Solo travel can be both exhilarating and intimidating, often at the same time. Perhaps even more so for solo female travellers. Whether it’s your first time travelling alone, or your 100th, our well-travelled team at Citizen Femme have plenty of solo travel advice to give.
If you’re looking for solo travel advice, there’s perhaps no better place to get it from than from those who have done it – multiple times. The Citizen Femme team have travelled far and wide alone, including to India, Japan, Oman, Australia, Mexico – and well beyond. Here, each member of the team shares one piece of advice learnt along the way, helping you to feel calm, confident and more importantly, safe on your next solo trip.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
Don’t over-plan. Yes, planning ahead is important. But over-managing your travels takes you away from possible encounters. The one great thing to punctuate your solo trip with is local tours or experiences, or even a local fitness class. It’s a good way to connect with others, you’ll find new ways to better experience your destination, and you’ll enjoy some social time. Depending on where you stay, hotels are now inviting guests on immersive experiences for a deeper local dive, whether its a home-cooked meal in a local’s residence, a workshop on traditional crafts, or a guided tour to hidden neighbourhood gems.
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Katie Silcox, Managing Editor
One of the things a lot of people feel intimidated about while travelling solo is dining in a restaurant alone. But there’s no fun in getting room service every night. My advice on this is to simply bite the bullet (or in this case, the freshly-rolled sushi, oven-cooked pizza or just-fried jalebi): grab a book, head to the restaurant you most want to visit, and ask for a table for one. Don’t let them seat you tucked away in the back but, equally, look out for (and request) the table you’ll feel most comfortable dining alone at. A window seat is always a good option, giving you the perfect place to people-watch from as you eat. You may even surprise yourself by not picking up your book or scrolling your phone at all.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
As someone who has spent more time travelling alone than in a duo or group over the last year – and as someone who always wants to capture great holiday content! – I invested in a iPhone tripod. It means I can get great photos without having to awkwardly ask a stranger to take them for me, such as this one which I shot using my tripod at Nobu Santorini.
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Becki Murray, Beauty Editor
I used to be such a worrier about losing my belongings when holidaying on my own, especially as you don’t have someone to remind you to check hotel drawers or confirm your backpack is closed when you step out the door. However, since investing in a few Apple AirTags (there are Android alternatives too) I feel a lot more confident. I slip them into my passport holder, money pouch and jewellery bag, so checking I’ve got them with me as I move to my next destination is a simple phone notification away.
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
Plan ahead as much as possible. Confirm the booking, check out the area, plan the route – whatever it is – and make sure you’ve thought everything through before you go so that you’re not trying to make a plan in unfamiliar surroundings. Do your research so you know (quite literally!) what’s around the next corner. This way you’ll feel much more sure, safe, and happy with what you come across. A few hours of reading about a location before you travel can save a lot of hassle for a lone female traveller.
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BIBIANA OBAHOR, HEAD OF GRAPHIC DESIGN
Gathering the courage to talk to strangers on solo trips has been trip-changing for me. Yes, it can be daunting, but it’s definitely worth it. These chats often lead me to hidden gems, guided by locals who know the ins and outs – where to eat, shop and chill – and even the best times to do so. Just be mindful of not oversharing personal details for safety reasons, of course.
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GRACE ROBSON, PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR
When it comes to solo travel, where you stay is key. I’d recommend staying somewhere central and easily accessible. You want to feel like you can always get back safely on your own – both in the day and when it’s dark. Do some research before you book your hotel; if you can avoid having to take too much transport to get back to your bed in the evening, it will encourage you to be braver about staying out that little bit later and help make the most of your trip.
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ELLA MANSELL, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
I’m willing to admit that technology is not one of my strong points, so when my phone doesn’t work properly abroad I find it overwhelming and stressful, especially when I am travelling alone and can’t rely on a friend. I need my phone for everything: maps, hotel reservations, contact details, and even bank cards – it’s all on there! I recommend buying an eSIM before you leave so that you have unlimited data, and can access information at any time. Holafly is a great option for this. Also, don’t forget to share your live location with friends and family back home so they know where you are for peace of mind.
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Lead image: Palm. Noosa
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Any Questions or Tips to add?