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How Solo Female Travel Changed My Life (And How It Can Change Yours, Too)

changed my life
See; it’s a thing!

I never thought I would travel solo. It kind of just…happened. And I’m glad it did, because it changed my life.

Growing up, my vacations consisted of Caribbean cruises and road trips spent searching for thrilling roller coasters and America’s best beaches.

It wasn’t until I studied abroad in Sydney at the age of 20 that I got the itch to expand my travel horizons. During my time studying abroad my roommates took an impromptu trip to Thailand, which I sadly wasn’t able to afford. But I was determined: I would save up and go the following summer.

Right after Christmas I began asking friends and family if they would be interested in joining me on my Southeast Asian journey. Doing homestays, hiking through rice terraces, taking cooking classes, perusing night markets and volunteering to help build a village dam. Who could resist such an adventure? Apparently, everyone I knew.

Big Decisions

When the time came to book my ticket I was faced with a big decision: travel solo or stay home and give up on an experience I’d been looking forward to for months. I worried I would feel awkward or that I would be lonely. I worried I wouldn’t be able to communicate with anyone because of language barriers. I worried about finding accommodation and ordering food and getting ripped off.

Most of all, though, I worried I would miss out on an enriching opportunity. A round-trip ticket to Bangkok, please. How many passengers? One!

changed my life
One reason to visit Thailand: the food!

Growth

Since my first solo travel experience in Thailand I’ve had many others: a summer through Europe, three months through South America, an adventurous journey exploring French Polynesia, some time traveling alone in Morocco, and numerous solo trips around the United States.

You see, every time I travel solo it’s like a self-esteem boost, as I’m reminded of all that I’m capable of. Traveling with others, you tend to rely on different people for different things. Maybe Joe handles the map because he’s good at navigation while Jen smooths out any ordeals because she’s an excellent problem solver. When traveling solo, however, you’re responsible for it all: reading the map, navigating local transportation, communicating through language barriers, problem solving when you miss your train or your motorbike runs out of gas, getting un-lost in unfamiliar cities, and any travel mishap in between.

And guess what? You’ll do it! You may not think you’re equipped to handle all the issues that arise, but you’ll surprise yourself. Because when you’re forced to, you’ll accomplish anything and everything.

changed my life
A beach selfie in India

Learning To Shine

Before I began traveling solo I was much more reliant on other people. I was shy and would hide within my friends circle. After traveling solo as a female, though, I realized I could be a social superstar if I tried.

I think I truly reached my full socializing potential when traveling solo through Europe. The culture is extremely social in itself, with people mingling and sharing wine in public squares. Suddenly, people were coming up and starting conversations with me in money exchanges, train stations, parks, buses, piazzas, hostels.

As I assimilated more into European way of life and the friendliness of the backpacker circuit, I began initiating conversations myself â€”a feat seemingly impossible in my pre-solo travel years.

I would bring a bottle of wine to a park, offering to share with picnickers in exchange for some cheese and bread. Or I would invite people from a walking tour out for drinks. I made great friends, many whom I still keep in touch with. Even more, I realized how easy it was to make friends once you came out of your shell, a skill that’s helped me in work, friendships and relationships.

How Solo Female Travel Changed My Life (And How It Can Change Yours, Too)

Independence

While I’m thankful to have helpful parents, being young and inexperienced in the world left me dependent on other people; however, that one solo travel trip to Thailand left me transformed.

When traveling solo, independence isn’t something you try to attain; it’s just something that happens naturally. There is nobody there to rely on for money, to watch your luggage when you go to the bathroom or to show you the way when you get lost. It’s all up to you. And the more you figure these things out, the more independent you become.

I remember, backpacking Europe, when my luggage was lost on a flight from Munich, Germany to Nice, France. It took me a week to get it back while traveling solo in France, and the airline made me travel 12 hours to pick it up. Which made me almost miss my train to Florence. Which made me almost get to my Florence hostel too late to check-in. Yes it was a hassle, but I figured it out and solved the problem — all on my own.

Open-Mindedness

The best thing about traveling solo is it forces you to interact with locals and not just talk to your travel buddies from home. Before traveling solo, I lived in a bubble where everyone spoke English and tourism catered to my needs. This all changed when I began exploring the world. When you visit a foreign place you must adapt to the local culture, figuring out how to order food, dress appropriately and ride local transportation. If you don’t know how to use a squat toilet in Thailand they’re not going to roll out the red carpet for you and bring a flusher.

You figure these things out as you go. As you encounter new situations and cultural facets you’re able to engage, process and react to them without influence from others.

For example, when backpacking South America I spent much time riding the bus. This is a cultural experience in itself, as you sit with locals for 20 hours at a time, meet artisans, hear traditional musicians, sample typical foods and see what the farmers are selling. If I were traveling with a friend I may have been too consumed talking to them to actually notice the everyday nuances of culture going on around me. Solo travel has allowed me to take culture in and interact with it without distractions, transforming me into a more worldly and open-minded individual.

changed my life
On my own, I experience the ultimate freedom of travel

Pure Freedom

Probably the greatest gift solo travel has provided has been the experience of ultimate freedom. When you travel solo you decide where you’ll go, what you’ll do and when you’ll do it. There’s nobody trying to change your plans and there’s no need to compromise.

As I’ve gotten used to exploring on my own, I enjoy traveling without making plans. When I arrive to a place I discover it organically, asking for recommendations from locals and using CouchSurfing to meet new people. I change my plans daily based on how I’m feeling and who I meet.

Life is one big adventure full of experiences to be had, and there is nobody there to tell me I can’t have them.

From Vacations To Journeys

As the name of my blog “Jessie on a Journey” states, I’m on a journey. This journey is my life’s mission. I’m not looking to turn life into one long vacation, but to have unique experiences around the world on this journey called life.

Solo travel has showed me how to stop being stagnant and keep moving to experience more with my short time on Earth. I don’t need to wait around for my best friend to have time off from work or for my boyfriend to save up enough money to accompany me. I’ve got big plans and there’s no time to waste.

It Isn’t Permanent

What’s helped assuage my fears of traveling solo from the start is one realization: I’m in full control of my trip planning. This means that if I’m unhappy on the road, I can hop on a plane and fly back home to NYC.

Many people seem to forget that travel isn’t permanent. Once you arrive to your destination, give yourself a few days to get used to being on your own and orient yourself in the destination. If after you’ve given it a fair shot you genuinely feel miserable, change your location or go home. When you’re traveling solo, it’s all up to you.

changed my life
Kayaking solo at Palolem Beach, India

The Truth

Whether you end up loving traveling solo or decide it’s not really your thing doesn’t matter. Regardless, you’ll end up having an enriching experience. Because really, the worst case scenario is you feel some awkwardness, while also discovering what you’re truly capable of and immersing yourself fully in a new culture. And if you really feel uncomfortable, you can always hide in a comfortable hotel room or change your ticket to board the next flight home.

Has solo travel changed your life? Are you thinking of hitting the road on your own? 

Additional Solo Travel Resources:

Black Solo Female Travel: An Eye-Opening & Empowering Guide

50 Essential Tips For The First-Time Solo Traveler

11 Amazing Destinations For Curious Solo Female Travelers

Mastering The Art Of Solo Travel

Solo Travel Packing List

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Hi, I’m Jessie on a journey!

I'm a conscious solo traveler on a mission to take you beyond the guidebook to inspire you to live your best life through travel. Come join me!

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34 Comments

  1. Amanda Kendle on at 1:38 pm

    Excellent post, Jessie! I especially like what you say about solo travel being a big self-esteem boost – so true. It’s great to feel that you’re capable of being in control of all these new experiences. I’ve written before about standing in the middle of Zagreb bus station at midnight in a situation where I could have felt alone/scared/a failure but it was totally empowering! Yay for solo travel.

    • jess2716 on at 1:47 pm

      @Amanda: Thank you for the comment! It’s always hard for me to explain how empowering it is. I feel like even navigating small things like ordering lunch in a place where they don’t speak the language can make you want to give yourself a high five! ha. But especially when a bigger challenge comes along — like yours with the Zagreb bus station — you really feel like there’s nothing you can’t accomplish 🙂

  2. Arunima on at 1:10 pm

    My first solo trip was to sky dive in Dubai and haven’t looked back since. Love the independence and convenience of it all. The fact that I can stay put at a café for hours at end doing nothing but just watch people and read is thrilling!! Making my own decisions and planning the itinerary gave me the courage I needed and an opportunity to discover myself! again, absolutely love it!!

    • jess2716 on at 1:51 pm

      @Arunima: What an adventurous solo trip! 🙂 I truly believe traveling solo is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. It’s so nice being able to truly mold your own travel experience into exactly what you want it to be without needing to compromise with the needs of others. Plus, as you stated, it helps you rediscover yourself and often helps strength your relationship with yourself.

  3. Sherri on at 2:49 pm

    Great article!! I have traveled solo once within my own country (Canada) but I had a few stops along the way where I would visit with friends. I have my very first foreign solo trip coming up, which is 3 months long! Feeling very excited and nervous, but hearing your story really helps me feel more empowered. Although I’m finding the decision making process a bit hard sometimes, I’m really looking forward to gaining more experience and becoming more comfortable with it. Thanks for sharing your story!

    • jess2716 on at 3:33 pm

      @Sherri: That’s great to hear! While you may feel a little homesick/challenged the first few days, once you get used to your new situation that will change and you’ll be able to really enjoy the absolute freedom of traveling solo. The biggest thing to remember when you’re feeling nervous is that when you’re in charge of yourself in every possible way there’s nothing you can’t do/figure out. Be confident in your abilities and you’ll have a rewarding experience. Let me know if you have any questions! 🙂

      • Sherri on at 6:18 pm

        @jess2716 – I just happened across your article again and thought I’d post an update! I absolutely loved my 3 month solo travel experience! I can fully relate to a lot of the things you mentioned. I’ve always been pretty shy too, but while traveling and since returning, I feel so much more confident. It truly was a life-changing experience, and I can’t wait to do it again. Reading this inspires me to take that leap again and plan the next one 🙂 Where’s your next trip?

        • jess2716 on at 5:16 pm

          @Sherri: DO IT! 🙂 My next trips are to Israel, Colorado and the Azores. Very excited. And you?

          • Sherri on at 8:14 pm

            @jess2716, wow those are super exciting places! I just read your post on the Azores and I was sold at the pineapples 🙂 It looks stunning there. I had no idea that there was a direct flight from the US, I need to check that out! I’m heading to Vegas next week, and hoping to go to Argentina in the fall!



  4. India on at 1:29 am

    No website yet. I am a mom with a 17 year old, who has ideas of traveling to far away places alone. I am thinking of giving her the gift of planning a graduation trip for the two of us. I am not ready to send her away alone just yet. However this will give me a chance to see her abilities, and hopefully have a measure of comfort. Your website is inspiring.

    • jess2716 on at 5:20 pm

      @India: Thank you for the kind and moving words. I think your plan is wonderful 🙂

      • Emad Hanna on at 9:16 pm

        You think about Hurghada, Egypt or Marsa Alam ?
        Marsa Alam is very amazing place ever

  5. Faith on at 5:07 pm

    Very well-written article! Solo travel is certainly life changing. I traveled on a few short trips solo and then this past year decided to do a longer one. Traveled for 6 months in Europe and enjoyed it so much I am returning this year for 2 months.

    • jess2716 on at 5:16 pm

      @Faith: I love hearing other people — especially females — hitting the road solo. I truly think it’s something everyone should experience at least once. Glad you liked it so much you’re doing it again!

  6. Zita on at 10:15 pm

    I have done the large majority of my travels solo as I don’t have any friends really in a position to travel with (they’re all married with kids). However so far my travel is usually part of a tour, I haven’t quite been brave enough to just venture off alone…

    • jess2716 on at 8:42 pm

      @Zita: A tour can be nice because there’s less planning on your part and you can still break away when you need; however, going completely solo, while more stressful, is just such a freeing thing. I highly recommend you try. Start small with a local trip then work your way up! 🙂

  7. Madison Hernandez on at 5:00 pm

    Hey Jessie! I am doing a research project on solo female travel and we are required to get some interview responses from some ‘experts’, so I was wondering if you could answer a few question for me? I really admire you and your blog and would love some of your advice/input.

    -Not everyone is bound to enjoy or is capable of being a solo female traveler. What do you think are some of the qualifiers for a woman who can travel alone?
    -How can travel affect your health, positively and negatively?
    -What were some of the biggest struggles you faced, physically, emotionally, or even ones that were inevitable when traveling alone?

    Thank you so much 🙂

    Aspiring solo female traveler,

    Madison Hernandez

    • Jessie Festa on at 1:42 pm

      @Madison: I genuinely think once a woman puts faith in herself that she is capable of traveling alone she can do it. It’s one of those things that makes you see what you’re truly capable of, as when faced with a problem you’ll need to rely on yourself to handle it. I’ve learned SO MUCH about myself I never knew before. That being said, I think having an adventurous spirit and confidence from the get-go helps a lot, as well as being able to go with the flow.

      As for health, I tend to get stomach sick quite a bit on the road (negative), but it usually only lasts a morning or so and then I’m good to go. That can be cured with medications (chat with your travel doc), too. On the positive side, I’d say I always feel refreshed and clear headed when returning from a trip.

      Biggest struggles would be language barriers and just getting used to a different way of doing/seeing things, at times. Because of the extent to which I travel I also sometimes miss events like weddings, birthdays, etc, so this can be emotionally trying.

      Hope this helps! 🙂

      Jessie

  8. Nadia on at 12:27 pm

    I started reading the article and was amazed. I was reading it aloud to my friends saying “D’you see! She is literally speaking my words! And doing my actions! And coming to the same conclusions in the similar situations!..how come?” When i came to your “the most important”, i started crying as i live with the credo “impossible is nothing”. It’s not that easy to be Ukrainian and follow this way. Being American you have most borders open and easier can save for trips. I worked hard to have my solo travelling to Montenegro, Albania and Panama. I have just started. However i know that is mine…nothing is impossible, anything is possible and impossible is nothing. Thank you for the way you think and live. Probably we are soul twins 😉

    • Jessie Festa on at 2:01 pm

      @Nadia: You’re welcome. And maybe we are soul twins! 🙂

  9. Gwen Mack on at 10:44 am

    Traveling solo is the best thing one young girl could do. I am 25 years old and I am a solo traveler. I am proud with every single destination I have been. When I am alone I can feel the soul of the place. it is amazing when there is no distraction how different is your journey. Best regards!

    • Jessie Festa on at 2:31 pm

      @Gwen: It truly is a totally different experience!

  10. Kristi on at 7:22 am

    Hi Jessie!
    What an ispiration you are! Thank you for sharing your experience! I am tired of being the girl who is always envious of women (or ppl in general) like you, who just go for it. I have a few questions that I’m sure you’ve heard a million times, but I have yet to hear a solo woman traveler answer. 1) if there is not necessarily a place you’re dying to go first, what would be your advise in choosing said place? Start big, or small? How long should you plan on giving yourself in the place?
    2) HOW THE HECK DO YOU AFFORD IT?!? What am I suppose to do about my career I currently have? Do I roll the dice and quit? Do I ask for a 3 month leave of absence? What happens when, while on my very first trip, I’ve blown through the very small savings I even have? In the beginning, How were you financially able to keep going from place to place? Should I expect to be looking for work wherever I go? If so, how easy is that to really do?
    3) Are you strictly staying in hostels wherever you go? On average, what do they cost?
    I really need a change. I am in my early 30’s, single, no children, with a job I dread! I want to start LIVING, not just exsisting. Please help! Any and/or all the advise for starting out would be GREATLY appreciated!! Thank you-Kristi

    • Jessie Festa on at 5:16 pm

      @Kristi: Thank you for the kind words. This is quite a few questions. I’ll give you the short answer and if you’d like a full answer I’d request you go to my Itinerary Planning page — https://jessieonajourney.com/dream-creator/ — which can also cover helping get a first time solo traveler started with destination and budget. For accommodation I typically do budget hotels/hostels/Airbnb and Couchsurfing, which is free. Travel doesn’t have to be super expensive if you plan accordingly and are willing to make some adjustments to your usual lifestyle. As for career I’m lucky as my blog is my full time job, so essentially my job is travel. You may want to consider a location independent job or even starting a blog as a business, though note it does take time to get it to a profitable point. Hope this helps!

      • Kristi Sandlin on at 11:45 pm

        Great, thank you so much for your prompt response!

  11. Andrea on at 3:34 am

    Just returned home today from my first solo trip in the small, yet amazing town of Moab. It was a short, yet indescribable 7 days, and I feel changed from it. So freeing. I was wondering how you feel on your return home. This isn’t the typical “vacation blues” I have felt when hitting reality. I almost feel heartbroken having left this incredible place and scenery and feel my souls belongs in nature. Trying to stay optimistic knowing I have amazing memories to look back on. Maybe I’ve just caught the case of the solo travel bug!

    • Jessie Festa on at 2:12 pm

      @Andrea: Moab is very high on my list! Hearing your account just bumped it even higher. Lately I’ve been really enjoying domestic travel, as I typically travel international. We really have so many beautiful places right here in the USA!

  12. Sasha on at 8:35 am

    I agree to everything you said, I also left to explore the world as a little 21 year old and I had many of the same transformations. I’m definitely more confident, open minded and the world isn’t such a dangerous place after all!

    • Jessie Festa on at 2:10 pm

      @Sasha: I truly thing solo travel is something everyone should experience at least once!

  13. Laura Kimball on at 2:00 am

    Thank you for sharing your tips on traveling alone. My tarot archetype is the fool…I like to look at things with fresh eyes, but I tend to not think things through and then wind up in slightly dangerous situations…like almost out of gas without a working cell phone stuck in rush hour traffic in Vancouver, BC, wondering whether I am going to stall out in the middle of a long tunnel. So, I am looking around for inspiration. I appreciate the practical advice I can apply so that I can enjoy myself and have open-eyes without taking too huge risks.

    • Jessie Festa on at 7:34 am

      @Laura: I’ve been there! And I’ve been some not-so-great situations, but I think when you’re on your own those problem solving instincts kick in like never before!

  14. Suze on at 11:17 am

    I try to fit in a few solo trips every year as I find they really boost my confidence. Otherwise I get too used to relying on my hubby to get us from A-B when I’m perfectly capable of it!

  15. Messiah Joslyn on at 10:28 am

    Solo travel is best for roam. When solo traveling, we get to learn a lot. Solo travel is challenge for ours. Life is challenging. your blog is valuable information share. Thanks for solo female travel information.

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