Best Solo Female Travel Tips

You're an adventurous, independent woman... Maybe you've traveled abroad with friends. Or maybe you've never even left your home state. But now you're ready to see the world on your own. Whatever your level of travel experience is, we have some excellent destinations and travel tips on what to do so you can get the most out of your solo vacation while staying safe.

Start Small

If you have little or no travel experience, you might want to start out close to home. You will be familiar with the language and culture which will reduce any challenges you may encounter alone. Go on a weekend road trip. Take a bus or a train to a new city and start exploring. You could stay at a hostel or B&B so you can have breakfast and interact with new people. Put yourself in social situations like taking a guided tour of a local attraction or signing up for a fun class. Make the best out of your mini solo vacation as you build up to traveling farther on your next trip.

Not a Total Travel Newbie

Now, if you have some travel experience but you've never traveled alone, the best solo destinations are ones with a familiar culture and language. For North Americans, we suggest Britain, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean islands. Your biggest challenge will probably be learning how to navigate public transportation systems and exchange foreign currency. You've totally got this.

For the More Experienced

On the other hand, if you're a seasoned traveler, then it's time to expand your horizons. Some of the safest destinations for solo female travelers are Amsterdam, Ireland, Costa Rica, and Vietnam.

In Amsterdam, English is widely spoken, public transportation is mostly safe, and European women have similar rights to American women. Meanwhile, the people of Costa Rica are very friendly and helpful, and safe accommodations can usually be found for less than $40 per night.

If you're feeling particularly adventurous, try Vietnam. The country has been seen as an alternative to Thailand, but it is a great destination in its own right. You'll also be able to get a lot of value for your money there.

Safety First

Now, even if you've gone around the world and back again, it's very important to always put your safety first. Before you leave, be sure to make copies of all your documents (passport, credit cards, etc.) and keep them in a separate location. Women should also choose a purse with cross-body straps or a daypack with security features in order to keep their belongings safe. When arriving at your destination, arrive during the day and be aware of your surroundings. Additionally, always walk confidently and assertively, regardless of whether you actually know where you're going or not. Attackers and scam artists tend to go after those who appear vulnerable. Trust your intuition; it's usually right.

Other Practical Tips

If you plan on visiting a Muslim country, be prepared to dress more modestly. You should pack loose-fitting clothes that will cover your knees, elbows, and breasts. You won't necessarily need to cover your head with a scarf unless you plan on visiting mosques or other religious sites. Even then, these will usually be provided. As long as you are polite and respectful, you shouldn't have a problem.

Once you've made the decision to embark on a solo adventure, congratulate yourself on being bold enough to follow your dreams and not letting fear hold you back from seeing the world. Make the most out of your solo vacation by doing the proper research ahead of your trip. And once you're prepared to go, remember to have fun and embrace the freedom of solo travel!