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Solo female travel guide

Embarking on a solo group trip is a fantastic way to see the world, connecting you with people, culture, and quality time to yourself. Solo travel as a woman can seem daunting at first, but joining a group of like-minded people and discovering far-flung destinations can be incredibly empowering.

 
Whether you're a seasoned solo traveller or going on your first trip alone, our small group tours are perfect for solo female travellers. No matter where you're going you'll be guided by an Explore Leader, and supported by likeminded travellers, making every solo trip an adventure you'll never forget.

Our average group size is just 11 people, with half the group usually travelling by themselves. Embarking on a group trip as a single traveller is a great way to boost your confidence, meet new people, and experience the best of every destination.

Whether you’re embarking on a walking trip or a wildlife tour, read on to find out more about travelling solo as a woman and how we ensure the safety of all our travellers.

New to solo travel? We’ve answered your burning questions about embarking on a tour as a solo traveller.

 

What are the best places to travel as a solo female?

Thanks to our expert Explore Leaders and carefully crafted itineraries, all our tours are great for women travelling solo.

Whether you're a seasoned solo traveller or are looking to jump into your first solo trip, discover our best trips and destinations for solo female travellers.
Best solo trips for women

 

How to stay safe as a solo female traveller

Solo travel for women can be a hugely empowering experience, rewarding you with a lifetime of confidence, friends, and fantastic memories! However, it's key to keep safety in mind. On a trip with Explore you'll have the experience of travelling solo, but with the reassurance of travelling in a group. You can also keep these top tips in mind:

General safety
  • Protect your belongings – keep jewellery, cameras, phones and laptops safe and hidden from view.
  • Keep your bag safe – make sure it is securely fastened not slung loosely over your shoulder.
  • Never carry your travel documents unless needed – keep your passport and flight tickets with your valuables in the hotel safety box.
Meeting new people
  • Be clear you are travelling in a group.
  • Don’t share your accommodation details – keep the details of where you are staying private.
Out and about
  • Stay in control – watch how much alcohol you drink and never leave your drink unattended.
  • Walk away – if at any point you feel uncomfortable, walk away.
Cultural differences
  • Consider your dress code – with a bit of research you can ensure you respect the local culture.

Cultural differences to be aware of

If you’re a woman travelling alone and looking to immerse yourself in local culture on holiday, your expert local guide will help you to understand the cultural differences of your chosen location. A bit of research before you leave goes a long way. To help get you started, there are a few key cultural differences that are good to be aware of:

Covering up – when travelling, it’s important to consider the local culture to avoid offending. We recommend taking something to cover up when visiting religious sites.

Removing shoes – many countries in Asia find it disrespectful if you don’t remove your shoes before entering a building.

Tipping – in some countries like Canada and the USA it is customary to tip waiters and bartenders. Research your destination to find out the local customs around tipping.

Communication – if possible, learn a few basic local words and phrases and remember to speak slowly and clearly.

Who will I be travelling with?

Typical age ranges for solo travellers on our tours varies from 20s or 30s up to 60s or above. We’ve found that a good range of ages adds to the group experience.

Whatever your age or holiday preferences, you’ll be in good company. Around half the travellers on our holidays are travelling solo and around 60% are women and 40% are men. Some are single, and some are not. Some simply have different holiday preferences to their partners or have more time available for travel. Either way, you’ll have all the excitement of travelling solo but with the reassurance of travelling in a group.

What can I do in any downtime?

Our trips are graded from Relaxed to Full-On, so there will be different amounts of downtime depending on the pace of holiday you prefer – it’s up to you!

As a solo female traveller, you might want to take some time to explore on your own. Alternatively, you could take part in one of the many optional excursions and activities that your local leader can help you organise.

When it comes to meal times, your local Explore leader can help point you in the right direction for where to eat and you can choose to eat with the group or find somewhere on your own.

What should I pack for my solo trip?

We provide advice on what to pack for your solo holiday on our trip pages - check the 'Budgeting and packing' section. This will include information on what items are best to pack for that particular country, as well as details of what equipment is provided, like sleeping bags if your trip involves camping.

If you're taking a walking or cycling trip with us we've also got packing tips on our blogs - how to prepare for your first walking holiday and 5 ways to prepare for your first cycling trip.

 

 

Ready for your solo adventure?

All our trips are perfect for solo travellers as you'll be joining a small group of like-minded people and be led by an expert local leader. Which extraordinary destination will you choose to visit next?
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