Thinking about taking a trip by yourself? Do it.

Traveling solo as a woman is one of the most freeing, eye-opening and empowering experiences you can give yourself. I’ve visited several countries and while not all those trips were solo, some of my most unforgettable moments came from traveling alone.
From hiking through Guatemala’s jungle and ziplining in Costa Rica to soaking in hot springs in Iceland and wandering the streets of El Salvador, each trip taught me something new about myself.

1. Trust Your Gut

Your intuition is powerful.

If something feels off, skip it. If a street looks too quiet, turn around.

In El Salvador, I decided to take a chicken bus across town, but the delay in my second connection had me arriving after dark with luggae. I was heading to Lagarza Hostel, which is by the beach and a bit isolated from the main road. When I got off the bus, I noticed a group of sketchy-looking people lingering by a shed. I trusted my gut, walked five minutes to the nearest gas station where it was well-lit and busy and called the hostel. I let them know I was waiting for an Uber and would arrive in about 15 minutes. That small decision made me feel safer and more in control of the situation.

If I ever arrive somewhere and something doesn’t feel right, I don’t wait around to find out why. I exit fast and find something else to do. Trust your gut, always.

2. Start Conversations, Even Brief Ones

Solo travel becomes richer when you open up to the people around you. A quick chat with someone at a hostel breakfast or on a walking tour can lead to real connections, helpful advice, and shared moments you’ll remember. You don’t need to be extroverted, just present, curious, and open to a hello.

3. Choose Accommodations That Fit Your Energy

I usually stay in hostels with great reviews and customer-posted photos, which helps me filter the vibe.

In Iceland, I stayed at Bus Hostel. It was super efficient and clean, they serve as a central hub for many of the tours. But just know, there’s barely anything to eat around there. I made it work because the convenience outweighed the lack of food options.

4. Take All the Photos

Yes, ask strangers. Yes, use the self-timer. You’ll be so glad you did. I have missed a lot of photo ops. Don’t wait for someone else to be in the frame, you’re the main character.

5. Safety First, Adventure Second

In Santa Ana, El Salvador, I wanted to do a scenic hike but didn’t want to go completely alone. I asked my driver if he had any friends I could join and he reached out and got me added to a group. Not only was it safer but I ended up meeting a few other travelers who made the experience even more fun.

6. Eating Alone Isn’t Weird

At first, sitting down for a meal alone can feel awkward but then it becomes powerful. Solo dining has become one of my favorite parts of traveling. It’s the moment I get to slow down, take it all in and people-watch without distraction.

I usually treat myself to one or two nice meals per trip and the rest are often street food or whatever the locals are having. There’s something freeing about ordering exactly what you want, sitting wherever you please and not needing a conversation to enjoy the moment.

7. Pack Light But Right

If it doesn’t fit in a carry-on, it doesn’t go. I keep a travel capsule wardrobe that mixes and matches. I use my trusty Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On suitcase. It’s been with me through cobblestones in Europe and snowy streets in Iceland. It fits everything I need and keeps me moving with ease.

8. Plan a Little, Wander a Lot

When I travel solo, my itinerary is packed because I absolutely cannot miss any of the action, activities or sights. But I always leave a little space for wandering.

In Japan, I originally planned to spend the day learning about different historical sites. Instead, I ended up detouring and walking around Akihabara, where the shop girls and café hosts wore the cutest maid outfits. It was such a surprise and one of my favorite memories from Tokyo. Those unplanned moments are usually the best.

9. Say Yes to Yourself

The biggest gift of solo travel? You learn to put yourself first. You get to say yes to things you actually want to do. Whether it’s ziplining in a rainforest, looking into a volcano, or soaking in a hot spring in Iceland, you’re building a life full of stories that are yours.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought, “This is it…..the last hike, the last boat, the last flight,” but I go with God. That trust carries me through every journey.

10. Make Room for Rest

You don’t have to see everything. One of my favorite days in Guatemala was just doing nothing, lying in a hammock. Travel burnout is real. Do nothing and feel good about it.

Final Thoughts

Solo travel isn’t about proving anything to anyone. It’s about showing up for yourself, choosing your own pace and creating memories that are fully yours. Every bus ride, misstep or surprise connection becomes part of your story and the more you do it, the more confident you become.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to take that solo trip, this is it. Book the ticket, trust yourself, and don’t forget to take the photo. You’re ready and the world is waiting.