Where should I travel solo? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by solo travellers. I am sorry to say that there is no definitive answer to this question. The best place for you to travel is completely up to you. Trip planning for solo female travellers can become a real dilemma. This post will take you through the steps to make your planning easier for you.
I love creating valuable content for you my readers, however, there is a cost to maintaining a website and there may be affiliate links scattered throughout the website. By clicking on the links there is no extra cost to you, however, I may receive a small profit.
Where Should I Travel: Planning A Trip As A Solo Traveller
All solo travellers have various levels of comfort zones, interests, financial means and time available to travel. When travelling solo, all of these matters must be taken into consideration when determining your travel destination, which we’ll do in this post. Let’s get started.
🏖 it’s time to choose where you want to go and 🏙 book your accommodations
✈️ Next step is to book your flight! There are many places you can do this. Either direct with the airline, or search for the best fare available.
🚗 Once you reach your destination, will you need to rent a car or will you be joining group tours during your stay👩🏼🦯
The length of time available to you to travel must be taken into consideration when deciding on the best destination for you to travel to. If you aren’t one of the lucky ones and are still working, it may be that you are only able to travel for one to two weeks at a time,whereas if you are retired or are a full-time traveller, your time is more likely to be unlimited.
Short Term Travel
Unfortunately, the majority of us still plug away at the day-to-day monotony of working a full-time job. This means that we likely only have one to two weeks at a time to travel and see the world.
For those of us who live in North America, this doesnt leave us as much time as we might like in order to trek around Europe as much as we might like to. Two weeks would allow us ample opportunity to visit at least one, maybe two Countries in Europe, depending on how long the flight might be. Unfortunately we have to keep in mind that we have long haul flights that could eat up anywhere from two to four days of our travel time.
For those of us who still work, we have to determine a destination that is close enough to our Country of residence which will allow us to spend the maximum amount of time at our travel destination. For me, living in North America, my Fall and Winter destinations will always include at least one Caribbean Island, which will range between a 3 and 5 hour flight to get to.
There have also been many times (mostly during the warmer months), that I have remained in North America, either in Canada or in the United States. Keep in mind when choosing your travel destination that we don’t always have to travel far to make the most out of our vacation time.
Long Term Travel
If you’re lucky enough to have figured out how to escape the mundane thing called work, you have many more options as to where you can travel.
The first thing to take into consideration when determining your destination is what area of the world do you want to explore and have you been there before? I personally prefer not to return to the same place more than once, as I have so many other places that I want to see.
Once you have answered these questions, then it is time to move on and consider your financial means, your interests and your comfort zone level, before determining what your final decision will be.
How Much Money Do I Have?
Each individual is unique when it comes to their financial situation. There are many people who are on a limited income but are still able to scrounge up funds to take a 5 star vacation, while others who are at the higher end of the income ladder are able to afford less.
This is not right or wrong, it is just a matter of priorities set by each of us. If you are retired, it may be that you are on a limited or fixed income, which may also affect your decision on where to travel.
Just One Tip: You probably won’t be able to travel from North America to Bora Bora on $2,000.00. Be realistic.
Limited Budget
If you are on a tight budget or fixed income, then likely the best route to go would be the all-inclusive option or a cruise. This will allow you to know exactly what your vacation will cost and hopefully you won’t encounter any surprises while you’re away. This also works well if you are short on time and want to make the most of the vacation you have.
For those of you who are able to travel on an unlimited budget, my hats off to you, that’s awesome! The world really is your oyster.
The bottom line is that it’s important to travel within your means and be realistic when choosing your travel destination.
What Are My Interests?
Each individual has her own interests. When determining where you want to travel, it is imperative that you take your interests into consideration. After all, if you have no interest in animals and or jet skiing in Bora Bora, then likely a safari or any type of adventure travel would be the trip for you. On the other hand if it’s a relaxing beach vacation you are looking for, then by all means head to the Caribbean.
Just One Tip: One of the benefits of travelling solo…you can choose your destination based on your interests and not those of others.
Is It Safe And What Is My Comfort Zone?
When determining your travel destination, this is likely one of the most important aspects to consider when travelling solo as a female.
Your comfort zone and safety will not only determine where you want to travel, but how you want to travel:
Means of Travel: The Dilemma of A Solo Travellers
- do you want to take an extended road trip?
- Are you comfortable trekking aroung Europe?
- Do you prefer independent travel or group or guided tours?
- Do you feel safer at an all-inclusive resort, or ar you comfortable staying at an Airbnb or other rental?
These are all factors that have to be taken into consideration, when planning your solo trip and choosing your final destination
Wherever you decide to travel, whether solo or with others, always take the state of affairs and the safety of the destination into consideration. It likely isn’t the perfect time to travel to the Middle East given the current state of affairs, especially as a solo female traveller.
Are you in need of the expertise of an experienced travel agent?
Kelly is a licensed travel agent and avid solo travelled located in Canada. She is passionate about ensuring her client’s have the best vacation possible.
Let’s Get Travelling!
So there you have it. Trip planning and deciding where to travel solo is a lot of work, solo, however, the benefits you will repe make it all worthwhile.
If you remember these important items and considerations when planning your travels, determining .your final destination will be made much easier:
Questions To Ask When Planning a Trip
- how much time you have available
- how much money do you want to spend
- what are your interests
- what is the safety of the destination and your comfort zone level
These articles will also help you decide where you want to go on your next vacation:
Planning A Solo Trip: In Conclusion …
As I always asked my kids when they were small and they wanted to go somewhere…. how, what, why, where and when. Determining the best travel destination for you as a solo female traveller is a very similar concept.
Happy Planning! 🙂
Travel Solo Like a Pro!
AIRFARE:
♥ CheapOair and WayAway offer flights at a resonable rate. Let CheapOair or WayAway find the cheapest and best flight for your destination
HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION:
♥ I use Booking.com to book all of my accommodations, both domestically and internationally. When booking in the United States, I use Trivago US
ACTIVITIES:
♥ Get Your Guide and Viator are the absolute best sites to plan and book any adventures, activities, and all things fun
BIKE AND MOTORCYCLE RENTALS:
♥ BikesBooking.com will find the best prices for bicycles, motocyles, and scooter rentals any place in the world.
CAR RENTAL:
♥ Economy Bookings will provide rental prices worldwide, which making it a one stop shop for the most reasonable car rentals
AIRPORT TRANSFER AND PRIVATE TOURS:
♥ Kiwitaxi is who you want to contact for transportation from the airport or train station. Why not arrange for a PRIVATE CITY TOUR with Kiwitaxi at the same time.
CRUISES:
♥ Cruise Critic not only provides reviews and answers questions, it also offers great cruise deals. If your a cruise lover (like me), I highly recommend that you check it out!
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
♥ Travel insurance these times of natural disasters, travel interruption and baggage loss is no longer a place where you can cut costs. essentials. It has become an essential part of travel. Visitors Coverage will take care of all of your insurance needs.
Travel Solo Like a Pro!
AIRFARE:
♥ CheapOair and WayAway offer flights at a resonable rate. Let CheapOair or WayAway find the cheapest and best flight for your destination
HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION:
♥ I use Booking.com to book all of my accommodations, both domestically and internationally. When booking in the United States, I use Trivago US
ACTIVITIES:
♥ Get Your Guide and Viator are the absolute best sites to plan and book any adventures, activities, and all things fun
BIKE AND MOTORCYCLE RENTALS:
♥ BikesBooking.com will find the best prices for bicycles, motocyles, and scooter rentals any place in the world.
CAR RENTAL:
♥ Economy Bookings will provide rental prices worldwide, which making it a one stop shop for the most reasonable car rentals
AIRPORT TRANSFER AND PRIVATE TOURS:
♥ Kiwitaxi is who you want to contact for transportation from the airport or train station. Why not arrange for a PRIVATE CITY TOUR with Kiwitaxi at the same time.
CRUISES:
♥ Cruise Critic not only provides reviews and answers questions, it also offers great cruise deals. If your a cruise lover (like me), I highly recommend that you check it out!
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
♥ Travel insurance these times of natural disasters, travel interruption and baggage loss is no longer a place where you can cut costs. essentials. It has become an essential part of travel. Visitors Coverage will take care of all of your insurance needs.
PIN TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRAVEL!
Getting super clear on your interests creates a smoother travel path. Right after we met, my wife backpacked solo around Europe for 3 months before I became a travel nut. She knew exactly what she wanted to do and why she desired visiting each country; the planning unfolded seamlessly. Excellent tips here.
Ryan
Great tips for people planning a solo trip. Very helpful in arranging the route and choosing the direction.
Since my whole life – including funds – is wrapped around travelling, I have a quite easy bucket list: Planet Earth. There are actually very few places that I have in mind – most of the time, I decide quite spontaneously. The only valid aspect is security. Obviously, I’m not visiting war zones – but there are a couple of regions where I’m a bit hesitant travelling by myself, especially as a female. But despite these places, the map is still big and colorful 😉
I’m exactly the same Renata. I really want to go to Africa, but also a solo traveller, I’m a little bit hesitant about going on my own. I would likely book a tour for that one.
Solo travel is something I have always wanted to do but been to scared but this is such a great post i feel more inspired to do so! Great planning tips!
It took me a little bit to drum up the courage as well, but the love of travel out-weighed my fears and I have now been travelling solo for 10 years!
I don’t have a bucket list and there are still so many places I haven’t been to. Mostly, I get an idea where to go to next by pure incident – I read something, I hear about a place….I travelled to Belize because I had heard the song ‘Fire in Belize’ by Calypso Rose and wondered what this country is like – true story!
Belize is on my list. How did you like it? And where did you stay?
This has always been one of my struggles. I want to go to so many places, it’s hard to choose which ones for a year.
I hear ya! I have the same problem. So many places to see, not enough time…or money lol
Great post. I feel like as a traveling family, we still have a lot of these problems too and consider a lot of the same things. It’s tough because it’s such a big world.
It is. And we all want to see it all. But unfortunately most of us can’t, but we can see as much as possible
My problem is that I always want to go everywhere! This list really gives me a good method for being more serious about narrowing down from my list (of dozens) and planning a more realistic trip!
I also have that problem🤣
Although I don’t often travel solo, I still found these tips very useful. Thanks for a great post!
Great post and tips! For sure it’s a big dilemma trying to decide where to go next. I have an ever increasing bucket list which isn’t helping. There are lots of places I would love to go but think aren’t safe for me to travel alone to.
I completely agree with you! The top of my list is Africa, but I am quite hesitant to travel there alone.
Great post…although, I think if I am on a budget, i’d prefer to travel somewhere local to save money (rather than go on a package tour…) I just love the planning part and freedom to do whatever I fancy.
I guess we’ll all have a chance to travel more locally now with covid-19 barring far-off destinations…
Our local travel is more expensive than travelling abroad, but i guess i need to start saving and getting use to it lol
Great post! When you travel with other people and there are more restrictions its almost easier to plan since you have less choices. I have never done an entire solo trip so I can imagine how much longer that would take to plan since there are still SO many places on my list!
so many on mine too. If things stay the way they are we won’t ever get through them lol. I’ve been travelling solo for 10 years now and I love it.
I love your enthusiasm and unique perspective on solo travel. It’s such a bummer that those of us in the US who work full time don’t have the opportunity to travel as much, but you have a great idea of finding fun things to do close to home. Day trips are the best and I love to find something unique off the beaten path but not too far away from home!
I’m also still working full time but when I’m not working I’m either on an adventure or travellinh. That is until February lol. I’m getting antsy to go again. Pretty sure that this is the longest I’ve gone since my kids were little.
Great tips! I always feel overwhelmed when I look at a map since there are so many places I haven’t been (yet). This helps narrow down the list a bit!
Lol…I’m exactly the same haha
Neither a female or a solo traveler, but there are so many great places out there to go if you are. As someone who lives in California and works a full time job, a lot of our travel is weekend adventures. We’ll often drive to a National Park or somewhere to get outdoors. Cost is relatively low and you can of course, do plenty of adventuring solo! I think the best thing you can do is put in the time to research a destination, make plans, and go!
I do the exact same thing Brian.i hate to waste a weekend! You are so lucky to have the parks you do in the Us. I wish I was closer to explore them all. They are all on my bucketlist!
I love the all-inclusive option! I often overlook that idea when making plans, and I’m all for saving time and money… Thanks for the good reminder, along with the other solo tips. Very helpful!
I admit, all-inclusive isnt my favorite but when I only have a week and need a beach, that’s my go to
Very nice post! As an old married, I still travel alone sometimes and enjoy it. And why not! But you are right, there is still some stigma and a lot of questions attached to it. I don’t care though. Here in Europe, you will find lots of good hotels with no single supplements, and the travel infrastructure is good to travel alone, using public transport. When I travel alone, my trips tend to be shorter (and more often) and determined by good and cheap direct flights, and an abundance of local sights! My recent destinations (out of Europe) were Jordan, Estonia, Russia and Spain/Catalonia. All perfectly good for solo travel.
That’s awesome. Unfortunately europe is so far from canada, but I do want to go there starting next year. But you need close to 3 weeks to make it worthwhile
Great post! I definitely think everyone should try it at least once! I started with a little long weekend to Canada so I could get over my fears!
With being a canadian, I cant think of a better country to travel solo to. It’s safe and of course the people are friendly lol. I hope you enjoyed yourself!
This dilemma is so relatable, I’m constantly debating where to travel to next – there are just too many options! I find that splitting your decision-making process up as you showed helps a lot.
I agree. There are times that there are so many places I want to go that I don’t go anywhere because I can’t decide lol.
These are always my same questions when I’m planning my next trip! Great post 🙂
Thank you. I have such a difficult time deciding where I want to go. There are just so many places to see lol
Great advice – super helpful for other solo female travelers. My sister prefers group tours when she’s traveling alone, partly because she’s a big introvert.
I also like group tours depending where I’m going. They certainly are a great way to meet others
I think that you capture quite nicely a lot of the issues that a solo female traveller has to sort out before she can even make that first booking. I love how organized and thoughtful you are. I would imagine your trips are amazing.
Thank you.
These decisions are so personal. I would not feel safe in Morrocco, even with a guide. But, I am hoping to travel to Russia this fall and I would feel safe as long as there is no bombing. Yet, my mother is having panic attacks about this plan. I think in my mind safety when traveling solo is connected to answering the question, would I be a target?
You are exactly right. I’ve been travelling solo for 10 years and I wouldn’t travel to Morocco either. I am lucky by parents and my kids have never thought anything of me travelling solo. They all trust me to use my common sense, and they are use to my craziness lol
I really want to go to Egypt this year, but if I can’t find anyone to go with me – I might just go solo (even tho this scares me!)
The 1st solo trip is the scariest
Wooow I can really relate to this post…. This is a great way of looking into things. I have been traveling alone for a while and it has opened my eyes to soo much. Its such an educational experience for yourself.
It certainly is. I’ve been doing it for 10 years now and unfortunately there is still more things that we have to take into consideration. Namely, safety for solo women.
I think more women should explore traveling alone. However, I think there is a stigma there that says they shouldn’t for whatever reason. Your post is really helpful in educating on how one would do it.
Unfortunately there still is a stigma, however, when I travel, it’s mostly solo women I come across. Very seldom men, unless they are on business. It has become very common. I’ve been doing it for 10 years now.
Such great tips! As a solo traveler this can be dilemma of finding where to go next. This post break it down nicely on things to think about before booking a trip!
Thank you! Unfortunately us solo travellers have more that we have to take into consideration
These are all great points! With so many places in the world, it’s hard to commit, I feel like there is always FOMO (fear of missing out) when you DO finally decide on a place haha.
I totally agree! So much to see so much to do and so many people to meet
Awesome post, as a solo traveler I have the same problems. Especially when I think I’m sure I will go to one place and then I found pictures from some other destination. Deciding is so hard. Thanks for breaking it down like this
Lol I’m glad I’m not the only one. So many places to see!
Planning the vacation is part of the thrill to me. You have hit on some great points to consider!
It is to me as well. My biggest problem is that there are so many places I want to go and being a solo traveller there are more things to consider.
Great post😀
Thank you!
no problem 🙂 check out my blog when you get the chance 🙂
I will do that right now!