It’s only natural to be hesitant about travelling solo. When typing ‘solo female travel + country’ into a search bar, it’s normal for negative stories to surface and we would be forgiven for running a mile, thinking that many beautiful countries are a complete no-go zone. Each new destination brings the unknown – which can be both exciting and daunting in equal measure. Are we being realistic in our expectations or completely naive?
Travelling solo is a process of making informed decisions that feel right for you and your circumstances, and carrying that mentality with you throughout your journey.
It's true that when you prepare for a trip, and during it, you can’t possibly anticipate every eventuality.
If it’s your first time away on your own, you may find some situations more intimidating and unfamiliar than someone who has been travelling solo for a long time, or who has experienced similar situations and cultures on their way. As I said, it can be exciting and daunting - experience is all relative to the individual.
However, take a moment to give yourself some credit - every day you wake up and navigate the world around as you go about your day. Sure it may be in a familiar environment but that doesn't stop the unexpected from happening; when you go to the supermarket or walk through your local park, you can't predict exactly what may happen. We use our common sense and instinct all the time. It's important to remember that just because you’re away from the familiar, exercising your sense of adventure, that does not mean you lose your common sense. You're the same strong person you are at home, able to asses situations, trust your instinct, apply life’s learnings to your new surroundings.
It can be overwhelming when you find yourself faced with negative stories but, in most cases, be assured that there are really positive experiences out there too, from women who have spent significant amounts of time in the country you’re headed to. Take note of the risks/concerns and seek constructive advice and tips. This will help you to feel more confident and to trust your instincts and make decisions, to the best of your ability, with the knowledge you have at the time.
In the long term, we need to cultivate and promote constructive, well-rounded feedback to enable us all to manage situations we may encounter when travelling solo; to build on each other’s experiences and learn from them. This will pave the way for those who follow us and those who follow them to be as prepared and informed as possible. If you have any constructive advice, hints and tips or feedback and stories about your experiences of solo female travel, please do get in touch!
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