9 Things I Learned as a Solo Female Traveler

I took my first solo trip at the age of 18 when I was an undergraduate student at university. For a month after my freshman year, I traveled to Germany for some language-intensive classes. It was my first time living abroad alone, and I quickly learned some independence and self-reliance.

Since then, I’ve come to appreciate solo trips more than I ever thought possible. I love the feeling of complete freedom that comes with being on your own in a new place. You can do whatever you want, go where you please, and change your plans on a whim. It’s an incredibly liberating experience, and I’ve learned a lot about myself from my solo travels.

So if you’re considering a solo trip, let me just say, do it! It’s an amazing experience.

To help you prepare, here are the top 9 things I learned as a solo female traveler.

It’s Okay To Be Scared – But Don’t Let That Stop You From Traveling

I’m not going to lie – traveling can be scary. You’re leaving the comfort of your home, meeting new people, and learning about unfamiliar cultures.

And if you don’t speak the language, it can be even more daunting.

But here’s the thing – those are also some of the best parts about traveling.

You have the opportunity to meet new friends from all over the world, learn about different customs and traditions, and sample delicious food from different cuisines.

Yes, it’s normal to feel scared before embarking on a new adventure. You’re stepping into the unknown. But don’t let that stop you from experiencing all that the world has to offer.

You Can Always Find Someone To Travel With if You Want Company

Traveling solo can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s not for everyone. Some people prefer to have company when they explore new places, and that’s perfectly understandable.

Maybe you’re eager to meet some new people while traveling or plug into a digital nomad community.

If you fall into that category, don’t worry – you can always find someone to travel with.

One of the best ways to meet potential travel companions is to stay in hostels. Hostels are designed for young travelers, and they’re usually full of people who are open to meeting new friends.

You can also attend events organized by hostels, which are a great way to meet other travelers with similar interests. I love yoga and always travel with a yoga mat and have joined in on yoga and pilates classes in cities all around the world. I love the instant sense of community.

So if you’re looking for someone to share your next adventure with, don’t despair – there are plenty of people out there who are looking for the same thing.

Don’t Overpack – You’ll Only End up Lugging Around Extra Weight

Anyone who’s ever tried to carry a heavy suitcase up a flight of stairs knows that packing light is essential. And when you’re traveling solo, everything is truly in your hands, meaning no one will be carrying your suitcase for you.

Let that sink in.

Not only is it easier to move around with less weight, but you’ll also avoid needless back and neck pain.

Moreover, overpacking can lead to wasted time and money. If your suitcase is too heavy to carry, you’ll either have to pay for extra baggage or waste time at the airport trying to rearrange your belongings.

And if you’re constantly searching for misplaced items, you’ll never be able to truly relax on your trip.

So next time you’re packing for a trip, take a moment to consider what you really need. By traveling light, you’ll be sure to have a more pleasant and productive trip.

Make the Most of Your Time in Each Destination

When you’re traveling, it’s easy to want to pack your itinerary with as many activities as possible. After all, there’s so much to see and do in each destination!

However, I’ve found that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to enjoying my trip.

Instead of trying to cram in as many sights and activities as possible, I take the time to savor each experience.

Slow down and really soak in the atmosphere of each place you visit. Talk to the locals and learn about their culture and way of life.

Not only has this helped me have a more genuine and enjoyable experience, but it has also helped to create lasting memories that I’ll treasure for years to come.

So next time you’re planning a trip, remember to make the most of your time in each destination by savoring the experience instead of rushing through it.

Be Prepared for Anything (And I Mean Anything)

I was recently on a trip where my flight was canceled due to bad weather.

I was not prepared for this at all and it ended up costing me an extra night in a hotel.

I learned my lesson the hard way and now I always make sure to be prepared when I travel.

Part of the preparation is mental. I try not to get too upset if I have problems with transportation or end up having to spend extra money to make it to my flight on time.

I also make sure to pack enough clothes and toiletries for an extra day, just in case my flight is delayed or canceled.

Embrace New Experiences and Cultures

There’s no doubt that travel broadens the mind.

When we step out of our comfort zones and experience new cultures, we learn more about the world and ourselves. We learn to be open-minded and tolerant and to see things from a different perspective.

We also have the opportunity to try new things and challenge ourselves in new ways.

Whether it’s learning to cook a new dish, or taking a walk in a strange city, embracing new experiences is one of the best ways to expand our horizons.

And who knows? We might just find that we have more in common with people from other cultures than we ever thought possible. I’ve definitely found this to be true.

Don’t Be Afraid To Change Your Plans

When we travel, we often have a set idea of how we want our trip to go. But the truth is, no matter how much we plan, things will never go exactly according to plan.

And that’s okay!

Part of the beauty of travel is that it’s unpredictable. So if your plans change, don’t be afraid to go with the flow.

Embrace the change and see it as an opportunity to have a new and different experience. Who knows? You might just end up having the time of your life.

I know that was the case for me when I decided to extend my trip to Hungary because I was having too good a time going home!

When Traveling Internationally, Learn a Few Words in the Language of Your Destination

One of the best ways to connect with the locals when you travel is to learn a few words in their language.

Not only will this help you communicate better, but it will also show them that you’re interested in their culture. And even if you only know a few basic phrases, it can still make a big difference.

I remember when I was in Portugal, I tried to learn a few phrases in Portuguese before my trip.

Even though I was far from fluent, the locals appreciated the effort and were more than happy to help me practice.

So next time you’re planning a trip, make an effort to learn a few words in the language of your destination. It’ll go a long way.

There Is No Reason Not To Travel Solo as a Female Traveler

There is a lot of talk about female solo travelers these days, and many women are apprehensive about traveling alone.

But the truth is, there is no reason NOT to travel solo as a female traveler. In fact, there are many advantages to traveling solo.

For one, you’re free to do whatever you want, without having to compromise with anyone else. You can also go at your own pace and take time to explore the things that interest you.

And perhaps most importantly, you’ll gain a new sense of confidence and independence.

So if you’re thinking about traveling solo, don’t let anyone hold you back. Just book that ticket and go!

In terms of safety, it is always important to take precautions no matter where you are in the world. But overall, I feel that solo female travelers are just as safe as anyone else.

Just use your common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t put yourself at unnecessary risk. If you do that, you’ll be fine.

In Summary . . .

So there you have it! These are just a few of the reasons why solo female travel is so awesome. It might even help you improve your mental health. So if you’re thinking about taking a trip by yourself, don’t hesitate.

In my experience, solo female travel is one of the most rewarding and empowering things you can do. So go out there and explore the world! You won’t regret it.

Happy travels!

This guest post was authored by Alisa Goz

Alisa Goz is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and passionate life-long learner. Join Alisa at AlisaGoz.com for the best tips for stress-free travel. Before starting her blog, Alisa worked as a non-profit fundraiser at top New York cultural institutions. She carries her passion for building community through everything she does. 

.

.

*******

Ms. Career Girl strives to provide valuable insights you can use. To see more from our columnists and guest authors, check these out! Or subscribe to our weekly email featuring our latest articles. We’re also present on Medium!