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This post shares tips for solo female travellers.
Taking your first solo trip is so exciting, even if it is a little bit nerve-wracking.
You’re able to see all the cities and attractions that you want. You’re on your schedule with no one to please but yourself. This trip is all about you, and what you want.
Let’s go through these great tips so that you feel confident in yourself and have the best first solo trip ever!
11 Amazing Tips for First Time Solo Female Travellers
1. Using the Right luggage for your Solo Trip
Before you even leave for your trip you want to make sure that you have picked the right luggage to use.
There are so many different options out there, but I would recommend a backpack. Especially, if you are travelling through Europe.
Dragging a suitcase across the cobblestones is a nightmare!
You should look for a backpack that is between 40L – 50L in size.
Remember you will need a backpack you can carry by yourself. From airports and trains, to buses, and other kinds of public transportation.
I suggest buying a front-loading backpack. They still have the same support as a top loader. Just easier to pack.
Backpacks I would Recommend:
- Osprey Farpoint 40 or Farpoint 55
- Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
- Fjällräven Abisko Friluft
2. Pack Smart and Only Bring What You Need
The best piece of advice that I ever got trying to decide what to pack was to bring clothes you would wear at home.
Have a trial pack about a week before leaving and use compression packing cubes to save space.
Once you’ve finished your trial packing, take half of what you packed away. You will need to do laundry at some point along your travels.
What You Must Pack to Make Backpacking Easier:
- Microfibre towels dry quickly and will pack small
- TSA-friendly flexible locks to keep your backpack safe during travel and for lockers.
- Carabiners to easily hang stuff that you don’t want in your backpack
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Air Tag to keep track of your backpack if you are checking it in
- Universal adapter and portable charger to make sure your devices are always charged.
- Dry Bag for your dirty clothes.
- Canvas tote bag to carry around the city for souvenirs, beach days, or snacks.
3. Have a Plan and Do Your Research
Planning your first solo trip can be stressful, but that’s okay, you’ve got this. Start planning as early as you can. It will help with planning anxiety.
Decide where you want to visit and have an outline of what you want to see and do in each city you’ll be visiting. An itinerary can make your trip much more enjoyable.
Research your destinations, especially as a solo female backpacker, to avoid areas that have a history of violent crime.
that have a violent crime history.
Double-check to see if your new destination requires travel visas and if you must apply before you arrive
There will be destinations where you can apply for a visa upon arrival, but many now require visa applications filled out and approved before arrival.
When booking accommodations, read the most recent reviews to help you decide.
Book your first few accommodations before you leave. If you need to book any public transportation, do that as well.
Put all the info into a notes or calendar app, to have your booking codes and cancellation days.
Remember you’re travelling solo, flexibility is key. Sometimes you may need to have a backup plan, embrace the adventure!
4. Hostels are your Best Friend for Accommodation
Hostels are a lot of fun, and I think everyone should experience staying in a hostel at least once.
They’re a great way to meet people from all over the world. Meet other female solo travellers too. If the opportunity comes up, go and tour the city together.
Hostelworld is my go-to when I’m booking hostels. You can find accommodations almost anywhere and most places have free cancellation policies.
You’ll be able to find hostels that offer all-female dorms, as well. This can be more appealing if you are a first-time female solo traveller.
The best part is many hostels offer free breakfast. Make sure you take advantage of that! It makes mornings much easier to grab and go for your day of exploring.
5. Travel at Your Own Pace and Stay Within Your Comfort Zone
One of the best things about solo travel is that you will see and do whatever you want in a city. You make your own, personal, itinerary!
If you want to spend the day reading at the beach, go for it!
Alternatively, taking the whole day to see as many sites as possible is equally fantastic.
As a solo female, travel safety should always be one of the most important things.
So, travelling at your own pace and staying in your comfort zone will make your trip more fun and exciting. You are the boss of your trip!
6. Embrace New Experiences and Enjoy Local Cultures
If this is your first time solo travelling, embrace all the different cultures you’ll be encountering too
Take the time to learn key phrases like “hello” and “thank you” in the languages of the countries you visit. Many locals will appreciate the effort.
Travelling outside of the major cities is also a good idea. These smaller towns can be the highlight of your trip.
The best part is that some of these hidden gems are only an hour from the main city.
You get to meet more locals and have a more authentic experience with the local culture. Plus, there are usually fewer tourists visiting so it won’t be as crowded.
Enjoy the journey, and take everything in stride, good or bad. You will have learned something and will hopefully be able to laugh about it later.
7. Be Aware of Your Surroundings and Beware of Pickpockets
Pickpocketing is something that happens in many major cities. Be aware of your surroundings when you are travelling.
If you use a bum bag or backpack in crowded areas, like transportation, wear it across your chest. Then you can always see it, especially while riding public transportation.
Use anti-theft zipper clips for added protection.
If you plan on using a small tote bag, make sure the straps are shorter. Keep it snuggly on your shoulder and tucked under your armpit.
When tote bags are resting like this it’s harder for a pickpocketer to reach into the opening.
If you do end up being a victim of a pickpocketing cancel your credit card and report it to the local authorities ASAP. You will need the report for your travel insurance company.
Remember to breathe. It’s stressful at the moment but it will be okay.
8. Posting To Social Media
Social media is a great way to stay connected to your friends and family back home and to those you’ve met while travelling.
You can even plan to meet up with them in a different city later on!
My one safety tip regarding social media is to switch your social media accounts to private.
Being a solo female traveller, in a new and strange city, with strangers viewing your stories may potentially lead to uncomfortable situations.
Switching to private helps you keep track of who’s viewing your posts. You can post whatever and whenever you want without any worries.
You want to show off how much fun you’re having on your journey and not worry!
9. Travel Insurance Should be Non-negotiable
I cannot express to you how important travel insurance is!
It will cover everything from medical expenses, to trip cancellations, and even lost luggage. The number one thing you will need is medical coverage, though.
There are plenty of travel insurance companies to choose from. Each one has different policies, and the ability to modify the policy to your specific needs.
Even credit card companies have travel insurance, so check with yours too.
Obviously, the goal is to not need any medical attention, but it’s better to know that you are covered if that does happen. It’ll give you peace of mind.
10. Important Travel Documents to Have with You
Whether in a notes app, a special email folder, your calendar app or all three places. Make sure you have all the important numbers and documents with you.
All travel documents that you physically need, make sure that they are in a safe place, that only you can reach.
Important Documents and information that you should have:
- Visa information
- Your passport
- A picture of your passport
- Confirmation numbers for transportation: planes, trains, and buses
- Confirmation numbers for your accommodations
- Accommodation cancellation dates
- Dates and times for accommodations and transportation
- Phone numbers to accommodations, transportation and credit card companies
For an extra safety precaution give all this information, including pictures and copies of the documents, to a close family member.
11. The Apps You Need to Download
When you travel, there are apps that you should have on your phone. It will help make your solo travelling experience better.
Outlined below are the apps I would highly recommend you download:
- Notes App: You can have your itinerary, important information, and even your travel journal all in one spot.
- WhatsApp: Connect to Wi-Fi and message anybody. A lot of accommodations communicate through WhatsApp.
- Google Maps: Great for exploring the city you are in. They also have an offline feature too.
- Calendar: Keep track of your transportation dates and accommodation dates.
- E-Sim app: Use local networks and do not pay roaming charges with your phone provider.
- Airline/transportation Apps: If you have more than one airline make sure they are all downloaded. It makes checking in and getting your ticket much easier.
- Google Translate: To help communicate with locals in a foreign language.
- City Mapper: An alternative to Google Maps with every type of transportation option available.
- Smart Guide: Free guided tours around cities, with information given along the way.
- Hostelworld: So that you can book beds, read reviews, and cancel reservations on the go.
All these tips help to ensure you stay safe,
and aware, while having the time of your life on your first solo backpacking trip.
You want to be able to take everything in and enjoy the moment. Experience the cultures, histories, and just being in a new environment.
Thrive in the diversity, and enjoy your new adventure!
