I have done a lot of solo travel in the UK and abroad. So I have some solo travel tips for women to share. But I must admit, it took baby steps to build the courage to travel alone. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, and there were times I wanted to cancel. But every now and then, I’d think, “It’s now or never.” So, I put my brave hat on and did it. The more day trips I took, the easier it got and the more addictive it became. So, here we are, with my solo travel tips to help you get out there.
My solo travels began when I got tired of waiting to go places with someone. I used to cancel trips whenever they didn’t go as planned. So, one day, I decided to do something I never thought I would do — I went on my own. I can’t explain how great that made me feel afterward. At first, I was so afraid of going alone, but despite all the fear, I kept going.
I started with day trips. I booked a train ticket and took a day trip to Bath, just a one-hour train ride from London. From there, I built up my confidence and began doing more day trips. Then I booked a Eurostar ticket to Paris. Read my guide on my solo trip to Paris.
You are doing solo travel alone and you don’t know it.
Solo travel is not for everyone, but if you are an introvert, you’ll already enjoy spending time alone. I’ve always felt that solo travel is a chance to reconnect with yourself. You can discover more about who you are. This includes the things that make you happy. It also involves recognizing the things you no longer enjoy. It’s about taking time out and going at your own pace. It’s truly one of the best things you’ll ever do for yourself.
Going to your local coffee shop, the library, or a department store is actually a form of solo travel. You do these things by yourself, doing what you want. Now, imagine doing that in a different city or country!
Pick your location and prioritise safety
Before you book a hostel, Airbnb, or hotel, research the area where you want to stay first. Ask yourself these questions: Is it in a safe area? Are there shops nearby? The place you stay should be close to shops, restaurants, or on a well-lit street. It needs to be easy to get to and travel from.
Another important thing is to let your family or friends know which accommodation you are staying at. Share the location with them. Include a detailed itinerary of your whereabouts. Make sure to specify the places you plan to visit throughout your trip.
Hotels I have booked on my solo trips
These hotels provided comfort, safety, and excellent service. I couldn’t recommend them more. They are perfect for booking solo trips, and if you want to read my blog posts, here they are.
- London staycation at Raddisson RED
- Boutique luxury in Bath city centre
- A city break to Lille, France
Why I prefer Hotels over hostels and airbnbs
When it comes to accommodations, I prefer to book hotels rather than hostels or Airbnbs. While you can save money by staying in hostels, I love the comfort and security of a hotel. As a woman, I want to feel comfortable in my own space, even if it means paying a little more. So depends on your budget, you should always choose what works for you.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL ON BOOKING.COM
BOOK YOUR HOTEL ON EXPEDIA.COM
Join day tours and meet other solo travelers
One of the best activities for solo travel is to book day tours. These can include walking tours and food tasting tours. Whenever I visit a new city or place, I always book a walking tour through GetYourGuide. They are a tour company operating all over the world, working with local guides who organize the tours. I’ve met the nicest people on these tours and even made friends with other solo travelers.
Always trust your gut instinct
This is incredibly important. If you ever find yourself in a situation where something feels off, act on it at once. Leave right away. Don’t continue walking down a dark street or engage with strangers.
One other important thing to remember is never to tell strangers that you’re traveling on your own. Fake it, if you must. If I find myself having a friendly conversation with someone I don’t know. And they ask “are you alone?” I’d say something like, “I’m waiting for my friend.” Or I say, “I’m here with my partner.” It’s a little white lie, but it’s good for your safety.
Embrace the Freedom and Enjoy the Journey
Take all of these important points into account, but don’t forget to enjoy the moment. Embrace your space, your freedom, and make choices that feel right for you.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page contain affiliate links. This just means that if you choose to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Travellers Stays is a UK travel blog from a female travel blogger writing about her experiences and recommendations on hotel stays, travel destinations and hidden gems.
