July 10, 2025
“Aren’t you scared?”
“Isn’t it lonely?”
“But… is it safe?”
If you’re a woman thinking about taking your first solo trip, chances are you’ve heard some version of those questions and maybe even asked them yourself. Let me tell you something I’ve learned from experience: Solo travel isn’t about being fearless. It’s about choosing freedom over fear. And it might just be one of the most powerful decisions you ever make for yourself.
The First Solo Trip Is the Hardest, But It Changes Everything
My first big solo trip wasn’t just a weekend getaway—it was a month-long adventure in Thailand! I went to earn my TEFL certification and stayed in a small fisherman’s village on the coast before spending a week in Bangkok. Let me tell you: I got so lost. I got completely overcharged by a taxi driver. I rode in the back of a random tuk tuk. I got sick from street food…and then kept eating it anyway lol. And it was still the best trip of my life!
That experience taught me more about myself than any classroom or comfort zone ever could. I left Thailand more confident, more self-aware, and more open to the world. That’s the power of solo travel.
Let’s Talk About Safety
Safety is usually the number one concern—and it’s valid. But here’s the truth: There’s no such thing as guaranteed safety. Not abroad, not at home, not anywhere. Solo travel doesn’t come with a magic bubble of protection, but it also doesn’t automatically mean danger. What it does require is intention and awareness.
Some of the ways I stay prepared:
- I trust my gut when something doesn’t feel right.
- I book well-reviewed accommodations and check what other women have said in reviews.
- I share my location with a trusted friend or family member.
- I’m mindful of how much I drink, especially when I’m out alone.
- I walk with purpose even if I have no idea where I’m going.
Being solo just means you get to be the decision-maker. And that power can be incredibly liberating.
Choosing Your First Solo Trip: What to Consider
You don’t have to dive into the deep end with your first trip. Easing into solo travel can help you build confidence and actually enjoy it.
Here are a few solid starting points:
Join a Group Trip (Even If You’re “Solo”)
Want to travel solo but not feel alone? Group trips are a great option. You get to do your own thing while meeting new people and having a built-in support system nearby. Think of it as being solo-ish.
Cruises
Cruises are a great option for solo travelers because everything’s taken care of, but you still have the freedom to explore and connect. There’s structure, built-in meals, safety, and no need to worry about how you’ll get from one place to the next. Virgin Voyages, for example, is one of my top recommendations for women traveling solo—it’s adults-only, has no single supplements on some sailings, and it’s super welcoming.
All-Inclusive Resorts
Similar benefits here—everything is on-site, and it’s easy to relax without having to figure everything out on your own. You can join an activity if you want to socialize, or just enjoy your own space with a cocktail and a view.
Single-City Stays Abroad
Choose a walkable, solo-friendly city where you can settle in for a few days. Mérida, Mexico and Lisbon, Portugal are two great options that are safe, welcoming, and full of charm. Stay central, explore at your own pace, and don’t feel pressure to “see it all.”
Learn More About Great Options for Solo Travel
What You Can Expect Along the Way
You might feel nervous the night before you go. You might get overwhelmed when you land.
You might eat alone and feel a little awkward. But also…
- You’ll feel proud of yourself.
- You’ll have moments of stillness that remind you why you took this leap.
- You’ll meet people in the most unexpected ways.
- You’ll learn to trust your instincts more than you ever have.
Solo travel gives you freedom, clarity, and confidence. You don’t need anyone else’s permission to see the world.
You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone (Even Though You’re Going Solo)
Whether you’re ready to plan your first big solo adventure or just thinking about it, you don’t have to figure it all out yourself. I help women plan solo trips with ease—whether it’s a cruise, a group trip (where you’ll feel solo-ish), or a carefully chosen destination that matches your comfort level and goals. If this idea is tugging at your heart, I hope you don’t ignore it.
I’d be honored to help you make it real.
Feel free to contact me to book a consultation call!
