To all the girls who wish to see the world but still couldn’t.. If you hope to pursue your solo traveling dream one day, from one girl to another, know that I wish I was told what I’m about to tell you right now. I wish someone would’ve pushed and encouraged me to go explore the world, but I had to take the bull by the horns myself. I was the one who decided to become a female solo traveler, for other reasons, but that’s a completely different story. That doesn’t mean I’ve always had the guts to take that step though, but believe it or not, even with a strong, tough persona, I was probably even more afraid back then than you are right now.
Concerns Around Being a Female Solo Traveler
If the thought of becoming a female solo traveler ever crossed your mind and you decided to share the idea with family or friends, you might have heard some discouraging statements and questions: Are you out of your mind? It’s not safe! Won’t you get bored? Won’t you feel lonely? How are you going to manage things on your own?
Well, as I personally took a leap of faith and started solo traveling myself a few years ago, I would like to tackle this issue and bring up all the raised concerns, because whether you believe it or not, there’s nothing much to be worried about.
Is female solo traveling safe?
When it comes to safety, this should be everyone’s number one priority. Safety comes first and everything else comes next. I traveled completely on my own both inside Egypt (where I come from) and overseas and I have to say, there’s nothing to be afraid of, for real!
As human beings, we manage to survive life every day. We surely have at least just a little bit of experience in avoiding deadly situations in our daily lives. You just need to implement the same strategy when traveling.
Still doesn’t make sense? Well, I’m a girl, I live in Egypt and I’m still alive. Foreigners think it’s not safe over here, just like some parents here believe it’s not safe abroad as well. I personally cannot say that someplace is safer than the other. There’s always a percentage of risk anywhere in the world. All that you have to do is just be smart no matter where you are.
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Before traveling, you can simply do a small research about the place you’re visiting. Check if there are any certain traditions or cultural norms you need to bear in mind before going. So, my only advice for you is to just be smart and cautious. Only then you’d be good to go.
Isn’t it boring?
Moving on, I always tend to stumble upon people who wonder how I never get bored or feel lonely. Frankly speaking, I never do! In fact, one of the main reasons I started traveling alone in the first place was that I wanted to learn how to enjoy my own self’s company. This was some sort of a challenge for me, but once I started, things went smooth and it never felt easier.
You’ll always find something to distract you. For me, it was mostly my eagerness to explore. I found myself stopping for street art, singing, and dancing with street performers. I mingled with strangers in museum queues, we hung out afterwards and we kept in touch. I made friends at a hostel and we spent new year’s eve together. I walked miles and miles for hours doing nothing but admiring the beauty of nature and taking pictures here and there. I enjoyed sitting on a table for one at a cozy restaurant, indulging the silence, and the mouthwatering dish. I would’ve never done these things or felt the same way about them if I had company.
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But isn’t it hard?
Then comes the common doubt of how I manage on my own. Well, I’ll just leave you with one thought. If we can run households and big corporations, if we raise children into men, and if we made history throughout the years, is it really hard for us to plan an itinerary and stick to it?
Let’s be realistic though, not all girls are history makers, but assuming you got the potential, then you can definitely do it. You just need to be well organized. Don’t hesitate to ask others for advice. You can ask people who travel often or post your questions on travel communities on Facebook. You can ask about certain procedures or what’s required to do in certain cases. People will be more than glad to offer their help and expertise. You’ll probably make a mistake or two (or maybe a dozen) on your first trip. Don’t panic! It’s totally fine! I made mistakes myself, but this is how I learned and how I’m still learning. This is how you will probably learn too.
And in case family is an issue..
As soon as you get yourself together and feel like you can take that step, you’ll probably start asking yourself one question, how will you get “the approval”? Even if I managed to convince you and boost your self-confidence, it’s not enough if you can’t convince your parents (in case you’re young and come from a society or family that parents’ approval is required, or if you have overprotective parents). Well, there’s only one key to that, and it’s called “trust“! Earn their trust and maybe it would work.
Start by planning a local trip for a few days and discuss the idea with them. But don’t just stop there once you get the approval, you need to prove yourself. You need to show them that you can depend on yourself and that they can trust you. Once you build that trust, you can then try to convince them to take it up to the next level and travel abroad.
But what if your folks are the harder pair, the overprotective ones? If the idea is a big fat no to your parents, then this will require a little bit more work. Suggest things gradually and take things slow. Start with organized tours or trips with your school or university. Up your game by traveling with friends, but make sure to pick ones they know and trust. Provide them with all the details and information they ask for. Remember, “I don’t know” is a parent’s not-so-favorite answer. Over time, you’ll prove your capabilities and that they can trust you. Yes, this one will require more effort and time, but it’s totally worth the try.
Now that you have the answers to what I believe might be your frequently asked questions, what are you waiting for? Go do your research, plan your first trip and start selling it to your parents. Jot down your travel bucket list and get ready for crossing things off. Once you’re all set, start packing and get going. I’m telling you, the road is waiting and it’s great! Greater than you can ever imagine!
Much love,
an avid female solo traveler
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
