Why You Should Never Travel Solo As A Woman

jessicagreaux
Mar 8
6 min read

5 Reasons to Never Travel Solo As A Female

Traveling alone is many things. It is exciting, scary, lonely, liberating and painful to name a few emotions. It is not for the weak hearted and it is certainly not for the woman that doesn’t want to improve and better their lives. You see, while traveling in general can be stressful and scary, doing it solo is the most amazing thing you will ever do for yourself. If you're ready to step into your powerful woman era and change your life in a positive way then keep reading.

If you are already an independent, strong, solo traveling woman then this is not for you. However, please leave a comment about your experience or any encouraging words for someone thinking about pursuing a solo trip soon. Who knows, your words might be just the thing someone needs to make the final decision.

Lots of people will try to discourage you from going anywhere alone. "It isn't safe for a woman" they'll say. "What if something bad happens to you or you get lost" someone else might tell you. My favorite is, "you might get kidnapped or sex trafficked" because why do we always think of the most extreme bad things. Instead, why can't we think of extremely amazing things that could happen like, finding your future husband, being offered your dream job or offered to live on a yacht and never have to work again.

While their assumptions might not be wrong and the last one is a serious and very possible reality, the truth is, this can happen anywhere including your home town or your backyard. We can't let the fear of a possibility stop us from doing what we want. You definitely shouldn't let your gender determine how you live your life. Life is different than it was decades ago, technology is smarter and there are way more resources out there to help you on your way. With that said, I have listed my 5 reasons why you might or might not want to travel solo as a woman.

Woman exploring old ruins in Barcelona, Spain — Barcelona, Spain - Park Güell

Make You Independent

Doing things alone will give you the strength to not have to rely on anyone. Navigating new places, figuring out logistics and solving problems on your own will give you a sense of self-sufficiency. You make your own schedule and rely on nobody, but yourself. When you travel alone, you're responsible for every aspect of your journey, from planning your route to making decisions on the fly. This hands-on approach forces you to step out of your comfort zone and solve problems as they arise, whether it’s navigating an unfamiliar city or handling travel hiccups.

Without relying on a travel companion for support or guidance, you learn to trust your instincts, manage your time and adapt to new situations. You will become a leader in your own life and find how easy it is to not let others’ opinions or situations bother you.

Self Discovery and Empowerment

While on this solo journey you will learn things about yourself that you didn't know before. You will realize more closely what you do and do not like and what you're good and not so good at. It will push you to ends that you didn't know you could reach and have you so far outside of your comfort zone, but once you overcome these uncomfortable situations you will realize how strong you are.

Take eating alone for instance, some people hate it and will never do it. When you travel alone you don't have a choice unless you eat in your room, but where is the fun in that. Any small step outside of your comfort zone will make you feel so confident, strong and powerful. It is one of the most empowering ways to discover your true potential since you no longer have the influence or expectations of others. This autonomy allows you to uncover new interests and strengths. The confidence that comes from knowing you can handle anything that comes your way is one of the most powerful gifts solo travel can offer

Outside of Windsor Castle in London, UK — London, England - Windsor Castle

Create Lasting Friendships

The people that you meet along the way and the bonds you create are something so deep and unforgettable. The shared experiences, the emotions and the memories that you all share together is something that you will take with you for the rest of your life. Plus, you will now have people that you know all over the world and places to return to when you decide to leave. When they go through big life moments you might be invited to share those times with them giving you more opportunity to travel and meet people.

When you're on your own, you're more likely to engage with locals and fellow travelers, breaking the ice and forming genuine connections. This allows you to experience the country as a local or in different ways that travel with friends or as a group won't give you. You learn so much from people also on a solo trip or locals that you meet along the way. Don't be shy, travel makes people friendly and if not you never have to see that person again.

Increase Your Confidence

When you're traveling alone, you're responsible for navigating unfamiliar environments, managing logistics, and making decisions, all of which require trust in your abilities. Each time you overcome a hurdle—whether it's figuring out public transport in a foreign city or confidently ordering food in a different language—you gain a sense of accomplishment that boosts your self-esteem. The more you navigate the unknown, the more you realize just how capable you are, which translates into a deepened sense of self-assurance. As you push through uncertainties and embrace the solo journey, you not only build confidence in your problem-solving skills but also in your ability to trust yourself, leaving you with newfound strength long after your travels have ended.

Healing and Restoration

Solo travel allows you to disconnect from the demands of daily life and reconnect with yourself. When you travel alone, you're free to focus entirely on your own well-being—whether it’s taking time for quiet reflection, practicing mindfulness, or simply enjoying the peaceful solitude of a beautiful destination. Away from the stresses of work, relationships, and routines, you can prioritize your mental and emotional health, using the journey as a chance to unwind and recharge. The change of scenery and slower pace can provide a fresh perspective, helping you heal from burnout, find clarity in your thoughts, and gain the emotional space needed to let go of lingering stress. By nurturing yourself through solo travel, you return home not only refreshed but also with a renewed sense of balance and inner peace.

Whether you think you need to or not solo travel brings light to buried issues and helps you to heal pain, trauma or discomfort once you are open to it and feel the emotions.

Woman traveling solo through Europe — London, England

The Good The Bad and The Ugly

As a solo traveler myself I would never glamorize it to be only good without telling you the negative parts as well. It is lonely and you do feel sad sometimes, especially if doing it for long periods of time. It is scary because you might get lost or feel overwhelmed in a city where the language is different and the signs aren't understandable. The time zones and staying connected to loved ones is hard. You might feel like you're missing out on things at home. It is hard to make friends especially as an introvert. You will need to do a lot of things you probably aren't used to doing.

However, it is true what they say "you can't grow in your comfort zone". The experience whether negative or positive will change you for the better and you will never be the same person again when you return to your "normal" or past life (if you even decide to go back). If you're ready to experience all of this check out my blog about 10 Best Places to Travel to in 2025, Where to Go Skiing and Sustainable Travel Tips. Happy traveling! :)

Leave a comment and let me know where you’d go if you're thinking of doing a solo trip!