Solo female traveler exploring the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt

Solo Travel Fear? A Woman’s Guide to Crushing It

By Feven  September 14, 2025  8 min read

Hey future solo traveler! Thinking about taking the first step to explore the world on your own but your brain is spinning with all the what-ifs? Fear of the unknown, safety worries, budget stress, and the usual “Will I be lonely?” are normal, but guess what? You’re not alone, and you can do this.

This post is your guide to busting the biggest solo travel fears with real stories, laughs, and practical tips from my first solo trip in New York back in 2011, through 56 countries and counting. Ready to turn your fear into your fiercest adventure? Let’s dive in!

My First Solo Trip: New York, 2011

“In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of There’s nothing you can’t do Now you’re in New York These streets will make you feel brand new Big lights will inspire you.”
 
Alicia Keys and Jay Z sing what many dream of, and I was one of them. New York was my first solo trip destination, chosen with intention and a little nervous excitement. I still remember why I chose the Big Apple for my first solo adventure. After school, I dreamed of moving to New York to live the American Dream.
 
But first, I wanted to “test” it. To see how I’d feel there alone. But I wasn’t born brave. I didn’t grow up globetrotting. But little by little, I learned that fear and freedom often travel together. And honestly? I almost didn’t go. New York was my dream, but it was expensive. I was fresh out of school, and every part of my brain screamed “You can’t afford this.” I saved for months, no shopping, no takeout, just work, save, repeat. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was worth it.
 
The city electrified me. Despite tight budgets and staying in a Harlem hostel (not the safest neighborhood then), I felt safe and alive. I learned early on that solo travel doesn’t always require a fortune.
 
Eight years later, I returned again solo, viewing the city through a more experienced lens. New York’s energy remains unmatched, but I realized it wasn’t my forever home. It’s hectic, loud, and expensive, not my vibe anymore. Now I prefer the charm of European cities like Barcelona. My first trip to New York was a travel story and it life-changing moment. I wasn’t scared because excitement and gratitude drowned out my fears.  That trip sparked my solo travel addiction to 56 countries and 7 continents.

Solving the Fear of Solo Travel

There are many safe destinations perfect for female solo travelers. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone. The internet is buzzing: from 2020 to 2023, Radical Storage – Solo Travel Statistics. You’ll find tons of inspiring solo female travel blogs (including mine 😉). Though different, they share one mission: to inspire you to travel alone.

Facing Solo Travel Fears

 Are you dreaming of solo travel but your mind runs wild with “what ifs”?

1. “It’s Not Safe for Women”

69% of women say safety is their biggest travel barrier.
Myth vs. Reality

True story: Before Armenia, I was traveling through Georgia with a friend. Laughing over khinkali and getting lost together in Tbilisi’s backstreets. Then suddenly, I crossed the border solo. No one to share snacks with, no one to split a cab. At first, it felt… quiet. But then I realized: this quiet was freedom. I moved at my own pace and met new people along the way.

Pro tip: Solo ≠ alone.

  • Choose beginner-friendly countries (Portugal over Pakistan)

  • Trust your instincts and your “resting suspicious face”

  • Join hostel game nights to make new friends

And yes, sometimes women of color wonder if their experience abroad will be different. Spoiler: it can be, but it’s not a barrier. I shared more about it in my Women of Color guide, with tips and stories that prove representation matters in travel too.

2. “I’ll Die of Loneliness”

True story: Before Armenia, I was traveling through Georgia with a friend. Laughing over khinkali and getting lost together in Tbilisi’s backstreets. Then suddenly, I crossed the border solo. No one to share snacks with, no one to split a cab. At first, it felt… quiet. But then I realized: this quiet was freedom. I moved at my own pace and met new people along the way.

Pro tip: Solo ≠ alone.

  • Hostel bars and tours are social goldmines

  • Book small group tours through GetYourGuide
    and meet adventurers without the awkward “hi, wanna be friends?” vibe

3. “I Can’t Afford This”

Budget hacks:

Before you even set foot on Antarctica, you have to survive the Drake Passage. Two days of the ocean with waves that can feel like a wild rollercoaster.

Here’s what I witnessed on board:

4. “I’ll Get Hopelessly Lost”

Finally, the moment we landed on Antarctica, a frozen paradise like no other.

No photo or video can prepare you for the raw, surreal beauty of the icy landscapes and wildlife.

  • Real talk: Getting lost in Madeira led me to the best pastel de nata

  • Offline survival: Download Maps.me + screenshot your hostel details

5. “People Will Judge Me”

Truth:

  • Locals usually don’t care, they’re focused on their own lives

  • Tourists see you as a badass for traveling solo. Most judgment is in your head

Staying safe is about more than just street smarts. Check out these 9 Solo Female Travel Self-Care Hacks: Stay Energized & Safe to keep your energy high and your worries low. Also, one of my safety secrets is that I never travel without my SafetyWing Their nomad-friendly plans cover medical emergencies and trip interruptions.

Why Your Solo Travel Fear is Your Hidden Advantage

That inner doubt telling you “you can’t” is the same one that’ll roar “HOLY CRAP, I DID IT!” when you:

  • Sunrise-hike solo in Georgia
  • Chase the Northern Lights in Norway
  • Bargain in Moroccan markets without tears
  • High-five yourself in Antarctica
My 2011 NYC self put it best: “I thought I’d find the American Dream… but instead I found MYSELF.” Sometimes getting lost leads to the best discoveries like when I explored the stunning Dolomites solo. Explore the beauty of solo travel in the Dolomites.
Solo female traveler at Iguazu Falls Brazil
Solo female traveler enjoying New York City skyline, standing with view of skyscrapers and cityscape, solo travel inspiration

What I Wish I Knew Before My First Solo Trip

  • Daylight is endless. I didn’t realize how disorienting 20+ hours of daylight would feel. A sleep mask became my best friend.

  • You’ll want binoculars. I assumed my camera zoom would be enough but nope. Binoculars made spotting whales, seals, and birds way more magical.

  • Laundry is a pain. Ships charge eye-watering fees, so better pack a few quick-dry pieces you can wash in the sink.

Mini FAQ: Solo Female Travel

How do I stay safe as a solo woman? Use common sense, carefully research your accommodation, share your location with someone you trust, and try to blend in with local dress. Your safety matters! Always listen to your gut.

What if I panic mid-trip? It’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Carry a comfort object, have calming eBooks bookmarked, and don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted friends or other solo travelers. You’re never  alone.

How do I eat alone without feeling awkward?

Start small: museum cafés or bar seating at casual spots are perfect. Remember, most people are focused on their meals, so no one’s really watching.
 
But I’m scared and broke! What can I do? Valid feelings! The good news? Some amazing trips, like to Albania, cost less than your monthly coffee habit, and the memories? Priceless.

What if I panic abroad? Panic happens, and that’s okay. Step 1: Take a deep breath. Step 2: Find some gelato (or your comfort food). Step 3: Text me for emergency memes and a virtual pep talk.

How do I pick my first destination? Let me help! Take my quick quiz to find the perfect spot based on what feels right for you:

  • Thrill-seeker? → Mexico
  • Introvert? → Japan
  • Budget queen? → Albania
Curious if solo travel is your thing? Take the Solo Traveler Quiz and discover your perfect first adventure!

Final Thoughts – Last Stop Before Takeoff!

That fear whispering “you can’t” is the same voice that will scream “HOLY CRAP, I DID IT!” when you’re eating tapas alone in Barcelona like a boss. It’s the voice that pushes you just enough to grow, to explore, and to surprise yourself with what you’re truly capable of. Your solo era starts now. A journey where you set the rules, discover new strengths, and collect new moments.

It’s not always easy, but every step you take is a win, no matter how small.

I even keep a few inspiration quotes close whenever fear creeps back in. They’re little reminders that courage often whispers before it shouts.

You’re never really alone on this path. I’ve got your back every step of the way: sharing tips, and sending good vibes whenever you need them. So go on, take that first step. The world is waiting to meet the incredible, fearless you. Want a travel bestie in your inbox? Join my free newsletter Travel Bueno & Beyond, your little boost of courage, stories, and solo travel secrets, served with a side of Kinder Bueno.

Adventure on, I’ll see you on the road! 

Learn to travel solo workbook for women

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