Four Reasons Every Woman Should Solo Travel (At Least Once)

I think any novice solo traveler can relate with this statement: people who’ve never traveled by themselves tend to make assumptions about people who do. This is especially true for women who solo travel.

My case was no different. When I told my family I was going to Peru alone to celebrate my 24h birthday, things got dramatic. Here I was: a young, attractive woman, with broken Spanish and no contacts in the area bound for a “third-world country”, as my mom would put it. It upset many folks.

Long story short, I was judged by pretty much everyone. I was questioned about my motivations (like was I secretly meeting a guy in Peru and ashamed to say it?). And every-single-person made sure to ask me “HAVE YOU SEEN THE MOVIE TAKEN?”

I was definitely not aiming to be kidnapped nor trafficked. But it was clear my traveling alone triggered too any ideas about women and victimhood that no one could see past the potential dangers to see the potential gains.

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There are very real and actual gains to solo traveling that should be experienced by every woman without bias. Without a doubt solo travel (1) boosts confidence, (2)  boosts spirituality, (3) enables new friendships, and (4) rewards you the freedom to just do you. If you need these things in your life, here’s why you should take a solo trip as a woman.

Confidence – Imagine confronting one of your biggest insecurities head on, and then walking away on a “self-esteem high.” That’s exactly what traveling alone feels like. I’m not fluent but I felt so accomplished to practice Spanish in Peru and surprisingly kept up with the locals. There wasn’t room for self-doubt because I needed to eat, get across the country, and purchase supplies. Bottom line, traveling solo boosts your confidence because it literally forces you to believe in YOU.

Spirituality – Regardless of who you believe in or what you practice, your spirit will never be the same after solo travel. It’s both humbling and inspiring to take in an enchanting view and realize just how small you are in a great, big world. For me, solo travel is when I find myself praying the most. In general the alone time allows you to check in with yourself, check in with God (or the universe), and just be present.

Interaction with strangers / New Friendships Making new friends is never easy. But when you travel alone, it is necessary. Simple conversations with a stranger sometimes lead to long-term friendships. Other times they’re short lived but still enjoyable. In my case, I felt vindicated by other women I met abroad, and even partied with, who were traveling alone like me. The point is, traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to be alone the entire trip, and in the end you might gain a friend.

The ability to be selfish without guilt – In a world where our schedules are constantly dictated by work, school, family, and a social life, the biggest gain from traveling solo is that the day’s events and movements are on your accord. Nothing happens or doesn’t happen unless you allow it. Your itinerary is blank book and only you know how to fill the pages. It’s the freedom of being able to do whatever you want with no diversions or distractions that is a true gift to yourself.

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So here’s my position on the whole thing: Women who take risks live fuller and more rewarding lives. Any woman who is highly observant, resourceful and nimble is ready to take a risk and travel by herself.

It is completely possible for a woman to be reckless and responsible at the same time. That’s essentially what solo travel is all about. So why should gender be the one thing that holds you back? Bottom line: it shouldn’t.

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