The most common female solo traveller questions answered

If you’re planning a trip by yourself or even if you’re just inquisitive about travelling solo, it can feel daunting.

You have so many questions like will I be safe and will I be lonely, but you can’t help but feel excited about the prospect of travelling by yourself and doing it your own way.

It might be that you don’t know many people who have gone solo travelling, or you’re not sure where to travel in the first place. Well, we’ve got all the answers to your questions so you can put your mind at ease.

After all, solo travelling can be incredibly liberating and freeing – don’t let a few doubts hold you back!

Where are the best destinations for a solo traveller?

If it is your first time solo travelling, it’s advised to give an English-speaking destination a try first, just to dip your toes in. This will give you an idea of how much you enjoy solo travelling without putting you outside of your comfort zone. Ireland, New Zealand and Canada are all great, friendly destinations that are known for their hospitality. With that said, the majority of Europe is safe and solo traveller friendly.

Another region well-known for its smiles and open arms is Southeast Asia. Thailand and Cambodia have beautiful people who are deeply respectful and peaceful.

More dangerous countries include Egypt, parts of Africa, Mexico and some Central American countries.

How can I stay in touch on the road?

There are many ways to keep in contact with your friends and family and put their mind at ease that you’re travelling the world solo.

You can connect via photos and videos on Facebook, as well as using Messenger, plus Skype and Viber offer free video/voice calls internationally.

If you’re going off the beaten track alone without reception, you can purchase a GPS tracking device such as SPOT which will send a pre-recorded message to friends and family via satellite.

Is it expensive to travel alone?

You may have heard that travelling alone is more expensive than in a couple, and yes, by the rules of maths, it is. Hotel rooms are often twin share as are cruises and some tours, however the travelling world is adapting more and more to the solo nomad.

One way to avoid the ‘single-supplement fee’ is to stay in hostels, use AirBnB or couch surf. Hostels particularly have single rooms if you prefer privacy, or you can book a bed in a dormitory. For something a bit more fancy and different, AirBnB is facilitated by people who rent their home or a room for a fee. Or if you’re really on a budget, couchsurfing could be an option, but only select people who have many excellent reviews i.e. 20 or more.

Another way to avoid paying more for travelling solo is to ask – it never asks to check before you book.

What should I do to stay safe?

At the first mention of solo travelling, the mind jumps to safety – will you be safe? There’s a number of ways to keep safe other than the common sense travel tips you hear everywhere. Travelling alone means you have to hold your own.

1. Show no fear and don’t look confused – check a map inside a cafe instead of on the street

2. Your mum was right – don’t talk to dodgy-looking strangers. Even little children can distract you and then pickpocket you.

3. Remain alert – always keep your belongings close and try not to sleep on trains if you can help it.

4. Stay surrounded – it can be tempting to explore the city at night and that’s OK, as long as you’re in a well-lit place surrounded by lots of people. Try not to go off the beaten track without a tour group or travelling friends.

5. Don’t be afraid to say no – if someone is begging for money, but it doesn’t feel right, don’t give in.

How can I take photos alone?

This gets asked a lot but luckily now you don’t have to set up the tripod or have someone take it for you, running the risk of your camera being stolen. It sounds ridiculous but ‘selfie sticks’ have become popular among solo travellers for a reason. They’re commonly used so you won’t be the only one!

Will I be lonely?

It sounds like a lonely travel experience, going out on your own, but it’s unlikely you’ll have time to feel lonely when you’re busy exploring and meeting people from around the world. You’ll be so tired by the time you get back to your accommodation that you’ll be grateful for the peace and quiet.

What do I do if I don’t speak the language?

If you don’t speak the language of the country/countries you’re travelling to, don’t worry. You can learn a few phrases either through a guidebook or dictionary, or you can practice with apps. Duolingo is the most popular free language app and can give you some basic tools to ask.

Otherwise, find out how to say ‘hello’ ‘goodbye’ ‘thank you’ ‘no’ ‘yes’ ‘please’ ‘where is the bathroom’ and anything else useful and write it on your phone or in a notepad.

Tell us, what other questions do you have about solo travelling? Have you ever travelled alone?