5 Reasons Why Every Girl Should Travel Solo

Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular, especially amongst young women. Have you ever heard of the phrase knowledge is power? Well, I believe that travel is power! Solo travel that is. 2017 saw a rise in solo travel and an online survey back in 2013 from hostel world, found that women are looking for freedom and a boost of confidence from travelling alone.

As a (reasonably) young woman myself, I have much experience in travelling solo and would recommend anyone to do the same. Travelling alone can be seriously daunting though, especially for first timers but should you let that stop you? Absolutely not. Trust me, it’s not as tough as it might first appear.

After getting lost around a new city, navigating complicated transport systems or playing a game of charades as a means to overcome the language barrier, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Take that first step…

Travel will show you a whole new world and way of thinking. Go with an open mind and get lost in weird and wonderful places. Try new foods, speak to local people, get off the beaten track and put yourself out there. The further you venture, the more you will see!

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”- Lao Tzu

I love this travel quote and oh how true it is! That first step is sometimes the hardest but if you can book a ticket and get yourself on the plane you’ve done it. That I guess, is the biggest hurdle, to actually do it. Once you’re sitting on that plane there’s no turning back. So why should you travel solo and what can going it alone teach you?

1. Freedom

By far one of the biggest draws for travelling solo. Backpacking by yourself allows you to do what you want, when you want. There’s no pressure from anyone else, if you like a place then you’re free to stay longer, if you don’t, you can move on to the next. There’s no having to compromise with anyone, the world is entirely yours to explore. I love arriving at a new place and heading straight out to wander around, not having to wait for anyone else. You can do whatever you want- the world is yours! You are your own boss.

2. Increased confidence

For me, travelling solo has definitely made me a more confident person. The first time you travel solo you’re throwing yourself in the deep end, into another culture, a place you know nothing about and people and sights so unfamiliar to you. You’ll learn to talk to people from every culture, from other travellers, to tourist agents and locals alike.

I was a shy 18 year old when I took my first trip and came back much more confident in talking to people of all ages and backgrounds. Knowing you’ve got to arrange everything yourself from trains to planes, to food and accommodation, is so rewarding. Even if you mess up, it’s a lesson learnt and you know how to deal with it for next time.

3. Independence

Independence is one of the best things travel can give you. It develops you as a person, it teaches you when you make mistakes and rewards your hard work at the end. When travelling alone you’re responsible for everything, from booking transport and hostel rooms, to reading the map right, not getting yourself lost and to keeping safe.

Things can not always go to plan but you will learn how to deal with those things. I remember when my purse was stolen and I had to cancel my card and arrange for money to be sent from home. With little money to get by with for a few days I had to budget. These things are all a learning curve and at the end I felt proud that I’d fixed the situation, picked myself up and carried on travelling again.

4. It encourages you to make friends

I find that solo travellers are always more open and willing to talk and make friends. We’re all in the same position and even just having a single conversation with someone after being alone for a few days can really pick you up. I’m generally a shy person so making the first move and introducing myself to someone doesn’t come naturally but when I’m travelling somehow it’s easier.

They don’t know you, or that your shy, so really you can be anyone you want to be. I will end up walking around with people I would never usually hang out with back home but you bond over a common ground between you. You need each other in a way, plus there’s  so many stories and advice to be shared by travellers that it’s definitely worth making that first move.

Read more on making friends travelling: Making Friends: You Don’t Always Have to Travel Solo

5. You will become street smart

Travelling solo as a woman can be scary at times, especially if you’re in a country where women don’t normally travel alone. There are small things that you will pick up along the way but mostly it’s just common sense. Things like not going out after dark, getting the hostel to call a taxi for you instead of getting one off the street and asking locals which areas to avoid, etc.

I feel more confident now in how to stop someone harassing me or just general safety precautions, than I did 10 years ago and its just down to experience. Asking other travellers and hostel staff about the safest areas is a great start, as well as reading up about local customs.

Read more on staying safe as a female: Being harassed: How to politely say NO

So there you have it. Just some of the great things that makes travelling by yourself so rewarding. Be confident, be daring, be sensible, be open minded and you will ace solo travel in no time and come back with so many stories it will leave you wanting to do it all over again.

More Reading: Easy Travel Hacks to Save Money

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