Hey lady, have you been looking to escape on vacation… perhaps daringly on your own?  Solo travel can be an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience for women. You can go at your own pace, choose your own activities, and meet new people from all over the world. But of course, there are some challenges to traveling solo as well.

If the idea of traveling solo is daunting (especially if you are used to traveling with a group or companion in the past) remember there are plenty of female travelers out there exploring the world on their own!  And, in this modern age with so many conveniences, we have it a lot easier traveling alone than say Annie Kopchovsky who faced both sexism and skepticism when she climbed onto a 42-pound Columbia bicycle (in long skirts to boot!) to journey around the world in 1894 or Isabella Bird who despite chronic illness, insomnia, spinal tumor (and no cell phone!) traveled all over the world in 1854 through 1901 climbing mountains, trekking volcanoes, riding horseback and occasionally elephants across thousands of miles.  Whew, thankfully we’ve got modern transportation and communication to help us with our own solo trekking!

If you are considering a vacation on your own this year, here are some important points to consider before you start packing your bags…

Do your research…

Solo travel can be great but it’s important to do your research beforehand, so you know what to expect. Make sure you’re comfortable with the destination and the accommodation you’ve chosen, and that you have a good understanding of the local culture and customs.

Start small…

If thoughts of traveling alone to another country set off feelings of being overwhelmed (totally normal!), try going off on your own for just a weekend or take baby steps with an overnight.  Feeling comfortable solo might take some practice!

Stay safe…

When traveling solo, it’s important to be vigilant about your safety. Stay in well-lit areas, don’t wander off alone, and keep your belongings close to you at all times. Trust your gut – if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Be prepared…

It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan, just in case something goes wrong. Keep copies of important documents like your passport and insurance information, stash your cash in different bags, pockets, etc. and make sure someone back home knows where you are and how to reach you. If you’re in a foreign country, you can register with the US Embassy, so there is an official record of your presence in the country.

Feeling lonely…

If the idea of dinner alone at a restaurant or taking a tour alone is stalling you on taking your first solo trip then think again.  You can bring a book to dinner but you just might find your next best friend on the winery tour you booked yourself on or sitting right next to you at the outdoor cafe.

Despite the challenges, going off on your own can be an empowering experience. When you’re on your own, you can truly be yourself and do what you want without having to please anyone else.  This can be a very liberating experience while helping you learn more about yourself.

Solo travel pushes you outside your comfort zone to learn new things and expand your horizons. Like what?  How about trying to understand a new language or, if you’re the shy type, it will give you the practice to reach out to ask for directions or find out where to grab a great cup of coffee.  And, don’t worry that you won’t be in any of your travel pics, that’s what a selfie stick is for!  You’ll also find people to be willing – and even excited – to take your picture, if you ask.

Now that we’ve got you thinking about it here are some additional tips for making the most of your solo travel experience:

• Make sure you have a good travel insurance policy. This will give you peace of mind in case of any problems or accidents.
• Stay in touch with family and friends back home. Let them know your plans and check in with them regularly.
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
• Take plenty of breaks. This is your vacation, so make sure you take time to relax and enjoy yourself.
• And, we cannot repeat enough… do your research. This will help you feel more prepared and confident when you’re on your own in a new place.

There are plenty of amazing destinations out there that are perfect for single female travelers. From vibrant cities to peaceful beaches, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few of our top picks for destinations perfect for solo female travelers. Enjoy!

1.  Iceland – Iceland is the perfect destination for solo female travelers because it’s safe and easy to get around. And the scenery is beyond gorgeous. Iceland also has amazing natural attractions like the Northern Lights (don’t forget about these!).
2. Tuscany – Exploring Tuscany will be a rewarding experience for any solo traveler looking forward to their first adventure abroad in style.  Travelers can enjoy the slow life among picturesque views, rolling hills, wine country, and luscious olive groves.  The food and wine alone make this a must-see destination. And, most places are easily accessible by car (or train).
3. Galapagos – The Galapagos is a nature lover’s dream. The islands are full of activities to choose from like boat tours, hikes, snorkeling, island hopping using the easy-to-navigate ferry system, or joining a nature walk.  If you want some alone time there are plenty of sandy beaches to drop a towel on to.

With a little preparation and a lot of gritty resolve, solo travel can be an enriching and rewarding experience. So, go for it! If you need something to put in that suitcase, check out our Vacation Well sale!  15% Off select items until June 25^th.  We’ll see you in the next blog!