Solo travel for women has become immensely popular, with many ladies finding the time spent alone a rewarding way to see the world.
While traveling alone is empowering. Solo travel, however, is hard for women.
The most adventurous trips are those that you make from your head to your heart.
The distance is about afoot.
Solo Travel for Women vs. Group Travel.
According to a survey on the Solo Travel Society on Facebook, women travel solo far more often than men.
Often, women take their vacations without their partner.
They might start off traveling with a group of women friends.
When I started traveling, I went off with a group of 4 women classmates from high school.
Sometimes, due to our schedules, we started to travel with other people.
Eventually, I started taking off alone.
I meet many women traveling solo far more often than men.
Why do women travel alone?
There are many reasons that some women prefer to take off by themselves.
Having a travel mate companion with different interests is quite a challenge.
I remember a trip to London taken with a girlfriend.
I wanted to watch a musical; she didn’t. In the end, I didn’t either, as she kicked up such a fuss of waiting outside in the cold.
Solo travel for women spells adventure, freedom, and independence.
Let’s list down more whys
- adventure
- freedom
- independence
- confidence
- taking charge
- starting over
- healing
If you can speak to a solo traveler, you will hear the joy in their voices.
Start by traveling with a companion before flying solo.
Is it safe for a woman to travel alone?
“Traveling solo is as safe as traveling with others as long as you plan for safety and follow your instincts,” says – Janice Waugh, author of The Solo Traveller’s Handbook and the Solo Traveller Blog.
When I tell people I’m traveling solo, that’s the most common response I get.
“YOU’RE SO BRAVE!”
My senses are acutely tuned to my environment when I take a trip alone.
Instantly, I shy away from certain people I meet or stay away from the streets I walk down.
Millennial women are more at ease with traveling by themselves.
If they haven’t started for older ladies, making their first solo trip may be a challenge.
For peace of mind, you may want to take self-defense classes—women of all ages face specific vulnerabilities on the road.
Staying safe for female travelers on the road is very important.
Both men and women have health and personal safety issues to worry about, the same fear of all that nasty stuff – falling sick on the road, snatch thief, robbery, sexual assault, and kidnappings.
We have the same issues in our home countries, so we shouldn’t be paralyzed with fear.
Women can learn martial arts like Muay Thai to protect themselves.
The fear factor of being alone when you travel
Traveling alone is not easy; doing things alone in an unfamiliar environment can be scary.
Overcoming fear is part of the experience.
For extroverts, eating or sightseeing alone can be exciting for them.
It’s a good time to befriend the locals. I enjoy going to the wet markets and eating where the locals hang out.
Unavoidable – Solo Travel alone and fearful
The first time I traveled to the airport in Jakarta was 4.30 am for a 6.00 am flight.
Part of staying safe is booking your flights at a decent hour, which is not the cheapest.
In my case, that was the only flight available on the day I wanted to leave.
I booked a Grab, but the car that came was not the same as the one shown on the app.
I asked the security, and after some fast decision-making, the driver and security guard agreed that since I couldn’t log into the Grab App, I would take this ride.
I was a little apprehensive at first, but the driver was a nice, responsible young man who got me safely to the airport and on time.
Don Mueang International Airport check-in. Image: Doris Lim
Safety First
Travel solo, and you’ll need to have your own back.
You will need serious prep work if you like to spend your time outdoors, hiking remote areas and exploring national parks.
Solo treks are dangerous. I would not recommend anyone to go trekking alone under any circumstance.
You should go with an experienced guide who knows the forest, hill, or areas.
You must be ready for trekkers’ weather changes and carry adequate water and a first-aid kit.
I was in Pala-U Waterfall (Kaeng Krachan), and the forest rangers take their job seriously to ensure you get in safely.
Traveling solo doesn’t have to mean you’re entirely alone.
Many tour companies cater to women looking for individualized experiences with a little help from local naturalists or guides.
Tip: If you’re traveling to an area without cellular service, a satellite GPS lets you keep in touch with friends and family and call for help. Know when to seek pro help.
Number one, safety first. Number two, just go!
Hike up Pala-U Waterfall in Hua Hin, Thailand. Photo: SmartDory
Flying solo is Liberating.
Is traveling alone liberating?
Yes, I am proud of the little things I did independently when I first started.
It was booking my flight and hotel.
Checking in alone was a sense of accomplishment.
Breaking Barriers when you travel solo
People are used to seeing families or groups of friends traveling together.
Until today, a single woman without a man is still unusual.
I have airline staff who ask me why my children allow me to travel alone.
You need to speak to solo women travelers and get some top tips if you plan a trip yourself.
Will I be lonely with a party of one?
When I tell people I’m traveling solo, most people will say, “Don’t you feel isolated or lonely.”
Being alone and lonely are two different things.
I tell them loneliness is a choice, whether they stay at home or even when they are on the road.
I travel alone in cars, taxis, buses, trains, boats, ferries, and flights.
On these trips, I am not alone but surrounded by other people.
Making friends and staying safe while discovering the local culture is a fantastic boon for traveling solo.
Solo female travel isn’t courageous (or even to some) defiant. It is merely a personal preference.
Tip: Join a woman-only group tour, and you’ll probably find yourself in the company of like-minded travelers and potential friends.
Check out Damesly. Kelly Lewis, the founder, leads tours and creative retreats in destinations for women.
Damesly ladies on tour. Image: Kelly Lewis
Be open to meeting people who are also alone like you.
New friendships are forged over coffee with a travel companion you just met at your snack stop.
You could be chatting with locals and other travelers.
How do you do that?
Easy. Smile.
Have an open attitude; you may find female travel companions with the same interests to hang out with.
Be the traveler that you would want to meet on the road.
Tip: Most cities offer free or cheap walking tours.
Check with the local tourism office for advice.
Remember, no matter who contacts you on an app, exercise good judgment, and meet people only in public spaces.
How to stay safe by traveling alone?
Getting to know people, dressing to fit in, walking confidently, and not staying out past midnight in unfamiliar surroundings seems like common sense.
Precautionary measures you may want to take include
- Use a slash-proof bag
- Carry a pepper spray
- One doorstop alarm for the door and
- another for the sliding glass door
However, more and more women choose to break these barriers and expectations by traveling alone.
Here’s what they have to say about their experiences.
I welcome a conversation about how women can more freely navigate international travel.
In the meantime, travel safely!
Dory
XOXO
