Travel Tips for Solo Female Travellers

If you want to travel abroad as a solo female traveller, then look no further. We have put together a list of places to go and some top tips to guide you on your travels.

Top tips:

1. Research your destination (s)
2. Share your travel plans and location with loved ones at home
3. Learn local emergency numbers
4. Start small – dip your toes into solo travel by not doing too much, too quickly
5. Join a group of other solo female travellers
6. Pack a power bank
7. Avoid walking alone at night
8. Talk to locals, but don’t overshare
9. Leave room for spontaneity
10. Be present

Travel alone, together

While being a solo female traveller is daunting, you don’t technically have to travel alone – why not join a group trip? There are lots of Tour Operators out there who organise women-only group holidays. These types of tours are unique in that they are female-led to ‘empower women through travel’. The aim is for you to meet like-minded women so you can travel with confidence and enjoy the journey. 

There is an abundance of variety within these group trips, whether you’re looking to go wine-tasting in Italy or skiing somewhere cold, the choice is yours. You will also travel in the knowledge that you will be supporting local female-owned businesses. In a group of no more than 14, what better way can there be to dip your toes into travelling solo?

Take on the Maldives on a budget

Travelling as a solo female doesn’t mean you can’t do long-haul destinations. Why not join a group of women heading to the Maldives? The trip is organised by two women who love the Maldives enough to make it their job. With 16 activities included, from paddleboarding to snorkelling, there is something for everyone.

Before you go, you’ll also be added to a group chat so you can get to know the rest of your group, providing an ideal opportunity to chat before you’re thrown in at the deep end’. The company also offer tips on what to pack, the choice to have your own room and an option to extend your stay. If you always wanted to visit the diverse marine life in the Maldives, don’t let travelling solo stop you.

Trek to Everest Base Camp as a solo female traveller

If you travel alone, you don’t have to avoid adventurous activities. Spend two weeks trekking up to the Everest Base Camp with a small group of like-minded women. This challenge will be mentally and physically demanding, so be sure you’re ready before you book. You will have most meals provided for you, so no need to think about where to eat. Plus, you will get to experience a stay in several different types of accommodation as you trek across Mount Everest.

Dip your toes into solo travel

Want to try travelling as a solo female without committing to a long trip? Why not try an ‘express’ group trip? Spend 5 days on an Italian express trip, touring around Naples and the famous Amalfi Coast. 5 days is long enough to sight-see, and you get a feel for what it’s like to travel solo.

The benefit of this type of trip is that prior to booking, you can get a preview of those who’ve already booked. For example, if you look and it’s full of people nowhere near your age, you can opt for something else. As with most other groups, you will be added to a group chat before the trip so you can get to know everyone. If you wish to stay for longer once the group trip is over, why not move your return flights and stay a few more days? This will allow you to explore at your own pace, with a newfound confidence and knowledge gained from your express trip.

Put Paris on your solo female traveller list

Where you want to go on your solo trip depends entirely on your personal preferences. We’ve mentioned adventurous holidays and relaxing ones, what about a city break? Paris has some amazing historic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. You can spend a few days exploring the City at your leisure. Or perhaps join a scenic river cruise along the River Siene. You’re bound to find other like-minded travellers without committing to being in a group for the whole trip.

Take a bite of the big apple

To take some of the worry out of solo female travel, head to somewhere where the main language spoken is English. For example, New York’s primary language is English, meaning you can read road signs, menus, etc and navigation around the City is so much easier. You could also pre-download a travel app such as Citymapper, providing directions whenever you need them.

New York has something for everyone, from tall buildings to explore, Central Park and ferry rides. So, ‘plan ahead’ and invest in a city pass enabling access to many of the chosen attractions you’d like to see. This is a good way to get the most out of your New York experience.

Of course, this is a busy city, so like anywhere, you should keep your wits about you. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, you should leave.

One of the most common scams in New York is people trying to charge you to take the Staten Island Ferry. This Ferry is free to ride, and you don’t need a ticket*. You should research common scams before you travel so you know what to look out for. Don’t let this put you off, though! The Staten Island Ferry is a great way to get a closer look at the Statue of Liberty without the price tag.

Get travel insurance suitable for a solo female traveller

Before you commit to a trip or travel, always be sure to check the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) advice. Also, the Gov website has plenty of helpful tips for solo female travellers to help put your mind at ease.

One of the most important things you can do before your trip is to take out appropriate travel insurance. P J Hayman offers several different insurance policies depending on your trip type. If you want to go on an adventure holiday, our Adventures Policy has you covered. For a nice, relaxing trip or city break, get a quote for our Travel Plus travel insurance.

P J Hayman – Travel, with Confidence

*Information correct at time of publishing.