Solo travel has always been something I’ve wanted to experience but have never been able to click ‘book’ at the final hurdle. I’ve planned several trips in my head but it’s just never materialised into the real thing. One of my closest friends adores solo travel and usually goes on two or three trips away by herself each year and she’s constantly telling me how great it is to experience a new place on your own. And it seems she isn’t the only one.

A recent survey found that 84% of all solo travellers were women and in 2021, the search term ‘solo travel’ had risen in popularity by 761%. And so, if you’re thinking about taking a trip soon, Radha Vyas, co-founder and CEO of the travel company Flash Pack, has offered some expert travel tips to make solo travelling the best experience possible.

Don’t wait to be ready

“Like many of life’s greatest challenges, you’ll never feel ‘ready’ to travel alone – since there’s a fear barrier in place that can only be tackled in the moment. It’s only when you’re working out how to get from A to B on the Mexico City Metro, or discovering an incredible hidden hammam in Marrakech, that you’ll realise what you are truly capable of,” Vyas says.

Lean into local advice

Researching your trip beforehand is always a good idea, but Vyas says we should also leave room for tips and advice from the local community.

“Local insight is golden and nothing rivals it when it comes to timely, on-point knowledge. Whether it’s a hotel porter, a local restaurant owner or a family you come across in the nearby park, seek out the people of any given place and pick their brains on anything from cheap places to eat to transport links or hidden gems nearby.”

You are everything you need

Solo travel is all about confidence and self-belief, according to Vyas. “Everything you need for solo travel as a woman is already there, within you. You just need to actually solo travel in order for those qualities to float to the surface – and from then on in, it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more you realise that you can rely on yourself to meet new people or navigate the world alone, the more confident you’ll become in doing so,” she says.

Don’t be put off by unfriendly strangers

“Strangers can go out of their way to help you, inviting you into their homes, or generally supporting you in ways you wouldn’t even think of prior to your travels. Equally, other solo travellers are a warm-hearted, curious lot,” says Vyas.

And if you do come across an unpleasant or snarky encounter, don’t let it put you off as solo travelling involves a lot more openness in approaching and chatting to people than you would back home. “If, for whatever reason, strangers don’t respond to your cues, don’t read into it. It’s probably not personal. Simply move on and find your next friend or ally-to-be.”

In terms of safety, plan ahead and use your instincts

“It’s a good idea to plan ahead and do your research on safety and cultural customs relating to women in any given destination (as well as seeking local advice when you’re there). Similarly, while spontaneity is part of the joy of solo travel, you want to be booking accommodation ahead of time, so you’re not forced into a rushed decision on where to stay the night,” Vyas explains.

For the most part, however, safety abroad as a female solo traveller comes down to the same common sense you carry with you everywhere. Vyas also recommends packing a spare padlock in case you want to double-lock a hotel room or secure your bags whilst moving around.

Use group travel as a bridge to solo travel

“By arranging to do a small group escape (or even just a group activity, like a cooking class) at the beginning of your time away somewhere, you’ll give yourself something of a soft landing and bridge in,” Vyas shares.

It gives you a way to build up your confidence in a new place, as well as meeting new people and experiencing different things. “In this way, you can also try out more unique or off-radar activities – such as canyoning or glamping in a desert – of the kind that might be difficult to arrange when you’re flying completely alone.”

Image: Flash Pack