How To Travel Alone For The First Time

So, you want to know how to travel alone for the first time? Here’s the guide for women ready to face the world!

Solo travel isn’t just for backpacking twenty-somethings living on instant noodles. In fact, some of the best adventures happen when you’re older, wiser, and tired of hostels. I was 35 when I took my first solo trip to Cambodia, a place that beckoned with its ancient temples and chaotic markets. Amid my excitement and fear, I booked the flights. Could I really travel alone? The truth is, how to travel alone for the first time is less about proving something and more about embracing freedom on your own terms. There’s a lot to discover—and a lot to pack, but keep it light.

Planning Your First Solo Adventure

It’s exciting, and maybe a little nerve-wracking, to decide where to go on your first trip by yourself. It’s important to find a place that makes you want to be bold while also being safe and easy to get around in for your first trip around the world by yourself. Here are the most important things to think about:

Where Do I Start with Solo Travel? How to Pick the Perfect Destination

• Safety first. There’s no romanticized “throw caution to the wind” here. As a woman on her own, it’s important to check crime rates, political stability, and how women are treated in your destination. The Women’s Danger Index and similar resources can be good places to start.
• Follow your interests. Your trip is yours to shape—history, food, nature, whatever stirs you. The beauty of solo travel? You get to design a journey that’s uniquely yours.
• Comfort is paramount. Ease into it—go for places with good tourist facilities. Pick destinations with reliable public transport and a smattering of English speakers. Trust me, your first solo adventure doesn’t need to be a survival challenge.
  

Where Can I Travel Solo for the First Time?

• Europe. Portugal, Spain, and Italy are good places for first-time travelers because they have a lot of history and culture and are easy to get around.
• Scandinavia. Iceland, Norway, and Denmark always score high on safety rankings and are great places to visit if you love nature and beautiful scenery.
• Southeast Asia. Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines are all great places to travel on a budget. They also have a friendly traveling culture that makes it easy to meet other travelers. For more information, read my list of the Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers in Asia.
• Other Options. There are more countries on the list than just those mentioned.

Inspiration and Resources to Fuel Your Journey

Sometimes, all it takes to ignite your own wanderlust is witnessing someone else take that courageous first step. Here are some resources to inspire, guide, and connect you as you start this exciting chapter:

Solo Travel Success Stories: Women in Their 40s and Beyond

• Gloria Atanmo. This dynamic travel blogger in her 50s left her corporate job and embarked on an exciting journey of self-discovery through travel.
  
• Lavanya Sunkara. With multiple books under her belt, this intrepid traveler discovered meaning in extended journeys. Check out her amazing adventures on her blog, Nature Traveler.
• Anita Kapoor. Anita is a true testament to the fact that it’s never too late! She embarked on solo travel at the age of 53! Discover her on Instagram for inspiring adventures and advice.

Travel Blogs and Podcasts for Women

• Solo Traveler World. Full of practical tips, destination reviews, and interviews with inspiring women travelers.
• The Travel Women. A friendly community offering a podcast, blog, and events for women who enjoy sharing their travel experiences. The website is a great resource for travel enthusiasts.
• A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. Amanda’s blog is ideal for travelers looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences. 

Books That Will Ignite Your Desire to Travel

Observing other women who are at a similar life stage embracing solo travel is truly inspiring, highlighting how achievable, empowering, and fulfilling it can be. Let their experiences inspire the belief that you can achieve your goals too. 

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Traveling alone in your 40s is a fantastic way to invest in yourself. You possess a wealth of life experience, wisdom, and a yearning for something new and unique. If you’re feeling those butterflies of anticipation, it’s time to make a move. Begin exploring different travel spots, outlining a budget, and using the abundance of resources available to assist you on your adventure. Planning your trip is an essential part of the adventure when it comes to learning how to travel alone for the first time.