Solo travel is having a moment—and it’s no surprise that women are leading the charge.
Ironically, my first experience with the joy of solo travel happened while I was still married. I traveled to Budapest for an early childhood education conference, hoping to broaden my research for the doctorate I was working on. I left my two young children—ages 2 and 5—at home with my husband, and suddenly, I was in a place where I could do whatever I wanted.
There was something luxurious about watching a movie, reading a book, and walking the city without the usual distractions of parenthood. I lingered where I wanted, woke up to watch the sunrise, and truly experienced the city on my own terms—in between conference sessions, of course.
Since my divorce, most of my solo travel has been out of necessity, but I’ve come to crave it. Traveling on my own allows me to design trips that are completely my own, without the need to compromise. No one else’s interests or schedules to consider—just mine.
Solo travel lets me escape the routine of everyday life, step outside my comfort zone, and return home a little braver. And let’s face it—life is short. Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, why wait for a partner when the world is waiting for you?
The Freedom of Adventure
Solo adventure travel is about more than just going somewhere alone—it’s about stepping into the unknown and challenging yourself. It’s about taking risks that help you grow in ways you never expected.
Whether it’s hiking through the Alps, exploring hidden corners of a city, or immersing yourself in a new culture, adventure travel allows you to face the unfamiliar—and return with a new perspective.
Some may think that solo travel is lonely, but I’ve never found it to be. It’s especially empowering for women, who are often confined by what the family wants or busy making sure everyone else is happy.
“My husband doesn’t enjoy traveling. We have different goals,” says Sherry, 54. “Now that we’re empty nesters, he wants to stay close to home. I’m ready to see all the things.”
Adventure is about exploration, and when you’re solo, you get to explore at your own pace—choosing experiences that resonate most with you.
Safety Doesn’t Mean Avoiding Adventure
When it comes to traveling alone, safety is always at the top of my list—but safety doesn’t mean avoiding adventure. It means being smart and planning ahead.
Take time to learn about the place you’re visiting. Check message boards, travel groups, and personal recommendations (see the resource list below for great places to start). Being prepared lets you stay open to the experiences that make travel worthwhile.
For example, I always pack light—not just because I dislike paying baggage fees, but because it means I can move easily and rely on myself, whether I’m navigating a busy city or heading off the beaten path. Being able to carry my own luggage and stay independent is empowering—and it’s one of the ways solo travel gives me the freedom to embrace adventure fully.
Finding the Right Adventure for You
Solo adventure travel has never been more popular—and 84% of solo travelers are women. Now is the perfect time to embrace the adventure of your own choosing.
But how do you find the right kind of adventure for you?
Adventure travel doesn’t have to mean extreme activities. Carolyn Ray, CEO of JourneyWoman, defines adventure as “any experience that has cultural content and community at its heart.” The key is finding something meaningful—something that feels like a journey of self-discovery, not just another thing to tick off your bucket list.
Adventure can be as simple as exploring a new city on foot or learning to cook a traditional dish in a local village. The beauty of solo adventure? You define the adventure.
Start Small (and Smart)
If you’ve never traveled solo before, start small. Take a weekend getaway to a neighboring town or visit a city you’ve always wanted to explore.
Solo travel is about independence—not necessarily being alone. Apps like Get Your Guide and Viator help you find local guides and group experiences, so you can share part of your trip with others while maintaining your solo spirit.
When you’re ready to go bigger, travel companies are finally catching on: women are ready for real solo adventure. Many of today’s offerings are intergenerational, purpose-driven, and tailored specifically to women. (You’ll find a few of my favorites in the resource section below.)
The Myth of Loneliness
There’s a common misconception that solo travel is lonely. But in my experience, it’s been anything but.
While traveling alone, I’ve made new friends, shared stories with locals, and connected with people from all over the world. Solo travel isn’t about being isolated—it’s about stepping into a new world and allowing yourself to meet it head-on.
Even when I was married, solo trips were an escape from the routine. Now, as a single woman, they’re a chance to explore and discover more about myself. Solo adventure travel, for me, is as much about the journey within as it is about the destination.
Solo Travel: Tracee Ellis Ross Style
Recently, I watched all three episodes of Solo Travel with Tracee Ellis Ross on Roku. She captured the essence of solo adventure perfectly when she said:
“Solo travel is about not waiting for something in order to walk towards my life, to be in my life, in order to experience my life.”
It’s such a powerful reminder that solo travel is about seizing the moment and doing things on your own terms.
Of course, Tracee’s version of solo travel looks a little different than mine—think first class flights, multiple suitcases, and five-star accommodations—but at its core, it’s the same:
Stepping out into the world. Discovering yourself. Embracing freedom. No matter your style or budget.
Solo adventure is for everyone, and it’s not about how much you pack or where you stay, but about doing what feels right for you.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait—Go Solo
Adventure is waiting for you, and you don’t need a partner to start the journey.
Solo travel isn’t just about being alone. It’s about embracing the freedom to experience the world in your own way.
It pushes you beyond your comfort zone.
It challenges your limits.
And it allows you to grow in ways you can’t imagine from the sidelines.
So why wait?
The world is ready to be explored—and the only thing standing between you and your next adventure is the courage to go.
Grab your backpack. Plan your next solo journey. And remember: you’re not just traveling…
You’re discovering yourself.
Ready to pack your bag? Dig into the resources below to get your started. —Krysty
GROUP TRAVEL EXPERIENCES/NETWORKS:
https://thesolofemaletravelernetwork.com/
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us
https://www.backroads.com/why/traveler/womens-adventures
BLOGS/TRAVEL TIPS:
https://solotravelerworld.com/
https://forevershewanders.com/
