Solo Female Travel Mistakes to Avoid (Updated 2021)
What are the top solo female travel mistakes you should avoid!?
Whether it’s your first trip or you’re a well-seasoned traveler, it’s good to know what kinds of mistakes to avoid as a solo female traveler. Not only can these mistakes cost you in frustrations, but they can also be a hazard to your safety or well-being.
The last thing that you want to do while traveling solo is to ruin your experience by falling into one of these solo travel mistakes that could easily be avoided.
One of the best precautions you can take when traveling is to plan and plan well. Planning might not be your favorite, but it can save you a lot of headaches and help you have a more enjoyable and memorable trip.
This post will walk you through some of the most common solo travel mistakes made by female travelers, and it will tell you exactly how you can avoid making them.
Follow along and remember that each destination is unique and carries its own set of potential mistakes, but these are general mistakes to avoid so you can have the trip of your life!
Financial – Solo Travel Mistakes
1. Flashing Expensive Items or Valuables
If you have expensive items like cameras or phones, or if you’re carrying extra cash, please make sure that you’re not flashing it around for others to see. Put it away and out of sight or at least don’t draw attention to it if possible.
Flashing expensive items or valuables attracts pickpockets and thieves, as they are constantly on the lookout for opportunities.
Keep your cash, credit cards and valuables safe in a secure travel pouch for women (this connects to your bra, no joke).
2. Not Purchasing Travel Insurance
You never know when something is going to go wrong. Save yourself the headache that comes with medical emergencies, weather flight delays or cancellations, or sickness that prevents you from going on your trip.
Travel insurance is one of the first purchases that people overlook, assuming they don’t need it. In reality, travel insurance should be at the top of your list for travel essentials as you won’t realize how much you need it until you do. And then it’s too late.
World Nomads has excellent travel insurance, designed by travelers for travelers. I’ve used them before and will continue to use them for all of my travels for peace of mind.
3. Traveling Without a Budget
You might think you’re terrible at creating and sticking to a budget or that you don’t really need one since, you know, you’re on vacation or traveling and all. You’re supposed to enjoy yourself after all, right?
Having a budget while you travel will prevent a lot of stress and allow you to enjoy your time more. And don’t be fooled. Just because you have a travel budget, it doesn’t mean you have to cut out all fun activities or anything costly. You just need a realistic budget for your trip each day.
We all splurge here and there and it’s 100% fine. Splurging everyday though can ruin a trip. Avoid money stresses and create a travel budget that will help you make the best spending decisions and give you stress-free travels.
Use a travel budget app like Trabee Pocket or Tripcoin to keep track of expenses and how much you have left to spend on your trip.
4. Not knowing the hidden fees before you go
When planning your travel budget try and reflect any extra or hidden fees as you go. There are several hidden fees that hotels and airlines charge that might catch you by surprise if you’re not aware upfront. Examples of hidden fees include: single supplement fees, credit card foreign transaction fees, ATM fees, currency exchange fees, WiFi charges, bathroom charges, and even data roaming costs for your phone. These fees might appear small, but they definitely add up and can eat into your travel budget.
Tip: Sign up for a travel credit card like Capital One’s Venture card for zero fees on foreign transactions. I have this card and absolutely love it and all of the rewards miles it earns too!
5. Exchanging money at the airport
Finding a spot to get foreign currency is often a necessity, but it’s also important that you know what places to go to take advantage of the best exchange rates. One of the biggest travel mistakes is exchanging money at the airport. Airports know that travelers are usually in some desperate need to exchange then and there. They often charge you ridiculous rates for this swap.
If possible, head to a local bank or ATM to exchange money for a much better rate (sometimes free if your bank offers ATM refunds). You can also head to your home bank before your trip to have currency already on hand.
6. Not informing Bank or Credit Card companies You’ll be traveling
There are many banks that no longer require this, but there are also many that still do. If you’re going to be traveling at all, outside of the local area where you live, it’s important to give a travel alert to your banks and credit cards so that they are aware that you’ll be using your cards or accounts elsewhere.
This will allow you to continue to use your bank or credit card accounts while traveling without any disruptions in service caused by potential fraud messages or shut-downs. I’ve experienced not being able to use my credit card when I arrived at a destination due to my bank shutting it off from suspected fraud. Inform your bank so you don’t need to waste time trying to get a hold of them to re-instate your accounts.
Planning – Solo Travel Mistakes
7. Traveling with too much luggage
Not only is traveling around with an excessive amount of luggage a hassle, it can also be pretty costly. Anyone who is prone to over-packing should be aware of luggage fees with airlines.
I also can’t stress enough how obnoxious it is to get around with too much luggage. The lack of mobility and frustration will only intensify as a solo female traveler. You’ll have to walk through tight spaces or hold doors open while you struggle to walk through with everything you’re carrying.
If you’re in the market for a light but durable and transportable carry on suitcase (and it has the cutest color options!), check out American Tourister’s Stratum XLT. These are sleek and they spin like a dream! After lugging around a checked bag for too long, I had enough and got myself a carry on. It’s made a world of difference.
8. Not Planning Trips in Advance
Planning isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it can be extremely helpful for anyone who is traveling solo. While I am definitely not a huge planner, preferring the lure of a more adventurous or go-with-the-flow kind of travel, I have found out quickly how important it is to have done my research beforehand.
Research your destination: the dangers that exist, the good and not so great neighborhoods, areas to avoid, where to stay/not stay, and any other government advisory updates or current events.
Know what types of medical vaccines you need and any documents necessary to enter your destination. You don’t have to have every minute planned, but you should know these basics.
Related: Top destinations for solo female travelers
9. Not knowing your phone’s data restrictions
Most people are aware that using your phone outside of your home country is rather expensive. People are often caught by surprise at the high costs of using their phone for even less than ten minutes with data abroad. Avoid the mistake of roaming data charges by understanding your phone carrier’s conditions on data abroad and taking advantage of their travel plans.
While you might not think you need a travel plan, it’s important to realize that you use your phone for a lot more than you realize on a daily basis. Consider the travel plan before you go, and it will most likely save you a lot of money in the end.
10. Trying to fit in too much
One of the biggest lessons I learned when traveling is that we all often have this urge to try and fit everything we possibly can into the shortest periods of time. We want to do everything, experience everything and we often forget to leave time to hangout or enjoy simple unplanned moments.
I learned quickly when I traveled to Paris that there were far too many things to see and do than what I had time or energy for. And the important lesson is that if you hurry and rush through everything, you’ll never enjoy where you are in the moment. You’ll find yourself frazzled or stressed rather than enjoying yourself along the way.
It’s okay to realize you can’t see and do it all. Have a list of places and things to see that you’re interested in, but prioritize these in relation to must-see versus something you could pass on.
11. Not making copies of important documents
This was a tip I learned before taking my first solo trip to Paris. You’ll be traveling with important documents, and it’s recommended that you take photocopies of these different documents and scan them into the cloud (whether it’s Dropbox or another secure file sharing site). You can keep an additional copy in your phone as well.
In the event that you lose your passport or it’s stolen, you’ll have a copy, or several copies, on hand. If you’re looking to try and have a new passport made, a copy of your existing passport can help speed up the process.
It’s important to make copies of other documents too such as: credit cards, your driver’s license, travel itineraries and confirmations, vaccination certificates, travel insurance plans and more. It might seem silly now, but if you lose important documents while traveling it’s bound to be a lot more frustrating and will take more time to get out of the situation.
12. Not being prepared for an emergency
While we all hope that we don’t have to deal with any type of emergency while traveling, that doesn’t mean one won’t happen. It’s important to have a plan or idea of how to respond in case of emergencies. Always have the important local phone numbers on hand to call or know how to ask for help in the local language. It’s a lot easier to know these important facts upfront rather than figuring them out in the moment when time is of the essence. Knowing who and how to ask for help is crucial and will give you peace of mind while traveling.
13. Not bringing medical supplies you might need
Depending on where you’re traveling, you may or may not have access to medical supplies as quickly as you might need them. You never know when you’ll come down with some type of sickness. It could be a headache, stomach ache, cold, or even that time of the month (you know it ladies).
Consider bringing items such as ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol, Claritin, Dramamine or even feminine products for that time of month. Over the counter medications might not be the first thing on your packing list, but they will come in handy if you get sick along the way.
14. Expecting everything to be perfect
Even if you plan your trip thoroughly, it doesn’t mean that everything on your trip will go smoothly or perfectly. Plan as best you can but then be okay when everything doesn’t go exactly as you planned or hoped it would. Be open to whatever happens as this is part of the experience as well – the good with the bad.
There are some places I’ve traveled to that I thought I’d like more than I did. And that was disappointing. We have all of these fantasies of what something will be like, and often it just doesn’t end up playing out that way. So instead of letting disappointment set in, try and see it as part of the experience and embrace the disappointment or the differences. Release the need for perfection and accept things as they are.
Culture – Solo Travel Mistakes
15. Not researching the local culture
A huge mistake that many female solo travelers make is not researching the local culture of the destination that they are visiting. This can be as simple as learning or understanding phrases that are considered rude and offensive or it could be related to what to wear in conservative countries. Figure out if there are any behaviors or phrases that can be considered offensive or might start conflict.
The last thing that you want to deal with on your trip is conflict with the locals. Why bring unwanted attention to yourself if you can avoid it?
16. Not trying the local foods or being open to it
One of the biggest mistakes I see from those traveling is that they don’t attempt to understand the local culture or try it out for themselves. Not trying the local foods or cuisine is turning down an experience. It’s easy to turn down foods that you aren’t familiar with when looking for comfort in a foreign place. But I do believe that you’ll miss out on the experience if you don’t at least make the effort to try these local cuisines.
Chances are, you’ll be happy you at least have the story to tell of trying these foods or drinks, even if you absolutely hate what you try.
17. Not making an effort to meet people
It might seem scary to walk up to someone you don’t know and say hi, but if you don’t make the effort to talk to anyone or meet people while traveling you’ll end up feeling pretty lonely. Not everyone is naturally outgoing but I do believe that everyone is able to strike up a conversation in simple places like a local coffee shop or restaurant, the plane, or while you’re exploring different areas of a city or destination (without language barriers).
While it’s great to travel and see the world, it’s important to realize that understanding people in that place is going to add value to your experience. You’ll meet a friend and learn more about them and their perspective.
You can always learn something new from others, including great spots to add to your travel itinerary. It’s important to enjoy your own company but you should also try and make an effort to understand the people who live where you’re traveling.
This is one of my all-time favorite books on how to meet new people and ways to relate to others:
18. Refusing to join a group tour along the way
Those traveling solo are often hesitant or resistant to joining group tours. They believe that in order to travel solo, they should visit attractions or places on their own.
But it’s important to note that we all get lonely! It can be tough to travel alone as you won’t always have someone to talk to about your experiences or the places you’re visiting along the way. And sometimes we just need to talk to others.
Joining a group tour will allow you to meet new people and express how exciting it is to be where you are and see what you’re seeing.
😍 MY FAVORITE TOUR COMPANY:
Viator is my favorite tour company since there are so many tours offered in locations all over the world. You can easily read reviews ⭐️ & check availability 🎟 for every single tour!
Safety – Solo Travel Mistakes
19. Not Using a VPN on Public WiFi
It’s easy to hop on the WiFi at the nearest coffee shop or cafe as these are great places to stop to avoid using your data abroad. However, be warned that when you’re surfing the web via public WiFi you are also opening yourself up to the risks involved such as personal or private information being stolen.
In these instances use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that provides security and privacy when you surf an open internet connection. You’ll be grateful that all of your information is secure and data is encrypted, preventing others from gaining access and hacking into your information.
Tip: ExpressVPN or CyberGhost VPN are great options for Travel VPNs
20. Looking Lost
It’s one of the basic rules of street smarts: don’t look lost. Always look like you know where you’re going even if you don’t. Thieves and anyone up to no good often target “easy” victims, including anyone who appears vulnerable or lost.
Fake it till you make it with confidence and look like you have a destination or know your way around. This has helped in so many situations where I’ve walked around by myself near sketch(ier) characters.
21. Too Little Sleep or Too Much to Drink
If you’re exhausted, you’re not thinking as clearly as you would be if you had enough sleep. Your judgement is impaired, and you need this judgment when traveling solo. The same can be said if you’ve had too much to drink. It blocks good judgment and opens up the door to making mistakes, putting yourself in dangerous situations.
Make sure you’ve had enough sleep and limit the amount of alcohol you’re consuming as this can compromise your safety.
22. Arriving in a New Destination in the dark
If you’ve never traveled to a spot before, please try to book flights that land during the day. This will allow you to familiarize with the area during daylight hours when many others are around along with giving you time to travel from the airport to your hotel or room you’re staying in.
You are vulnerable when you arrive late at night or early in the morning, potentially jet-lagged and confused and carrying a hell of a lot of luggage with you. For peace of mind and to give yourself a chance to acclimate, arrive earlier or during the daylight hours. It’s worth the extra money no matter how cheap and tempting those late night flights might be.
23. Thinking everyone is out to get you or everyone is your best friend
There’s a fine balance to everything in life. When you’re traveling you’re often at risk of either being too friendly with those that you meet or too closed off and guarded. There’s a downside to both of these behaviors.
Listen to your gut if you’re talking to a stranger or someone that you’ve just met. If there are red flags, exit the situation quickly. If someone is too friendly, do not offer up important information.
We’re trained to be hyper-aware of strangers. We often target everyone as a threat, and this mentality will not help you meet people or find friends. It’s important to be open but cautious. Rather than distrusting everyone, try and understand them first. Always go with your instincts but learn the balance between trust and skepticism.
24. Not faking a boyfriend or marriage
I know I’ve mentioned that using a little lie here or there while traveling isn’t bad. If you’re dealing with unwanted attention and you aren’t able to turn down this attention in an assertive and confident way, you might want to try and wear a ring. It sounds silly but it can help.
Let the person know that you’ve got to go and that you’re meeting up with your boyfriend or husband later. If anything, it will definitely lessen these unwanted advances. This won’t completely eliminate all advances, but it will decrease them.
If you’re not comfortable with using this system, then it’s important to make sure that you are confident and assertive in letting others know that you are not interested.
You can have a lot of fun with this, check out Amazon for extremely affordable rings you’ll love to wear.
25. Not updating friends and family
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment of traveling and experiencing a new place, but it’s important to make sure that you don’t fall off the map entirely. Keep up with your family and friends. Let them know where you’ve been and where you’re planning on going.
It’s important that others are aware of where you’ll be as they’ll be able to keep tabs on you as well as keep you informed of anything happening around you that you should know about. If anything were to happen to you, there are people who have an idea of where you were.
26. Letting everyone know you’re traveling solo
It’s okay to lie. I know it’s kind of weird or a shock to say that, but it is. It’s not always a good idea to go around meeting new people and letting everyone know that you’re traveling solo. It feels like an innocent scenario, but this can be dangerous depending on who you tell.
Some people might use this information against you. Follow your gut or instinct on this. If somebody seems fine, feel free to open up. If you sense red flags, be careful what you give them insight into.
27. Not being aware of your surroundings
It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings. That means you might need to take your headphones out while walking to new or unknown places. Be aware of what’s in front, to the side and behind you whether it’s night time or day time.
I’m not trying to make you paranoid but people can and will follow you. When I was in Paris on my first solo trip, I took the Metro and felt like a guy was hovering nearby and following me all the way to the Eiffel Tower. I hurried to find a family or a huge group of girls to hang near as I didn’t want him to perceive me as being alone or vulnerable in that situation. Maybe he was innocent, maybe he wasn’t.
Don’t busy yourself by looking down at your phone or map. Look up!
Related: Top travel gifts for women
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solo female travel safe?
People are full of preconceived notions about solo female travel, but it depends on the type of trip you’re planning. There are dozens upon dozens of wonderful places to visit where solo women can feel safe and enjoy all that is offered at a destination. You just need to know what to avoid in order to ensure a safe, happy, and successful trip.
No destination is truly 100% safe for solo travelers, but there are certain precautions you can take to ensure your safety.
Is it weird to go on vacations by yourself?
No, it’s not weird. In fact, more and more people are traveling solo every year. According to a study by the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the number of American travelers taking trips alone has increased by 49% in the past five years. And, according to a study done by Booking.com, 48% of women said they would feel confident traveling solo, and 40% of women said they would consider going on a trip entirely by themselves.
Sure, you may wish you had someone to go sightseeing or do activities with at times, but don’t forget that you can meet people while traveling!
Best first time solo travel destinations?
Well, that all depends on what you’re looking for in a destination. If you’re wanting an adventure, destinations like Africa, South America, and Asia offer endless possibilities. If you’re wanting to relax on a beach with all-inclusive resorts, places like Mexico and the Caribbean are best.
If you want both, a trip to Hawaii will offer a lot of adventure with all the amenities of relaxation on a beach. Other popular destinations for first time solo female travelers include Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Thailand, Bali, and Australia.
What about Solo travel during the pandemic?
If you’re planning on traveling during the pandemic, there are certain precautions you’ll need to take in order to ensure the safety and success of your trip. One of those things is checking with the country’s embassy or consulate about their specific requirements, which could include health records or proof of recent testing for the virus (if they require it).
Remember: every country has different laws and regulations when it comes to traveling, so it’s best to learn about them ahead of time. If you take the proper precautions and plan ahead, there’s no reason why solo female travel can’t be safe and successful even through this time.
Wrap-Up: Solo Female Travel Mistakes
While we’re often excited to travel, there are many solo female travel mistakes that can be avoided if proper planning is done upfront. This will help to make your trip more enjoyable and cause fewer headaches and frustrations along the way. These are the most common mistakes made by solo travelers that can be avoided for a memorable trip that you’ll remember for years to come.
Which of these mistakes surprised you the most or can you recommend a mistake to avoid while traveling solo?
