Today, I’m sharing travel tips for women traveling alone.  I’ve traveled solo many times for business and on a much needed vacation. I’ve lost track of the number of times that I’ve been asked throughout my journeys, “Are you going alone?” “Don’t you have a friend to go with you?” or “You aren’t afraid to travel by yourself, I could never do that.” Lets not forget this one, “Do you get lonely?”  There’s a difference being lonely and being alone.  

I remember the first time I traveled alone for vacation although I was married.  At the time my daughter was five years old.  So, I decided to head to Los Angeles to visit my sister and her family. It was the first time that my daughter and I had flown. My husband made sure we got on the plane without issues, and the flight to Los Angeles was smooth. The next task was to get our luggage and find my sister.

This too went without incident. I juggled luggage and a 5 year old through a international airport.  We had a great time in Los Angles and the surrounding areas. We made our way back to Washington-Dulles, and it was at that point I was bitten by the travel bug.  Traveling solo as a female no longer intimidated me.

I started making my way around the country for my job shortly thereafter. Getting in and out of airports became second nature to me as well as either renting cars and driving in strange cities or hailing taxis to get from point A to B. When you have a job that requires you to travel, your company doesn’t pay for another person to accompany you.  So, you go alone. You put on your big girl pants and you conduct business. 

               Vacationing in Savannah, GA

It’s funny people see women traveling alone as courageous or brave. Why don’t they see men this way?  Actually,  I see myself as neither.  I’m simply doing what I love to do. As a matter of fact, I believe traveling solo has contributed to making me who I am today. I also believe that every woman should travel solo at least once in their life.  It’s empowering!  If you decide to travel, here’s a few tips for women traveling alone:

1. It Forces You To Step Outside Your Comfort Zone – It requires you to face your fears. I was quite nervous the first time I traveled alone, but I pushed through and marched forward. As a result, I became quite confident in my abilities to reach a destination and enjoy myself. It is definitely a self-esteem boost.

2. It Broadens Your Perspective  – Traveling allows you to see that that there is another part of the world.  It allows you to interact with  people outside of your circle.  Furthermore, it allows you to get to know them and a little about their daily life.  I have met wonderful people along my journey.  Some I have remained in touch with and some I’ve just had a pleasant conversation with.   All remain memorable.  Why should you miss out, simply because you’re traveling solo as a female.

3. It Allows You to Experience Different Cultures and Foods – One of the things that I love most is experiencing different cultures and treating myself to local dishes. Eating out by myself the first time was a little uncomfortable.  However, I decided to take my Kindle and catch up on my reading list. I noticed one lady who was traveling solo doodling.  Traveling solo as a female doesn’t have to be difficult.

People find a way to occupy themselves. I’m comfortable enjoying my meals alone and not feeling like an outcast. I’ve had people invite me to join them, but I’ve found I like relaxing and eating alone.  Besides, I’m really not into small talk or trying to force a conversation.  Getting online and retrieving emails is a much better way for me to occupy my time.

4. It Teaches You To Think About Your Safety – Safety should be a major concern when traveling solo. It forces you to listen to your intuition and to become aware of your surroundings. I always do my homework before traveling. I educate myself on taxi fares so I will have some idea of what I should be buying. If I will be driving, I make sure I arrive during the day so I can reach my destination before night fall.

I make it a habit of checking my surroundings, and never venture too far my hotel at night. I always park under lights and always keep my doors locked when driving or in my hotel room. They make peep holes for a reason, I use it before opening the door for room service, maintenance etc.

5. You Return Feeling Like You Can Conquer The World – Traveling solo as a female makes you stronger as a person. It enhances your leadership, planning and organizational skills. It allows you to get in touch with what you like and do they things you want to do. You get to plan and set your own schedule and not feel obligated to anyone. It’s freeing and totally invigorating!

Furthermore, why can’t women travel alone?  Women who are executives in corporations or own their own businesses travel constantly.  It seems that traveling for business is acceptable, but there’s still a stigma about a woman traveling alone for a little rest and relaxation. Women want to feel invigorated, and they are refusing to be stifled in any matter.  Tips for women traveling alone can be beneficial. Assert your independence, and have a great time!