Embracing Empowerment: The Journey of Travelling Solo as a Woman

Travelling is an enriching experience that opens our hearts and minds to the beauty of the world. For women, embarking on solo adventures adds an extra layer of empowerment and self-discovery. I have two long solo trips under my belt: 7 months in Central Asia and Turkey, and almost 8 months in Balkans and I’m still learning ways to make sure I get the best experiences in whichever place I decide to visit next. It is never ending process:) In this blog post, I will dive into the joys, challenges, and invaluable life lessons that come with embracing the path of solo travel as a woman.

1. Navigating Fear and Overcoming Stereotypes: Solo female travelers often face concerns about safety and stereotypes associated with women traveling alone. Addressing these fears head-on and proving the naysayers wrong is an empowering achievement that strengthens self-belief. If I had a dollar for every time I mention to someone I’m going on a solo trip and they would tell me “it’s dangerous”, I would have been a millionaire by now! People will always speak from their own perspective and voice their own fears. It is up to you to make an informative decision and choose to either listen to other people ideas or follow your own. Of course safety is always your top priority, ESPECIALLY as a woman travelling solo. Take your gut and common sense with you! I also recommend you read a book by Gavin DeBecker “The gift of fear” in which he gives advice on how to spot a predator/intruder in advance. Here is a link for a free copy of the book : https://fb2bookfree.com/uploads/files/2020-10/1602551171_the-gift-of-fear.pdf
2. Empowering Independence: Travelling solo as a woman grants a unique opportunity to cultivate independence. It pushes us to rely on our instincts, make decisions on our own, and confidently navigate unfamiliar territories. This newfound sense of self-reliance becomes an empowering foundation for other aspects of life. One of the greatest skills you will gain travelling as a solo woman is trust in yourself. You will learn what makes or breaks you, what you can and cannot tolerate, what can you go without and what is absolutely essential for your well being. This will serve you in every area of your life.
3. Embracing Spontaneity: Travelling solo enables women to embrace spontaneity fully. There’s no need to adhere to rigid itineraries, allowing us to explore hidden gems and immerse ourselves in local cultures on a whim. Embracing the unknown with an open heart leads to unforgettable experiences. Woke up in the middle of the day and decided to just have a lazy day at the beach? Do it! Getting up at sunrise to catch a bus to a neighbouring town or a country? Yes you can! No need to ask a permission! Missed a connecting bus/train and need to spend extra night in the same city? You can literally change your plan as you go along.
4. Forming Lifelong Connections: While solo travel offers solitude, it also presents numerous opportunities to connect with fellow travelers and locals. Engaging in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds fosters a deeper understanding of the world and broadens our perspectives. Most people I speak to fear they will be lonely when travelling solo and I can tell you that most certainly will not be the case. What I love about solo travelling is the absolute freedom of deciding who I want to interact with and for how long.
5. Mindful Self-Reflection: Amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes and captivating cityscapes, solo travel offers a chance for introspection. Moments of solitude encourage profound self-reflection, personal growth, and a better understanding of our desires, strengths, and weaknesses. Yes, you will have plenty of alone time with your thoughts and you can decide if that’s a good or bad thing.
6. Breaking Barriers and Shattering Norms: By fearlessly embarking on solo adventures, women defy societal norms and break barriers that once hindered their aspirations. Through this process, they become trailblazers, inspiring others to pursue their dreams unapologetically. The further from Western Europe you travel, the more chances for you to encounter social challenges and norms. Eastern Europe is still pretty traditional when it comes to woman’s role so be prepared to be asked constantly about your marital status and if you have any kids. In Central Asia, Albania and Turkey it gets progressively worse. It is rather uncommon to see women venturing out on their own or without male company. Family is a priority in those countries and women are valued only by their child bearing abilities, especially Central Asia. I saw plenty of advice encouraging women to always pretend they have a boyfriend or a husband as this may encourage any potential men from pursuing you. In Central Asia you may actually need to wear a wedding ring and have a family album ready to show. Yes, they will be so nosy. You will get a lot of attention as a solo travelling woman so please use common sense and be cautious.
7. Cultivating Adaptability: Solo travel demands adaptability in ever-changing environments. From language barriers to unexpected challenges, women learn to adapt quickly, which serves as a valuable life skill applicable in various scenarios. Not everything will go according to your plans, that’s just life. Flights, bus rides will get cancelled, accommodation will not always be 100% the same as presented on the website, people you meet not always will have your best interest at heart. Just go with it. For the sake of your mental health. Law of detachment will be your best friend.
8. Empathy and Understanding: Experiencing diverse cultures firsthand fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of global issues. Solo female travelers often become ambassadors of compassion and use their experiences to promote cultural exchange and bridge gaps between nations. Once you exit the popular tourist trails and venture into the less known local towns and cities, you will be exposed to local community in its purest form. You will see new things or new ways of dealing with familiar situations. It will be refreshing and shocking sometimes so keep your mind open.

Travelling solo as a woman is a transformative journey that goes beyond discovering new destinations. It is an expedition that enables empowerment, self-discovery, and growth. Embracing the world with open arms and a courageous spirit, solo female travelers inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and embark on their unique paths of exploration.

Sadly yes, as a woman you will have to be more cautious, more suspicious and alert on every step. Yes it is tiring but not that different to what you would have to be aware of back at home. Just use your comment sense even if it means you have to be rude to someone. Your safety is more important than local customs.

So, dear fellow wanderer, may your solo adventures be filled with unforgettable moments, and may you continue to blaze trails fearlessly on your quest for self-discovery and empowerment. Happy travels!