With a recent study finding that search volume for the term ‘female solo travel’ across all search engines has increased by 62% in the past three years and 84% of solo travellers today being women, the recent launch of Lonely Planet’s new book “Women Travel Solo” is timely. This extract examines the reasons why solo travel for women can be beneficial.
1. It’s empowering
Travelling alone can boost confidence and offer significant rewards for women. Managing a heavy backpack from place to place, navigating new cities, and handling touts and hustlers without a male companion or group support can reveal strengths you may not have been aware of. It also challenges stereotypical gender norms. Solo female travellers demonstrate that anyone can engage in activities like climbing mountains, road-tripping through deserts, or adding leisure time to a business trip. These actions push against traditional ideas about women’s capabilities.
2. You’re the boss … But no one’s calling you bossy
Solo travel often attracts individuals who are bold and assertive, traits associated with leadership. These characteristics can sometimes confuse people who use terms like ‘control freak’ and ‘bossy.’ Travelling with friends or partners can be challenging when travel styles differ. Independent travel allows you to decide how to spend your day, whether following a detailed schedule or relaxing by the pool. You can manage your eating, sleeping, spending, and socializing preferences without external judgments. You set the rules and can adjust them as needed.
3. You are never truly alone
Contrary to the common perception that solo travellers experience loneliness, this is not typically the case. While periods of solitude may occur from time to time, solo travellers often find it easy to connect with others in hostels, on local tours, guided trips, or even public transport. As a solo woman, you may be perceived as approachable and non-threatening, which can facilitate finding travel companions. However, this might also lead to occasional unwelcome encounters. To mitigate concerns about solitude, consider researching social events and meetups at your destination in advance to connect with local women or participate in female-only tours or group trips to meet like-minded travellers.
Intrepid’s women-led, women-only trips aim to celebrate and support woman-owned businesses and communities in locations such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco. Additionally, there are online resources available for support, such as Facebook groups including the Solo Female Traveler Network, The Blonde Abroad Female Travel Tribe, and Solo Girls Travel Guide, which offer advice, tips, and a welcoming community.
4. Freedom from societal expectations
A solo female traveller has the opportunity to prioritize her own needs, which is an empowering and often subversive act within today’s societal norms. Solo travel is not exclusively for single individuals; mothers, grandmothers, and married women also benefit from taking trips alone. A solo adventure offers an ideal form of ‘me time,’ providing a respite from traditional caregiving roles.
Furthermore, long-term travel presents an excellent opportunity to challenge oppressive beauty standards and experiment with new looks. Travellers may choose to adopt a low-maintenance approach by leaving behind razors, hair straighteners, and make-up, or they may take the plunge and get a tattoo they have always wanted. By opting out of pervasive body-shaming, diet culture, fashion, and fitness trends, solo female travellers are afforded more space to embrace their true selves and discover their identities.
5. Connect with other women
Solo travel can be safe, but women face more safety considerations due to gender inequality. This impacts planning and traveling stages. Cultural norms for women vary globally and experiencing them can be enlightening. From following dress codes in India to engaging in domestic life at a Guatemalan homestay, connecting with local women offers insights into their roles and rights. Exchange smiles, share stories, and celebrate both our similarities and differences.
Women Travel Solo by Lonely Planet, $35.99 RRP ($39.99 NZD). Contact shop.lonelyplanet.com
