10 Practical Tips for Solo Female Travelers – World of Wanderlust
Traveling alone as a woman can feel both exciting and intimidating. Over the past decade, journalist Lucy Handley has explored places like Bali, India, Vietnam, and the U.S. — all on her own. Along the way, she’s learned how to stay safe, meet people, and make solo trips more rewarding. Here are her best tips for women who want to try solo travel.
- Respect Local Customs
In Kerala, India, Lucy enjoyed yoga and surfing at a clifftop retreat. While she wore a bikini at the resort, she dressed modestly in town by covering her legs and shoulders. Respecting local culture not only helps you blend in but also reduces unwanted attention.
- Mix Tours With Solo Adventures
Joining a group tour is a great way to meet people, but traveling alone lets you enjoy complete freedom. For example, Lucy joined a Mekong Delta tour in Vietnam to connect with others but later explored Phu Quoc Island on her own schedule. A balance of both can make a trip more fulfilling.
- Use Hobbies to Connect
Yoga has helped Lucy meet people in destinations like Sri Lanka, Mallorca, Goa, and even Las Vegas. If yoga isn’t your thing, try local dance or language classes — hobbies are a natural way to build community while traveling.
- Eat at the Bar
Dining alone can feel awkward, but sitting at the bar makes it easier to strike up conversations. In New Orleans, Lucy met interesting people while enjoying brunch and cocktails at restaurants with lively bar seating.
- Limit Phone Use
Instead of relying only on Google or reviews, Lucy carries guidebooks like Lonely Planet. This keeps her off her phone, helps her stay aware of her surroundings, and often makes travel feel more immersive.
- Choose Hotels With Group Activities
Resorts that offer hikes, fitness classes, or social dining tables make it easy to meet fellow travelers. Lucy joined guided treks in India, paddleboarding trips in Sardinia, and even stayed at a silent retreat in Bali — which turned out to be surprisingly freeing.
- Stay Safe While Traveling Solo
Lucy takes a few simple but effective safety precautions:
- Share your itinerary and emergency contacts with family.
- Book most transport and accommodations ahead of time.
- Use cross-body bags and money belts to protect valuables.
- Avoid ground-floor rooms and always lock doors.
- Listen to locals’ advice on safe areas.
- Most importantly, trust your gut — if something feels wrong, leave.
In India, people often approached her just to practice English, while in Bali, apps like Gojek and Grab made getting around easy. Everywhere she’s traveled, trusting her instincts has been the best safety tool.
Solo female travel can be safe, fun, and empowering if you plan ahead, stay aware, and remain open to new experiences.
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