When I first started solo travel as a female, I didn’t expect it to be both terrifying and liberating at the same time. Friends would tell me how brave I was, but what they didn’t see was me sitting at home before each trip, paralysed by anxiety and second thoughts. I’ve travelled solo at least 15 times now, and still, until the very day I leave, my mind floods with doubts. I convince myself that maybe this trip isn’t safe, maybe it isn’t the right time, maybe I shouldn’t go at all.

And yet, as soon as the plane lands in a new country, it’s like someone flips a switch. All those fears vanish, and suddenly I feel free, excited, and alive. This happens every single time without fail, no matter how many times I’ve travelled. I meet incredible people, stumble into places I once only dreamed of, and experience moments that change me in ways I could never have imagined. Over time, I’ve realised that fear and anxiety aren’t signs to turn back. They are simply part of the journey. And once you push through them, you step into a place of wonder.

In this blog, I want to share the lessons I’ve learned from solo travel as female and, I’ve also discovered a handful of tips & essentials that I never travel without, the little things that keep me safe wherever I go.

What Solo Travel as a Female Taught Me

Independence Doesn’t Mean Being Alone

Before I began travelling solo, I thought it would mean endless days of eating alone and wandering the streets in silence. The truth is the opposite. Travelling solo often opens you up to deeper connections. Without the comfort of friends or family by your side, you naturally talk to strangers, strike up conversations in cafés, and join small groups on tours or excursions. Some of my favourite memories come from unexpected encounters a kind taxi driver in Greece who shared his grandmother’s moussaka recipe, or a group of travellers in Thailand who invited me to explore temples with them.

Fear is Part of the Process

No matter how many times I’ve travelled alone, the same cycle repeats itself: anxiety hits hard before I leave, convincing me that I’m making a mistake. My brain shuts down and tells me to stay put. But the moment I land, that fear dissolves. Suddenly, I feel lighter, open, and ready for adventure. I’ve learned that nerves are not a sign to stop. They’re simply a signal that I’m about to grow. And on the other side of that fear? Every single time, I’ve found joy, freedom, and memories worth every shaky breath.

Trusting Yourself is Everything

When you travel with others, decisions are often made as a group. Alone, it’s all you. You decide where to stay, how to spend your budget, what train to take, and when to say no. At first it feels overwhelming, but it soon becomes empowering. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, and that confidence now shows up in everyday life too. Solo travel as female sharpened my inner compass in ways no book or class ever could.

Courage in Vulnerability

Being a woman alone in unfamiliar places can be daunting. Yet, facing that fear taught me resilience. I learned to balance caution with openness, and that stepping outside my comfort zone consistently leads to growth.

The 5 Essentials I Never Travel Without

Packing has become simpler with each trip. Over time, I’ve realised that I don’t need half of what I once thought was “essential.” But there are eight things I always carry with me, no matter where I go.

1. Journal and Pen

Writing helps me process new experiences, reflect, and stay grounded. My journal is my space to capture memories, vent frustrations, or plan the next adventure. I often use a lightweight, beautifully designed journal that I can carry everywhere.

2. A Power Bank

My phone is everything when I travel, it’s my map, my translator, my booking system, and my camera all rolled into one. The thought of losing battery in a foreign country feels like losing a lifeline. That’s why a reliable power bank is non-negotiable for me. It has rescued me countless times, whether I’ve been navigating confusing alleyways or booking a last-minute hotel.

3. A Water Bottle and Light Snack

It might sound simple, but having a reusable water bottle and a small snack in my bag is a total game-changer. Staying hydrated keeps me energised, and a quick bite can save me when hunger strikes during a long wander or a spontaneous hike. It’s always smart to be prepared for the unexpected, and these little essentials have never let me down.

4. A Lightweight Scarf

This is my ultimate multi-tasker. It becomes a blanket on chilly flights, a respectful cover-up in temples, a makeshift pillow on long bus rides, and even a fashion accessory.  It always earns a spot in my bag.

5. Multi-Purpose Adapter

Electrical outlets vary everywhere, so a compact adapter that works in multiple countries is essential. It keeps phones, cameras, and other devices charged without juggling multiple plugs.

6. Passport and Copies

This one is obvious, but also crucial. I always carry both my passport and a few photocopies. I store the copies separately from the original in case of loss or theft. It’s a small step that saves a lot of panic.

7. Lightweight Backpack or Day Bag

A sturdy, comfortable backpack is a must for day trips, exploring cities or towns, or carrying all the little essentials like my power bank, camera, water, and snacks. It keeps everything organised and easily accessible, so I can move freely without constantly rummaging through my bag. A good day bag makes every adventure more comfortable and stress-free.

8. A Positive Mindset

This might not fit in your bag, but it’s essential. Solo travel comes with challenges, from missed buses to getting lost in new country. Maintaining a positive attitude, staying flexible, and embracing the unexpected transforms these challenges into stories, growth, and adventure.

A Practial Tips for Women Considering Solo Travel 

1. Do your research of places before traveling. 

2. Share your itinerary with someone you trust. Even if plans change, it’s a good safety habit.

3. Blend in. Respect cultural norms and dress codes, and you’ll often find the experience smoother.

4. Stay flexible. Planes get delayed, trains are missed, but sometimes those changes lead to the best stories.

5. Accept the nerves. Remember that anxiety and fear are just part of the process, not a stop sign.

Solo travel as female has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It has taught me that fear isn’t an enemy but a companion guiding you through growth. It reminded me that independence can lead to deeper connections, and that learning to trust myself is one of the most powerful skills I could ever carry.

Of course, travelling with a partner, family, or friends is wonderful, you share meals, laughter, and memories. Travelling solo every now and then gives you the chance to reconnect with yourself, test your limits, and embrace the world on your own terms.

If you’re standing on the edge, wondering whether to book that flight, let me tell you this: the fear will always try to hold you back. But the moment you step off the plane and breathe in the first scents of a new country, it all melts away. What’s left is freedom, growth, and memories that stay with you forever.

Speaking from someone who has severe anxiety and is naturally introverted, I can honestly say solo travel changed me in ways I never expected. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take that leap, consider this it. You’ll love it, I promise.