How To Plan A Solo Trip As A First-Time Female Traveler

Key Summary: Solo female travel is growing in popularity, with many women embracing independence and safety-conscious planning for their first trips. This guide explains how to prepare mentally, budget wisely, choose safe destinations, and travel alone confidently.

People should try traveling at least once in their lives. It doesn’t have to be somewhere abroad. Many places in your country are worth exploring. But traveling, no matter where, is often challenging. That’s why most travelers do it with a buddy or join a group tour.

However, female solo travel has been booming lately, with women leading the charge. Many women are choosing to travel alone. 

Unlike decades ago, when women couldn’t even have their own passports, today’s empowered ladies have more freedom to travel whenever and wherever they want.

Female Solo Travel: How Should You Start?

If you seek to explore the world without being held back by travel companions, this is the piece for you. Here’s your in-depth guide on how to plan a solo trip as a woman traveling alone for the first time.

Mentally Prepare Yourself

Solo traveling is something that will scare you initially. That is normal, and this means that you will be extra cautious and plan things properly. You will have to prepare for your comfort and safety.

You might even face travel fear. It is not easy to step out of your house and explore a completely new place alone. Just check out anecdotes from seasoned travelers, such as this one on https://scottsolotravels.com/. 

Read a lot of travel stories and what people experienced on their solo trip. It will be fearful, but you will definitely overcome it. Talk to people who have traveled solo and they will be able to help you out. 

Start Slow And Somewhere Near

Even if you have traveled before, you need to take things slow if this is your first time traveling alone. Do not plan a month-long excursion. Start with a short weekend trip to a place close to your hometown. 

A short trip somewhere close will be an amazing way to start with a solo trip, and this will make you seasoned for your upcoming trips. It will be easy to communicate when there are no language barriers. 

If you are nervous, start with a small trip in your hometown, book a room in a local hotel, and go to a cafe, and you will have an experience of a lifetime. Take baby steps, start with small trips first, and then you can plan a long solo trip.

Plan On A Set Budget

If you are going on a female solo travel, you need to decide on a budget. If you are short on cash, it can be a huge problem if you are alone. Traveling can be expensive sometimes, so you need to do thorough research.

You need to set a budget for food, accommodation, flight, and, if you want to bring back some souvenirs as well. You can go for affordable options if you want to travel on a low budget. Here are a few tips that can help you.

• First, decide on your budget. Think of how much you will be able to spend.
• Think of the duration first, and that will help you decide on the budget.
• Pick the location, and that will help you decide on the budget.

Traveling is fun when you can visit all the locations freely, eat, and explore without having to worry about the budget. So knowing how much you can spend will help you prepare mentally.

Select Solo Traveler-Friendly Destinations

You might already have a list of potential places to visit. But hold your horses! Some locations might not be ideal for first-time solo travelers, especially women. Then there are some that are a little better to explore alone.

Here are some of those destinations to consider for your first solo trip:

Singapore

If you’re fond of roaming around urban areas, Singapore is a great place to visit solo. The island city-state is clean and generally safe, and offers many things to do for visitors. 

For one, you can view wild animals and birds at the Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise. Meanwhile, the Singapore Art Museum will pique contemporary art lovers’ interests.

It’s also relatively easy to pack for this destination. Singapore’s climate remains warm nearly all year round. Expect high humidity and prepare for rain, especially if you’re visiting from November to January.

Quebec, Canada

Sometimes, exploring big cities feels too overwhelming. But you still want to be somewhere urban. So, why not visit Quebec City? It’s a ‘second city’ or smaller city that’s walkable and easy to navigate alone.

A couple of activities you can do include visiting Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re into colonial history, take a walk around a peaceful place, ironically named Battlefields Park. 

Before your trip ends, shop at Quartier Petit Champlain, North America’s oldest shopping district. But make sure you go there early in the morning to avoid large crowds.

South Island, New Zealand

Do you want a solo trip that touches more on nature? The South Island, New Zealand, offers that. You may spend a lot of time hiking the peaks of Mount Cook or swimming in the lakes of Mt Aspiring National Park.

The South Island is also perfect for solo travelers seeking luxurious trips. Multiple wineries and vineyards attract tourists from all over the globe. Otherwise, you can explore Milford and Doubtful Sounds on foot, by boat, or even by air.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Safety is one of the most critical factors solo female travelers look for when choosing a destination. And Reykjavik is just one of those options you can consider for a safe and fantastic adventure.

The country’s capital city offers many things to do on a solo trip. Look at some puffins or go whale watching to view the local wildlife. Embody the spirit of the Vikings by going on horseback riding tours. 

Aside from daytime tours, Reykjavik also has an exciting nightlife with bars and cafes providing live music and excellent drinks.

Feeling a chill? Take a dip in the geothermal swimming pools or the Sky Lagoon. You might even get to see the northern lights as you bathe in warmth.

The Bahamas

You should never feel bad about going on a beach trip solo. Sometimes, getting your toes sandy without a partner walking beside you feels a lot more fun. The Bahamas offers plenty of exciting holiday opportunities under the sun, perfect for beach-loving tourists.

You can explore almost a hundred islands, each with something new to discover or do. Swim alongside nurse sharks, dive into blue holes, or interact with the famous swimming pigs. 

On land, you can become a winemaker for a day in Nassau or go on a food tour until you get full.

Choose Your Accommodation

Female solo travel requires choosing the right kind of place to stay on the trip. Hotel rooms are often expensive for a single person, so it is better to choose a guesthouse or hostel instead. 

Moreover, you can choose Airbnb rentals, which also provide comfortable and affordable accommodations for people traveling solo. But you might have to buy or cook your own food. However, if you can afford it, consider a luxury vacation home with various amenities.

Try some reputable websites and apps when booking hotels and lodgings. Once you have narrowed down your choice, find those on Google Maps and check their reviews once. If you have questions, contact them directly and clear your doubts.

Check how you can get there before you start traveling, and ask them whether they will provide cars to pick you up. If you have to take public transport, do your research ahead of time and check out the safest routes.

Familiarize Yourself With Safety Protocols

While traveling alone, you have to be cautious. You need to care more about your safety and stay aware of the scams. This is why it is important that you know about the safety regulations and emergency numbers of every destination. 

Research all the warnings and travel advisories of every location that you plan to travel to, and always be prepared for anything. Here are some safety tips that you can consider:

• Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or someone back at home. Always keep your location updated.
• Keep a basic first-aid kit and learn how to do the basics yourself. If you have any kind of allergies or require medical attention, then wear a necklace and bracelet with the important information.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, whether you are going somewhere to eat or going sightseeing.
• It is best if you can get a private driver. If you are booking a cab or sharing a ride, stay alert and do not disclose that you are traveling alone or any of your personal information.

In case of accidents, try to remain calm. Having a cool head helps you think on your feet better and get out of an issue safely.

Get Travel Insurance

Understanding how to plan a solo trip includes getting travel insurance. Whether you’re traveling solo or not, insurance is a must. 

Travel insurance is typically worth it when traveling out of the country. If hurricanes often hit your destination or lack facilities that can handle medical emergencies, insurance can also help.

Travel insurance costs 4.1% of your trip cost on average. So, if your trip costs USD$5,000, your insurance will cost USD$205. 

Younger solo travelers typically have a lower insurance cost, while it increases for individuals 75 and older. The average travel insurance cost for senior travelers is USD$381 for a USD$5,000 trip cost.

Overall, your travel insurance increases based on your trip length, cost, medical coverage, and destination. Despite the costs, it’s essential to get insurance when you’re traveling alone. It’s your protection and safety net should things go away.

Pack Like A Seasoned Traveler

Now that you’ve mentally prepared yourself, set a budget, and chosen a destination, it’s time to pack! As a solo traveler, you only get to pack for yourself, so you must have all the necessary items on your trip.

Clothing

Pack clothes based on your destination. So, if you’re going to a tropical country that’s usually warm and humid, bring light cotton shirts, shorts, and linen pants. 

A wide-brimmed hat, umbrella, and sunglasses are also great to have. But don’t forget a hoodie, just in case it rains or gets cold at night.

If you’re heading somewhere typically colder, pack a scarf, parka, hat, or beanie. Make sure you include inner thermal clothing to stay warm at all times. For footwear, bring boots or non-slip shoes.

Toiletries

During travel planning and packing, never forget your personal toiletries. While some accommodations, like hotels, can provide these, it helps to have your own.

Bring travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and skincare. Don’t forget sunscreen! Consider packing a microfiber towel that dries quickly, too. If you’re still menstruating, remember to pack enough tampons or pads.

Travel Accessories

Keep all your important travel documents safe in a waterproof envelope or wallet. Your carry-on packing list should also have a universal adapter and portable chargers for your devices. A local SIM card is also useful for making cheaper calls and connecting to the Internet.

First Aid Kit

Update your travel first aid kit before you leave for your trip. It must contain adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, antiseptic solution, and sterile cotton balls. Also include medications such as laxatives, antihistamines, cough and cold medicine, and pain relievers.

Money

In addition to your cards and mobile bank apps, make sure you also have some local currency cash with you. Hide some of your money on your person, not just in your wallet. For example, it can be in your shoes or a hidden pouch under your shirt.

Start Preparing

After reading this guide, you now know how to plan a female solo travel. It starts with mentally preparing yourself and choosing safe destinations suited for solo female travelers. 

Once that’s settled, pick an accommodation and learn some safety tips. Then, pack all the essentials you need for your trip.

Solo female travel is booming, so feel free to join conversations with fellow women travelers in Facebook groups or online forums. 

You can gain lots of info from their stories and experiences, helping you form a travel plan that ensures your safety, comfort, and enjoyment.