The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel • The Blonde Abroad

Updated: February 2023

Over the years, I’ve featured dozens of travel tips and destination guides on solo travel for women, but I wanted to put together a comprehensive female travel resource for everyone. Whether you are a first-time solo traveler looking for that extra push to take their first trip or a seasoned solo traveler…

I firmly believe that solo travel for women is one of the best ways to learn about yourself and the world. Taking a solo trip is a fantastic way to grow. And when it comes to the best solo travel destinations, there are so many choices!

Solo travel for women can be challenging — I’ve learned so much over the years (and I’m continually learning!). I put together this comprehensive guide to solo travel destinations and taking solo trips so you can better prepare for your next trip!

Here is my ultimate guide to solo female travel!

Research and Book in Advance

Research before you go—weather, local customs, dress codes, etiquette, etc. Make sure you know the basics of what to expect before you step off the plane. You’ll make better choices and get the most out of your trip.

Is it your first time traveling solo? The most important thing to take with you is common sense. Always book your first night’s accommodation regardless—you’ll rest easy knowing you won’t have to deal with finding a hotel late at night or while jet-lagged. And always have a backup plan.

Keep the address to your hotel handy (not somewhere that you need WiFi to access) and carry your passport with some extra cash in a well-concealed spot. Lastly, don’t forget your travel insurance! I HIGHLY recommend World Nomads.

Assure Your Loved Ones

One of the most difficult conversations that you can have in the build-up to your first solo trip is explaining to your loved ones what you are planning to do, and dealing with their reactions to the idea of solo travel. Some people understand it better than others!

It’s common for those that care about us to be concerned with a solo trip, especially your first one. This concern is not limited to parents, but spouses, siblings, and friends may all have reasons to be worried about you traveling solo.

Solo travel is an amazing and exciting adventure for many people and can be empowering and life-changing, but if your loved ones are likely to try and talk you out of it or maybe upset about your choice, it might be worth planning out the conversation beforehand to try and keep things on track.

How to Talk to Worried Parents About Traveling Solo

Stay Connected

GET UNLIMITED DATA FOR YOUR TRIP

I always make sure to have a high speed data plan wherever I go—especially when traveling solo. I personally recommend Holafly eSIM. You get unlimited data to stay connected and have access to Google maps and translation apps!

Holafly provides reliable connectivity in more than 160 destinations worldwide with 5g speeds.

Learn more here and use my code THEBLONDEABROAD for 5% off!

Face Your Fears

The world is a magical, challenging, and fascinating place. Don’t be intimidated by it! Travel is all about breaking out of your comfort zone and growing beyond your own self-set boundaries.

Don’t let your fears of safety, thoughts of being lonely, or concerns of getting stranded stop you from discovering yourself and the world. Go even if you aren’t sure—travel can expand your perspective and empower your sense of self.

You won’t regret it. So grab the adventure by the reigns, and ride on!

Pack What You Need but Avoid Overpacking

Nine times out of ten, you’ll stuff your luggage with items that end up never seeing the light of day. And having a ton of luggage or a heavy backpack can put a damper on your travels. Avoid overpacking with a few standard tips:

Make a checklist. Then cross out half of what you think you’ll need.
Pack only a few shirts/pants/shorts/dresses that you can mix and match. Neutral colors for the win!
Pack just two to three good pairs of shoes—they are a traveler’s ultimate essential with all that trekking you’ll be doing. Bring a casual pair of sandals, a comfortable pair of sneakers, and maybe an athletic shoe! If you’re traveling to somewhere cold, consider a pair of boots instead.

Pick the Right Destinations

Follow your wanderlust—just make sure it’s a safe destination, or know what to expect before you go. The first step would be to pick a city or region that has low crime and is considered “safe” for female travel.

You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your trip better if you don’t have to worry about violence or muggings. Start by knowing yourself. If you can’t handle unwanted attention from men, book tickets to places that are more female-friendly.

Survive the Flight

Staying smart on the plane is the key to staying sane. If you’re cramped up for hours with blasting A/C, it can take a toll on your health. Pack a few refreshing items—a hairbrush, toothbrush, travel-sized deodorant, and breath mints. Be sure to pack some things that will keep you entertained on the flight too.

I’ve outlined everything you need to stay comfortable in my Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide!

It’s the little things that do wonders to pick up your mood. Stay hydrated—drink water and avoid coffee and alcohol while on the plane. Wear loose-fitting leggings and slip-on shoes to stay comfortable and keep your circulation flowing.

The Ultimate Survival Guide for Long-Haul Flights

Stay Healthy

Let’s face it—travel creates some obstacles to your fitness routine. Traveling with extra workout clothes and equipment isn’t always an option, and who has time for the gym when there’s a foreign cobblestone street calling your name?

But keeping fit on the go doesn’t have to be a chore. I’ve compiled some awesome exercise essentials, tips for keeping a balanced diet, and how-tos on resetting your sleep schedule after long travel days!

Traveling Solo

Solo travel gives as much as you put into it. Be confident, smart, and informed—you’ll find the destination blooms right before you. Be safe—use your basic street smarts, be assertive, and keep your valuables close and hidden. But don’t forget to enjoy yourself.

Open up, be warm and friendly, and get to know the locals. A smile can go a long way in helping you meet fascinating people and like-minded travelers.

Find more resources on Solo Travel here!

The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide

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This carousel is a pretty accurate reflection of motherhood for me. My life’s most beautiful moments intertwined with the hardest ones.

As many of you know, shortly after Oliver turned two, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Pediatric oncology diagnosed him with an “inoperable” optic pathway glioma, and the only treatment option presented was 15 months of weekly chemotherapy.

Had that been the path forward, he would have only finished treatment in March of this year.

Instead, I shared his story here. Families who had walked this road before reached out — ultimately connecting me with the neurosurgeon who changed the course of Oliver’s life.

After a 12-hour craniotomy and now over a year of clear scans, there is hope that he is fully cured.

While motherhood has been the most beautiful chapter of my life, it has also been the most humbling.

His diagnosis changed the way I look at time.
At motherhood.
At what actually matters.

Spending this year abroad with Oliver is, in many ways, my way of saying yes now instead of someday.

This Mother’s Day, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Grateful for the strength I found in the hardest season of my life.

Grateful that even through fear and uncertainty, I never stopped choosing joy and adventure for him.

And most of all, grateful that after everything we’ve been through, I still get to hold his hand through all of it.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman carrying both the beauty and the heaviness of loving someone so deeply.

And to those missing their mothers, their children, or the version of life they thought they’d have today… I’m sending so much love to you too. 🤍

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18584247925015178

This carousel is a pretty accurate reflection of motherhood for me. My life’s most beautiful moments intertwined with the hardest ones.

As many of you know, shortly after Oliver turned two, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Pediatric oncology diagnosed him with an “inoperable” optic pathway glioma, and the only treatment option presented was 15 months of weekly chemotherapy.

Had that been the path forward, he would have only finished treatment in March of this year.

Instead, I shared his story here. Families who had walked this road before reached out — ultimately connecting me with the neurosurgeon who changed the course of Oliver’s life.

After a 12-hour craniotomy and now over a year of clear scans, there is hope that he is fully cured.

While motherhood has been the most beautiful chapter of my life, it has also been the most humbling.

His diagnosis changed the way I look at time.
At motherhood.
At what actually matters.

Spending this year abroad with Oliver is, in many ways, my way of saying yes now instead of someday.

This Mother’s Day, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Grateful for the strength I found in the hardest season of my life.

Grateful that even through fear and uncertainty, I never stopped choosing joy and adventure for him.

And most of all, grateful that after everything we’ve been through, I still get to hold his hand through all of it.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman carrying both the beauty and the heaviness of loving someone so deeply.

And to those missing their mothers, their children, or the version of life they thought they’d have today… I’m sending so much love to you too. 🤍

Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun.

We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite).

The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet.

And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18029767580663424

Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun.

We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite).

The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet.

And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️

This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials.

I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb

@onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner
#travelessentials #packingtips #luggage

Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18588507736001531

Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️

This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials.

I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb

@onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner
#travelessentials #packingtips #luggage

Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

Posting a February recap… in *almost* May should tell you everything you need to know about this season of life.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Between another bout of illness (life with young kids!) we filled our days with so much fun!

Celebrating my mom’s birthday in the Cape Winelands 🤍
Morning visits with the penguins
A trip to Nairobi to see close friends @tailsofamermaid

Feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Safari days
A visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Then slowing down in Diani Beach —
villa life, beach days, and dolphin spotting on a dhow cruise.

Filling our days with adventure…
and holding onto how good this all feels. ✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown #nairobi #kenya #dianibeach

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18005693585857886

Posting a February recap… in *almost* May should tell you everything you need to know about this season of life.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Between another bout of illness (life with young kids!) we filled our days with so much fun!

Celebrating my mom’s birthday in the Cape Winelands 🤍
Morning visits with the penguins
A trip to Nairobi to see close friends @tailsofamermaid

Feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Safari days
A visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Then slowing down in Diani Beach —
villa life, beach days, and dolphin spotting on a dhow cruise.

Filling our days with adventure…
and holding onto how good this all feels. ✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown #nairobi #kenya #dianibeach

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

581 48

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18075675671194480

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

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Lovisa

“The world is a magical, challenging, fascinating place. Don’t be intimidated by it! Travel is all about breaking out of your comfort zone, and growing beyond your own self-set boundaries.

Don’t let your fears, of safety, thoughts of being lonely, or concerns of getting stranded stop you from discovering yourself and the world. Go even if you aren’t sure—travel can expand your perspective and empower your sense of self.”

I love this, it’s so true! The details is less important as long as you just get out there and experience life and all it has to offer. Every new trip is a new adventure and opportunity to learn:)
Don’t miss out!

September 19, 2016 at 10:56 am · Reply

Kiersten Rich

I’m glad you agree! Thanks Lovisa! 🙂

September 19, 2016 at 3:39 pm · Reply

Get Jaunty

Really useful! I interrailed around Europe solo last year and spent so long researching online to help boost my confidence before going. Posts like this make you look at it in a new way and help you decide how YOU will travel solo, taking on board the experience of others. Since my trip I’ve written up some of my own tips (http://getjaunty.com/2015/12/29/how-to-travel-alone-my-solo-travelling-tips/) and think the more female bloggers write about this the better 🙂

December 18, 2016 at 11:42 am · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Thank you!! Totally agree 🙂 🙂

December 18, 2016 at 12:05 pm · Reply

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Newer

Here is my ultimate guide to solo female travel!

Research and Book in Advance

Read Next: Ten Mistakes Made by Solo Female Travelers

Assure Your Loved Ones

Read Next: Why All Women Should Travel Solo

Stay Connected

GET UNLIMITED DATA FOR YOUR TRIP

Face Your Fears

Read Next: 6 Fears You Face as a Solo Female Traveler

Pack What You Need but Avoid Overpacking

Read Next: How to Avoid Overpacking for a Trip

Pick the Right Destinations

Read Next: 10 Safest Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

Survive the Flight

Read Next: The Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide

Stay Healthy

Read Next: How to Eat Well on Long Trips

Traveling Solo

Find more resources on Solo Travel here!

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