The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide: Everything I Wish I Knew

If you’re on the hunt for a solo female travel guide that’s actually helpful, based on years of real experience, and gives you everything you need to know before you go, welcome! I’ve solo travelled to 24+ countries across Europe since I was just 18 years old, so I’ve made all the mistakes, dodged some borderline disasters, figured out what works (and what doesn’t), and learned how to make solo travel feel empowering, safe and joyful.

This guide is packed with female solo travel tips to help you plan, book, pack, stay safe, ease your anxiety and experience the world – all on your own terms and timeline. Let’s get to it!

Why You Should Solo Travel (Even If You’re Terrified)

If you’ve been thinking about taking a trip on your own, let me be the first to reassure you – solo travel as a woman is 100% worth it. Yes, there will be nerves. Yes, there will probably be some awkward moments and learning curves. Yes, you will have to consider your safety and take some precautions. But despite all of that, there is absolutely nothing like the freedom, self-trust and self-confidence you will gain from exploring the world solo.

The overwhelming fear of trying something new and leaving the safety of your comfort zone will always try to convince you to stay home, especially if it’s your first solo trip. Even now, as an experienced solo traveller, I still feel the equivalent of the Sunday Night Scaries before any trip. I hate to disappoint, but that feeling will never truly go away. But it also doesn’t mean that you’re not ready or not capable.

I almost cancelled my first ever solo trip – a weekend visiting the stunning Christmas Market in Montreux, Switzerland – the night before. I remember staring at my tiny, lopsided wheely suitcase in a state of complete panic, overthinking every single plan I had made, convinced I couldn’t do it. But I got in the taxi and boarded that plane anyway.

And in case you’re wondering how it went? I had the best time and from then on I was hooked on solo travel. I’m not kidding. I booked my next trip (this time to Estepona, Spain,) in my airport hotel room that very same night! But, perhaps more importantly, getting on that plane was the first step to building a level of trust with myself that I had never had before.

And that’s the main point. For many of us, choosing to solo travel is so much more than just a holiday or another destination to check off our never-ending bucket lists. It’s about proving to ourselves that we are capable. With solo travel, you don’t have to wait for anyone else to say yes – you get to explore and experience the world entirely on your own terms.

So, if you’re reading this solo female travel guide with a full European bucket list and nerves that are holding you back, you’re exactly who I wrote it for. Let’s get into it!

Katie’s Top Tip: Write down why you want to solo travel. This could be because of the destination you want to visit, but it could equally be about something much deeper than that. You might want to build self-confidence, step outside of your comfort zone, or get to know and trust yourself better. Whatever it is, keep that note somewhere visible, for example on your phone or handwritten on a card in your purse. Trust me, that one small reminder will keep you grounded when doubt shows up.

Is it Safe to Travel Alone as a Woman?

Let’s be real – this is probably the number one question on your mind if you’re thinking about taking your first solo trip. Is it safe to travel alone as a woman? And I get it. It was mine, too. So if you’re looking for the short answer? Yes, solo female travel is safe – but with the right precautions.

It’s no secret that solo travel is more dangerous for women than it is for men. And it is also no secret that solo travel has more safety risks than group travel. But I’m not saying that to scare you or to put you off – as you’ve probably guessed from this post so far, I am obsessed with solo travel, believe everyone should take at least one solo trip in their lifetime, and could talk about it’s benefits all day! However I do think it is important that we don’t underestimate safety or over-glorify solo travel, so let’s get into my top tips for staying safe as a solo female traveller:

1. Trust your gut

I’ve solo travelled through 24+ countries across Europe, and the best thing I’ve learned to do is trust my gut, read a situation, and make choices quickly that protect my safety. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t worry about seeming rude. Walk away, say no firmly, or head back to your hotel if you feel even slightly uncomfortable. You don’t owe anyone politeness at the expense of your safety. The more you travel, the more you build that trust in your gut. But to start? The rest of these tips will help!

2. Do your research before you go

And be sure to look up the specific area you’re staying in, not just the city as a whole. Reading blogs (especially ones specifically for solo female travel), checking forums and browsing local Facebook groups are all great ways to get a feel for where you’ll be staying before you arrive. You can then use this local and traveller knowledge to know what neighbourhoods are walkable, well-lit or should be avoided after dark, and make an informed decision about where to stay.

My favourite thing to do is to use Google Street View to virtually walk the area around my accommodation. I also use it to see what key routes are like, for example between my accommodation and the train station, or the local supermarket, or the key tourist attractions I want to visit.

3. Let someone you trust have your itinerary

Even if your plans change (and they almost definitely will), share your rough route, accommodation details, and any bookings with a trusted friend or family member before your trip. This will give both them and you peace of mind. You can also use apps like Find My iPhone or Life360 to let them track your location, if that feels safe and right for you.

4. Blend in where you can

No, I’m not saying you need to ditch your personal style in favour of a boring, incognito-mode inspired outfit, but you should take some steps to try not to stand out as a tourist. For example:

• Walk with purpose
• Avoid flashy jewellery
• Keep your phone and valuables out of sight when navigating
• Acting confident (even when you’re faking it till you make it,) goes a long way to increasing safety

My favourite way to navigate without using my phone is to have the audio directions turned on using Google Maps. I put one wireless earbud in (with the volume down low for transparency and awareness,) and use Google’s voice and street signs to navigate with purpose and confidence.

5. Book airport transport in advance

Arriving in any new place is going to feel overwhelming, so it’s so important to take the stress out of it as much as possible. Before you arrive in a new place, be sure to pre-book a trusted transfer, buy a public transport ticket online, or research the safest taxi apps to use. At the very least, if none of those options work for your trip, you should have clear, step-by-step instructions for how to get a ticket or make your own way to your accommodation.

Wandering around trying to figure out transport when you’re tired, potentially jetlagged and visibly on your own is always a big no from me. And this is especially important if you are arriving somewhere at night. As a rule, I always try to time my arrivals for daylight hours, but this isn’t always possible.

Katie’s Top Tip: Always, always trust your gut – even if it feels silly. I can’t stress enough that your gut will be your best friend while you are travelling solo. Also don’t share your full plans with strangers and be sure to stay alert (but not paranoid.)

Quick bonus tip: Staying safe doesn’t mean never taking risks – it just means taking calculated ones. It’s so okay to want to have fun, meet people and enjoy the local nightlife, but just make sure to keep your wits about you, stay in public spaces and don’t be afraid to make a quick, unapologetic exit if your gut tells you you need to.

Choosing the Right Destination (For You)

Now we’ve covered the important topic of safety, let’s get into the exciting part – planning your dream solo trip – starting with where, out of all of the 44 European countries, do you go first?!

Deciding where to go on your solo trip is arguably the most important part of the planning process, because choosing the right spot for you can seriously make or break your experience. And I say the right spot for you, because everyone is different.

You might dream of solo travel because you want to meet new people and embrace local nightlife on a party island, whereas to someone else that may sound like their worst nightmare. Their dream trip might involve a peaceful beach getaway, walking tours and good food. Everyone is different. The bottom line is that the best solo female travel destinations are the ones that match your wish list and requirements – not just what’s trending on Instagram or where your friend said you ‘must visit.’

When you’ve got your holiday vibe down to a long-list, narrow it down further by looking for places that are known for safety, walkability, friendly locals, and popularity with female solo travellers. Countries like Portugal, Croatia, Malta and my personal favourite, Sweden, are some of the best destinations for solo female travellers because they’re easy to navigate, affordable and, of course, out of this world beautiful!

Katie’s Top Tip: For your first trip, pick a destination where you’ll feel comfortable. Maybe that’s somewhere English is widely spoken. Or it could be a staycation destination that you can get to with your own transport. Or somewhere that’s very walkable or has reliable and regular public transport links. Or maybe a place where solo travellers are common and welcomed by locals. Whatever will make you feel more comfortable during your trip, make sure you prioritise that.

Planning & Booking Like a Pro

Good planning always = less stress. Now for all my spontaneous travel girlies visibly cringing over the thought of planning, that doesn’t mean you have to over-plan every second of your trip or colour code your days. (Unless that’s your thing. It might be mine – oops! 🙊) BUT having a loose itinerary will give you confidence.

As a general rule, you should always try to book and plan in advance for anything that is important. I’m talking arrival transport, flights, minimum first night’s accommodation, any tickets/tours that may sell out, and at least one nearby restaurant and supermarket.

When you’ve planned for these basics, you’ll feel more secure and ready to enjoy the experience without unnecessary stress. And after that, how much you plan is entirely up to you. For my fellow planners, that might look like a full scale Notion Doc with colour-coded daily itineraries, images of everything and interactive maps. For the more spontaneous travellers (I might be a teeny bit jealous of you!) your onward planning might just look like a bullet-point list in your notes app that you choose from depending on your mood.

Whatever your planning style, don’t forget this safety tip: Always let someone you trust have your itinerary. Even if it’s just a rough outline or a bullet-point list. You don’t need to check in constantly, but having a safety net back home is so important as a female solo traveller.

Now, I still love a checklist (I’m sorry!) so here’s mine for planning like a solo travel pro:

• Minimum first night’s accommodation booked
• Arrival transport sorted (airport to accommodation)
• Offline Google maps + key addresses saved
• Main activities or tours reserved
• Local safety/cultural research done
• Itinerary shared with a trusted friend or family member

Katie’s Top Tip: The biggest lesson I want you to take away from this solo female travel guide is to book the essentials early to avoid stress and disappointment, but always leave space in your itinerary for spontaneity. That really is the only way to get the best of both worlds.

Calming the Pre-Trip Anxiety Spiral

If the idea of flying solo causes your heart to race or your mind to spiral with (usually unhelpful) what-ifs before every trip, you are definitely not alone. Even after 4+ years and 24+ countries, I still get anxious before every solo trip I take. I wish I could tell you that that feeling just vanishes after x number of trips or years, but in my experience it doesn’t. The key is to expect it, prepare for it and, most importantly, not let it dictate your choices.

I’m not kidding when I say I overthink every. single. tiny. thing. Like, Olympic-level overthinking. To the extent that I annoy myself, let alone my friends and family! I quadruple-check my passport (because triple-checking isn’t enough, clearly.) I do full-blown doom-scroll research at 1am (do not recommend.) And 9 times out of 10 I will nearly talk myself out of going… and then do it anyway and have the best time. So trust me when I say: if I can solo travel, you absolutely can too!

Preparation is your best friend here. Knowing your route from the airport, booking safe accommodation, and having a few go-to comforts (mine are a strong supply of my current favourite snack, a good playlist and the ring I never take off.) Even small things like that will work wonders at calming pre and during trip anxiety.

Another checklist, who is she?! Here’s what helps me reduce my travel anxiety:

• Plan your arrival: Know exactly how you’ll get from the airport to your accommodation. Have the address saved and, if possible, book your ticket in advance.
• Choose your stay wisely: Look for places with strong reviews. Bonus points if they offer 24-hour check-in.
• Pack your comfort items: Whether that’s your favourite snack, a playlist that calms you down, a piece of jewellery you always wear, or even your go-to hoodie.
• Do your research: Understanding local customs, common scams, or basic phrases can help you feel in control, not confused or caught off guard.
• Reframe the nerves: Pre-trip anxiety is only a sign you’re doing something brave. 💚

Katie’s Top Tip: Even though it’s easier said than done, don’t let anxiety hold you back. Prep what you can in advance, accept that there will always be some level of uncertainty and, most importantly, give yourself a chance to surprise yourself.

What to Pack (And What You Really Don’t Need)

So you want to know what to pack for your solo trip? Well, in this solo female travel guide we skip the fluff: the answer is a lot less than you probably think. Overpacking will only slow you down, make it harder to move between places, and add unnecessary stress.

I wish I could give you some magic hack or piece of advice, but the answer is truly this simple: pack light, versatile clothing you can layer and match, and don’t forget your own personal essentials, for example an extra supply of necessary medication, local power adapters, a portable charger…

When packing you should also think about safety. My travel safety essentials are:

• A sturdy crossbody bag with a zip
• A lock for my luggage (my suitcase has this built in)
• A portable doorstop
• A fully charged portable charger
• Multiple backups – both physical and digital – of important documents and phone numbers

Safety and essentials aside, travel is and should be fun! So make sure you leave space for souvenirs and little local gems. I’ve picked up a huge number of quirky souvenirs on my travels, including an entire cinnamon loaf from Stockholm, Sweden (yes, really!) so I never regret leaving extra space for spontaneity in my luggage.

And finally, perhaps the most important question: what kind of bag should you use? I’m not here to restart the whole backpack vs suitcase debate, because the answer is – I love both. As a rule of thumb, for trips where I’m moving to multiple hotels, I much prefer a backpack, but if I’m staying put for the whole duration, I find a carry on suitcase much easier and more comfortable to deal with. I also never check luggage because my biggest fear is the airline losing my stuff (especially as I tend not to stay in one place when I travel,) but that’s just a me thing. You do you!

Katie’s Top Tip: Avoid overpacking by laying everything out in advance and sitting with your decisions for a few days. Then, before you pack, you have my full permission to be ruthless! My golden rule is that if I hesitate, even for a second, I don’t need it and it’s not coming. Stick to comfy shoes, layers and versatile outfits.

So You’ve Just Arrived…

So you’ve just arrived for your dream solo trip and you’re so excited… but also a little (okay, a lot!) overwhelmed. Suddenly, you’re no longer sitting in your borderline uncomfy plane seat, letting the captain take you from A to B – you actually have to do the thing you’ve been planning for months.

At this point, we have two options: anxiety spiral in the airport, or trust our planning and move through the motions to our final destination. I have done option one, multiple times! But option two always makes for a much nicer start to your trip, which is why it is so important to make your first day logistics as easy as possible. (See my section on Planning & Booking Like a Pro!)

There are three things that should always be planned in advance to make your first experience in a new place easier:

1. Your transfer from the airport to your accommodation should be pre-booked (or you should have clear directions and ideally tickets booked for the local public transport alternative.)
2. You should know exactly where your accommodation is in relation to where the public transport drops you off (hello again, Google Street View!)
3. You should know where there is a safe space to store your luggage if you arrive before check-in time. This is often something your accommodation can help with, so be sure to check before parting with any extra money.

Once you have those three logistics in place, the most important thing is to give yourself time to settle in. If possible, start with a walk around your local area in daylight to get your bearings and stretch your legs after being cooped up on a plane for hours. Find your nearest café, restaurant or supermarket so you don’t have to go searching for them in the evening when you’re hangry – not fun, trust me! And take note of nearby landmarks and tourist attractions so you always have somewhere to navigate back to. Plus, starting your trip with sightseeing is always fun!

Booking a walking tour, food experience or other local activity for your first full day in a new place are also great ways to ease into the area and meet other solo travellers, if that’s your thing.

Katie’s Top Tip: Download Google Maps offline for your area and pin your accommodation and key places like a supermarket, restaurant, public transport stops and key landmarks. Trust me, it’ll save you so much stress later!

Where to Stay When You’re Travelling Solo

Where you stay will make a huge difference to how you feel and the experience you have. Look for safe, central spots, ideally within walking distance of the key places you want to visit.

On some sites like Booking.com you can filter reviews by traveller type, so you can check to see if the accommodation has good reviews from other solo female travellers. In terms of accommodation type, hostels, hotels, guesthouses and Airbnb stays all have their own pros and cons (which should probably be a blog post in itself,) but ultimately what you choose will depend on your vibe and what you want from your stay.

For a bit more peace of mind, make sure your accommodation has secure entry, is well-lit at night and isn’t too far from public transport. Feeling safe where you sleep is key to enjoying your trip. For example, when I travel I will never choose hostels or properties with shared bathrooms. I often need a quiet space to work on the road and having my own space, as well as a private bathroom, is just something that makes me feel more comfortable when solo travelling. So, instead of hostels, finding charming, central Airbnb’s and small, friendly guesthouses has become my go-to.

Consider what it is in accommodation that would make you feel more comfortable and then use that to guide your search.

Katie’s Top Tip: Message your host or hotel in advance if you’ll be arriving late to confirm check-in details – and always screenshot/download the directions from public transport to your accommodation before you leave reliable WIFI.

How to Feel Less Lonely (Without Forcing It)

Feeling lonely on a solo trip is normal and doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. In fact, the solitude of those quiet moments spent wandering city streets early in the morning or enjoying my own company from a balcony overlooking the sea often become the highlights of my entire trip. The solitude can also often lead to your biggest moments of personal growth, as you only have yourself to rely on, which builds self-trust like nothing else ever can.

But solo travel also shouldn’t make you feel lonely, so if you want a little company, it’s easy to find. Free walking tours, group excursions, hotel or hostel experiences, cooking classes, or even chatting with the local barista can all be natural ways to find connection in a new place.

Whether you love the solitude or crave connection, just make sure you take the pressure off. When solo travelling, you don’t have to be social every day (or at all, if that’s your vibe,) but equally you can choose to seek company every day or most days of your trip, if that’s what makes the experience great for you. There is no right or wrong answer here. You’re allowed to just enjoy your own company. You’re allowed to enjoy the company of strangers.

Katie’s Top Tip: Book one activity or tour where you’ll naturally meet people. That way, you get a mix of solo time and moments of connection.

What Solo Travel Will Teach You (That Nothing Else Can)

When I was planning to write this solo female travel guide, I knew I couldn’t just write about logistics, because solo travel is equally about the personal growth that comes with doing something bold and completely for yourself. In fact, I wholeheartedly believe that solo travel is never just about the trip or another destination ticked off your life bucket list. Instead it’s about changing your relationship with yourself (sorry if that’s cheesy – keep with me here!)

After my first solo trip – yes, that one to Switzerland that I freaked out about, even though it was only for the weekend! – I felt so proud of myself. I felt braver, more confident, more capable. I had this new belief that I could be the one to make my own decisions, keep myself safe and healthy, change plans in the name of spontaneity without freaking out (much!), and solve my own problems without any major dramas.

That first trip was when I finally stopped waiting for permission – to go to that new country, to eat at that restaurant, to get up early in the morning to see the sunrise over the lake. Solo travel will teach you, more than anything else ever can, that you have to rely on yourself. You can’t wait for other people to make you happy or do the thing with you.

And at the risk of sounding very deep here, the only time we have guaranteed is this moment right now. And life is far too short to spend it waiting for the right time or the right person to go with you.

The real magic of solo travel? It’s definitely not just in the beautiful places you will see or the lifetime’s worth of memories you will make. It’s how you start to see yourself as a different, more capable person. You solve problems, make choices, and build trust with yourself. Through solo travel you become more confident and more you.

So yes, it’s about visiting that beach in Portugal you’ve had saved to Pinterest for years or eating tapas in Spain at the restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. But it’s also about learning to enjoy your own company, listening to your gut, and writing your own story – on your own terms.

Katie’s Top Tip: Keep a travel journal, both to document the places you visit and the challenges you overcome. You’ll be surprised by how much changes, both in the world around you and inside you, so quickly.

Best Solo Female Travel Destinations for Your First Trip

So… after all that, where is the best place to travel solo as a woman?

Honestly? It depends on you. The best solo female travel destinations aren’t one-size-fits-all. What feels exciting to one person might feel totally overwhelming or boring to you, and that’s okay.

Having said that, after exploring 24+ countries across Europe, there are a few destinations I keep recommending to first-time solo travellers because they have the perfect mix of beauty, ease and solo-friendly vibes. If you’re still figuring out where to solo travel as a female, start here:

Portugal

Portugal is affordable, safe, super walkable and full of friendly locals who’ll make you feel right at home. Whether you’re wandering Lisbon’s seven hills, watching the sunset in Porto, or day-tripping to fairy-tale towns like Sintra, Portugal has a laid-back atmosphere that is great for first time solo travellers.

Why Portugal is great for solo female travellers:

• English is widely spoken
• Lots of options for an affordable getaway
• Fantastic public transport system

Sweden

Sweden is my ultimate favourite country and I will always recommend it in any solo female travel guide – I’m obsessed! Stockholm, in particular, is beautiful, modern and so relaxing – think scenic ferries to nearby islands, cozy fika breaks, a cobbled old town and stylish bookshops. It also feels ridiculously safe, so if safety is a top concern, Sweden is a great choice.

Why Sweden is great for solo female travellers:

• Extremely safe and solo-friendly
• Almost everyone speaks English
• Great balance of city buzz and nature

Montenegro

Montenegro is one of Europe’s most underrated solo travel gems. Think: rugged mountains, brilliant blue coastlines, old towns that look like they belong in a movie. It’s budget-friendly and there is so much to see and do, but without the overwhelming crowds. If you want something different but beautiful, this one’s for you.

Why Montenegro is great for solo female travellers:

• Stunning nature combined with historical charm
• Budget-friendly for longer trips
• Less touristy but still very welcoming

Croatia

Croatia ticks all of my solo travel boxes: stunning sandy beaches, walkable towns, easy transport, and loads of opportunities to join day tours if you don’t want to do everything alone. From the ancient walls of Dubrovnik to the laid-back vibe of Split and the islands, it’s a great starter country to gain confidence as a solo traveller.

Why Croatia is great for solo female travellers:

• Popular but not overwhelming
• Ideal for slow travel
• Easy to meet other travellers

Still unsure which country is best for solo female travel? There’s no perfect option that will suit all travellers. Instead, it’s about finding a place that both excites you and feels right for where you’re at.

For more inspiration, browse all my solo travel destination guides here. You’ll find honest tips, hidden gems, and personal recommendations to help you decide where to travel as a solo female.

Let’s Wrap This Solo Female Travel Guide Up

Before you head off to plan your first – or thirtieth – solo trip, I want to leave you with a roundup of the most important tips from this ultimate solo female travel guide (plus a few bonus ones, just for those of you who have stuck around to the end):

1. Have a “why” before You book anything: Before tackling logistics, get clear on why you want to solo travel. Is it for confidence? Healing? Adventure? Your why will keep you going when doubts creep in or things don’t go to plan.
2. Choose a first-time friendly destination: Pick somewhere that aligns with your comfort level. For your first trip, go for a place with good walkability, easy public transport, and high levels of safety – think Portugal, Sweden, Croatia…
3. Download all the essentials before you leave: Make your phone your travel buddy with offline Google Maps of your destination, Google Translate with your chosen language downloaded, Rome2Rio for transport, and your accommodation’s address in your notes app.
4. Always carry two bank cards (and keep them separate): Keep one in your purse and one hidden in your bag or locked up in your accommodation.
5. Expect nerves: Nervousness doesn’t mean you’re not ready. To calm down you could try journaling, breathwork, or even simple affirmations.
6. Screenshot everything before leaving WiFi: And I mean everything – booking confirmations, hostel/hotel address, directions, entry tickets, train times, any helpful translations… Never rely on signal.
7. Dress to blend in, not stand out: This isn’t about dimming your natural style, it’s about minimising unwanted attention. Research local dress norms and lean into neutral, layered outfits that work across settings and from day to night.
8. Use an anti-theft crossbody: Choose one that zips fully shut and sits in front of your body. Major bonus points if it has zips and RFID protection.
9. Walk with purpose (even if you’re lost): Confidence is a safety tool, not just a mindset. If you’re lost, head into a café or shop to check your route instead of standing on the street looking confused.
10. Arrive in daylight (or pre-book a trusted transfer): If you’re arriving at a new city or country, try to land during daylight hours. If that’s not possible, arrange airport pickup so you’re not winging it at midnight!
11. Create a just in case doc: Include local emergency numbers, embassy contact info, your insurance policy and any key local phrases you may need – Google Translate is your friend here!
12. Say no without apology: Say it with me – I don’t owe strangers my time, attention, or explanations. Whether it’s someone asking to join you, sell you something, or pressure you, a firm no thank you is always enough.
13. Have a strategy for eating alone: Bring a book, journal, or your phone if it helps you feel more relaxed. You may also prefer to sit at the bar or ask for a cosy corner table. But remember: no one is judging you – they’re all way too focused on their own meals!

So, there you have it – the solo female travel guide I wish someone had handed 18 year old me, about to fly to Switzerland alone, all those years ago. I hope it’s answered your big questions, made you feel a little less nervous, and made your dream trip feel a lot more possible.

What’s holding you back from your first solo trip? Or if you’ve already been, what did solo travel teach you about yourself? Let’s chat in the comments!

Read More Solo Female Travel Guides:

• 30 Must-Know Safety Tips For Solo Female Travellers
• The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide: Everything I Wish I Knew

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