11 Life-Changing Benefits of Solo Travel for Women
What if I told you that saying “yes” to solo female travel will be one of the most life-changing things you’ll ever do? In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through the real, personal, and often surprising benefits of solo travel for women. And no, this isn’t just some random list pulled from generic advice or fluffy Pinterest quotes!
I’m writing this list of solo travel benefits as someone who’s been there, done that, and travelled to more than 24 European countries solo. I’ve cried in arrivals because I’m homesick. I’ve jumped on and off trains with a backpack twice my size and bodyweight – not fun! I’ve made my fair share of solo travel mistakes. But I’ve also slowly (and, I’m gonna be honest, messily) figured it all out on my own. And every single trip has taught me something I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.
So, if you’re a wannabe solo female traveller who’s been daydreaming about taking that bucket list trip alone, but you’re unsure if it’s worth it, if you’ll feel safe, or if you’ll even enjoy it – you are exactly who I’m writing this for. This list is for the first-timers, my fellow maybe-somedayers, and the “I’m scared but also kind of excited” ones too!
From learning to love your own company, to realising just how capable you are when a train gets cancelled and no one speaks English – these are the kind of moments I’ll be sharing with you. So, are you ready to see what solo travel really gives you? Here are those 11 life-changing benefits of solo travel!
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What Is Solo Travel, Anyway?
Let’s start with the basics, because the phrase “solo travel” gets thrown around a heck of a lot in blog posts and by influencers on Instagram, but not everyone means the same thing when they say it. At its heart, solo travel just means going on a trip by yourself. No partner, no friends, no family. Just you and your backpack (or suitcase, no luggage judgement here!)
But solo travel isn’t just about the logistics of a trip. Instead, it’s an experience. And it can look very different from one woman to the next. For some women, solo travelling is about backpacking through multiple countries and staying in hostels. But for others, that sounds like hell and instead solo travel is about a weekend spent in a city of culture, finally taking that pottery class or visiting that bucket list museum.
The magic of solo travel is that you get to decide what your dream solo trip looks like. That freedom is one of the biggest benefits of solo travel, and we’ll get into so many more in just a sec!
Katie’s Top Tip: There’s no “right” way to travel solo, and I don’t care who says there is. It is totally okay to start small if that feels better for you. For example, spending one night in a nearby city or travelling solo to a country you have visited with a group for years and are familiar with.
My Solo Travel Story (Aka, Why I’m So Passionate About This)
I will never forget my own first solo trip. I was 18, weaving through Malaga airport, clutching unnecessary paper copies of every single ticket I had booked and trying (badly) to look like I knew what I was doing. I’d never felt so excited and yet so completely out of my depth at the same time. And I was only going to Montreux Christmas Market for the weekend!
But from that first messy (and a little bit chaotic) step, came something so much bigger: trust in myself to do it again. And again. And, as you can probably guess from the fact that I’m now a solo female travel blogger, again!
Since then, I’ve travelled solo to more than 24 countries in Europe – from beach days in Portugal and old town strolls in Montenegro, to silent train rides through snow-covered Norway and falling in love with city life in Stockholm. I’ve made friends with every local cat I’ve met, cried in so many hotel rooms its embarrassing, navigated night buses and ferries in new languages, and figured out how to actually read those confusing public transport boards (eventually, maybe, ish!)
Every solo trip I’ve taken since I was just 18 years old has given me so much more than just memories. They have given me skills, stories, and personal strength I never expected. And that’s why I’m so passionate about helping other women experience the benefits of solo travel for themselves.
Because I know all to well how it feels to be scared. To wonder if you’re making a huge mistake. To question whether you’re capable of keeping yourself safe and alive in a foreign city. But I also know how great it feels when you realise that you are. And you are, I promise.
Katie’s Top Tip: Keep a journal (or even just notes on your phone) as you solo travel. Your little daily wins, no matter how small, deserve to be remembered.
11 Life-Changing Benefits of Solo Travel for Women
Benefit #1: You Build Unshakeable Self-Confidence
If you’ve ever doubted yourself, solo travel will challenge that in the very best way. When you’re the one making every decision – from deciding which trains to catch to picking restaurants to eat at – you very quickly start to realise just how capable you really are. And trust me on this, that confidence doesn’t just appear when you solo travel. It also comes home with you and makes a huge difference to every aspect of your life.
The confidence built through solo travel isn’t loud or brash or fake, either. Instead it’s quiet and strong. The kind of internal confidence in yourself and your abilities that helps you speak up when something feels off, walk into a restaurant alone and own it, or book a dream trip just because you want to.
That feeling of self-trust is one of the most powerful advantages of solo travel, especially because, as women, we are so often taught to second-guess ourselves and our abilities.
And if you don’t feel at all confident about solo travel right now, and you’re wondering “Katie. What the hell are you talking about? I don’t trust myself or have any self-confidence.” Don’t worry. Despite popular misconception, confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build. And solo travel is, in my opinion, the very best way to practice.
Katie’s Top Tip: Try something small that scares you on each solo trip. This could be anything from going to a local event to joining a small group walking tour. Whatever pushes you just a tiny bit further out of your comfort zone. The more you prove to yourself you can do it, the more natural confidence will feel.
Benefit #2: Solo Travel Boosts Personal Growth
Being alone in a foreign country will teach you more about yourself than any self-help book ever could. Yep, I said it. Solo travel pulls you out of your usual roles, routines and people-pleasing tendencies, and into a space where you (and only you) get to choose who you are. And, perhaps more importantly, who you want to be seen as.
When you travel solo, you also have space to sit with your thoughts (yes, even those messy ones you’d rather avoid,) reflect, and grow without the distraction of real life or the influences of other people around you.
You will start to notice what you like, what drains you, what lights you up, what you value… This kind of self-awareness is one of the most underrated benefits of solo travel for personal growth – but it’s also absolutely transformational in every other part of your life too. So don’t be surprised if you come back from your solo trip feeling more sure of yourself than ever before and knowing exactly what you do and don’t want from life! I know I’ve had my fair share of “aha” moments on solo trips, in the most random of places!
Katie’s Top Tip: I know the purpose of solo travel is to explore new places, but try to build in quiet time during your solo trips too. Take a slow morning, sit in a park or even journal by the sea. Real personal growth will happen during those moments of stillness.
Benefit #3: You Learn to Trust Your Gut
When you’re travelling solo, your gut instincts become your best friend. You will quickly learn how to read a room, listen to your intuition, and make decisions based on what you think you should do – not what someone else thinks you should do. Overtime, this habit of listening to your intuition will also flow into your relationships, career decisions and everyday choices too.
Trusting your gut is especially important when it comes to solo female travel. Whether you’re deciding whether or not to walk down a certain street after dark, accept an invitation, or just notice when something or someone feels off, it’s your gut that guides you. And the more you listen to it, the sharper it becomes. It’s a bit like a muscle that needs to be exercised.
You should also know that your gut isn’t playing the role of interfering, conspiracy-theorist, fear-mongering, busy-body in your solo adventures. It’s not trying to be boring or a party pooper. Instead, it’s about awareness. Your gut will guide you on how to read situations fast and, most importantly, trust yourself to make the right decisions for you. This is why learning to trust your gut is one of the most powerful psychological benefits of travelling alone.
Katie’s Top Tip: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t overthink it, don’t apologise for it – just remove yourself from the situation, make a new plan, and move on. Your intuition is a skill, and solo travel is the best training for that skill.
Benefit #4: You Fall in Love With Your Own Company
Spending time alone can feel daunting at first, especially when you’re used to constant company, background noise, or always putting others first. But one of the most beautiful and long-lasting benefits of solo travel is that it gives you uninterrupted space to rediscover yourself. And not in a cheesy, Instagram-quote kind of way, I promise!
Instead, solo travel gently forces you to spend real, grounded, uninterrupted quality time with yourself.
You will learn how you like to spend your mornings. What kind of museum actually interests you – or whether you hate them all! Whether you prefer a busy beach bar or a hidden café with a book.
You will also start to realise that you don’t need to fill every moment of silence with media or distraction. This was a big deal for me, actually. I used to never be without headphones, but now I love nothing more than walking in silence, listening to the sounds of the city or nature around me.
And slowly, over time, your idea and definition of being alone will shift too. From something scary or at least uncomfortable, to time that is sacred and should be protected. I know even the most extroverted travellers who have learned to love spending time alone, thanks to solo travel.
Learning to enjoy your own company is one of the most powerful solo female travel benefits I’ve ever personally experienced. You’re building a deep, trusting friendship with yourself, because at the end of the day, you are the only person you can 100% rely on. And solo travel will show you that in so many ways.
Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t feel pressure to be busy all the time just because you’re alone. Instead, treat your alone time like a date with yourself. Bring a book, order the wine, take yourself out for dessert… You’re excellent company, I promise!
Benefit #5: You Connect With People in More Meaningful Ways
And now in a major plot twist of solo travel (and in complete contrast to the last solo travel benefit,) let’s talk about socialising. Because you’re actually more social when you travel alone. Yes, even you, my fellow introvert!
When you’re with friends or a partner, it’s so easy to stay in your bubble, with your people. But when travelling the world solo, I find that even as a self-confessed shy girl, I naturally open up more. You become curious and more approachable, and that energy encourages connection in a way that group travel rarely does. Whether you’re looking for it or not.
From deep chats in the hostel bedroom with strangers who will become lifelong friends, to moments of shared laughter with a random local over a language barrier misunderstanding – the connections you make while travelling solo are almost always richer and more genuine.
You are away from your own world, so you’re not performing for anyone. You’re just you. And that authenticity draws in conversations and friendships that stay with you. It’s one of the most unexpected benefits of solo travel – you actually end up feeling less alone. I told you it was a plot twist!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re nervous about starting conversations, join a local walking tour, book a cooking class, or stay in a hostel. These built-in shared experiences create easy, natural ways to meet like-minded people without dreaded small talk.
Benefit #6: You Learn to Overcome Challenges Like a Pro
I’m not going to sugar-coat it: stuff will go wrong. You’ll miss a bus, book the wrong night, get lost, or have to mime your way through a conversation with a local who doesn’t understand you. But every time you face a challenge and figure it out (even if you cry first, which is totally valid!) you become stronger, calmer, and more resourceful in the future.
But don’t get me wrong… things will always go wrong when you’re solo travelling (or just travelling in general,) and that won’t change no matter how many trips you take. Okay, so you’ll get better at planning and learn more as you go, but still, no trip will ever be perfect.
As an example, during my last solo trip to Croatia, I was fooled by a taxi scam. Long story short, I made the rookie solo travel mistake of choosing to trust a taxi driver who was hustling people for rides as they got off the bus. And then he more than doubled the agreed price when we arrived at my destination. Who’s surprised? I’m not! And it’s a mistake that I technically shouldn’t have made. I’m an experienced solo traveller. I know all of the solo travel safety tips under the sun – and I’ve written about most of them. But I was tired and I’d had a long journey and I’m human.
And that’s the point. We are only human, and we will always make silly mistakes (no matter how many solo trips we take,) but it’s how we learn from them and don’t let them define us that really matters.
So, learning how to stay calm under pressure, how to think on your feet, and how to autopilot to plan B when plan A falls apart? Those are solo travel skills worth their weight in gold! And they are also real-life skills that you’ll carry into every area of your life. So while these mistakes can feel frustrating in the moment, they’re actually one of the biggest benefits of solo travel, because they help you become someone who can handle anything.
Katie’s Top Tip: When things go wrong, talk to yourself the way you’d talk to your best friend. You don’t need to be perfect – you just need to keep going. Never let anything stop you. And spoiler: you’ll have a great story to tell later! Trust me, I’ve been dining out on this taxi story for months on this blog – it’s a handy example!
Benefit #7: You Learn to Put Yourself First
As women, we’re so often taught to prioritise other people’s needs before our own. (Which, is rubbish, by the way. You can’t pour from an empty cup.) But solo travel flips that script entirely. It gives you full permission to focus on yourself – your wants, your energy, your time.
You eat when you’re hungry. Rest when you’re tired. Change plans without apologising. Do what you want, when you want. Skip that must-see attraction because it’s just not your vibe. And there’s something so healing about that. About not needing to justify your choices to anyone.
This kind of self-prioritisation is rare and almost seen as radical today. And that’s exactly why you’ll hear so many women describe solo travel as empowering. Because that’s exactly what it is. You’re not asking for permission. You’re showing up for yourself in a world that doesn’t always encourage that. And in the process, you learn that your time is yours and no one else’s. Your energy is valuable. And your life gets to be lived on your terms.
Katie’s Top Tip: Practice tuning in to what you really want on a daily basis, whether you’re solo travelling or not. It’s more than okay to ask yourself: what do I need today? And be a little bit selfish about honouring that. The more you listen to yourself, the easier it becomes to protect your energy and say yes (or no) with confidence.
Benefit #8: You Shift Your Perspective of the World
When you travel solo, the world opens up to you in new ways. You start to see places not just as destinations, but as communities. You experience other cultures not just as an observer on TV or as part of a distracted group, but as a respectful guest. You notice the kindness of strangers, the beauty in daily life, and the shared humanity that connects us all. Yep, I know this solo travel benefit is verging on cheesy, but I’ve been good so far, so stick with me!
That broader perspective you receive about our world is one of the deepest psychological benefits of travelling alone. It softens your assumptions, builds empathy (that, let’s be honest, is so often lacking in people today,) and reminds you that your way of doing things and living life isn’t the only way.
You become more open, more adaptable, and more appreciative. And not just of what others have, but of what you already have to be grateful for in your life back home. And honestly? That perspective shift, and those feelings of gratitude, are one of those priceless benefits of solo travel.
Katie’s Top Tip: Take the slower, less travelled route sometimes. Skip the crazy itinerary and stay in one place for a while. Talk to locals. Watch everyday life unfold. Experience that everyday life, if you can. The real magic of solo travel is almost always found in the quiet, unplanned moments.
Benefit #9: You Discover What You Actually Like
It’s so wild to me how much of our daily lives are shaped by other people’s preferences. You may not even realise it’s happening, but what we eat, what we watch, and even how we spend our free time will almost always shift to accommodate the people around us. And that’s not always a bad thing. But when you travel solo, all of that noise fades away and suddenly, you’re the only one making your decisions.
Want to spend three hours in a quirky museum that no one else you know would ever set foot in? Go for it! Want to eat gelato for dinner or skip that overhyped tourist spot? Done.
One of the most underrated benefits of solo travel is how much you learn about your own preferences. There’s no pressure to compromise, no one to please, and no group dynamic to meet. And the clarity that comes from that kind of space can be truly life-changing, helping you to reconnect with yourself in ways that so often get buried under our stressful, monotonous daily routines.
Katie’s Top Tip: Keep a solo travel journal where you write down the things you genuinely enjoyed each day, whether that’s meals, places or individual moments. It’s a fun way to discover your real tastes, and it makes for a great personal souvenir of your trip too!
Benefit #10: You Don’t Have to Wait for Anyone (Before or During Your Trip)
How many trips have you put off because friends couldn’t get the time off work? Or because no one else shared your dream of visiting the Colosseum in Rome or hiking the fjords in Norway?
One of the greatest benefits of solo travel is that you don’t have to wait anymore!
When you travel alone, your timeline is your own. You get to fulfil your bucket list now – not when it’s convenient for someone else. There’s something incredibly freeing about booking a trip just because you want to. No compromises. No waiting for your group to have enough money, your partner to have leave time saved up, or your family to be in the mood.
I’ll say it louder: Stop putting your dreams on hold for people who may never share them.
The best part is that this freedom doesn’t end once you’ve booked the trip. When you’re travelling solo, your itinerary is also yours and yours alone.
Want to skip the museum and sit by the harbour with a book for hours? Dreaming of a visit to that quirky café on the other side of town, just because you saw it on TikTok? Feel like calling it a night early? Whatever you want, it’s all your choice. You don’t have to explain yourself. You get to honour your mood, rhythm and joy in every moment.
Katie’s Top Tip: Start a “Someday Trip” list. And then every time you think, “I’d love to do that if someone would come with me,” write it down. Then go. Just you. You’ll be so proud that you did, I promise!
Benefit #11: You Realise You Were Always Enough
The biggest benefit of solo travel of all? You meet yourself – and you like her.
Now, this one isn’t an immediate solo travel benefit. It sneaks up on you. It’s not something you’ll notice on day one, or even during the trip itself. But somewhere between figuring out how to buy a bus ticket in a language you don’t speak and sitting alone, watching the sun set over the sea, you’ll realise you’re not lonely. You’re not lost in life. You’re not missing anything. You’re actually… okay. In fact, you’re doing good. More than good.
One of the most powerful solo travel benefits for me was feeling a deep, quiet confidence that comes from proving to yourself that you can do life alone and still love it.
Don’t get me wrong, this is absolutely not about rejecting relationships or choosing life-long independence or solitude for the sake of it. It’s about knowing that your own company is enough. That your life is still whole – whether you’re sipping wine in a Paris café on your own or hiking a coastal path in Portugal with a friend.
It’s about knowing, in your heart, that you don’t need to be “completed” by anyone else. You are whole exactly as you are.
Katie’s Top Tip: After your trip, always take a moment to reflect on just how far you came, both literally and emotionally. You could even write yourself a letter to see how much you’ve grown without even realising it.
FAQ About the Benefits of Solo Travel
What are the psychological benefits of travelling alone?
Travelling solo gives your mind the space it rarely gets in your daily routine. Without the constant noise of other people’s opinions, you gain clarity, improve your emotional regulation, and deepen your self-awareness. One of the key psychological benefits of travelling alone is that solo travel gently forces you to confront your own thoughts, habits and fears, before revealing just how capable you truly are of taking care of yourself – even if you don’t believe it yet!
Is solo travel worth it?
100%, yes! If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is solo travelling worth it?” let me just say: it’s one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made, and I just know it will be the same for you. The freedom, personal growth and unexpected moments of clarity are things you just don’t get when travelling in a group. Even if it feels intimidating at first, solo travel will almost always end up being far more fun, fulfilling and transformative than you could’ve ever imagined.
PSST. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time, either. There will always be an excuse not to go. Just book the trip. You’re more ready than you think.
What are the advantages of travelling solo as a woman?
As a solo female traveller, you will connect with the destinations, and yourself, on a much deeper level. You get to explore on your own terms, challenge social expectations of solo female travel and, most importantly, feel truly free in the world. One of the biggest solo travel benefits for women is learning how strong, intuitive and resourceful we actually are.
Why is solo travel empowering?
Solo female travel is empowering because it gives you complete ownership over your time, choices and voice. There’s no one to fall back on, which sounds scary, but is actually where your inner strength gets built. From navigating language barriers to handling those inevitable solo travel mistakes, you discover that you are capable of so much more than you thought.
It’s not about being fearless, but about being terrified and then showing up for yourself anyway.
What are the solo travel benefits for personal growth?
When you travel solo, personal growth isn’t something you can avoid. You’re gently (and sometimes not so gently) pushed out of your comfort zone – experiencing new cultures, making decisions and managing setbacks. These moments build your confidence in real, tangible ways. And you will quickly start to notice how capable you are, even in situations you once thought you couldn’t handle. You will also learn your likes and dislikes without outside influence, and discover how you respond under pressure, how you recharge and what brings you joy.
Why is solo travelling important?
Solo travel is important because it teaches you to be your own best friend. Our world often prioritises being busy, connected and even coupled-up, but travelling alone allows you to meet yourself as you are, with no pressure to perform and no role to play. That’s so rare – and very important.
Conclusion: The Real Benefits of Solo Travel
Solo travel isn’t just about booking that dream trip or fangirling over Instagram-aesthetic photo spots. It’s about permission. Permission to live and travel on your terms. To make mistakes, get lost, and then find your way again. And the many benefits of solo travel will take you far beyond your itinerary. They will shape who you are as a person and also how you experience the world. But, perhaps most importantly, they will also remind you that you are strong, capable and worthy, just as you are.
So, whether you’re drawn to the idea of solo female travel for personal growth, empowerment, adventure, or healing, know this: solo travel will change you, but in the very best way!
If you could travel anywhere in Europe solo, where would you choose? Let me know in the comments! For me, my bucket list trip is seeing autumn colours around Lake Bled in Slovenia. Watch this space – maybe one day I’ll be back to this post with a story to tell on that one!
Read More About Solo Female Travel:
- 11 Common Solo Female Travel Mistakes (+ How to Avoid Them)
- Is it Weird to Travel Alone as a Woman? 7 Things to Know
- 11 Life-Changing Benefits of Solo Travel for Women
- 30 Must-Know Safety Tips For Solo Female Travellers
- The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide: Everything I Wish I Knew
