Globe-Trotting Solo: Tips for Women Travelers

I still remember my very first solo trip overseas. I had just turned 21 and had never been "across the pond." Before joining a study abroad group from my university (we’d be based in Cardiff, Wales), I made the bold, and slightly nerve-wracking, decision to go on a solo adventure to Ireland.

I was nervous. I barely made a connecting flight and I had to change gates three times at JFK. It was quite stressful. Thankfully, things improved when I sat next to an elderly Irish woman who was returning home after a stay in New York. Somewhere over the Atlantic, we struck up a conversation, and she took me under her wing. She patiently explained how the Dublin bus system worked, recommended a few must-see spots, and, most importantly, offered practical safety advice.

Her kindness was more than just helpful, it was transformative. Not only did she help me navigate my first few hours in a foreign country, but she also gently nudged me out of the quiet, introverted shell I’d been carrying for most of my life. That trip lit a fire in me.

Since then, I’ve traveled solo across the United States and around the world. Along the way, I’ve made mistakes, had some unforgettable experiences, and learned a few valuable lessons—some the easy way, some the hard way. If you're thinking about setting off on your own, here are a few of the most important tips I can share:

1. Trust Your Gut & Take Care of Yourself First

This might seem like an odd place to start, but it’s hands down the most important lesson I’ve learned. When you travel solo, you are your own safety net. There’s no one else there to double-check your instincts or make a judgment call for you. If a situation feels off, unsafe, or just wrong, don’t second-guess yourself. Listen to that inner voice and act accordingly. It’s better to be cautious than to regret not listening.

Taking care of yourself also means being prepared. Before every trip, I make sure I know how to access local emergency services—police, hospitals, the U.S. embassy or consulate—just in case something goes sideways (whether that's political unrest, natural disaster, or just bad luck).

I also travel with a small medical kit now, something I definitely learned the hard way. One time, I got hit with food poisoning in the middle of the Arabian desert—no pharmacy in sight, no clue what to do. Fortunately, some kind fellow travelers had medication on hand. Ever since then, I carry a small “emergency medicine” bag with essentials: anti-nausea pills, rehydration packets, pain relievers, antihistamines, and more. It’s saved me more than once.

2. Take More Cash and Less Stuff

I have never, not once, thought to myself, “I wish I’d packed more things.” If anything, I’m constantly grateful for packing less. When you’re moving around frequently, especially in places with unreliable transportation, dragging around a giant suitcase becomes a burden fast. These days, I travel with a large backpack and a personal item. It’s quicker, lighter, and much easier to manage.

Less stuff also means fewer things to lose or get stolen—and fewer decisions to make each day. (Trust me, simplicity is your best friend on the road.)

Cash, on the other hand, is critical. While cards are great, you can’t always rely on them—especially in rural areas or countries where cash is king. I always carry local currency, along with a backup stash of U.S. dollars. I also use a scan-proof wallet and carry a couple of different types of credit cards, which I store separately across my luggage and person. That way, if something gets stolen, I’m not stranded. I also avoid sketchy ATMs and stick to ones in banks or airports when I need to withdraw funds.

3. Learn the Culture: It’s About Respect and Safety

Understanding the culture and customs of the place you’re visiting isn’t just polite—it can make your trip smoother, safer, and much more enjoyable.

When I traveled through Israel, for example, learning about Shabbat (the Sabbath) helped me plan my itinerary around times when shops and public transportation would be closed. It also helped me respect the flow of local life, instead of being frustrated by it.

I also took time to understand cultural expectations around clothing, especially for women. Knowing how to dress appropriately made a huge difference, particularly when visiting more conservative countries and sites. I was more comfortable, drew less unwanted attention, and was able to blend in more respectfully.

This kind of awareness doesn’t take much effort, but it can go a long way in helping you stay safe while showing respect for the communities you're exploring.

Final Thoughts

Solo travel as a woman can be empowering, exciting, and deeply rewarding—but it also comes with its own unique challenges. The good news? You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Each trip teaches you something new.

Start small if you need to. Ask questions. Be open, but stay aware. Trust yourself—you’re more capable than you think.

And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself on a plane, sharing your hard-earned wisdom with another wide-eyed traveler sitting beside you, ready to take on the world.