I heard solo travel is on the rise and all the rage in 2026. I’ve been solo traveling as long as I can remember either for work or fun and I’m some excited to see it becoming more of a regular thing for women specifically.
Traveling solo as a woman has been the greatest gift I could ever give myself. The confidence, joy and growth it has provided me is irreplaceable. I highly recommend that every woman make intentional time to travel solo.
BUT, as we all know, being a woman in the world comes with a different set of rules. Especially when you’re traveling alone.
Safety first. Periodt. Do your research on where you’re traveling before you book the trip. Is it generally safe? Is it safe and favorable for women? Are there laws that specifically discriminate based on gender? What are the travel forums saying? Is anything going on politically that make this place not safe to visit right now? Be intentional about your safety because you have to be.
Picked your destination? Cool. Go back to step 1. Where are the areas of this place to be mindful of? Where is the safest area to stay? Should you avoid areas at night? What are the reliable modes of transportation that are also safe? Map out the what of the adventure so while in the city you’re being as safe as possible.
Figure out your comfort zone. New to solo travel? You may be just dipping your toe in and not willing to do certain things. Maybe you won’t go out after dark alone at all. That’s ok. Your comfort zone can change and adapt as you continue to travel solo and learn what works for you. I prefer to stay in hotels when I travel solo. I like that they’re heavily populated, there’s someone at a desk up front 24/7, often security, overall it feels safer for me. Another woman might be perfectly comfortable at a hostel. It’s different for everyone. I also generally don’t like to be out walking late at night. It’s not for me. Other women like to be out and party and come home as the sun is. Again, whatever is best and more comfortable for your risk zone.
Come prepared. From having the right cash to registering my passport with local embassies to sharing my location with friends and family as well as sharing my itinerary, I make sure folks know generally where I’m at. I’ve also got the tools to get around as needed (the cash!). I ensure I can get service, WIFI or satellite wherever I’m going or a plan to know when I’ll generally be unable to get access to others. Additionally, I screen shot maps if I think some place might be a little remote and I won’t have access to Google maps. I keep my bags with me at all times. I know where the US embassy is. I’ve got Google translate on my phone. I keep my people informed if my plans change. I might be too safe, but I know what happens when you’re not. I’d rather be over prepared.
Be Smart. If it feels off it probably is. Listen to your gut. Also make sure you’re aware of your surroundings, don’t tell people you’re traveling alone, don’t get too drunk and out of control. All simple but important things to remember.
Have fun. Traveling solo is so cool because you are in charge of your day. You can choose to go hike 100 miles or go to the spa for 8 hours. You aren’t waiting on anyone else or considering anyone else, it’s all about you. Make the most of it.
Research. I’m a planner. Probably too much so. But I don’t want to miss anything. I love to research what people say not to miss vs what to pass on. I want to know where to eat, what to buy, where to see the local sights - I need all the information. In advance I’ll buy tickets and make reservations for things that are bound to sell out and then I just have my list handy for the rest. You don’t need to book every moment, but don’t go on the adventure and miss out on the things you wanted to see because you didn’t do a little research.
Reflect. I love a little journaling on the trip. And then again when I’m headed home. I love to recognize the grattitude for the experience, the joy I feel and how each trip changes me. Often times I’m already planning the next one so journaling focuses me to slow down and be present in everything that’s going on in that current experience.
Traveling solo is seriously the coolest thing in the world. Even though doing it as a woman requires extra work, it’s still worth getting out there and doing. It’s truly changed my life for the better and the person I am today is definitely greatly influenced by the woman who goes out into the world and gets shit done on her own.