Key Takeaways
- On the second Wednesday of the month, Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes a column featuring tips and advice on solo female travel. It’s not a
- If you had asked me five years ago if I would ever travel alone, I would have immediately said, “No way. That can’t be safe, it must be lonely, and I’
- Then I started to realize that solo travel is not something people do just because they can’t find a friend to go with — it’s because they got tired o
On the second Wednesday of the month, Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes a column featuring tips and advice on solo female travel. It’s not a topic we can cover comprehensively at Route for Less, and since there’s a large community of female travelers seeking trusted guidance, we felt it was important to bring in an expert voice. Traveling solo can be intimidating — and traveling solo as a woman often brings distinct considerations. This is Kristin’s insightful column this month.
If you had asked me five years ago if I would ever travel alone, I would have immediately said, “No way. That can’t be safe, it must be lonely, and I’d get so bored.” Before I started traveling, I was scared of even the idea of eating dinner alone!
Then I started to realize that solo travel is not something people do just because they can’t find a friend to go with — it’s because they got tired of waiting for the perfect companion and just went. Then, as they discover the many personal benefits — growth, confidence, flexibility — it often becomes their preferred way to explore the world.
However, before that happens, the biggest hurdle is getting over the fear: fear of being alone, unsafe, bored, or overwhelmed. I’ve experienced all those fears and spoken with countless aspiring travelers who have, too. Fear can hold a lot of people back. The following 10 fears are common reasons female travelers hesitate — and why each one is far less threatening than it seems.
Is solo traveling even safe?
Yes, absolutely. Safety should always be at the top of your mind, but the ways to combat this fear are to be prepared, to be aware, and to be smart. You have survived on the earth this long because you’ve learned how to keep yourself out of dangerous situations. Keep applying that same instinct when you travel.
Traveling is just like being at home: you need to understand your surroundings and act accordingly. Adapt by doing research on local norms — what to wear, how to carry yourself, and what behavior is considered respectful. You already know the obvious precautions: avoid drawing unnecessary attention, stay mindful of alcohol intake, and trust your gut. There’s no magic formula apart from staying present and honoring cultural context.
Really? It can be safe even for a single female?
Yes — with thoughtful preparation and cultural awareness, solo travel in destinations like India is entirely possible and increasingly common for women. As female travelers, we may need to pay closer attention to certain dynamics, but those same skills apply anywhere in the world. Stay grounded, respect local customs, remain observant, and remember: millions of women travel solo every day. Your capability is no different.
What if my friends and family don’t approve?
Your loved ones might worry — and that’s natural. Their concern comes from care, not control. It’s understandable if some aren’t immediately supportive, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go.
I didn’t tell anyone about my desire to travel for almost a year. It weighed on me, because I feared losing their approval — something deeply important to me. In the end, I realized I could have shared my plans from the start. Their response? Surprising warmth and encouragement.
Brené Brown, author of Daring Greatly, recommends keeping a short, intentional list of people whose opinions truly matter — those who love you unconditionally, like close family and lifelong friends.
Ask them to trust your judgment and preparation. Share how you’ve researched safety, accommodations, and transport — and reassure them that you’ll prioritize your well-being without compromising your independence.
As for others whose skepticism feels dismissive or unsupportive? Their perspective doesn’t define your journey.
Won’t I be lonely?
This was my biggest fear. After asking friends, cousins, acquaintances — really, anyone — to join me, I realized no one was ready for long-term travel. Waiting for the “right” person meant potentially never going at all.
Then, on my first night in Bangkok, I shared dinner with fellow travelers I met at a hostel. Five days later, I was biking around Angkor Wat in Cambodia with five new friends.
The truth is: connection happens constantly on the road. Hostels, group tours, language exchanges, co-working spaces — all are natural hubs for meaningful interaction. You’ll meet people, again and again. It’s nearly inevitable.
Route for Less has published practical guides on how to make friends while traveling and turn solitude into strength — resources designed to help you thrive, not just cope.
But I’m kind of the shy type.
I used to be shy and awkward — but solo travel reshaped that. The first time I pushed past discomfort was approaching a small group at a café in Chiang Mai just to ask for directions. That tiny act opened doors I hadn’t imagined.
