If you were to tell me years ago that I would’ve solo travelled to various countries, I would’ve shaken my head firmly. Firstly, why would I ever want to travel alone? And secondly, is it safe for a girl to solo travel? Well, the second question you can’t ever really guarantee, although there are precautions you should always take. But the first question? Let’s unravel that. At the age of twenty-two, I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled alone to Iceland, New Zealand, Australia, and part of Mexico. And although I might have made the journey there alone, and with the expectation of them being predominantly solo trips, I’ve never really been fully alone. In this article, I want to share my own experiences, and tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. Plus, what it’s like making that leap with an already anxious mind badgering you about everything that could possibly go wrong.

How I started:

Often the fear to solo travel can stem from a fear of judgement and being independent. This was certainly the case for me. Fresh out of school, a breakup, and stuck in a job I hated, I desperately wanted to get away. But I didn’t really know how, or where I could go. Could I, the person that felt anxious sitting alone eating lunch on the bench outside work, really go alone to a whole new country, somewhere I didn’t know anyone, and survive, let alone enjoy it? But I desperately wanted to go, and Iceland had always been on my bucket list. Going without an objective felt too scary, so I searched online and discovered a sustainability organisation called SEEDS; I booked a two-week course, a one-way flight, and all my holiday from work which was left for the year. Then I left. And coming from someone who thought they would never be able to do it, there I was 3 months later living my best life amongst the other volunteers who have become lifelong friends.

Your first solo trip:

So, if you’re ready to take that leap into the unknown and make your first solo trip, I have some suggestions. If you have the desire to meet other people on your journey, I’d recommend volunteering. It’s a great way to have a solo adventure, yet you are guaranteed to meet others, and it gives you projects to throw yourself into. Besides, it gives structure to your travels; knowing where you’ll be, and who you’ll be around. In terms of safety, doing the first trip can feel the most overwhelming, so choosing somewhere where you’re guaranteed to meet other people is always reassuring.

Choosing accommodation:

However, if you plan on travelling around a bit more then choosing the right place to stay is important. Hostels are likely where you’ll meet the most people. But choosing the right hostel can be difficult. It may sound obvious, but always read the reviews. It will tell you everything you need to know, especially if you are a female traveller. Choosing a hostel with a bar and activities, or with reviews confirming it’s sociable, is a good way of guaranteeing you’ll meet people. Through the door, and someone will be chatting away to you. There is normally the option for a female only dorm, which I always choose when travelling alone. Your safety as a female traveller is also dependent on the country; if you’re anxious, check the area you’re booking in and read online suggestions from other female travellers to help you make the best choice.

Finally, why solo travel?

It’s not always easy travelling alone. Some days I struggled to make the trip from my dorm room to a restaurant or food vendor downstairs. But most days, I was swimming in the ocean with friends I had met days before, dancing on a rooftop, climbing mountains, or sharing deep conversations with people I ended up knowing for a day, a week, or the rest of my life. I’ve made connections with people from all around the world, and these are friendships that have formed when I pushed myself to travel somewhere alone. It’s all about taking precautions, choosing an activity or place where you’ll meet people, and proving to yourself that you can do it if you want to. You may not think you are capable, but you are.