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Traveling solo nowadays has gained so much popularity; however, not everybody is brave enough to try it. A few of my friends started traveling solo after they heard my stories and were obsessed with that idea, too :), but the rest still have so many reasons which stop them from doing their solo travel.

 

Traveling solo can be very enjoyable and stress-free, but sometimes it can cost much more than traveling in a company. Why?

 

Well…it is just because you have nobody to share your meal cost, renting a car, excursions or entertainment, for example.

 

It is not a big deal… some of you might think, but if you travel on a budget, that will be your first question to yourself. How much will I spend on this trip, and how can I save?

 

I am here to help you make your trip less expensive and more enjoyable.

12 Best Travel Hacks for Solo Female Travelers

1. Initial Research

Choose a safe destination and do the complete Research on what you are going to do there, how you are going to navigate inside the city (by bus, metro, taxi, rental cars, etc.), where you will stay (make sure the neighborhood is good as well), etc.

 

2. Keep All Information Handy

Take a screenshot of all your necessary information: it can be your airplane/train tickets, bus/train routes + schedule, hotel/hostel/Airbnb/VRBO reservations with the address/phone number of the place, name of the person you are staying with (if you visit with a new friend, especially), etc.

 

Nowadays, accessing all this information directly on your phone is easy, but you will want to avoid the situation when you cannot access any of that. As it happens to me sometimes, when the internet is down or super slow, I cannot access anything on my phone.

 

At those moments, I feel so frustrated, lost, and stressed. That’s why I take a screenshot now, and I can get the information whenever I need it.

 

3. Download All Travel Apps to Your Phone

Download all travel apps upfront. Especially the car-sharing apps (better if there is more than one). I was in Barcelona, and I had an early flight in the morning. As taxis were so expensive there, I decided to take a bus. So I checked the bus schedule upfront, pictured all the information, and also decided to download the taxi apps in case of an emergency.

 

And what do you think happened? The bus never showed up, and I had no internet connection then. So I had no choice and had to order a taxi. Well…I ordered one. It canceled on me; I ordered a second one; it canceled again…

 

I panicked, but there were just regular taxis on the streets, and I had to take that one. So, long story short, just BE PREPARED TO ALL KIND OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS WHEN YOU TRAVEL SOLO.

 

4. Pack Smart and Light

This is essential, as it can make your trip the best or the worst in your life. For example, I was always carrying luggage with me, and even if it was wheeled, it always made my travel more stressful. So now, I try to pack as light as possible and take minimum bags/luggage.

 

I traveled to Asia for 2 weeks with only 1 backpack. You can’t imagine how good it would have been if you had never tried. I didn’t have to stay in line to check my baggage; I didn’t have to wait for my turn to get my bag from the overhead bin. Instead, my backpack was always with me, and I fitted all I needed in it very well. TRY IT NEXT TIME, AND YOU WILL FEEL THE DIFFERENCE.

 

5. Join a FREE Walking Tour

Taking a FREE walking tour is a must-do. The tour will not only be beneficial as you will learn the history, but you can also meet like-minded people and continue your journey together. Plus, it is free :).

 

6. Keep Your Information Discreet

Never share personal details with strangers (especially a big no-no: the address where you live). Instead, watch after yourself, keep your documents secure, and trust your intuition.

 

7. Book a Group Tour

If you want to go on a tour but hesitate to go alone, BOOK A GROUP TOUR. There are so many tours available in almost every destination, based on your budget.

 

8. Book a Cheap Accommodation

Book a hostel instead of a hotel. Many hostels are very good, located in a nice neighborhood, and even offer a free breakfast. By staying in hostels, you will save a lot of money and might make good friends.

 

9. Always Carry Some Cash

Cash is always a problem when you need it, but do not have it. Unfortunately, not all places accept credit cards and for such an unexpected situation (paying in places that take only cash, leaving tips, paying for transport, etc), having some cash is necessary.

TIP: Avoid getting it exchanged at the airport (as it will be less than you can get in any other place).

 

10. Experience Eating Out While Traveling Solo

If you hesitate to eat alone as people can stare at you, go earlier when places are less crowded. Or as an alternative, if it is summer, buy some food in the supermarket and eat in the park. Then, you will meet many people like you, and you won’t feel awkward anymore.

 

11. Stay Connected

 Always carry an extra mobile portable charger as you will encounter situations when your phone is running off the battery, and you are in a place without power outlets.

 

12. Enjoy Your Free Time Alone

Bring your entertainment with you. There will be moments on your trip when you feel lonely. It is normal and happens to everybody. But, as we are away from home and by ourselves in a different city or country, it makes us sad from time to time.

To make it less stressful, have your best entertainment with you. Be it a book, music, or something else.

Money-Saving Hacks for a Solo Female Traveler

1. Check FREE stuff. Before buying expensive tours, or excursions, check what the city offers for free. You can be surprised how much you can save on such things and have the same quality.

 

2. Use public transportation instead of taxis (and buy a pass if you stay more than 1 day).

 

3. Save on accommodation by staying at Hostels (for cheap) or COUCHSURFER places (for free). Also, there are options to cat/dog sit (in exchange for accommodation).

 

4. Save on coffee. If you want to get a coffee, I heard it is cheaper if you order from the bar and don’t sit at the table.

 

5. Check the best time to go to the destination you want so that you can save money on tickets. You can find the best tickets during the off-season or during the week. BE FLEXIBLE.

 

6. Save on food. Take advantage of the complimentary breakfast at your accommodation place. If you eat in a restaurant, take leftovers with you. JUST KEEP IN MIND EATING IN A RESTAURANT CAN BE COSTLY. You can buy food at the grocery store and prepare it yourself to avoid that. Don’t forget to carry snacks with you all the time.

 

7. Take advantage of your existing travel miles to buy tickets and earn even more by using the card while you travel. JUST MAKE SURE IT HAS NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEES.

 

Read more about TRAVELING SOLO.

 

Here are some helpful Travel Resources for you to make your planning easier.

Final thoughts

As you can see, traveling solo can be very affordable and enjoyable. You have to be prepared and cautious and follow your intuition. I travel most of my time by myself, and I learn something new every time. It is an excellent opportunity to discover your needs, desires, and possibilities.

 

Solo female travel is the best thing you can do while you are young and adventurous. But, never lose the chance to get out of your comfort zone and discover the surrounding beauty and opportunities.

 

I hope my solo female travel hacks and money-saving tips will improve your solo travel experience. Happy travel :).

 

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