Solo travel has become a defining symbol of freedom for women across generations. Social media feeds are full of stories from women backpacking through Southeast Asia or exploring the streets of Europe alone. Yet, beneath those inspiring snapshots, fear continues to play a quiet but powerful role in how women approach travel.
According to Grand View Research, even in 2024, safety remained one of the biggest concerns for solo women. 70% of women held this worry; however, with experience, this fear seems to reduce. After 10 trips worries about safety dropped to 59%.
That change suggests that anxiety about traveling as a woman is definitely something you can get over. In this article, we’ll explore the worries that solo women tend to have while traveling abroad, and how to make your experience safe and fulfilling.
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Understand That Risk is Everywhere
Uber car rides in America have become risky to the extent that many women are trying to file an Uber sexual assault lawsuit with TruLaw and other law firms. This is happening very much within the United States, which means that safety is relative.
Even countries considered “low risk” can carry invisible hazards, while destinations often labeled as dangerous may simply require better situational awareness. You sort of have to accept that every location carries its own kind of uncertainty. Thus, solo travel is both about avoiding risk and recognizing it early.
Being Street Smart and Tips from Expert Travelers
Every woman who travels alone develops her own set of quiet rules, shaped by years of practice and observation. Nicole Jordan, a solo traveler for the past 10 years, offered Business Insider some expert insights on traveling as a woman. According to Jordan, it’s best to avoid pulling out your phone or map when in a sketchy place. Likewise, she always carries at least $200 in case of any emergencies.
These are insights that you can either learn the hard way or through paying attention to what well-traveled women advise. Of course, with each trip, your situational awareness and street-sense will improve. You’ll notice when someone follows a little too closely or when a street suddenly feels different.
You begin to read body language, tone, and environment with subtle precision. Experienced travelers describe it as learning to feel a place rather than simply moving through it. So, in some ways, every close call teaches you something about your own boundaries and judgment.
The Physical Wellness Factors Aren’t to be Overlooked
Safety conversations often focus on external threats, but solo travel also challenges a woman’s relationship with her body. The constant movement, shifting climates, and unpredictable schedules can take a toll on physical well-being. For women, there are naturally certain aspects that need extra attention.
Writer and Editor Anne Ishii tells Vogue that after tracking her period for 25 years, she “100% avoids” camping out in the wilderness when on her cycle. According to Ishii, this isn’t just for the logistics involved in keeping things hygienic, but also to not attract large animals that may come investigating.
These insights rarely get talked about in travel discussions and articles, yet they are practical realities you’ll face on the ground. It’s safe to say that solo travelers who learn to listen to their bodies tend to travel longer and with more ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which country is best for solo female travel?
Countries like Japan, Iceland, Portugal, and New Zealand are great for solo female travelers. They’re known for being safe, easy to navigate, and welcoming. Locals are usually helpful, public transport runs smoothly, and there’s plenty to explore without feeling out of place.
2. Is it a good idea to travel alone as a woman?
Yes, absolutely, especially if you prepare well. Solo travel helps you grow confident and independent. It can feel intimidating at first, but planning ahead, trusting your instincts, and choosing safe destinations can make it one of the most empowering experiences you’ll ever have.
3. How to stay safe as a solo female traveler?
Stay aware of your surroundings, trust your gut, and keep someone updated on your plans. Avoid flashing valuables, research safe neighborhoods, and have a backup plan for transport. Simple habits like blending in and carrying emergency cash can go a long way.
Long story short, every act of solo travel carries an element of risk, but so does staying still. The difference is that one kind of risk expands your world, while the other slowly narrows it. Traveling alone teaches that control is never absolute. That said, it helps you get more confident when you realize you very much have the power to safely explore the world on your own.
