I’ve traveled solo countless times—even though I’m married—and every single time I’m reminded that there is something incredibly special about taking a trip alone. No checking in with anyone about what to do, where to eat, or when to move on to the next spot. You wake up and the day is completely yours. The world truly becomes your oyster, and that kind of freedom is both empowering and deeply refreshing. Solo travel has taught me so much about trusting myself, following my intuition, and leaning into curiosity without compromise.

That said, I know the idea of traveling alone—especially as a woman—can feel intimidating. It’s totally normal to have fears about safety, loneliness, or the unknown. I’ve had those thoughts too. But here’s the truth: solo travel can be incredibly safe when you’re prepared, aware of your surroundings, and intentional about your choices.

Doing a bit of research, staying confident, and trusting your gut go a long way. If you’ve been on the fence, consider this your gentle nudge—because with the right mindset and a few solid solo travel tips for women, traveling alone can be one of the most freeing and confidence-boosting experiences out there.

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support to continue offering free resources.

1. Choose Destinations That Feel Safe & Comfortable

Before I ever book a solo trip, I do my homework. I spend time researching safety rankings and reading traveler reviews because firsthand experiences tell you so much more than a pretty photo ever could. Along with that, I also like solo traveling to places i’ve been before. Being familiar with a city eases my anxiety.

I’m also drawn to destinations that are walkable and have strong public transportation. Because with less logistics, there are less things to go wrong during the trip. It also makes getting around feel easier, more relaxed, and way less intimidating when you’re on your own.

Another thing that I recommend in finding comfort and confidence is by joining women-focused travel forums and communities too; there’s something reassuring about learning from other women who’ve been there and done it. And above all else, I trust my intuition when choosing where to go. If a place feels right, I listen to that feeling—because your gut is often your best guide when you’re traveling solo.

I’ve personally traveled solo to Paris, Lyon, Montreal, Quebec City, New York City, Ireland, and London, and I’ve had truly great experiences in all of them. Yes, some of these are major cities where crime exists—just like anywhere else—but the best advice I can give is to stay aware of your surroundings and remain vigilant without letting fear run the show.

One small thing that’s made a big difference for me is using a cell phone lanyard. It might sound simple, but it gives me extra peace of mind while navigating busy streets, public transportation, or crowded areas, and helps me feel more confident and secure when traveling solo.

2. Plan Smart — But Leave Room for Spontaneity

When I’m traveling solo, I always make a point to share my itinerary details with someone I trust back home. It’s a small step that brings a lot of peace of mind. My husband has my exact location and I would recommend sharing that with someone close to you. I also never leave my first night up in the air; having that first accommodation booked in advance helps me ease into a new destination without stress.

Along with that, having a transportation plan in place before you land can make a world of difference for your confidence. Knowing ahead of time whether you’ll be taking public transit, using Uber, or another rideshare instantly takes the edge off. Don’t come for me but I’ll even go as far as watching YouTube videos of the airport I’m flying into so I know exactly where to go, which signs to look for, and what to expect once I land. That little bit of preparation helps me feel grounded, calm, and ready to start the trip on my own terms.

Before I go, I download offline maps and a few key travel apps so I’m never stuck without directions or information if service drops. I also always make sure to purchase an eSIM before traveling (use my code Courtn3757 for $$ off).That way I know the moment I land I have service. You can also use your phones international plan but I’ve found eSIMs to be much more affordable.

From there, I like to balance a bit of structure with flexibility—having a loose plan for my day while still leaving room to wander, change my mind, and follow whatever feels right in the moment. That balance is where the magic of solo travel really happens.

3. Book Accommodations Strategically

When it comes to where I stay, I’m intentional. I always choose well-reviewed hotels or boutique stays in central areas because location really is everything when you’re traveling solo. When I’m traveling solo, I usually skip Airbnbs. I just have more peace of mind staying in a hotel where there’s someone on site 24/7. Knowing there’s a front desk, extra security, and staff available if I need anything helps me relax and fully enjoy the experience without that extra layer of worry.

Above all, I prioritize places near public transportation and main attractions so getting around feels easy, intuitive, and stress-free—especially when I’m exploring on my own.

4. Stay Aware Without Feeling Fearful

When I’m out and about solo, I’m very mindful about keeping my valuables secure and out of sight. I don’t wear designer labels and make sure to keep it simple with jewelry. Furthermore, I always try to walk with confidence—even if I’m not totally sure where I’m going—because looking lost can draw the wrong kind of attention. One trick I swear by is using Google Maps’ audio directions and listening through my earphones, so I’m not constantly staring at my phone.

I’m also extremely careful with social media: I never share my location in real time. I wait until I’ve left a place to post, and I never share where I’m staying until after I’ve checked out. Crossbody bags or anti-theft backpacks are my go-to, and I always use my iPhone lanyard for extra security. I’m especially aware when taking photos in public—being present, keeping my surroundings in mind, and avoiding tripods altogether just feels like the smarter move when you’re traveling alone. I do tend to use my tripod when I’m exploring at sunrise because there tends to be no one else around.

5. Pack Like a Pro for Solo Travel

When I travel solo, I like to be prepared without overcomplicating things. I always carry a portable charger and a backup credit card—just in case—because the last thing you want is a dead phone or limited access to money. I also like to bring a small doorstop alarm for extra peace of mind, especially at night. For more of my packing essentials check out my guide below:

The Ultimate List of Amazon Travel Must Haves

When it comes to packing, I stick to versatile outfits that help me blend in locally rather than stand out as a tourist. Along with that, it can be tough, but I try my hardest to only take a carry-on bag. This way you are not lugging a huge checked suitcase with you to where you need to go to stress you out more than you need to be.

Finally, I never travel without both digital and physical copies of my important documents. It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but you’ll be so glad you have if you do. You can easily scan your documents on your iPhone by selecting the camera option in the notes app. From there you can lock that particular note and either add a password or Face ID for more peace of mind.

6. Master Dining Alone with Confidence

I’ll be honest—at first, the idea of dining alone absolutely terrified me. It was one of the main reasons I didn’t want to travel by myself. I felt less than imagining myself sitting alone at a restaurant while everyone else was paired up or in groups. But somewhere along the way, that mindset completely shifted. Now? Dining solo is one of my favorite parts of traveling alone. There’s something incredibly empowering about taking up space, enjoying a beautiful meal on your own terms, and fully soaking in your surroundings without distraction.

If you’re easing into it, sitting at the bar or at communal tables can feel a lot more comfortable and less intimidating. If you’re an introvert like myself, I love bringing a book or journal. Reading while I dine feels so much more elevated and intentional than just scrolling on my phone, and it helps me stay present in the moment.

When possible, I try to make reservations ahead of time (even though so many restaurants still don’t offer one-person reservations… which I definitely have a bone to pick with). And most importantly, remind yourself of this: dining solo isn’t awkward—it’s confident, empowering, and honestly kind of iconic. Finally, you can test it out at a restaurant at home first if you’re feeling less confident about it!

7. Trust Your Instincts — Always

As women, we are incredibly intuitive, and that inner voice is there for a reason. If a situation feels off—even slightly—trust that feeling and remove yourself immediately. You never owe politeness, comfort, or an explanation to anyone when your safety is on the line. We’re often taught to be agreeable or worry about coming across as rude, but sometimes being “rude” is actually an act of self-protection, and that is more than okay.

Saying no clearly and confidently, without over-explaining or apologizing, sets firm boundaries and sends a strong message. Pair that with confident body language such as standing tall, making purposeful movements, and staying aware of your surroundings. Which can naturally deter unwanted attention. Your intuition is your greatest safety tool, and learning to trust it fully can make all the difference when traveling solo.

8. Meet People Safely While Traveling Solo

As a fellow introvert, this one’s actually written for my extroverts. Because if I’m being completely honest, when I’m solo traveling I’m not really looking to meet new people. I genuinely love being by myself and soaking it all in on my own terms. My own company is more than enough.

That said, if you do want to switch things up and connect with others while traveling solo, here are a few safe, low-pressure ways to do it: small group tours, cooking classes, or walking tours are always a great option. They give you built-in structure and a shared activity to focus on, which means far less forced small talk and a much more natural way to connect.

When booking experiences, I always stick to reputable apps or excursions. My go-to platforms for small group tours are Viator and Klook, since they’re reliable and make it easy to find well-reviewed experiences. You can also ask the concierge at your hotel for recommendations.

It’s also important to be mindful about how much personal information you share. Even if someone seems friendly, there’s no need to overshare details about where you’re staying, your full itinerary, or anything too personal. And if you do decide to meet up with someone for the first time, always keep it in a public place. A café, museum, or busy square is ideal and helps keep things comfortable and safe.

At the end of the day, solo travel can look however you want it to look — quiet and introspective, social and lively, or somewhere perfectly in between.

9. Transportation Tips for Women Traveling Alone

When it comes to getting around, I always stick to licensed taxis or verified ride-share apps. I genuinely love that Uber and Lyft now offer women-focused safety features. They’re not perfect and definitely still need some work, but I’m glad we’re moving in the right direction when it comes to women’s safety while traveling.

Before every ride, I screenshot the driver’s details and always double (sometimes triple) check the license plate before getting in. It’s a small habit, but it gives me so much peace of mind. Once inside, I sit in the back seat and share my trip status with a friend — just another layer of reassurance that never hurts. I also never mention that I’m traveling alone to the drivers and keep my conversation to a minimum.

I also try to avoid late-night arrivals when possible. And when I’m using public transportation — which I actually prefer when traveling — I stay extra aware of my surroundings. I wear my backpack in front of me, and if I have headphones on, the music stays low so I can still hear what’s going on around me. It’s all about staying present and trusting your instincts while still enjoying the journey.

10. Embrace the Confidence & Freedom of Solo Travel

Solo travel has a way of building independence and resilience like nothing else. When you’re on your own, you learn to trust yourself more deeply — to problem-solve, adapt, and navigate situations with confidence. You get to move at your own pace, follow your own curiosities, and prioritize exactly what you want without compromise. There’s something incredibly empowering about realizing just how capable you are when the world is yours to explore alone.

If you’ve been on the fence about taking your first solo trip, consider this your sign. Taking that leap can feel intimidating at first, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. Solo travel as a woman isn’t just possible — it’s deeply fulfilling. With a little preparation, awareness, and trust in yourself, you’ll find a sense of freedom and confidence that stays with you long after the trip ends.

At the end of the day, solo travel is about reclaiming your independence and celebrating the empowerment that comes from navigating the world on your own terms. It’s about seeing the world in a way that feels authentic to you — unfiltered, intentional, and entirely yours.

As always my DM’s and comments are open if you have any questions. Cheers fam!

XX,

Courtney