Women Traveling Solo

Travel quote – If you want to go somewhere you like, but no one else wants to, go by yourself. You’ll meet several people with similar interests as you. ~ Anonymous

Have you ever come up with a great vacation idea, whether it’s a cruise, a road trip, a train ride through the European countryside, or a great beach destination like Greece or Italy? You do all the research and start planning a trip you’re excited about. But when you ask your husband, significant other, or friends to go, they all say no. No! You’re feeling let down because this is something that you want to do. You think to yourself, “I’ll just wait until they want to go, or when they are available.” NO! If you wait for others to go with you, you may never go.

Go by yourself! Leave everyone else behind and take your trip. Never wait for anyone to travel with you. More and more people are leaving their partners at home to travel solo. The Travel Industry Association says that 32 million women traveled solo in 2019, and the numbers are increasing yearly. Regardless of your age, traveling alone can be one of the most exhilarating, empowering, and eye-opening experiences you’ll ever have. With the delight of limitless freedom, it provides abundant chances for self-awareness. It can also be intimidating, though, especially on your first solo trip.

Here are a few tips to consider when planning a solo trip:

I suggest you join a solo travel group on Facebook once you decide to take that trip alone. There are many different groups available, for almost any interest you have or simply for mature women traveling solo. Within the group, you can ask all of your questions and other members will respond with tips, ideas, and suggestions specific to your questions. These groups can be very inspiring and give you the confidence to book your first solo trip.

Safety is a major issue for anyone contemplating a solo vacation. While caution is important, it should not deter you from embarking on your next adventure. Here are a few safety tips: Check in often, carry copies of your passport, use the hotel safe, separate your cash, phone and money and let people know your plans. Choosing the right destination is crucial, as some countries are more suited to solitary travel than others. According to Travel.com some of the safest countries for solo women travelers are Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, and Australia.

Consider shared lodging options, as a standard hotel room can be costly for one person and, let’s face it, lonely at times. Hostels and Guesthouses are especially fantastic places to meet new people.

It may seem self-evident, but learning a few phrases in the language can make a tremendous impact on how you experience a country, especially if you don’t have somebody to rely on for translations. (I learned to speak Italian before my first trip to Italy, and it came in handy!)

During any travel, the willingness to detour from the beaten route and avoid the tourist traps is frequently the key to having a unique and remarkable experience. Don’t be afraid to speak with the locals. I do this everywhere I travel. “I’ve never met a stranger” is my mindset, even though I’m still cautious. And by cautious, I mean being aware of your surroundings, listening to your gut instinct, and not giving out too much information.

When traveling alone, feeling bored and lonely might seem inevitable, but finding techniques to keep yourself engaged and inquisitive can let you see any place in a new light. Some techniques are joining a tour excursion or, if cruising, meeting up with other solo cruisers. Always keep in mind that there is a large world out there and that you are never truly alone.

Solo travel gives you a sense of complete independence. Accept it and go at your own pace. You may feel compelled to go touring one day but at a slower pace the next day. Making your own decisions is a lot of fun. Instead of waiting on others to decide what to do, when to go or where to go, you get to decide and do exactly what you want to do!

Solo travel gives you the freedom to be whoever you choose. Immerse yourself in the experience, believe in yourself, and take advantage of the opportunity to explore all elements of your personality. You will not regret it!

I had the opportunity to speak with my friend Yvette, who does several travel solo trips every year. Yvette started traveling solo when she wanted to experience different places and realized she did not have a companion to enjoy the experiences. She has met so many amazing people that she may not have met if she was traveling with someone else. Yvette’s advice to anyone who wants to travel: Go and enjoy life and travel to the places you want to go, don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way, especially being single. Here are some photos from Yvette’s most recent trips to Tokyo and Thailand.