The Secret to Your Solo Travel Success

Ladies, if you're dreaming of a fun solo getaway but don't quite know where to start, you're not alone. One of the most common questions I get from women is, "Where do I begin to solo travel?" And whether you're a first-time solo adventurer or a seasoned explorer looking for a new destination, I have one underrated but incredibly powerful tip for you: request visitor's guides.  They’re a key to your planning and thorough planning is the secret to solo travel success.  

Yep, those free, often glossy little booklets that tourism boards and visitor bureaus send out? They're your new best friend.

Let’s talk about why.

Why Visitor’s Guides Are a Solo Traveler’s Secret Weapon

When you think about solo travel for women, especially if you're just starting out, choosing the right destination can feel a little overwhelming. You might have a place or two in mind—maybe you’ve seen stunning photos on Instagram, or you heard about a place on the news that sounded interesting. But here’s what I suggest: before you book anything, order a visitor’s guide from the tourism board of that location.  Sometimes you can pull these up online to review too, but I love a hard copy that I can add sticky notes to!  

Visitor’s guides are curated by locals and travel professionals who know the heart of a destination. They include must-see attractions, hidden gems, festivals, foodie hotspots, outdoor adventures, cultural activities, and more. This isn’t just about the typical tourist checklist; it’s about getting a true feel for what a solo trip to this place might offer you.

Request Guides from Multiple Cities

Even better? Don’t just request one. Pick three to five different places you’ve been curious about and request their guides. Most visitors’ bureaus will mail them to you for free, and many offer downloadable versions as I mentioned above if you’re eager to start planning right away.

Now, here comes the fun part. Pour yourself a cozy cup of coffee or tea, spread out those guides, and get lost in possibility. As you flip through, you’ll start to notice what draws you in. Do you light up at hiking trails and nature reserves? Are you circling food tours and wine tastings? Does the thought of historic neighborhoods and local art scenes make your heart flutter?

This step is less about logistics and more about listening to your intuition. What kind of solo experience are you craving? Rest and rejuvenation? Exploration and discovery? Creative inspiration? Visitor’s guides help you align your dream with a destination that actually delivers.

Hidden Savings & Insider Tips

Here’s a pro tip: these guides often include exclusive discounts, coupon codes, and insider tips you won’t find on general travel blogs or booking websites. I’ve saved money on museum tickets, guided tours, and meals just by flipping through a visitor’s guide. Sometimes, they’ll also include sample itineraries or suggested day trips that are perfectly suited for solo travelers.

You might even discover local events that line up with your travel dates—think food festivals, seasonal markets, or cultural celebrations. These are the kinds of immersive experiences that can turn a solo trip into something truly unforgettable.

Solo Travel with a Plan That Feels Personal

The beauty of solo travel is that it’s all about you. You get to decide the pace, the priorities, and the vibe. And visitor’s guides can help shape a trip that feels perfectly tailored to your interests. By the time you’ve flipped through a few, you’ll likely feel a clear pull toward one destination over the others. That gut feeling? Trust it.

Also, if safety is a concern (as it often is for many women solo travelers), visitor’s guides often spotlight neighborhoods and venues that are known for being traveler-friendly. Plus, you can always call the bureau directly to ask questions. They’re there to help, and they love sharing advice with thoughtful travelers.

Start Here, Start Now

As a recap of next steps for women wondering how to start solo traveling, begin here.

Choose three to five locations you’ve always been curious about.

Google their visitor’s bureaus or tourism boards and request a guide. Most sites have an easy form to fill out—it only takes a few minutes.  

I just googled city of Chicago visitor’s guide while writing this and I quickly found their guide on page 1 of the google search results as I scrolled down past some advertising links.  

Then, carve out some time for yourself. Pour that coffee, light a candle, put on some music, and flip through your guides like you’re planning the next great chapter of your life. Because that’s exactly what you’re doing.

This small step can spark big inspiration. It turns vague ideas into clear plans. It replaces uncertainty with excitement. And most of all, it puts you in control of your next solo travel adventure.

Your Journey, Your Joy

At Travel With Joy TV, I’m all about helping women solo travel more confidently, more often, and with more joy and happiness. You deserve to feel excited before your trip, during your trip, and after your trip. Requesting visitor’s guides might sound simple, but it’s one of the most joyful ways to begin dreaming up your next solo escape. It’s where hesitation meets inspiration.  

So go ahead. Grab those guides. And remember if you need to talk to me to get tons of encouragement, gain confidence, AND discover essential travel tips tailored to your plan to feel safe, you can book a private coaching call here.  I’m highly experienced in coaching individuals since I’ve been trained through Coach U. And I’m definitely experienced in solo travel since I’ve traveled solo safely and successfully for over two decades now (I started when I was 6, just kidding!).  Freedom, fun, and fulfillment are all waiting for you—with open arms and endless adventure up ahead.

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