Increasing numbers of adventurous women are booking a trip alone despite the fear-inducing stigma surrounding it.

Woman travelling in Budapest. Andrea Piacquadio. CC0.

Recently on a solo trip in Central America, I looked around the hostel and asked my friend, “Have you noticed that nearly every solo traveler here is a woman?” She scanned the room and agreed, noting a similar sentiment from her travels.

According to the Hostelworld 2024 report, 60% of solo travelers were female. Statistics don’t lie. It’s clear that women are traveling, and more and more alone.

Yet, despite the clear existence of women traveling alone, and alone, why do discussions of fear, safety, and violence dominate the conversation surrounding solo female travel? Before almost every trip I’ve taken, family and friends ask me the same questions: “Aren’t you scared?”; “Isn’t it dangerous?”; “Won’t you be lonely?”

For many, solo travel is incredibly empowering. It’s a way to meet new people, gain new experiences, and learn more about yourself. When traveling alone, you don’t have to compromise on a travel partner’s or group’s desires. Spontaneously changing plans or winding up in unimaginable places unimaginable all become possibilities. And, in a still recently post-lockdown world, many people are itching to make up for the lost time, and unwilling to wait to get on that trip, despite the unavailability of their friends.

Solo travel is a sure way to push oneself out of comfort, immerse oneself in a new culture and meet new people. And, you're rarely alone, no matter how “solo” you go. While solo traveling, I have met significantly more people than when traveling with family or friends, and I seldomrarely feel lonelyalone. Staying in hostels or just approaching a stranger with a smile can lead to a friendship or travel partner for the day. I have found myself sharing once-in-a-lifetime moments with people who were strangers a day earlier, and it is something unbelievably special.

Yet, despite these reasons or desires to do it, many feel apprehension or fear toward solo travel. And this is understandably so. Solo travelers of all genders cite fears of loneliness, difficulty meeting people, or danger as anxieties before their trip. Still, women are three times more likely to list safety as a concern than their male solo traveler counterparts. While safety is an obvious and undeniable concern for all travelers, especially women, it is also important to note that women tend to think about safety all the time, regardless of where they are.

Though safety concerns may be more at the forefront when discussing travel, it is important to remember that bad things can happen anywhere. Violence against women is very real and very frightening, everywhere. Still, that being said, traveling abroad should not be demonized as especially dangerous when violent crimes also occur at home. As a woman, there is more planning necessary andor precautions to be aware of. to try and avoid certain situations, Hhowever, it is still very possible to enjoy a trip alone safely.

Changing the narrative around solo female travel from fear to empowerment is essential in our modern world. In the conversation surrounding planning a solo female trip, there are so many other important factors to consider beyondbesides just safety, like the cultural experiences, the weather, whetherif it will be fun, and countless others. While safety is of undeniable importance, women travelers deserve the same chance toand can experience the joy of discovering a new place alone.

Considering traveling alone but feeling apprehensive? Here are some things to consider:

1. Plan.

Avoid situations where you may feel unsafe. A little bit of research regarding the destination or area to book accommodation goes a long way. If other solo female travelers reportedly did not feel safe in a certain area at night, I would avoid being in that place at night. Plan to arrive at new places in the daytime, with a charged working phone (and portable charger) and an idea of how to find your accommodation. Keep in touch with someone from home about with your plans and whereabouts.

2. Stay in a hostel

Hostels are a great place to start if you are interested in a backpacker-type experience. Horror stories of grimy, sweaty bunk beds are often not the case, and hostels can be deluxe accommodations. They’re a sure way to meet other like-minded travelers and explore a destination together. TAs well, there are also hostels catered to older travelers with coworking spaces or private rooms with communal living aspects, fitting every niche.

3. Stay aware of your surroundings

This is not a travel-specific tip, as women often stay aware of their surroundings all the time. HoweverBut, it is still important for all travelers to keep in mind.: Avoid accepting free drinks from strangers, wearing flashy jewelry or walking alone at night, and paykeep in mind those around you. Do not tell strangers that you are traveling alone, and keep your plans vague when describing them.

4. Do your own research

Although friends and family might be showing concern for your trip out of love, sometimes the worries from others are due to assumptions or preconceived notions of a region’s safety or development. Danger exists everywhere, at home and abroad; do your research, talk to people with experience, and create informed opinions.

5. Be kind to yourself

Fear is normal and healthy! It would be a little bit crazy to book a trip alone to a foreign place and not feel an ounce of anxiety. Before nearly every trip I’ve been on, I slightly freak out in the airport or convince myself that the whole thing was a ridiculous idea. Then, after every trip, I am endlessly grateful that I trusted myself and pushed myself to do it. Nerves are important, and feeling this way allows us to push out of our comfort zone. Only then may real growth be done. Do it scared. Do it excited. Do it if you want to.