Solo Female Travel Confidence: 9 Secrets Every Woman Needs
I hate to break it to you, but solo female travel confidence doesn’t magically appear the second you book your first flight!
And I know this because I had to build mine the hard way.
When I took my first solo trip to Montreux, Switzerland at 18, I was 99% terrified. I worried about feeling lonely or looking stupid, almost talked myself out of going at least 25 times, scared myself silly reading fearmongering articles, and questioned my sanity more times than I could count…
Sound familiar?!
Well, if that’s where you are right now, you’re absolutely not alone: secret #1: every woman who’s ever travelled solo has felt a lack of confidence at some point (me definitely included!)
But the good news is that confidence is something you can grow, and it starts with taking that first step and committing to doing the thing scared.
In this blog post, I’m sharing nine secrets that helped me go from 18-year-old nervous wreck Katie, to experienced and confident solo traveller Katie (who has now been to 24+ countries and counting!)
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Why Confidence Matters in Solo Female Travel
Solo female travel confidence is so important.
When you feel confident, you’re a lot less likely to second-guess every decision and much more likely to actually enjoy yourself, instead of spending half your trip stressing.
(Been there, done that!)
Confidence is what allows you to walk into a restaurant alone without panicking, set boundaries when you need to, and trust your gut instincts, always.
Without it, even the smallest challenges feel overwhelming. But with it, those same challenging moments only remind you just how capable you are!
Solo travel confidence is also as much a safety tool as it is a mindset shift. It helps you appear more sure of yourself to others, while also giving you inner calm to make smart decisions when it counts.
Katie’s Top Tip: Even if you don’t feel 100% sure all the time, having a few strategies ready (like the ones in this post!) will make you look and feel a lot more confident.
Does Solo Travel Build Confidence?
Yes, 100%! But I’m sorry to say that you won’t just hop off the plane and suddenly feel fearless.
Instead, solo travel builds confidence in small ways.
It’s built in the first time you find your hotel on your own, or order food in a different language, or spend an afternoon exploring without getting lost.
Through all of those tiny, seemingly insignificant firsts, you start proving to yourself that you can handle a whole lot more than you thought!
Oh, and confidence from travelling alone doesn’t just stay on the trip, either. The little wins add up and become your new foundation of self-confidence, which will positively impact every area of your life!
Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t wait to feel “ready” before you book. (Spoiler: you will never feel ready!) Confidence doesn’t come first; it grows from doing the thing.
How Does Solo Travelling Help Build Confidence?
Repeat after me: I don’t need to be confident to start travelling solo!
In fact, solo travel is what teaches you confidence in the first place. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, teaches self-trust and even helps with self-love, more than any other experience ever could.
And over time, your solo travel wins – first time navigating public transport alone, first time saying no in an uncomfortable situation, first time eating dinner alone – will stack up.
You’ll notice that the same situations that once made you nervous become totally normal.
Katie’s Top Tip: Keep a list on your phone of the little things you’ve accomplished on your trip. It’s the fastest way to remind yourself how far you’ve come when doubt inevitably creeps in!
How To Be a Confident Solo Traveller
I want to just clear one thing up before we get into the 9 secrets: confidence does not mean you’ll never feel nervous.
Instead, it means you’ll know how to manage those nerves and overcome them, rather than letting them stop you.
The most confident solo travellers aren’t fearless at all. Instead, they prepare, adapt and back themselves all the way when plans change or things go wrong.
How Do Travellers Build Confidence: 9 Confidence Hacks For Solo Female Travellers
Confidence is built through tiny, repeatable actions that make you feel stronger trip after trip. That’s why I’m sharing my nine secret confidence hacks for solo female travellers, which took me from terrified first-timer to experienced solo traveller.
Each one is practical, simple to apply and (take it from 18-year-old Katie!) they genuinely work – whether it’s your first time abroad or your tenth. Let’s get to it!
1. Have a Clear Why for Solo Travel
Confidence in solo female travel doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. Instead, you’ll find it in the reason why you’re doing it in the first place.
When nerves and doubts creep in (and they absolutely will!), having a strong “why” gives you something to hold onto.
Maybe you want to prove to yourself that you can be independent. Or finally visit that bucket-list city no one else wants to go to (this was my why for visiting Kotor, Montenegro!) Or maybe you’re simply craving a break on your own terms.
Whatever it is, your why doesn’t need to be dramatic or profound, as long as it’s honest and means something to you.
When you’re clear on your reasons for putting yourself out of your comfort zone, decisions feel easier and the whole trip feels more meaningful too.
As an example, when I was in Stockholm, Sweden, my why was wanting time to slow down and reconnect with myself. So I knew that cramming my itinerary with 10 museums in a day did not fit that. I then felt much more confident in my decision to take a slow ferry ride to Vaxholm, enjoy long walks by the water, and spend the day relaxing in the grounds of Drottningholm Palace.
Your why is the anchor for your trip, and you can return to it every time you second-guess yourself.
Katie’s Top Tip: Write your solo travel why down in your phone notes before you go, so you can reread it when doubt kicks in.
2. Start Small and Build Gradually
Spoiler alert: you don’t need to book a six-month backpacking trip through Asia to count as a “real” solo traveller!
Confidence should be treated the same as building muscle in the gym – you start small and gradually grow stronger before you attempt the heavier weights. Right?
Well, in the case of solo travel, your first trip should be something that feels comfortable. You’re already pushing your comfort zone by going alone, and that’s more than enough.
For example, you could book one night away in the next city over or a weekend somewhere you’ve visited before.
You’ll still practice packing, navigating public transport, eating alone, etc, just without the pressure of being halfway across the world or booked on a three-week trip.
Every trip you take, regardless of duration or destination, builds solo female travel confidence.
A weekend might then turn into a week-long trip to Europe, and then maybe a bigger adventure. Who knows. But each time, you’ll collect valuable proof that you can handle things on your own.
And believe me, that proof stacks up fast, and suddenly booking that big, bucket list trip won’t feel so intimidating.
Katie’s Top Tip: Think of your first solo trip like a dress rehearsal. Pick somewhere close or familiar, test out how it feels, and treat it as a confidence-building experiment.
3. Preparation is Your Travel BFF
So much of solo travel anxiety comes from the unknown.
But the good news is that the more you prepare, the less those nerves have the chance to run the show!
And I know that there’s a common thought that preparation kills spontaneity, but that just isn’t true.
Instead, preparing the “boring” logistics in advance gives you the freedom to actually enjoy your trip rather than constantly stressing about what-ifs.
Here’s a list of things I always research before heading somewhere new:
- How to get from the airport/train station to my accommodation
- Local public transport (apps, tickets, safety at night)
- Neighbourhood safety (where to stay and areas to avoid)
- How tipping, eating out and cultural etiquette work
- Local scams to watch for
- Where the nearest pharmacy, restaurant and supermarket are
- A few emergency phrases in the local language
Covering just these basics in your research removes a huge amount of uncertainty, believe me!
And if you’re new to all of this, I’ve made it easier with my free Solo Female Travel Starter Kit, which walks you through planning your very first trip with checklists and guides I wish I’d had at the beginning:
Katie’s Top Tip: Always save key details offline (maps, accommodation addresses, emergency numbers…) That way, even if your phone dies or you lose signal, you’ll still feel in control.
4. Work on Your Mindset
Solo female travel confidence is just as much mental as it is practical.
If you spend weeks convincing yourself you’re going to get lost, scammed or lonely, your brain will look for proof of exactly that.
So I can’t say this enough: your. mindset. matters.
Instead of focusing on “what if everything goes wrong,” flip it to “what if this turns out to be amazing?”
One quick caveat, though: this doesn’t mean you should embrace toxic positivity or ignore risks. You should still be realistic, but just be balanced with it.
(Aka no doomscrolling Reddit threads or going down a fearmongering, clickbait headline rabbit-hole at 2am!)
One trick I swear by is to remind myself of challenges I’ve handled before.
I now use examples from my travels, but at the start of my journey, I used generic examples, and they worked too.
As an example, some of my early examples were remembering how I overcame bullying, or the time I booked work experience in a whole other country while all of my classmates went to local businesses, or the time I travelled to London (my local city) alone for the first time to go to the theatre.
Whatever you’ve overcome in your life, note down a few of them to remind yourself that you can do tough things.
Katie’s Top Tip: Before your trip, write down three reasons why you trust yourself. You could even use the challenges you’ve overcome to guide this. Then, read them whenever you need a confidence boost.
5. Dress and Pack for Confidence
What you wear and what’s in your bag might seem superficial, but they make a huge difference!
If you’re constantly tugging at an uncomfortable outfit or panicking because you forgot your adapter, it chips away at your self-confidence for travelling before you’ve even really started.
When you feel comfortable, put-together and prepared, you definitely walk a little taller!
For me, confidence packing looks like:
- Clothes I can move comfortably in and that aren’t too revealing
- A power bank for my phone
- A crossbody bag that zips
- A multi adapter so that I never have to worry about having the right plug
- A pair of shoes I know I can walk miles in
Dressing in a way that feels true to you but also blends into the local culture helps too.
I always do research online or on Pinterest for “x city style for women” before I travel, to ensure I will blend in with the locals wherever possible.
It’s just one easy search that always makes me feel so much more confident!
Katie’s Top Tip: Lay everything out before packing and ask yourself something like, “Will this item make my trip easier or harder?” Then, only take the things that make you feel safe, comfortable and confident!
6. Learn to Trust Your Gut
One of the most underrated confidence hacks for solo female travellers is learning to actually listen to your gut.
You know that little voice that says things like “this street feels off” or “maybe I shouldn’t get in that taxi”?
Please don’t ignore it by calling it paranoia. Listen to your gut – always.
Solo travel confidence never, ever means ignoring fear. Your safety is the most important thing in all of this.
Instead, it means respecting your instincts, listening, and letting them guide you.
The more you practise tuning into your intuition, the sharper it gets.
If something feels wrong or off or uncomfortable, you don’t need to explain it to anyone. And remember this too: you don’t owe a stranger your time, your story or your trust.
Trusting your gut isn’t about missing out on experiences or being a spoilsport; it’s about keeping yourself safe.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re ever second-guessing whether it’s just nerves or genuine instinct, use my tried and tested “would I do this at home?” test. If the answer is no, take it as your sign to walk away.
7. Connect with Other Travellers
Solo travel confidence doesn’t have to come from being completely on your own the whole time.
Part of the beauty and joy of solo travel is the connections you make along the way, with people you would’ve probably never interacted with before.
But no, that doesn’t mean you have to suddenly become a social butterfly if you’re naturally introverted or have social anxiety (like me!)
What I like to call “micro connections” are just as important as making a life-long friend from your hostel.
And these micro connections could be anything you’re comfortable with, from a chat with the barista making your morning coffee, to swapping a smile with another woman on the train, or even asking a quick question at your hotel reception.
Or, if you want more structured socialising, joining a walking tour, booking a day excursion or trying a local class is a great, low-stakes way to meet people – even if you’re an introvert.
These little interactions remind you that you’re never truly alone out there, and that is so powerful.
I’ve written more about this in my solo travel for introverts guide, but the short version is: you get to choose the level of connection that feels good for you.
Katie’s Top Tip: Keep a few easy conversation starters in your phone, for example: “Do you have a favourite spot you’ve visited?” or “What’s the best thing you’ve eaten here so far?”
8. Fake It Till You Make It
I’m gonna let you in on another secret: half the time, confident solo travellers aren’t actually confident – they just look it!
The way you carry yourself changes how others perceive you (and also how you feel about yourself).
Standing tall, walking with purpose and making eye contact sends the message that you know what you’re doing (even if you’re lost and secretly double-checking Google Maps under the table!)
But no, faking confidence doesn’t mean being rude or aggressive or pushy.
Instead, it’s about not being afraid to set boundaries, saying no with confidence when necessary and walking like a local.
Acting confident always gives you real confidence over time. And the more you practise, the less it feels like faking.
Katie’s Top Tip: A pair of headphones (even if you’re not listening to anything) are your best friend. They make you look less approachable and give you an easy exit if someone tries to push your boundaries. But of course, safety first! If you’re walking, only have one ear in or make sure transparency mode is turned on.
9. Celebrate Every Win, Big or Small
Solo female travel confidence grows when you take the time to notice your progress, however small.
- Booked your first hotel? That’s a win!
- Ate in a restaurant alone? Also a win!
- Navigated the train without help? Huge win!
They all count.
Don’t wait until you’ve circled the globe three times or visited that one bucket list destination to feel proud of yourself.
Solo female travel confidence is only built by recognising the little victories along the way.
Plus, acknowledging your wins shifts your focus from what’s still scary and unknown to what you’ve already accomplished. (Yep, this comes back to mindset again!)
Katie’s Top Tip: Take photos of or jot down all of your wins, so you can look back on them. This is great for memories, of course, but also for reminding yourself that yes, you absolutely can do this.
Final Thoughts: How to Travel Solo with Confidence and Ease
I hope you now know that you don’t need to have it all figured out before you book your first solo trip.
Instead, solo female travel confidence is built up over time, through preparation, mindset, instinct and those small wins that compound into proof that you can do hard things.
You’ll never erase every bout of nerves (and honestly, you really don’t need to!) The only thing that matters is that you have the tools to handle them and move forward when they come.
So whether you’re just starting with a weekend away or planning something bigger, please remember this:
Don’t wait for the “perfect” time or the “perfect” version of yourself to travel solo. It doesn’t exist. Instead, book the trip, start small, and let the confidence build naturally.
I promise you’ll surprise yourself with how quickly it comes!
If you weren’t worrying about the “perfect” time or the “perfect level of solo female travel confidence, where in the world would you go first – and why? Let me know in the comments!
Read More About Solo Female Travel:
- Solo Female Travel Confidence: 9 Secrets Every Woman Needs
- 11 Solo Travel Tips for Introverts To Feel Confident
- Solo Travel With Social Anxiety: What It’s Really Like
- 11 Tips to Overcome Solo Travel Anxiety (That Actually Work)
- 7 Steps to Create a Solo Travel Evening Routine You Love
