After reading the article “8 Hot tips for solo female travellers,” one of my collaborators shared with me the importance of women continuing to support and care for each other on their individual paths.
Thinking about it, I went above and beyond, separating all relevant information I gathered from days of research, comparison, and accuracy verification to compile as much pertinent information as possible (for myself, including) and share with you, my violet Jamaican chocolate bar, a practical guide for your solo female travel in 2026.
This post will be in Q&A format and full of lists, because I am really focusing on utility. Sorry, no storytelling this time. Without delays, let’s go to the facts, sista.
💡What are some scientifically proven benefits of travelling solo?
As Dr Hilary Brewster, an Associate Professor of English and the Director of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Marshall University, explains with humour in a TED Talk, travelling solo forces you to consider your values, get out of your comfort zone, and defy gender rules, thereby opening your mind.
Although solo travel can beautifully exercise your problem-solving skills and make you more independent, Dr Hilary advises women, very wisely, to learn how to shift between happiness and solitude and to prepare to learn some hard truths about themselves and work on their worst fears.
She says, “How you handle loneliness halfway across from anyone you truly know says a lot about you. Will you fall in love with a man in Bali? Or fall in love with yourself? There’s only one way to find out”.
💡 What are the safest destinations for solo female travel in 2026?
Hello-o, let’s be honest, if you are born a woman, living is dangerous to you! Travelling will demand courage, no matter where you go. Yet, 85% of the solo travellers are women. And why? Because we can go wherever we want, whenever we need.
Still, it is worth carefully researching the safest countries for solo female travellers. I started my saga by reading page after page of numerous blogs, and it seems that most lists are based on personal experiences, which doesn’t make much sense to me. Anyways, these are the most voted countries within the blogging community:
- Iceland
- Finland
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Japan
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Denmark
- Portugal
- Austria
As much as I appreciate other people’s opinions (or not), I am a very data-oriented person, so I decided to research official statistics to check if the countries match. I came across the website World Population Review, which collects data from the Institute for Economics and Peace using 23 indicators, including internal and external conflicts, political instability, and more.
Their results pointed to the following 10 safest countries for female solo travel:
- Iceland
- Austria
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Slovenia
- Canada
You can always access the Global Travel Advisories website, which offers an overview of the world map of green, yellow, and red-flag countries, as well as a private overview of each nation.
💡 How do you find other solo female travellers if
you’re tired of travelling alone?
If you know where to look, you’ll find a massive network of solo female professionals. You can also look at my profile on Join My Trip and check the adventures I design exclusively for groups of women.
Here are some valuable groups and apps to help you meet other women while you travel alone:
Please, use it wisely and ALWAYS meet strangers for the first time in public places.
Facebook Groups:
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💡5 Amazing apps for female travellers that you
probably haven’t heard about:
📲Packpoint is a 4.5-star app that analyses your destination, personality, activities, the weather, and the season to deliver a complete packing list, including all the accessories you can’t forget. It has a free and a paid version, which only costs $2.99 per year.
📲NomadHer is a 4.9-star app where the company verifies all women, so they can share travel experiences, stories, pictures and find like-minded women to travel together. Our transgender sisters are also welcome to this community! 💛
📲With Locals is a 4-star app that connects you with local guides in more than 50 cities in Europe and Asia, allowing you to discover hidden gems and less crowded spots.
📲Papago – According to reviews, this 4.3-star app is the best one for simultaneous interpretation. However, you must add your sentences in a conversational tone so you don’t get mechanical or robotic dialogue.
📲Airalo is an app that spares you the hassle and offers e-SIMs for over 200 countries, with no roaming fees. It is a 4.5-star app, mainly praised for its excellent customer support.
💡How do solo female travellers take pictures of themselves?
If you’re using a smartphone, activate the self-timer mode for 3 or 10 seconds. You can also use a remote tripod via Bluetooth, a selfie stick, a GorillaPod, or simply ask somebody.
If you spot an Asian person taking pictures around, I highly recommend approaching them. They’re lovely photo ninjas who’ll take the challenge seriously and deliver a professional book.
I also recommend checking out the Camera Setup profile on Instagram for inspiration and numerous creative examples. I promise you, it’s 100% worth it!
Talking about Security:
💡How can I become a confident solo traveller?
▪️Be patient and kind to yourself. Take it easy, invest in self-care and give yourself all the breaks you need, whether from places or people.
▪️Find your why and stick to your purpose. Keep a journal or set an image as your wallpaper to remind you why you travel when things get hard.
▪️Have a plan and know exactly how to trace it. Gather all relevant contacts, know where to get cash and have a flexible plan B in case of an emergency.
▪️Find people to cheer you up and incentivise you. Run from those who doubt your capacity or project their insecurities onto you and your plans.
▪️Keep in touch with your friends and family back home. And bring an object or a picture to teleport you back once you’re homesick.
▪️Avoid negative and sensationalist news before your travel. We know it is vital to stay informed, but please filter the energies you’re receiving before your adventure!
💡How can I look confident, even if I don’t feel it?
Also on TED Talks, the CEO, speaker and facilitator Montana Von Fliss says that “how you show up, really matters”. So, how do you do it? She has five tips for you to seem confident, even if you’re not:
★ Turn up the energy and speak up. Your tone matters.
★ Pause… Like a boss. Speaking too fast shows insecurity.
★ Superhero stance! Your posture and body language say a lot.
★ Practise with purpose. Put it in a script and practise it every day.
★ Be present. Have the purpose of your words clear in your mind before communicating them.
Chin up, eye on eye, and keep your voice firm. Breathe, and try your best to act logically rather than emotionally when faced with a sudden situation.
Your facial expressions will speak louder than your words. If you’re not keen on doing something or even talking to someone, keep a serious, steady face and stand up for yourself. Speak slowly and clearly, be assertive in your answers, defend your values and keep your promises. No means no!
💡How to start a conversation with strangers?
If you’re shy and have no idea of how to start a conversation with somebody you’re seeing for the first time, these ideas may help:
🗣️ Ask for information.
If you really need that information, asking is a good way to start a conversation. Even if you just use this as a tactic, try it and see how it goes!
🗣️Pay a genuine compliment.
Find the courage to pick something you like about the person and improve their day by simply telling them.
🗣️Show interest and ask questions.
Nobody deserves to spend hours trying to pronounce a single sentence with someone who sounds like a machine gun.
🗣️Find things you have in common.
This will contribute to the flow of the conversation and keep things more interesting. You may learn a lot from the other person!
🗣️Talk about the weather.
I know it’s cliché. But every cliché is a cliché for a reason: It works.🤷🏽♀️
💡How can I deal with unwanted attention
while travelling alone?
⚈ Do not smile if you’re saying no.
⚈ Act as if you don’t understand their language.
⚈ Ignore people and don’t feel guilty about it.
⚈ Learn about the way locals dress and respect it.
⚈ Learn martial arts and defend yourself!
💡5 Creative and revolutionary products for female
solo traveller safety:
Hyper whistle
It was created to meet the US Navy’s demand, and it is considered the loudest whistle in the world.
Bellroy antitheft wallet
Features a micropen and RFID technology to prevent fraudulent scanning of cards and IDs.
Flight Pickpocket-Proof Underwear
Made from bamboo fabric, this item features a hidden pocket for carrying your wallet and passport.
Solar Panel Biolite 5+
This foldable, compact panel can charge up to 3 devices at once, including wireless devices.
Anti-Drink Spiking Stopper This package includes 500 colourful units that fit neatly in your bottle, helping you avoid spiking.
💡 Preparing a first aid kit for my first solo female travel:
Just a reminder that I am not a doctor, okay?
In accordance with the Red Cross recommendation, these items are essential for a complete and efficient kit:
🟣Adhesive Bandages
🟣Wipes or antiseptic spray
🟣Elastic Bandage wraps
🟣Medication (pain relief, anti-acid, anti-diarrhoea, cold and cough, nausea and antihistamines);
🟣Mask;
🟣Plasters;
🟣First-aid guide
🟣Aloe Vera for minor burns
🟣Gloves
🟣Gauze
Topical Corticosteroids for bites, stings and other skin irritations.
🟣 Scissors
🟣Thermometer
🟣Cotton pads and swaps
🟣Medical Tape
I know this post has plenty of lists and a lot of information, but I hope it’s been helpful and has given you extra confidence as you plan your female solo travel.
I can’t wait to hear the stories and lessons from your future adventures, too! 💛
