Solo Travel for Women: Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

If there’s one question I get all the time, in my DMs and in person, it’s from women who are terrified of travelling solo.

And honestly? I get it. Before I started, I was scared too! Because let’s be real, it’s a big deal to uproot your life and head to an unknown destination. It’s completely natural to feel anxious when you’re stepping into something new: leaving your home, your family, your comfort zone, your little routines.

Sometimes there’s no one to go with. No one else is down for the trip you want to take, or everyone keeps postponing. But that shouldn’t stop you. You have no idea what the world is about to open up for you. If you can’t beat the fear, do it scared.

 

 

 

1. Will I Be Safe as a Solo Female Traveller?

 

This is the number one question I get: “But is it safe?”

 

When you watch the news and listen to stories, the world sounds like a very scary place, especially as a woman.

 

Here’s what I learned: most of the fear comes from the unknown. Once you start taking small precautions, you realise the world isn’t as dangerous as your imagination makes it. Research your destination, choose safe neighbourhoods, keep your belongings close, and trust your instincts, always. Share your itinerary with a friend or family member, have emergency contacts handy, and don’t be afraid to say no or walk away if something feels off.

 

The best part? Once you practice these habits, safety stops being something that restricts you and becomes something that empowers you. You start to feel confident moving through a city alone, navigating new streets, and saying yes to experiences you never thought you could.

 

2. Overcoming Loneliness While Travelling Solo as a Woman

 

No one really talks about this part, but solo travel can get lonely sometimes. There will be days you wish you had someone to take your photos, or moments that are so beautiful you ache to share them. But then something magical happens, you learn to be with yourself. You start talking to strangers, joining group tours, chatting with the cafe owner, or even sharing a laugh with another solo traveller who is also figuring it out.

 

You realise that being alone doesn’t always mean being lonely. It means being open to people, to moments, to yourself. You start to notice the quiet joy in sitting by a window with coffee, good food and your thoughts. You start to feel grounded in your own company. That’s the kind of peace that never leaves you, even after the trip ends.

 

3. Dealing with and Overcoming Sickness or Injury While Travelling Solo

 

This was one of my biggest fears. Like, what if I fall sick and I’m all alone in a country where I don’t even know where the nearest hospital is?

 

The truth is, it happens. But the good thing is that it is manageable. Always pack a small first aid kit with painkillers, rehydration salts, any medication you regularly take, and a few basics like plasters or cold medicine. Travel insurance is a must; it sounds boring until you actually need it, and then it’s your best friend.

 

And don’t underestimate the kindness of strangers. When I had my first motorcycle accident, it was my first month of driving a scooter, and I wasn’t the most confident driver. I braked too hard, slid, and ended up a bit bruised and shaken. I felt so alone in that moment, until I called a few lovely girls I’d met just a week earlier. They dropped everything, came to help me, took me to a pharmacy, and then out for tea and dessert after. It turned what could’ve been a terrifying experience into a reminder that kindness exists everywhere.

 

A few hours later, I got back on the scooter. Still nervous, but stronger. That little accident taught me resilience. It reminded me that fear doesn’t disappear; you just learn to handle it better. And trust me, those tiny moments of courage build up into something powerful.

 

4. Dealing with and Overcoming Language Barriers While Travelling Solo

 

I used to panic at the idea of being somewhere I couldn’t even ask for water or directions. But honestly? It’s not as bad as it sounds. A smile, some hand gestures, and a few local words go a long way. Learn how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “please.” It changes how people treat you. Download Google Translate, carry a small phrasebook, or even use pictures when you’re stuck.

 

The funny thing is, when you stop worrying about being perfect, communication becomes fun. You laugh more, you connect more genuinely. And there’s something powerful about realising how much human kindness bonds us all more than speaking the same language ever will.

Do not miss out on life-changing experiences because you got scared of the language barrier!

 

5. Getting Lost or Losing Control While Travelling Solo

 

Oh girl, if you’re a master overthinker, you know how real this one is! What if I get lost forever and never find my way back? What if my phone dies? What if I end up on the news as a missing person?! LOL I’ve been there, panicking over every street corner. Getting lost happens to everyone, even seasoned travellers. And honestly? Some of the best moments come from the “wrong turns.”

 

Think about it; you still get lost in your own city sometimes, right? Travelling solo is no different, except the streets are new. The trick is to plan a little, trust yourself, and stay flexible. You’ll learn to laugh when things don’t go exactly as planned, and those little detours often become your favourite stories.

 

Bring a power bank for your phone so you always have access to maps, grab a local data package for places without WiFi, and remember, if all else fails, the kindness of strangers is real and will usually come through. Laugh at the mishaps, trust yourself, and watch how those detours often become your favourite stories.

 

6. Dealing with Judgment and Criticism as a Solo Female Traveller

 

You know what scared me almost as much as being alone? Other people’s opinions, the good old fear of perception! Friends asking, “Why are you travelling alone?” or family giving the classic, “Are you sure that’s safe?” I felt like I had to justify myself, like my independence needed approval.

 

But I have come to learn that nobody is going to live your experience for you. Solo travel isn’t about proving anything; it’s about showing yourself that you can. You realise that, the judgment from others doesn’t even matter because most people are so caught up in their own lives that they barely notice what you’re doing anyway.

 

Go ahead; visit that museum alone, have lunch by yourself, set up your tripod and take your photos, share your experiences on social media. The same people who were judging you might end up sliding into your DMs to congratulate you, ask for advice, or even plan their own solo trip inspired by yours. Trust me, their opinions matter way less than your confidence and joy.

 

7. Dealing with Money and Budgeting Stress While Travelling Solo

 

Work hard, save money, then travel, sounds simple, right? Urghhh, but life is unpredictable! You could literally get sick tomorrow, or the museum you’ve been dying to visit could get robbed (yes, it actually happened at the Louvre recently!).

 

I used to panic about money every single trip: “What if I run out? What if I can’t eat tonight?” It’s completely normal. But here’s what helped me: planning a realistic budget, keeping a tiny emergency stash, and realising that travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be amazing. Even a small amount of cash can give you independence and confidence.

 

You’ll figure it out as you go, and honestly? The sense of freedom that comes from managing your money on the road is addictive. Once you get comfortable with your finances while travelling, money stops being a source of fear and starts being a tool that allows you to explore the world your way.

 

8. Dealing with Unwanted Attention as a Solo Female Traveller

 

Okay, as a woman, this one is real. We all worry about it, and yes, there will be moments that feel uncomfortable. But here’s the thing: you know your power. Confidence, awareness, and setting boundaries, that’s your armour. Dress for the culture, walk with purpose, and don’t feel guilty for saying no or just walking away. I’ve learned that being firm doesn’t make you rude; it keeps your trip fun and your energy yours.

 

Here are some tips and tricks that help me feel safe and confident on the road:

 

Wear a wedding ring;  it can deflect some unwanted male attention.

At the bar, sit next to another woman or make friends with the bartender.

Avoid getting intoxicated in public and always cover your drink.

Dress modestly, respecting local customs and your comfort level.

Have a safety plan in place, even carrying pepper spray can give you peace of mind, whether or not you ever need it.

And here’s a little secret: sometimes a small white lie works wonders. Simply say, “No, I’m not alone, my friend/partner is joining me shortly.” It can immediately reduce unwanted attention without confrontation.

Remember, the goal isn’t to live in fear; it’s to take control of your safety while still enjoying your freedom. Confidence is your best travel companion.

 

9. Dealing with Decision Fatigue While Travelling Solo

 

When you’re solo, every single decision is yours: where to eat, which route to take, what to see, and even when to sleep. At first, it can feel exhausting, like your brain is on overtime 24/7. I remember my first trip, by day three, I was just staring at the map thinking, “Why is choosing dinner this stressful?”

Here’s the trick: don’t try to do everything. Give yourself rest days. Pick a few must-see spots and leave room for spontaneity. Sometimes the best experiences happen when you slow down and follow your mood, not a checklist. The more you practice making choices for yourself, the more empowered you feel. Trust me, decision fatigue fades once you realise that you get to live life on your terms.

 

10. Coping with Missing Home While Travelling Solo

 

Even the most confident solo travellers have moments when they miss home. Your bed, your friends, your favourite coffee shop, suddenly, all of it feels like it’s a world away. And then there’s the time difference: you want to call home, but they’re asleep while you’re wide awake on the other side of the world. I won’t lie, there were nights I just wanted to call my mom and hear her voice. And that’s okay.

 

But here’s the thing: it’s better to miss home a little than to miss out on experiencing the world. The key is to embrace that feeling without letting it control your trip. Send a quick message to a loved one, journal your thoughts, or carry a small piece of home with you, a scarf, a photo, or even your favourite snack. Over time, you start to notice something beautiful: home doesn’t disappear when you leave. It becomes something you carry with you, and every new experience just expands your sense of belonging.

 

Females Flying Solo: Group Trips for Solo Female Travellers

MAKE FRIENDS & TRAVEL THE WORLD

 

After reading through all these fears, safety, loneliness, getting lost, money stress, unwanted attention, you might be thinking, “Okay… solo travel sounds amazing, but maybe it’s too much for me right now.” And that’s totally valid.

 

That’s where Females Flying Solo (FFS) comes in. FFS is all about creating a safe, fun, and empowering space for women who want to travel but don’t want to do it completely alone. Imagine joining a group of like-minded women, exploring new cities, sharing meals, snapping photos together, and making memories that last a lifetime, all while having the safety and support of a group you can trust.

 

With FFS, you don’t have to worry about facing those fears alone. You get to:

Make friends who get what it’s like to be a solo female traveller.

Travel the world safely with guidance, tips, and support every step of the way.

Experience new cultures without the stress of planning everything alone.

Have fun and feel empowered, because you’re in control of your adventure, but never completely on your own.

It’s the best of both worlds, independence plus support. Solo travel doesn’t have to be scary when you know there’s a whole community cheering you on.

 

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.