Solo Travel Can Help Women Become More Confident And Independent

Traveling alone can be challenging, risky and unsafe for women, but it is also an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. 

Although traveling with friends can be fun and safe, it prevents you from learning to take control of your life and make your own decisions.

Solo traveling can make you stronger, more confident and more independent. 

When you are alone, you get to explore new places and cultures, while also recognizing your strengths and learning to set boundaries with strangers. 

According to a survey by Hostel World, bookings made by female solo travelers in the last few years have increased by 88 percent, with American women leading the way.

However, fearing for your safety should never interfere with your travel goals. 

Make sure to research your destination using reliable sources—such as guides, blogs, news sites or people who have visited the destination. 

Check to see if the destination has been a hotspot for crime or tourist scams. Read every review you can find on Booking, Airbnb or Tripadvisor.

The Department of State recommends looking for your destination’s closest U.S. embassy, where you’ll be able to find the country’s information list about safety conditions, crime, medical, visa requirements and local laws. 

Try to choose a location near restaurants or transportation. 

Whenever possible try to arrive at your destination during the day and share your itinerary with a friend or family member. 

Attempt to explore the city during the day and avoid isolated areas.

Carry a copy of your ID or travel documents in case you lose them.

Set boundaries with strangers. It’s okay to be friendly, but be careful to not overshare information about yourself and your itinerary. 

Depending on the country’s laws and customs, women’s clothing attire may change. So be aware and respectful of it.

Being confident is one of the keys to a successful travel experience.

In 2019, I traveled alone for the first time on a trip to New York City and I believe that if I would’ve gone with my friends, I wouldn’t have grown the way I did.

Planning my itinerary and being my own boss helped me learn to take care of myself and appreciate my company.

Had my friends come with me, I most likely wouldn’t have been able to visit all of the places I went to, such as the Alice in Wonderland Statue and several museums. 

My fun would’ve been compromised because I would’ve had to rely on other people and I probably wouldn’t have realized that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

So even though taking a solo trip comes with a lot of extra precautions, the confidence and sense of achievement of doing it is a transformative process with great rewards.