Solo Travel Tips for Women: Advice from Real Travellers
International Women’s Month 2026

This International Women’s Month, the Trtl team are celebrating women who explore the world on their own terms: with curiosity, confidence, and independence.

So we asked the women in our Trtl Curious Travellers community: What’s one thing you wish you knew before travelling solo?

Their answers were honest, practical, and empowering — a reminder that confidence grows with every journey.

Here’s what they shared:

1. Pack lighter than you think

One of the most common lessons? You don’t need as much as you think.

“My first trip I had 50 lbs of luggage… now I’m down to an 11 lb backpack. It’s so freeing.” — Lindsay W.

Travelling lighter makes everything easier, especially when you’re navigating unfamiliar places on your own. From lifting your bag onto overhead racks to moving quickly through stations or streets, less weight gives you more control and confidence. When you’re solo, mobility is freedom, and packing light helps you feel more capable at every step.

2. You don’t have to do everything

Solo travel isn’t about ticking every box.

“It’s the serendipity of unplanned moments that make you a traveler instead of a tourist.” — Cecilia W.

It’s easy to feel pressure to maximise every moment, especially when you’ve planned a trip just for yourself. But solo travel isn’t about doing everything — it’s about experiencing things fully. Giving yourself permission to slow down, change plans, or simply rest can make your trip feel more intuitive and meaningful. 

3. Bring what keeps you grounded

From books to playlists, familiar rituals matter.

“Never go anywhere without a book!” — Cristina BP.

Solo travel doesn’t mean leaving yourself behind, it means learning how to carry your comfort with you. Familiar rituals like reading, listening to music, or journaling can create a sense of stability wherever you are in the world. These small habits can help you recharge, reset, and feel more like yourself in unfamiliar surroundings.

4. You’re more capable than you think

Again and again, women spoke about confidence.

“You’ll love every minute of it… it’s freeing and you find things about yourself you wouldn’t have known otherwise.” — Alex P.

Solo travel challenges you in ways that build real confidence. You learn to problem-solve, trust your instincts, and handle situations independently. With each experience, you realise just how capable and adaptable you are, which stays with you long after the trip ends.

5. Capture the experience

You deserve to be in the memories too.

“Hire a photographer… it was so fun to have good photos of myself in a destination location.” — Andrea I.

When you travel solo, you’re often the one taking the photos, but your presence matters too. Finding ways to capture yourself in the experience helps you hold onto those memories more fully. Whether it’s asking someone for a photo or booking a short shoot, it’s a way of recognising that this journey is yours.

6. Take time to pause

Not every moment needs to be filled.

“Take moments to pause and breathe in what’s around you.” — Amanda DH.

Solo travel gives you the rare opportunity to move at your own pace, to not feel pressured by other travelers' timelines and schedules. Taking time to pause, reflect, and notice your surroundings can make your experience feel richer and more intentional. These quieter moments often become the most meaningful: helping you connect not just with the place, but with yourself.

Travel Comfortably, Arrive Confident

At Trtl, we believe the journey should feel just as good as the destination. When you’re travelling solo, comfort isn’t just a luxury — it’s what helps you feel calm, capable, and ready for whatever comes next.

From long flights to busy terminals, having the right essentials can help you feel calmer and more at ease in transit. That’s why we design products like our Trtl Travel Pillow and the Trtl Travel Hoodie to help you feel supported, wherever you’re headed.

Want to know which Trtl pillow is right for you? Take our test and find out! (link to test)

 

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Looking for more solo travel tips?

Join our Trtl Curious Travelers community and connect with travellers sharing real advice and experiences from around the world.