Why Every Woman Should Travel Solo at Least Once

 

 

There’s something magical about stepping out into the world on your own. Solo travel for women isn’t just about ticking off destinations; it’s about discovering who you are when the noise of everyday life fades away.

 

I often consume content from other women who travel solo, and one thing they all have in common is that solo travel experiences transform you. For me, it started three years ago. I left a toxic, unfulfilling 9–5 job and a difficult relationship, put together my savings, and moved to Asia. I had no one to guide me on travelling solo as a woman, so I had to figure it out along the way. I faced challenges - illnesses, heartbreaks, making new friends and losing some, even a motorbike accident.

 

I’m not saying this to discourage you, but the journey was incredibly transformative. I also experienced loneliness, and eventually I decided I didn’t want to feel that way anymore. I sought out other like-minded women and eventually founded Females Flying Solo - a community where women can support each other, face their fears, and explore the world together.

 

 

There’s something magical about stepping out into the world on your own. Solo travel for women isn’t just about ticking off destinations; it’s about discovering who you are when the noise of everyday life fades away.

 

I often consume content from other women who travel solo, and one thing they all have in common is that solo travel experiences transform you. For me, it started three years ago. I left a toxic, unfulfilling 9–5 job and a difficult relationship, put together my savings, and moved to Asia. I had no one to guide me on travelling solo as a woman, so I had to figure it out along the way. I faced challenges - illnesses, heartbreaks, making new friends and losing some, even a motorbike accident.

 

I’m not saying this to discourage you, but the journey was incredibly transformative. I also experienced loneliness, and eventually I decided I didn’t want to feel that way anymore. I sought out other like-minded women and eventually founded Females Flying Solo - a community where women can support each other, face their fears, and explore the world together.

1. Solo Travel Makes You Confident

 

Travelling solo taught me resilience, self-reliance, and courage in ways nothing else could. It pushed me to make decisions on my own, trust my intuition, and embrace challenges I never thought I could handle. The confidence I gained has not only shaped me as a traveller but has also allowed me to help other women overcome their fears of being alone abroad.

 

If you’ve been contemplating solo travel but are scared to take the leap, I hope this inspires you to book that trip. The world opens up in beautiful ways when you let yourself explore it on your own. You can also check out our top destinations for first-time female solo travelers or learn practical tips in our ultimate guide to solo female travel.

 

2. You Learn to Trust Yourself

When you explore the world on your own terms, you learn to truly trust yourself. You discover a new kind of enlightenment within that you never realised you had.

 

You become in tune with your inner self and embark on a beautiful journey of self-discovery. Suddenly, you’re not following a rulebook of who you’re “supposed” to be or where you’re “supposed” to go. Your instincts and your gut become your guide. And in that freedom, life becomes beautiful and worth living.

 

Navigating foreign cities, embracing new cultures, and solving problems on your own shows you that you can handle whatever comes your way. Every decision, every small victory, reinforces your self-belief. By the end of your trip, you notice a subtle shift: you no longer second-guess yourself, and you carry that gift of newfound confidence into everyday life.

 

3. Solo Travel Expands Your Perspective

Travelling alone forces you out of your comfort zone. You leave your home, your daily repetitive “safe routine,” and jump into the unknown. Suddenly, you’re like a toddler discovering the world for the first time, tasting new flavours you could never have imagined, smelling the aromas of life in places so different from home.

 

You meet new people who are unlike anyone you know. Their language might sound funny at first, leaving you intrigued, and you quickly learn that most people are kind, curious, and willing to help.

 

If you’re wondering where to start, check out our blog on the top destinations for first-time female solo travellers for some inspiration.

 

 

4. You Build Lifelong Connections

 

 

 

Solo travel doesn’t mean being alone. On the contrary, it often leads to deep friendships with like-minded people from around the world.

 

By joining hostels, group tours, or community events, you meet people with similar passions and values. These connections often extend far beyond the trip itself, creating a network of friends and support that lasts a lifetime.

 

For example, imagine bonding with fellow travellers who are into skincare while exploring Seoul. Months later, you might want to get authentic Korean skincare products delivered home, and now you have friends in South Korea who can help you source the best ones. Or maybe you’ve met someone in Thailand who can give you tips on the best local spices or crafts. Suddenly, the world doesn’t feel so far away, and your solo adventures have turned into a global support network.

 

5. You Learn to Overcome Loneliness

Loneliness can feel daunting, but it’s also a natural part of being human. Many of us get stuck in situations because we’re afraid of being alone.

 

When you start solo travelling, you’re exposed, out in the world, by yourself, but it’s far from grim! It’s actually a wonderful opportunity to become a new person. No one from back home or the office is there to judge you. No one knows your past, so you can be whoever you want.

 

Loneliness often comes from fearing what others think, like being judged for “eating alone at a café”, but in a new city or country, no one cares. Your itinerary is packed with adventures, and by the end of a long day, you’re too energised (and tired!) to focus on feeling lonely.

 

And here’s the magic: you don’t have to truly be alone. Even as a solo traveller, you can join like-minded women through communities and group trips like those offered by Females Flying Solo. Suddenly, you’re exploring Brazil, Greece, or Costa Rica alongside other adventurers who get it, and loneliness transforms into connection, joy, and the thrill of shared experience.

 

So go ahead, eat that gelato in Rome, wander through a Bali rice terrace, or sip coffee in a Parisian café. You’ll discover that you were never really lonely; you just needed to step into the world, and maybe book that trip with a supportive squad of women along the way.

 

6. You Embrace Your Freedom

 

Travelling alone is so empowering and liberating!

 

Imagine you are full of health, you have your own money, and you are not waiting on any man to finally take you to Bali or Paris! You have the means and freedom to do this by yourself! For yourself! (I’m literally just screaming inside in excitement for you!)

 

You’re probably the first woman in your generation to have this much freedom and opportunity. So do not fail them lol.

 

Can you imagine the freedom you tap into when you are suddenly choosing your own itinerary, the freedom to escape the 9-5 race, the freedom to leave an unhappy relationship and just travel? The joy and fulfilment of finally posting an update on Instagram: “here is a recap of my trip to Bali” — finally catching the trip and not the feelings!

 

And you know what? There is no one stopping you. And if it’s your desire to travel but you can’t at this moment, e.g., taking care of a sick relative or saving for the trip, do not give up hope. Put your manifestation out into the universe, stay open, and the universe will reward your intention with the most beautiful travel adventure of your lifetime!

 

7. Solo Travel Changes You Forever

 

By the time your trip ends, something shifts quietly but profoundly. You come home more self-assured, independent, and confident in your ability to navigate the world.

 

The lessons of female solo travel stay with you: resilience, curiosity, and courage become part of who you are. You’re no longer waiting for permission to live your life on your own terms.

 

Travelling as a Solo Woman Doesn’t Mean Being Alone

 

While solo travel teaches you confidence, resilience, and self-discovery, it doesn’t have to mean doing everything completely alone. With Females Flying Solo trips, you’re still travelling on your own terms, but surrounded by a supportive community of like-minded women from all over the world.

 

You make your own choices, follow your own instincts, and grow in ways only solo travel can offer. Yet, along the way, you share experiences, laughter, and unforgettable memories with other women who understand exactly what this journey means.

 

It’s the perfect balance: the freedom and empowerment of solo travel, combined with the friendship, safety, and encouragement of a global sisterhood. You’re not just seeing the world; you’re discovering yourself, together.

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gabi is a passionate solo female traveller in her 20s with over 3 years of experience exploring the world independently. She has organised and led multiple group trips for solo female travellers, helping women feel confident, safe, and empowered on their journeys. Through her community, Females Flying Solo, Gabi connects like-minded women and shares expert tips on destinations, safety, and meaningful travel experiences.

 

You can follow her adventures and get travel insights on Instagram, TikTok or join the Females Flying Solo community.