Solo Female Travel

In my experience, solo travel gives you as much as you put into it. I have travelled many places on my own and if you ask me it gets easier and more rewarding every time I do it. I cannot deny the feelings of fear and self doubt though- there are definitely days where these little critters creep in. Especially when people I’m talking to about my trip respond with, “Haven’t you seen Wolf Creek?” “Hannah, you’re either really brave or really silly.” “You’re going alone? Please tell me you have a taser for protection”. Yes, I have seen Wolf Creek. I like to think I am both brave and a little silly. And no, tasers are illegal in Australia. My advice for solo female travellers is to be confident, smart, and informed. Additionally, have a little faith in humanity.

I am well and truly aware that the world isn’t rainbows and lollipops and some people genuinely want to destroy the lives of others, but I am a big believer in trusting your gut and attracting the good. Common sense is your best friend when travelling on your own. We all know that uneasy feeling you get in your stomach when things are just not right, I listen to that little voice, that is my intuition and it has kept me out of trouble for the last 28 years. I have and will continue to meet creepy people but I don’t let this deter me from achieving my goals on the road and enjoying the adventure.

My tips for solo female travellers of all ages:

Safety: Use your common sense, be present and aware. Don’t skite about you traveling on your own to people you meet. I often put two chairs outside my van and talk about my friends that I am meeting up with or tell stories of the times I experienced things on the road with friends. Keep your valuables close and hidden. Listen to your gut and if they give off creepy vibes, politely (or unapologetically) leave.

Be brave: Open up, be warm and friendly, and get to know the locals. Information centres are located all around Australia and are great for local knowledge of things to do and see. I’m one of those annoying people that smile and say hello when you walk past me and yes I will look you in the eye while I do it. A smile can go a long way in helping you meet fascinating people and like-minded travellers.

Assure your loved ones: One of the most difficult conversations I had leading up to my adventure was with my Nan. She was adamant that I needed to take a male with me. She even asked my older brother and cousin to go with me, unknowingly to me. I get it, she loves me and it’s a natural reaction to worry so I tried to reassure her by having a plan and promised to keep in contact regularly. Phone calls, text messages, letters, emails, ravens, whatever communication tool you prefer be sure to use it. You will sometimes meet people that try and talk you out of travelling solo too, or at least them challenging your ideas may instil a little self doubt, that’s okay. Listen to them and acknowledge what they’re saying then remember it’s their opinion. Take what you want and leave the rest. I get nervous and doubt my ability to do things all the time. Honestly, that doubt for me melts away as soon as I get in my van and hit the road. So just take a deep breath and try.

Challenge yourself: Break out of your comfort zone and break down your own self-set boundaries. Solo travel is a perfect time to reflect and grow as a person. Try new things everyday. Don’t be intimidated by failing (you have no one around to judge you!) I’m teaching myself how to skate and play the ukulele. I tried with a guitar a few years back but my fingers are way too short and fat for that glorious instrument.

Be resilient: There is no one to come swoop in and save the day for you. You have to put your big girl pants on and do it yourself. If you’re upset- cry. Cry those little eyes out, then take a deep breath and problem solve. I can be pretty pragmatic and if I can’t see a solution I’ll write a pros and cons list while I drink a bottle of Rosè. The most important thing is to bounce back and not give up. Remember why you started and imagine the feeling you’ll have once you achieve your goal.

Make friends with the Grey Nomads: They’re on the same journey as you, just 40 years your superior. If I feel unsafe while I am camping on my own I tend to make friends with an older couple and ask if it’s okay to camp close to them. I have never been declined and it often ends in a night sitting around the campfire sharing stories about experiences on the road. They are a wealth of knowledge and tend to treat me like their daughter. One time they even fed me pesto chicken! Winning!

Why travel solo?

It is the greatest gift you’ll ever give yourself. You will feel empowered and enjoy the wonderful experiences that cross your path. You have freedom to do and go wherever you like. You can be unapologetically selfish and do all the things YOU want to do. If you’re an easy-going people pleaser (like me) this is the greatest achievement of all. Too many times I have found myself going with the flow and doing things that other people want to do. Most of the time it hasn’t bothered me and I take pleasure in people being happy to share experiences with me, but having a voice and making decisions is an important skill to practice and while you travel alone, you will practice it a million times a day!

Meeting people is easier when you are on your own. While sitting at a restaurant or bar on your own can be pretty daunting it’s not long before you get chatting to someone. Having to strike up conversations with strangers and go places solo is an adrenaline injection straight to your self confidence tank.

You’ve got this. Be brave. Travel solo.

Han x

Mount Tambourine, Queensland.