Solo Female Travel: When Fear Meets Adventure
- Kate Drexel
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
Solo travel has this magical, empowering appeal—it's freeing, adventurous, and gives you the space to truly be yourself. But let's be real: traveling solo can also be terrifying at times.
I've had moments of pure awe, like standing alone at the edge of an Icelandic waterfall, feeling completely at peace. But I've also had moments where my heart pounded for the wrong reasons—like that eerie sensation of being followed at night or questioning my safety when accepting a drink from a stranger.
These aren't just random travel fears. As women travel solo, we face unique challenges that blend adventure with anxiety, courage with caution. And that's okay. The real magic of solo travel happens when we learn to navigate these fears rather than let them hold us back.
Why Fear and Adventure Go Hand in Hand
I took my first solo trip to Mexico thinking it would be an empowering adventure. What i didn't expect was how much time I'd spend in my own head.
What if I get lost?
What if I get sick?
What if I make the wrong decision and something bad happens?
Fear isn't just about physical safety—it's also about mental and emotional challenges that come with being on your own.
The first time I truly felt this mix of excitement and fear was in Iceland. I stood in this vast landscape, surrounded by moss fields and towering mountains with an empty road stretching for miles. The silence was so loud it felt like a presence. And for a split second, my brain whispered:
"Are you sure you're okay doing this alone?"
It's moments like these that define solo travel—not just the places you go, but the self-trust you build along the way.
Trusting Your Instincts: Two Encounters That Taught Me Everything
While many solo travel fears are internal, some are very real and very external. Here are two experiences that taught me to always trust my gut:
The Late-Night Footsteps in Iceland
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. But one night, as I walked back to my hotel, I heard footsteps behind me. My heart pounded as I picked up the pace. Was someone following me? Was I overreacting?
It turned out to be another tourist rushing to meet his friends—but the experience reminded me that staying aware of my surroundings is always smart, no matter how safe a country feels.
The Uncomfortable Drink Offer in Mexico
At a street market on Isla Mujeres, Mexico, a vendor offered me a tequila shot to celebrate a ring I had bought. Before accepting, I discreetly tested it with a drink safety sticker on my phone (a small but powerful travel tool). The drink was safe—but what I wasn't expecting was the crude image at the bottom of the glass. A not-so-subtle, inappropriate message directed at me.
Was I ever in actual danger? Probably not. But the experience reinforced the importance of setting boundaries, being cautious, and always trusting that uneasy feeling in my gut.
Facing the Hardest Part: The Mental Side of Solo Travel
Some of the scariest moments in solo travel don't come from strangers or unsafe situations—they come from self-doubt, loneliness, and anxiety.
What if I get too lonely?
What if I don't enjoy the trip as much as I thought?
What if I have a panic attack and no one is around to help?
These thoughts are normal. Solo travel isn't just about learning to navigate the world—it's about learning to navigate yourself.
Here's what helped me push through these moments of self-doubt:
Lean into the Fear, Don't Fight It
Instead of ignoring fear, I acknowledge it. I remind myself that it's okay to be nervous and that fear is just my brain's way of keeping me alert. Reframing fear as a natural part of growth makes it feel less paralyzing.
Have a Safety Plan, Then Let It Go
Yes, take precautions—share your location, carry emergency cash, have a backup plan. But at a certain point, you have to let go of the "what-ifs" and trust yourself.
Find Comfort in Small Rituals
When anxiety creeps in, I focus on small grounding rituals—listening to a familiar playlist, journaling my thoughts, or even just sitting in a café and people-watching. These little habits bring a sense of control and familiarity.
Solo Travel Survival Guide: Fear vs. Freedom
If you're a solo female traveler, you'll have moments of doubt. That's inevitable. But the goal isn't to eliminate fear—it's to learn how to move through it.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation—no explanation needed.
Walk With Confidence: Even if you're lost, act like you know where you're going.
Share Your Location: Use apps like Google Maps' "Share My Location" with a friend.
Be Smart With Drinks: Use drink testing kits or always watch your drink being made.
Plan for Safe Arrivals: Try to arrive in a new city during the daytime to get your bearings.
Final Thoughts: Fear Shouldn't Stop You—It Should Guide You
Every solo traveler faces moments of anxiety and uncertainty. But the best adventures don't happen in the absence of fear; they happen when we learn to move forward despite it.
So, if fear is the only thing holding you back from your first solo trip, ask yourself this:
Am I really afraid of traveling alone? Or am I afraid of trusting myself?
Because if it's the latter—I promise, you are far more capable than you think.
What's Next?
I'd love to hear from you:
Have you ever had a moment where fear almost stopped you from traveling solo?
How did you overcome it?
Drop a comment below or connect with me on Instagram @onlykatetheexplorer—let's talk about it!
This post was originally published on October 31, 2024 and has been updated to reflect new insights and experiences.
Comments