In the routine of daily life, days often blur together and fade into the background. Travel, however, creates vivid memories that add depth and richness to life. For women, solo travel offers a powerful path to personal growth and confidence, fostering independence and the freedom to break away from societal expectations.

We all have different motivations for going alone, but the result usually combines the same benefits of empowerment, freedom and self-discovery.

Traveling solo empowers women to challenge themselves, cultivate self-reliance and boost their confidence. Navigating new cities, managing unexpected situations or connecting with locals despite language barriers can foster a sense of assurance that you can handle whatever life throws your way. While traveling, challenges will inevitably arise. Tackling those situations uncovers strengths you may not have realized you had.

Women traveling alone enjoy the freedom to make their own choices, from planning their itineraries to deciding how to spend their time and money. Being able to pursue your desires can be especially advantageous since women often take on caregiving roles that prioritize the needs of others.

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone — whether by engaging in adventurous activities or simply traveling alone — can be liberating. Facing fears and uncertainties during solo trips often results in feelings of pride and accomplishment, boosting self-esteem. Heather Hakes, a mindset coach, author and speaker, says, “Travel forced me out of my comfort zone, opened my mind and gave me gratitude.” Traveling around the world allows her to be spontaneous, makes her feel alive and reminds her, “We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so live your life today.”

Many women report that traveling alone allows them to reinvent themselves outside of societal roles and expectations (i.e., daughter, partner or coworker). This chance for self-discovery helps women reconnect with their true identities. Kathryn Remati, meditation teacher and author of Befriend Yourself: The Self-Love Path to Peace, experienced personal growth and developed self-awareness during her solo travels around the world. “I needed the soulful journey of solitude to understand myself without the distraction of a group,” says Remati.

The confidence and resilience developed through solo travel often carry over beyond the trip, positively impacting personal and professional aspects of life. Women often utilize the problem-solving skills, independence and self-trust gained from their travels in other areas of their lives.

How to Start

Traveling solo doesn’t have to mean going far or being entirely alone. You can explore your state or region, or join a group or retreat. There are numerous opportunities to enroll in classes, such as language immersion or volunteering to support the area you’re visiting.

If you’re just getting started, Jamie Elizabeth Metzgar, a travel writer and grief coach, recommends beginning with a small outing somewhere nearby that you haven’t been before to get used to doing things alone, such as dining out. Sit at the bar if you’d like to engage in conversation, or bring a book if that makes you feel more comfortable. As you expand your travels to new locations, consider booking a walking tour or an Airbnb experience to help you familiarize yourself with the area. Give yourself a focal point or planned activity for each day to maintain a loose itinerary while allowing enough flexibility to go with the flow.

Hakes suggests pulling out a map to plot your bucket-list destinations, then choosing one place to visit and booking the flight. Center your trip around something you love. If you enjoy hiking, consider planning a road trip to a national park. Music fans might attend a concert featuring their favorite artist. Enrolling in a conference is an excellent choice for those interested in personal development.

During her travels, Remati visits coworking spaces for digital nomads and seeks recommendations from staff for WhatsApp groups centered around her interests. These groups are an excellent way to connect with others who share similar values and passions. Through her solo travels, she has met people from all over the world.

If you’d rather not be completely alone, you can join a group tour or retreat. In the 10 years that I’ve been leading yoga retreats, participants who sign up alone form life-long friendships. Tour company Zephyr Adventures specializes in small groups. They host some women-only tours each year, allowing participants to connect with like-minded women and enjoy the experience of travel in a supportive environment. The tour company manages the logistics so you can concentrate on the experience.

If you feel the urge to get out and explore the world, consider taking a solo adventure. Join the many women who are venturing out on their own. According to Solo Travel Statistics from 2019, women make up nearly two-thirds of travelers, and 72% of women in the U.S. prefer to travel solo. While meeting new people and pursuing your interests, you may discover who you truly are.

Photo by John Busch.

Carrie Lehtonen
Health Coach + Yoga Teacher
@fireflycommunity | fireflycommunity.com

Originally published in the summer + fall 2025 issue of Well.