Introduction

Before I embarked on my journey as a full-time solo traveler, I had plenty of solo trips in my younger years. While I enjoyed many holidays with friends and family, I often found that traveling alone offered richer experiences. These experiences have inspired me to focus on empowering solo female travelers to embark on their own adventures. My adventures truly took off when I got a motorhome to travel with my beloved greyhound, Albert. Together, we explored Luxembourg, France, Belgium, and the coasts of Spain and Portugal, eventually returning to the UK. We even ventured up to Scotland, and those moments were cherished by me and Albert really enjoyed them too.

Sadly, when Albert passed away, I found it hard to continue those motorhome trips. I later rescued another greyhound, Jack, and decided to explore the UK by narrowboat. Those journeys were filled with beautiful memories until, once again, I faced the heartache of losing a beloved companion. The boat, filled with memories, became difficult to manage, so I sold it.

Now, I’ve embraced full-time travel around the world. This year alone, I’ve visited numerous places in Europe, including Fuerteventura, Amsterdam, Germany, Austria and France. After a brief return to the UK, I ventured to Thailand and Australia, and I’m currently in Tasmania. My next exciting destination is Vietnam, which I’m planning for now.

The purpose of this post is to inspire, support and empower solo women travelers into taking the leap. I see so many women on social media who dream of solo travel but hesitate to take the plunge. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can help others make this dream a reality.

Why Vietnam? I’ve always wanted to visit, though I had concerns about language barriers compared to more traditional tourist destinations. After gaining confidence from my time in Thailand, a well-established tourist hub, I now feel ready to tackle Vietnam. Admittedly, the cost is also a factor; it’s affordable, and I can stay comfortably without needing luxury. I plan to find a bungalow with good reviews for around £300 a month. I’ll delve into the details of my planning in the following sections.

Pre-Travel Considerations

Traveling solo as a woman can be daunting, given the realities of the world we live in. However, I believe living in fear can prevent us from experiencing the wonders of the world. Challenges can arise anywhere, even in our own homes, so it’s important to embrace adventure and move forward. Here are some common fears women may have about solo travel and my approach to addressing them:

• Safety Concerns: Safety is often the top concern. I thoroughly research the safety of a destination by reading blogs, checking social media for others’ experiences, and assessing if I can manage potential challenges. It’s essential to determine what feels safe and manageable for you.
• Loneliness: While I don’t often feel lonely, I understand it can be a concern for others. Learning to enjoy your own company is key. Remember, you’ll meet people along the way. I’ve often found myself invited to more celebrations, like Christmas, than I could imagine.
• Cultural Differences: Understanding cultural norms before arriving in a new country is crucial. Learning simple phrases like “thank you” can help. For instance, in Thailand, I learned not to initiate the traditional “wai” gesture with younger people. Embrace and respect the culture as best you can.
• Health Issues: Health concerns are valid. I recommend getting health insurance, staying updated on vaccinations, and doing your best to mitigate risks. It’s about preparation and hoping for the best.
• Judgment from Others: It’s important to ignore negative judgments. What others think does not define your journey.
• Decision-Making: Solo travel requires constant decision-making. You have to adapt quickly, like booking a new flight if one gets canceled. It’s a skill you develop over time.
• Financial Concerns: Budgeting can be challenging. While I’m not the best at it, I do my best to manage expenses. I welcome any budgeting tips from readers in the comments!
• Missing Out on Shared Experiences: This concern is tied to loneliness and societal beliefs that fun requires company. Solo travel offers countless adventures. You can join group tours or activities with others, but ultimately, you define your own experiences.

Benefits of Traveling Alone

For me, traveling with others can feel restrictive. I thrive on spontaneity, and it takes a rare companion to match that energy. Many people are set in their ways, especially as we age, and prefer structured plans. However, solo travel allows me to do what I want, when I want. Whether it’s taking a spontaneous day off to relax or joining others for an excursion, I have the freedom to choose. Solo travel offers the perfect balance of independence and connection.

Planning the Trip

When planning a trip, I utilise a variety of resources to ensure I have all the information I need. There are countless options available online, so it’s all about knowing where to look and what to ask.

Research

I start by doing thorough research online. I join Facebook groups, read travel blogs, and Google any specific questions I have. The internet is full of invaluable resources; you just need to seek them out and ask the right questions.

Logistics

• Flights: I typically use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights. Once I identify the best option, I book directly through the airline’s website to avoid any middleman issues. Booking directly often prevents complications that can arise if flights are canceled or delayed, as dealing with the airline directly tends to be smoother and the prices are usually comparable.
• Visas: For visa requirements, I check what’s needed for my passport. For instance, in Vietnam, I can get a 45-day visa exemption. While I initially considered a three-month visa, the process seemed complicated, and I decided that 45 days was sufficient for my needs.
• Accommodation: For long-term stays, I use Airbnb, prioritising properties with numerous reviews. Although these may be slightly more expensive, the reviews offer a reliable sense of what to expect. For short-term bookings, I rely on Booking.com and always ensure to read the reviews. I learned the hard way when I first booked a hotel in Bangkok without checking the reviews, which turned out to be awful. Thankfully, I canceled in time and found a much better alternative. So, always read the reviews!
• Budgeting: As I mentioned earlier, budgeting isn’t my strong suit. Therefore, I won’t offer advice on this aspect. However, I welcome any budgeting tips from readers in the comments

Overcoming Anxiety While Traveling

Anxiety has been a constant companion in my life, and it can become overwhelming, sometimes leading to panic attacks. Over time, I’ve learned a few strategies to manage anxiety, especially when traveling.

Deep Breathing

Whenever I feel anxiety creeping in, such as on a plane or during a taxi ride, deep breathing becomes my anchor. For instance, on a plane where control is limited, I listen to an audiobook, focusing on my breathing until the panic subsides. In a taxi, if I feel uneasy, I check the route on Google Maps to ensure I’m headed in the right direction. I might also call or text a friend, making it obvious that I’m in a taxi. Although I’ve never actually been kidnapped, these actions help me manage my anxiety.

Staying Safe and Comfortable

Always inform someone of your plans and whereabouts, especially when traveling alone. Share your location or check in with a friend using apps or devices like an Apple Watch. Staying comfortable is crucial, so bring items that make you feel secure and happy. For me, this includes headphones, my phone, laptop, chargers, earplugs, and a few good books. Identify what you need to feel at ease and ensure you have those items with you.

Maintaining Positivity

Adopting a positive mindset is an ongoing battle, but it’s essential to view each new experience as a learning opportunity, whether good or bad. Don’t be too hard on yourself if staying positive feels challenging—just keep trying. It’s the classic “fake it till you make it” approach. The more you practice positivity, the more it becomes a part of who you are.

Staying Connected and Safe While Traveling

Maintaining connections with friends and family while traveling is important, even if it’s not always easy for someone like me, who doesn’t require constant human interaction. However, I do miss my friends, and staying in touch helps bridge that gap. Sometimes, close ones might feel a bit jealous or not understand why you’d choose to travel over spending time with them. It’s important to discuss those feelings and maintain communication, as staying connected is invaluable.

Safety Tips I’ve Discovered for Vietnam

• Traffic Awareness: Be cautious while crossing streets, as traffic can be chaotic. Always look both ways and be aware of motorbikes.
• Secure Your belongings: Keep your valuables secure and be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
• Scams: Be aware of common scams, such as inflated prices for tourists. Always negotiate prices beforehand when taking taxis or buying goods.
• Health Precautions: Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food to avoid stomach issues.
• Local Laws: Familiarise yourself with local laws and customs to avoid inadvertently offending anyone or getting into trouble.

Apps and Tools for Navigation and Communication

Communication: I use WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to stay in touch with friends and family. These tools help me feel connected, even when I’m far from home.

Navigation: Google Maps is my go-to app for navigating around cities. Its live view feature is excellent for public transportation, providing real-time updates on bus stops and routes, which is incredibly helpful given my bus phobia. For hiking, I recommend using specialized hiking apps that offer detailed trail information.

Staying connected and safe ensures a more enjoyable travel experience, allowing you to focus on exploring and making new memories.

Embracing New Experiences

Entering a new country fills me with excitement, mixed with a touch of nerves and anxiety. Exploring new landscapes, savoring local cuisines (especially seeking out vegan options), and tasting local beers are all part of the adventure. Experiencing cultural differences broadens our perspectives, helping us see beyond social conventions and challenging the narratives we grew up with.

Embracing Uncertainties: Traveling, particularly alone, requires embracing uncertainties and relying on systems outside your control. It’s important to be adaptable, ready to cope with situations that may not meet your expectations, and to view these challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.

Cultural Differences: Every country has its unique customs and cultural norms, especially regarding modesty and etiquette. It’s crucial to approach these differences with an open mind and respect. If you inadvertently make a mistake, acknowledge it, apologise sincerely, or even turn it into a light-hearted moment if appropriate. Humor can sometimes ease cultural faux pas, but always be sensitive to the context.

Embracing new experiences while traveling enriches our lives, making us more well-rounded and open-minded individuals. It’s about learning to navigate the unfamiliar and appreciating the diversity of our world.

Conclusion

Throughout this journey of exploring new places and managing the accompanying challenges, several key points stand out. It’s important to stay connected with loved ones, embrace new experiences, and adapt to cultural differences, all while ensuring safety and comfort. Overcoming anxiety and uncertainties is part of the adventure, and learning to go with the flow can lead to personal growth and enrichment.

I warmly invite others to share their experiences and strategies for managing travel-related challenges. Hearing how others navigate similar situations can be incredibly insightful and beneficial, especially before venturing into new territories.

My main takeaway from writing this blog and my travels is the realisation that you cannot always be in control, and that’s okay. Embracing the unpredictability of travel is where the magic happens.

If you’d like to follow my journey and stay updated, feel free to connect with me on social media. I welcome any messages or emails with questions, and I’ll be more than happy to respond. Sharing and learning from each other is what makes this journey truly rewarding.

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