s no right or wrong way to travel, but understanding these differences helps you decide which trip best fits your needs.

Safety Tips

These are simple habits that help me feel more comfortable when traveling solo. They’re not meant to scare anyone; they’re meant to raise awareness.

• Share your location with someone. We have an app connected to our wireless carrier, and many phones offer the option to share your location. When I am traveling solo, I am in constant sharing with Gerry.
• Have check-in times set– Gerry knows that if he doesn’t hear from me at the agreed time, he needs to start the search! Of course, he calls me first, but you get the point.
• Portable travel door lock– A fellow traveler told me about this a year or so ago. It helps you feel better in a hotel room or any accommodation on your own. It locks any door from the inside, so no matter who tries to get in, with or without a key, they cannot.
• Be smart– Like with any travel, don’t walk around in dark areas alone, don’t flash a bunch of shopping bags, just be cool. I try to fit into the scene as much as possible. This is the same when I travel with Gerry as well. We just want to blend in.

Remember that most destinations you visit depend on tourism. The local area doesn’t want anything to happen to tourists. They want you to feel safe, to tell everyone about your wonderful experience, and to return with others.

Give Solo Travel a Try!

Solo travel isn’t something everyone needs to love. But it’s something many people dismiss before giving it a chance.

You don’t have to start with an international trip. A weekend away or a short solo stay can be enough to see how it feels.

Solo travel isn’t about proving independence. It’s about learning what kind of traveler you are when no one else’s preferences are in the mix.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions