It is your life, others may walk with you but they won’t walk it for you.
Little over 18 months of solo female travel – 5 continents, 32 countries, and countless cities. One question I get a lot is what to expect on solo female travel? I always answer it to the best of my experience but repeating myself, again and again, is no fun. So, I thought why not write it here for those who are interested.
If you don’t know me, I suggest starting here to read about solo female travel blogger I am.
My readers, during your solo travel you might experience hundreds other things but below are the 6 definite things you are most likely to experience.
So without further ado, let’s begin!
1. You will have a lot of fun
From the moment you leave your home to getting off the plane in a new country and getting on a taxi or bus or tuk-tuk or ferry to find your hostel then one fine afternoon watching the beautiful sunset in another part of the world and everything in between. One thing is for sure – You will meet a lot of people from different walks of life. Some of them would be truly inspiring and amazing and some pretty basic. And as we all know we can’t do epic shit with basic people. so, try to surround yourself with former individuals or be your own hero having fun your own way. It is a solo journey after all.
Then many times you will find yourself enjoying hot/cold beverages exchanging your life stories. I’m not into small talks; it gets boring quick. So, i take this as the chance to understand what inspires those people, what motivates them, their perspective about life and different ideas that might widen your horizon. This is a good way to get to know each other and have fun without pretending.
I must add here out of those people you meet, some of them will help you without thinking twice. In today’s world of self-interest and manipulation, finding such people is rare. If you happen to meet those rare gems, consider yourself lucky. Be friends with them. Surround yourself with good people and you will always have a great time. And who knows the friendship you found on the road what it could lead to.
Regardless of how far you are travelling, you will meet wonderful people along the way. Strangers will show you a random act of kindness, be grateful, thank them and don’t forget to pay it forward. As the saying goes: a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.
2. You will be strong and confident
Navigating your way through the foreign train, bus and metro system is a major challenge. Top it off with the language barrier and trying to make it work with the best sign language you could come up with! It’ll be hilarious, hectic and chaotic but sometimes in chaos, we find strength. Strength to carry on which helps build our confidence.
While travelling we may have to make quick decisions. But it will help us to take actions. As they say, doing something and regretting is better than doing nothing at all. We learn from our mistakes.
Hard time trusting people? Solo travelling will help you work on that too. You will have to listen to your gut instinct every single time or let go. You may come across situations where people will trust you and genuinely offer free help, ride, food and even shelter at their home. It will challenge your judgement and trust factor. But would you want to ruin that kind of kindness, trust and confidence someone has on you? I didn’t think so either. You actually want to be more sincere and trustable. It just adds to your confidence. It is amazing.
Exploring new territories, dealing with people from different walks of life, feeling courageous to try skydiving, climbing a mountain, eating snails or chicken leg, drinking a shot infused with scorpions, trusting a stranger to guide your destination. Every new thing you do, you will be building your confidence every step of the way. Gradually you will become strong and fearless.
3. You will feel alone at times
Yes, there will be other people around but you will still feel alone in your heart. I still feel that at times even after 18 months of solo travelling. But what I come to realize is it is normal to feel that way. I just have to remind myself I am a solo traveller, I chose this path and it is all on me. This is unavoidable. But how I deal with it, is what makes all the difference.
You could always Skype, write to your family and friends, read books or watch movies. But the important thing is to understand happiness comes from within you, not from others. Don’t expect anyone to fill up your alone time. The world owes you nothing, so no point being upset with your loved ones.
It is time for you. Utilize it. Feeling alone? Go do something that makes you happy. But first, learn to make peace with your past and don’t worry too much about the future. It will arrive soon enough. Do what you can to be happy now. Be present. I assure you if enjoy the moment, you won’t feel alone. Be at peace with wherever you are. Time will pass anyway.
4. You will experience the ultimate freedom
Solo travelling is freedom. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, however, you want and with whoever you want. It’s all about you. You and your decisions. so, you will be the one facing the outcomes too. The secret is taking rational risks and expanding your comfort zone.
Freedom is power and as we know with power comes responsibility. Responsibility for yourself. To keep yourself safe, sound, healthy and happy. No point making your family and loved ones worry about you. So, let’s be smart and take care of ourselves. No 1 priority. No matter where your travel takes you, please do your best to eat well (doesn’t have to be fancy expensive, nutritional & healthy is good) and sleep well (at least 5-8 hours per night).
In terms of safety, as a general rule of thumb; keep an eye on your belongings and don’t go down that dark alleyway on your own. Guide books are a great help but if you can try exploring the unbeaten route. Either way, you will realize we live in a beautiful world. Use your freedom to broaden your mind and stretch your horizons.
5. You will learn skills
Solo travelling offers opportunities to learn different skills. No 1 is becoming a very good observer. Everything foreign. Sometimes many things happen at the same time. Sometimes nothing happens. Most of the time, you will play a guessing game when you don’t understand. But observing all the time.
You will learn to be responsible as you will have no one else to please with your decisions or blame for results.
You lost your belongings, well time to learn how western union works. So your loved can send you cash! Speaking from experience get the name and spelling right the first time around, travelling broke is no fun.
If that doesn’t work, time to learn how to ask for help wherever you are. Sitting at home you might think ah that should be easy but have you ever ask for money from strangers? I didn’t think so either! Most of us are raised brainwashed asking for help is a sign for weakness but in the real world asking for help needs a lot of courage and no shame! Asking for help is not something we are comfortable with and it is a skill that needs multiple attempts to master.
You will also learn foreign words and language in real-time.
Travelling alone gives you time to think. It is common to see people coming to terms with the power of self-acceptance.
Solo travel will also teach you time management.
Another important thing you will learn is to be grateful for what you have and be at peace.
6. You will change
Travelling the world on your own, watching the beautiful sunset overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, feeding deers in Japan, tiles of Morocco, mountains in Switzerland, view in Vienna, sunrise in a long tail boat overlooking an island in Thailand, amazing waterfall sunset in Cambodia, hot air balloon in Bagan and so on so forth. You will have breathless moments just being there and will realize how capable, strong and independent you are. You are a hero in your own story.
Travelling demands open spirit, a desire for genuine connection and belief that amazing encounters are just around the corner that many walking and talking will lead to. Travel culture shock, your experiences and encounters it all adds up. You will have a deeper insight in a short span. You will start to adapt and immerse quickly.
Being around inspiring people and some deep conversations might change the course of your life. You will have a different perspective. You will start to value experiences over possessions and appreciate moments and people than things. You won’t look for happiness or safety from others because you are confident to provide those for yourself. Solo travel will leave you with an impression you will never forget. You will learn, grow and change for better.
Best to you
Anna X
The hardest walk you can make is the one you walk alone but that is also the walk that will make you the strongest.
Feel free to read about me here or follow me on Instagram.
Great article and love the photos!
Glad you enjoyed it Jo, Thanks.
I moved to South Korea alone about 10 years ago. Didn’t know anyone here or the language. I think that when you go someplace alone, a lot of the time you end up not being alone at all! We all connect so quickly.
Yes that’s the magic! Solo travel isn’t that scary as some people tend to think 😀
You’ve had an epic adventure. Thanks for sharing the lessons you learned on solo travel. You give some great insights and inspiration.
I am still on my adventure and will definitely add new things i’ll learn. Glad it was useful; Thanks for stopping by ninja turtle 😀
Thanks for sharing this!
I really, really, really want to go on a solo trip somewhere. I love going places with my husband, I really do. But I think going solo for a journey is something that everyone should do at least once. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
I recently discovered your blog through another blogging friend, and I really enjoy reading it! That being said, I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award because of how much I really enjoy reading your blog (http://www.mcvagabonds.com/2016/12/21/liebster-award/). Hopefully you don’t mind! If you can’t accept it that’s ok – I know it’s a super busy time of year. I just wanted to share your blog with anyone who stumbles across my own! I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures in 2017!
OMG! what a lovely surprise this warm morning!
Hello and Thanks Suz 🙂
It’s great to meet you and your impressive blog here. I’m pleasantly surprised how you bumped into my blog and found inspiration for solo travel. It means a lot to me. Thank you again for nominating me. I can’t wait to write about it. Until then, Happy travels x
All of these! This is such an accurate article. I love solo travel and can’t wait to get back to it next Spring. My favorite one was #4 the ultimate freedom! Its so nice to be able to just go and do whatever you want everyday.
Amen Mike! I hope you will have an adventurous travel in spring 🙂
Interesting insights on travelling solo. I’m probably not one to travel alone, because I constantly need to talk of /share everything I see/experience. But lovely post. Happy solo travels to you!
Thanks for pointing that out Punita. Before I started solo travelling, I had the same thoughts as well but I am happy to say I keep bumping into travellers and conversation just happens and continues. Solo travelling doesn’t mean you will be all alone; sometimes yes but other times you will end up meeting other solo travellers. I genuinely hope you will get to experience solo travel once in this life 🙂
Ah yesss, I love solo travel and all these are definitely true for me. It is definitely a scary first step for many people but once you take the leap, I don’t think there’s any going back – not for me at least!
It is nice to share the experience with someone else but that’s what I find hostel common areas for 😛
haha true that. Also, if we are up to it we could always strike a conversation wherever that maybe. As an example: While in Paris i became friends with a local in public transportation! Solo travel is an amazing experience 🙂
An interesting read and great to read that there are many more positives than negatives. I have recently been a solo traveller for up to several months, ( not longer) but I did experience the freedom you spoke of. And now I have the most wonderful memories!
Yes! I am happy for you that you get to experience it. You are a legend! I believe everyone should do solo travel at least once in their life and give themselves a chance to create different memories 🙂
Totally agree on the fact that you will change. Props to you for doing this. I’m thinking you also get over the fear of being alone?
Great question Olesya. Sometimes I didn’t like solo traveling but never fear of being alone. Before I started my journey, I watched my mentors, read & knew what I was getting into. So I guess i’d digested the fear even before I set my foot out the door.
A beautiful personal post that is as much about travel as it is about introspection. It’s lovely to get your viewpoint in the subject and I agree with the points you made that travel in general and solo for that matter add character to your personality that is hard to experience any other way. A lovely read. thanks
Glad you enjoyed it. Happy travels
Really great post. I remember the first time I traveled alone for a month in Europe. At the time, it was so hard. The language barrier and loneliness was such a struggle. I look back now, 15 years later and believe that that experience really began to shape who I am now and showed me strength that I never knew I hade. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it. Happy travels
I am a solo traveller. This is very accurate! I love this post. Especially the confidence bit.
Glad you enjoyed it. Happy travels
These actually make sense. I just took the plunge and realized most thigns on the way
Glad you enjoyed it. Happy travels
Wow…such an motivating and helpful piece of article you created..really it kept my eagerness rising as I continued to read…eagerness to see what will be in the next line..great job
Glad you enjoyed it. Happy travels
What spectacular photos and amazing places shown here! I agree that sometimes you feel alone even though there are lots of people around but you are right that happiness comes from within so you have to choose to be happy and make your destiny come true.
Glad you enjoyed it. Happy travels
I think you just nailed it. Very happy about this post on solo travelling. Great tips and amazing photos 🙂 Awesome!
Glad you enjoyed it. Happy travels
I haven’t tried travelling solo yet. Not sure if I will actually do it in the future (such a scaredy-cat), but thank you for the tips.
I hope this post gave you some inspiration to travel solo. If you have any questions, i’m happy to answer them,
It sounds like you have gotten the solo thing down!! On the few solo trips I have done, I’ve just absolutely hated it! I honestly think if I would have tried solo travelling while single, maybe it would be a different story. But now that I am with someone, I just prefer to share my travels with him. Either way, travelling is the best!
Pretty sure you could find the reasons why it didn’t work out and next time if you decide to do it again, it will all go well. Regardless, happy travels
Hi Anna, wow your photos are stunning – I love the back theme you have going, it’s really intriguing & beautiful. Great content too, I love that you counter the negatives with positives, which is what travelling is all about x
Thanks Sheena, glad you enjoyed it.
Beautifully written, Anna! I have genuine admiration for solo travelers. I have yet to try that myself, but hearing from many female solo travelers how life-changing it is I am convinced that it is something every person should do once in life.
Thanks Therie, I hope this post provided some inspiration to finally do that solo travel.
Great post! I’m also traveling solo and I love it! Going to share it with my friends. Thanks for writing
Glad you enjoyed it , happy travel
Awesome!!! Love this!!
Glad you enjoyed it. Happy travels
I really like how you touched on the loneliness that comes with constant solo travel. Solo traveling is so much fun, but there are times when we feel so alone and it’s nice to know that others feel the same. Love this post!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by, happy travels
Awesome! Shared it with a friend that recently travelled solo!
Hope he/she can relate to it. I appreciate the love. Thanks Rush
Beautiful photos!!!
Thanks for stopping by. Come back for more!
Love your photos, they are just great. For travelling alone I was surprised not to see selfie stick 🙂 just joking. Very nice made and very good texts, easy to read, keep up your work and travel destinations, cheers
I actually have one but i try not to use it too much 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the read, thanks for stopping by
Wow…awesome blog! you are an inspiration Anna. Keep going!
Whoah. Looking at your pictures I can tell your life is amazing. I hope I could go to the places you’ve been to very soon. And travel solo.
I do my best, Thanks! Solo travel is the best! Let me know if you need a hand. Good luck!
Great blog and photos! Will come back to read more! Greetings
I like your post and very inspiring. You inspired me to travel more solo 🙂
Gorgeous photographs as well!
Travelling long term is something that only rare and brave people can manage to do. I truly love how positive you’re about life, despite your health situation. Yes, travelling can really give us a valuable lesson and learnings while on the road and this will make us a better version of our self. Thank you so much for sharing all of these with us.
Thanks for your kind words! It is not easy but being positive about life seems to help! It makes me happy to read comments like yours and to know there are others like myself who appreciate travel like i do. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve never tried to travel solo. and its sounds so fun and exciting. We can do what we want. and those photos are so stunning. It seems that you really enjoy your travel.
I would love to have the opportunity to travel one day. For now I will settle for seeing your beautiful pictures and following your journey.
Every time I have travelled with other people I always get frustrated because id rather is on my own! I love solo travels!
I super agree with this post! I’ve been travelling solo and I can honestly say that this post is accurate! Haha keep travelling ♥️
Some of my travelling memories are from when I travelled solo: exploring Hawaii on my own, studying abroad in Italy and travelling on my own, backpacking sections of the Appalachian Trail on my own…The people you meet, the independence and freedom, and the confidence gained, and the experiences are all things that will stick with you for a lifetime.
It needs a lot of courage to travel alone. Hope it gives a lot learning new skills and to know more about yourself. Pictures are really awesome with beautiful scenery. Thanks
I need to work up the courage to do this! I love travelling, but always meet people places. Your pictures look amazing!
I truly admire your courage and your stamina, travelling solo is a fantastic experience but needs a lot of courage. Wish I had the nerve and funds to do it.
Thank you so much for your kind words. If I can do it, I am sure you can too. I offer private travel coaching if you need help or have any questions, just nudge 🙂
Great post and really awesome information you share on this blog. Solo travelling is really nice. Enjoyable travelling. I like the solo travelling. Thanks your blog info is very helpful.
Awesome blog. You share the useful information for solo traveler. You click this pic really excellent. Great Blog!