Exhilarating freedom and discovering the world on your own terms – that’s what solo travel offers you, if not more. No wonder, it has been gaining momentum, especially among women, irrespective of age. But what's the level of planning that goes into planning a solo trip, and what are the pros and cons of travelling as a woman? We spoke to few solo travellers to help you get the ball rolling.






135% rise in solo women travellers between 2023 and 2025 in India



75%-84% of all solo travellers today are women (globally)




(According to IntrCity Smartbus, Grand View Research)







Did you know?



Solo travellers, especially women, tend to allocate a larger share of their budget to safety.




(According to Statista)







Plan ahead



Thorough research and preparation should be your starting point, as a detailed plan will mitigate risks and enhance your travel experience. “Detailed travel plan helps not just with personal organisation but also with visa approvals. As a solo traveller, you need to show you are well-prepared and financially secure,” shares Shweta Rathore, sales and operations executive at a travel agency. Additionally, planning ensures you have a good understanding of the destination. Devyani Koparde, a 27-year-old experienced solo traveller, says, “When I go solo travelling, I have to plan everything down to the T. This helps in understanding the place I am visiting before I get there.”










‘Staying’ smart



Choosing where to stay can greatly impact safety and convenience. According to a study published in a research platform – ScienceDirect, neighbourhoods with higher social activity offer a greater sense of security. Hostels or shared accommodations can provide added security for first-time travellers, especially women. But, remember to take care of your belongings. 27-year-old solo traveller Vaishnavi Rawal, shares, “Staying aware of your surroundings, keeping valuables safe, using trusted transport, and carrying money in separate bags is important.”











Pros of travelling solo:




*Freedom to plan at your own pace and preferences



*Boosts self-confidence, decision-making skills



*Encourages mindfulness, self-discovery



*Easier to meet new people



*Empowering through independence and adaptability
Cons of travelling solo:



*Safety concerns



*Occasional loneliness or homesickness



*Can make travel costlier



*Requires more research and logistical planning



*Handling emergencies alone can be stressful






“I had a bad experience with a few locals in Paris, where I faced eve-teasing. Since then, I have gotten vigilant. I would always suggest a first-time solo traveller not to go to undiscovered areas”



-Devyani Koparde, experienced solo traveller








First solo travel? Here’s a safety checklist:



*Choose comparatively safer destinations with strong safety records like Iceland, Austria, New Zealand, and Singapore, among others. Not only do these have lower crime rates, but they also offer good public infrastructure and support systems



*Stay in central locations or well-populated areas to ensure easy access to transportation, restaurants, and medical facilities



*Use trusted accommodation by researching verified reviews, safety ratings, and inclusivity



*Keep in touch with friends and family, and share your itinerary. Carry a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device to stay reachable, particularly in unfamiliar areas



*Trust your instincts, and avoid areas that feel unsafe, remain aware of your surroundings, and plan routes and schedules to minimise risk



*Set aside an emergency fund for unexpected expenses




(Safe countries’ names are based on World Population Review data)









Resources for solo women travellers:




*Global communities like Solo Female Travellers Network provide tips, safety updates, and verified stays



*Download apps that help solo travellers build itineraries, SOS alerts, GPS tracking, as well as provide emergency numbers across countries



*Opt for curated travel companies for women



*Follow travel blogs that offer destination guides, safety resources, and women-friendly tours






PULL QUOTES




“I pack light, and carry essentials like chargers, and documents. I get a local SIM, download offline maps and share plans with family or friends”



- Vaishnavi Rawal, solo traveller



“I recently went to Norway because I wanted to challenge myself and experience something completely new. I got a local SIM, learnt to use trams, trains, and scooters on my own. It was a confidence-boosting experience. Solo travel truly teaches you problem-solving skills, and makes space for introspection"



- Sheelaa Koparde, 51, seasoned solo traveller