How to Start Solo Traveling as a Woman: 10 Essential Tips for Beginners

Your Go-To Guide for Safe, Confident, and Joyful Solo Travel for Women

If you’ve ever Googled how to travel solo as a woman or how to travel safely alone, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. As a travel coach who’s also a stage 4 cancer survivor, I discovered painfully that life can change in an instant. That’s why I’m passionate about helping women like you take that trip for yourself now, while you still have your good health and mobility.

Solo travel doesn’t have to mean a big leap across the ocean all alone. It can start small, simple, and close to home, and still feel freeing, fun, and fulfilling! Here are 10 essential tips every woman needs to know before she starts solo traveling.

1. Stay Close to Home—Especially at First

When you’re just beginning to travel solo, there’s comfort in knowing that friends or family aren’t far away. Choose a destination that’s just a short drive away so you can test the waters. You’ll feel more relaxed and less anxious, knowing you can return home easily if needed.

2. Revisit a Place You’ve Already Been

I recommend that my beginners start their solo travel journey by returning to a destination they’ve previously visited with family or friends. This time though, you will get to do things your way. It’s familiar, which lowers your stress level, but it’s also exciting—because now, the trip is completely about you instead of what the kids wanted to do.

3. Drive Instead of Fly

Driving your own vehicle means you don't have a rental car to figure out (How do the windshield wipers work?), no potential flight delays or cancellations, and no worrying about how you’ll get into your hotel or accommodations that first time if your flight is delayed and lands in the dark. Especially when starting out, it’s so much easier to hop in your own car, plug in your GPS or use your maps app, and hit the road at your own pace.  Stop when you want – or not at all if you’re super excited to get there!  

4. Travel Midweek, Not on Weekends

Weekday travel often means fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and a more relaxed vibe wherever you go. Whether you’re touring a museum, checking into a B&B, or dining out on your own, you’ll likely feel more comfortable and less self-conscious navigating it solo.

5. Join Group Tours Once You Arrive

Solo travel doesn’t mean you have to do everything by yourself. Many women love to join guided tours—city walks, historical excursions, wine tastings, boat rides, you name it. These are a great way to learn something new about the area you’re visiting and join in with others without giving up the freedom of being solo, like, getting to pick exactly what you want to eat on this trip!

6. Learn Some Self-Defense Basics

You don’t need to earn a black belt, but knowing basic self-defense boosts your confidence tremendously. Search YouTube for easy-to-follow videos or take a local class to pick up some tips (For example, the elbow is a strong point you can use if needed). Simply learning how to be more aware of your surroundings and carry yourself confidently makes a huge difference.

7. Stay In at Night—And Make It a Treat

If going out on your own at night feels uncomfortable, don’t force it—especially in the beginning. Plan your activities for daylight hours and create your own cozy nighttime ritual. Order takeout or pick up food to take back to your place, draw a bubble bath, sip a glass of wine or tea, and catch up on a book or show you’ve been wanting to get into but never have time for. Solo travel is also about slowing down and savoring your own company.

8. Use a Wrist Wallet Instead of a Purse

Wrist wallets are compact, comfortable, and discreet. They hold just the essentials—your ID, credit card, a bit of cash, and hotel room key—without the bulk or worry of a purse. You’ll feel safer knowing your valuables are with you, and it’s one less thing to keep track of or set down then leave without.

9. Dress Simply and Practically

This isn’t the time for flashy handbags or expensive jewelry. Wear comfortable shoes you can walk or run in if necessary. Keep your style low-key to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Think: classic, minimal, and travel-smart. You can still look put-together and stylish while being safe and practical.

10. Book a Coaching Call with Joy

Most of you will still have questions specific to your individual situation or destination, and that’s what I’m here for. In just one personalized coaching session, I’ll walk you through your past solo travel experiences—or lack thereof—and help you build a solid, safe, and empowering plan for your next (or first!) adventure. I’ll answer all your questions, ease your worries, and share my very best solo travel secrets (I save these for my coaching clients) that come from my decades of traveling solo safely and very successfully.

And yes, you’ll also discover the joy of traveling solo—both figuratively and literally—since my name is Joy! 😊

It’s Time to Stop Waiting and Start Exploring

If you’ve been putting off solo travel because it seems too scary, complicated, or indulgent, let me lovingly remind you: You deserve this. Life isn’t guaranteed to wait for you. As someone who’s stared down a cancer diagnosis (stage four) in my early 30s, I’m telling you—now is the time.

Even a short overnight or weekend getaway can reconnect you with yourself in ways you can’t imagine. You’ll come back more confident, more energized, and more fulfilled.

Let’s take that first step to helping you solo travel together.

Ready to Begin? Here’s What to Do Next:

✅ Bookmark this blog post
✅Choose one tip to try this month
✅Schedule your 1:1 travel coaching session with me
✅Invite me to speak to your women’s group, workplace, or church circle to inspire more women just like you. I speak in person and virtually.

You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be willing.

Together we’ll create a travel plan that’s safe, empowering, and joyful.  

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