Best Solo Travel Tips from a Seasoned Solo Female Traveller

Go to a nearby town or city

Now you have gotten comfortable in your own city as a solo traveller, the next step is to go out to a nearby city or town.

It could be in your state or maybe even in the same state. A few hours outside your home.

This is an added confidence tactic. Because being in familiar settings closer to home and navigating it alone will make sure that you get more confident travelling solo.

But you are still in another city and the sense of accomplishment you get for navigating an unknown place is still phenomenal.

Research like crazy

I am a meticulous planner and I still plan every aspect of my travel days weeks ahead of my trip.

I still leave days to be explored like I like. But the security of knowing each and everything about your destination makes it even easier for travel for solo travelers.

As an Indian, since we need a lot of things like accommodation prebooked, I always research well in advance before I go for the visa application process.

In addition to all the bookings, I make sure that the destination I am visiting is safe and I am staying in a safe area or locality. I also research on the public transportation aspect and the means of transport in that particular destination.

I do make a list of activities that I can do in the destination but I usually decide on that only after reaching the destination.

Share your itinerary

Every single document/ booking is shared with both my sisters and my husband before every trip. If an itinerary is prepared, then that is also shared.

My husband is always clueless and hence I have an added security that my sisters know where I am staying and where to send help in case of emergency situations.

This is extremely crucial and is one of the most important tips for solo travel as a woman.

Do check ins with your loved ones

My mom will have a panic attack if I don’t do check ins with the family at least twice a day. My medium of communication is usually Whatsapp and it hardly takes 2 mins a day to keep her peace of mind.

This also gives you an added security. Because it somehow makes you feel safer that someone knows where you are even if you are travelling solo.

My check ins are usually more than twice a day. Every time I board a flight or the flight lands or when I check in or check out from a hotel, when I travel between two places and a small dump of photos every day.

I also do regular zoom meetings with my nephews. Mostly to show them the place I am visiting.

Get a valid eSim or data plan

My Airtel international roaming is mostly on whenever I am travelling internationally. I do use eSims when I am staying for longer in a particular place or city.

This is one of the most crucial solo trip tips. Because you need to always stay connected.

Both for your check ins as well as to navigate around the place you are visiting. Google maps is your favorite companion on those solo trips.

Trust your gut

I know every solo travel blogger will tell you this is the most important tip for travelling solo. And we are not exaggerating it. Because it is.

After years of solo travelling, I have developed an intuition when it comes to my safety during my solo travels.

If I don’t feel it is right, then I somehow know. And I listen to it. I definitely can’t explain it but as women, we always know when we are in danger. We just need to listen to it.

Take group tours

This is one of the most important tips for travelling alone. As much as I want to do everything on my own, there are some that I can’t do on my own.

I am not talking about the multi day ones which are fully arranged by someone else. Because that is not my style. But I would definitely recommend them to you if you are a first time solo traveller.

There are many solo travel companies catering to women only group tours around the world.

But the ones I take are normally the day trips. Since I am already in the location, I want to go somehwere. But rather than figuring out how to get there or the itinerary, I rely on tour aggregators to chalk out my day for me.

This also helps me in reducing costs since I am taking a shared group tour.

Get a travel insurance

I cannot rely on the importance of this tip. Even if you are not travelling alone.

I always purchase a travel insurance because travels never go as planned and there will always be some surprise or the other.

It is always better to be prepared with insurance if you come up with some unforeseen situations.

Be flexible in your itinerary

I travel a lot and hence I work a lot when I am travelling solo. Which means that I prefer slow travel and there are days when I would be doing absolutely nothing.

Sometimes, I will be working from a cafe or I will be ordering room service and spend the day lazing around in bed.

It is your own schedule and you don’t have to do everything according to checklist. Leave the day with no plans and end up being surprised with it.

Talk to locals to get the best solo holiday tips

I love talking to local women to get some of the best travel solo tips. They know the destination inside out since they live there and they can help you better than any guidebook.

Most people around the world are nice and will be ready to help you out with their suggestions.

Even though I love chatting with local cab guys, I am always careful to not mention that I am travelling solo.

I know most of them are just curious but after having a bad experience in Amsterdam where the guy wanted to come up to my room (despite me telling him that I have friends waiting), I just tell them that my husband reached early and is sleeping in the room.

That does the trick and definitely helps with your peace of mind when you are travelling solo.

Also share your location with a loved one if you are taking a cab late in the night.

Stay in shared spaces

I don’t stay in dorms anymore since I have outgrown them. But I used to love staying in hostels when I was younger.

It is the perfect place to meet other fellow solo travellers and I have partnered with them to go see the destination together.

I have met so many people and those memories are definitely the best of the lot.

These days, I prefer staying in boutique hotels and love them when they have a community space for everyone. It is a great option to meet others too and one of the most important solo travel tips for introverts.

I recently met a fellow solo female traveller from Ghana who was living in the UK during my trip to Mauritius. We ended up spending almost 5 days together and it helped a lot since it was easier to negotiate for tours with 2 of us. Solo travel supplement can be a pain otherwise.

Carry a backup phone

I always carry one even if I don’t use it. This was after my phone stopped working in the Philippines and I had to buy a cheap phone at the last minute from there to handle all my data needs.

A mobile phone is always the most crucial thing you need to have during all your solo trips and is one of the best tips to travel alone as a female traveller.

Go to meetups in the place you are visiting

It is not necessary that you will meet people only in hostels. If you want to meet other locals and fellow travellers, it is best that you attend events in the destination you are visiting.

There are websites like Meetups and you can check Facebook groups also to find events in the city you are visiting.

Recently when I was in Bali, I wanted to go to some of the beach clubs and didn’t want to party on my own. Hence I checked in some of the Digital nomad groups and ending up going with a bunch of ladies from around the world.

Tour aggregators are also a great way to meet other solo female travellers. For e.g when I wanted to party in Budapest or in Paris, I just booked a pub crawl and end up meeting so many interesting people from around the world.

Carry some extra cash in another purse

I always carry cash in 2 or 3 purses and distribute them and carry them in different bags.

This was extremely helpful when someone stole my wallet in Madrid and I could handle expenses for the next 2-3 days with the cash I had on me.

I also keep a spare card now in another purse. This was a lesson I learnt after the incident in Madrid.

Leave your valuables at home

You don’t need to carry your gold jewellery on you when you are travelling solo.

I leave everything at home including my diamond ring and gold chain. I do wear a wedding band but other than that, I usually carry only my inexpensive stuff.

This is something that I learnt after years of living in Tanzania.

Hotel safes are not as safe as you think.

I still do carry my electronics including my laptop for work but I usually keep them locked in my suitcase when I am out for the day.

Never do live check ins

You will never know where you will find a stalker. All my Instagram stories are usually at least a day old and I never post my live location when I am travelling solo.

You also don’t need to broadcast your location to everyone.

Have an offline copy for all your bookings

This is to help you get to your hotel in case your data is not working or your phone is not working. Having a physical address copy always saves you in such situations.

Also byheart the emergency numbers of the destination you are visiting.

Also, download Google maps offline and make sure that you have downloaded all the necessary apps you will need in that location.

My favorite bag is a cross body bag

I carry this Uniqlo cross body bag everywhere when I am travelling solo. Make sure that the zipper is away from others and always wear it in front so that no one can try to rob you.

Carry a phone lanyard and tie it in your hand or to your bag. Especially while visiting cities like London or Paris or parts of Africa where phone theft is a serious concern.

Enjoy your solitude

This is the number one question that I get asked as a solo traveller. Don’t you feel lonely when you are travelling solo?

No. Because I feel lonely only if I want to. Sometimes, I love to enjoy my solitude. But at other times, despite being an ambivert, I mingle with people and make better connections while travelling solo.

You will only feel bored if you want to.

Pack light

I am actually a light packer. But unfortunately I love to shop for souvenirs when I am travelling solo.

So even if I leave with very less stuff, I always have a bunch of stuff by the time I am back. And I am usually on the road for 4-6 weeks.

I also prefer a hard shelled suitcase. But if you are someone who loves backpacks, please use them since it is much easier if you are travelling solo.

Carrying heavy luggage up those flights of stairs is never a good idea.

Keep your phone and apps updated

Like I mentioned, always download a copy of Google maps offline.

Update all the apps to the latest version.

Download the apps you know you will be needing for the trip.

Spend a little extra for your safety

Even if you are on a budget, spend a little bit if it guarantees your safety.

For eg a 10$ Uber ride in the middle of the night is not a big deal. Similarly, spend on accommodation if it means that your safety is at stake.

Accommodation related solo travelling tips

These can be used for solo travel tips for men too.

Always read multiple reviews online before you book a place. Make sure that the area you select is a safe area, has access to public transportation at walking distance.

Always choose women only dorms if you are staying in hostels. Even then, keep your valuables in a locker when you are not around.

If you are going for Airbnb, I prefer to choose female super hosts with a great track record.

Also, try to find places that won’t charge you extra for being a solo traveller.

I always prefer booking accommodation closer to the town’s center. Even if it means paying extra.

Arrive in the day if possible

If it is your first time in a destination, then avoid arriving in a new city in the middle of the night.

Solo driving tips

I am someone who loves to drive and till date, I have driven in over 25 countries. At least 10-15 of them have been solo.

Learn the regulations of the country you are driving in. Also, what are the license requirements.

While renting a car, make sure that you buy insurance and also take a complete video of the car. Both inside and outside. Before and after the trip.

Learn how to do basic stuff like changing a tyre or filling up gas.

I am comfortable driving both a manual and an automatic. But in left steering wheel countries, I prefer to drive an automatic. Since it is more convenient.

Keep all the emergency numbers including tow numbers handy for your use.

Use public rest stops and take frequent rests if you are driving solo.

Find a buddy if you don’t want to do it solo

I love to travel solo. But there are some places that I won’t do it solo. In case I cannot take my husband there, I usually look for people when I am in that country.

This can be your buddy if you want to go out for a night out for drinking or even if you want to do some crazy mountain hikes. I don’t like to hike alone since I have a bit of vertigo and hence I am always looking for partners when I am hiking.

I am not into drinking. But if you are someone who loves to party and drink, it is always wise to tag along with a buddy.

Learn some basic self defense

This is one of my primary objectives for this year. To get stronger and learn some defense mechanisms.

Conclusion: Travelling solo tips

Solo travel can be one of the most empowering experiences for women, offering freedom, confidence, and unforgettable memories.

By planning ahead, staying aware of your surroundings, and trusting your instincts, you can learn how to solo travel the world safely and confidently. Prioritizing personal safety, respecting local cultures, and staying connected with loved ones helps reduce risks while enhancing peace of mind.

Packing smart, keeping important documents secure, and maintaining flexibility allow you to handle unexpected situations with ease.

Each journey builds resilience, independence, and self-trust. With the right mindset and preparation, women can travel alone successfully and joyfully.