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I’ve traveled to 30 countries, 10 of them completely solo as a female traveler. In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite solo female travel tips, safety essentials, and go-to packing list items that help me feel confident, comfortable, and prepared while traveling on a budget.
Whether you’re studying abroad, backpacking through Europe, or finally booking your dream solo trip, this guide will help make travel feel less overwhelming so you can focus more on the experience and less on the logistics.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
- Airplane essentials
- Solo female travel safety items
- Daily travel essentials
- Tips for traveling alone as a woman
- Carry-on packing recommendations
- Budget-friendly travel advice
Why I Love Solo Female Travel
When planning a solo trip, one of the first questions many women ask is: “How can I stay safe as a solo female traveler?”
Right after that usually comes:
- What should I pack for Europe?
- What do I need for the airport?
- How do I travel carry-on only?
- What’s actually worth buying?
With social media constantly influencing us to buy trendy travel gadgets, packing can quickly become overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve narrowed my travel gear down to items I genuinely use on nearly every trip.
I’ve traveled solo through major European cities including Paris, London, Rome, and Berlin. I started traveling alone at 19 years old, have lived abroad twice, and solo travel has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
If you’ve been considering taking your first solo trip, this is your sign to do it.
Packing List for Solo Female Travelers
Airplane Essentials
- Sleeping Mask – The ability to sleep while on a red-eye (overnight) flight can help you adjust to the time zone quicker and eliminating wasting your first day when you can be out exploring.
- Headrest – I wasn’t sure about this, but when you’re flying in economy and can’t lean your seat back enough? This headrest secures your head and avoids nodding off and waking up. Sleeperhold was an absolute game changer on our last flight.
- Face masks – After the dinner is served on a red-eye flight, my husband and I both go brush our teeth, wash our faces, sit back down. Once seated, we both but this face mask on before putting on our sleeping masks and headrest. This face masks helps protect from the dry air in the plane and helps you wake feeling refreshed.
- Footrest – I like having my feet slightly elevated with this footrest, whether it’s a two hour flight or ten hour flight. This is something I bring on all my flights I board.
- Compression Socks – Compression socks can help with blood flow – they say it can help prevent blood clots as well. I like wearing these on my long flights when I’m sitting and sleeping for long periods of time.
- Water bottle – I personally don’t like to buy plastic water bottles anywhere, especially in the airport. You can bring an empty water bottle (I prefer reusable like a yeti, owala, stanley, etc.) through airport security and you will find filtered water fountains at the airport to refill for free.
- Particularly on red-eye flights, there’s never enough water given out and not only will you have more water, but you can help the environment and now have a water bottle to bring on your long days of exploring through Europe.
- Hydration packets – I’ve brushed on the fact that the aircraft air will be extremely dry, and flying for a long period of time can cause dehydration. Drinking a hydration packet on your flight or on your big exploring days can help you stay hydrated and have you prepared for your long days ahead.
- Away bookbag – While I’m still on the hunt for the very best personal item bookbag for 2025 – the Away Convertible Bookbag (25L) has accompanied me on several large travels in 2024 and has withstood the test as I fill my personal item to the brim.
Safety Essentials
- Apple airtags for all bags – I explain this under tips.
- Door lock – This is for peace of mind. This allows me to sleep while traveling solo in a foreign country as a female.
- Crossbody / belt bag / fanny pack – I don’t recommend carrying a large purse around over your shoulder that can easily be stolen. If you insist on a purse, wearing it across your body can keep it secure.
- Fake wedding band – there’s no need to risk losing valuable items while abroad. I’ve seen online a lot of people are starting to wear fake jewelry while abroad, but I opt in for a silicon band and call it a day!
Daily Essentials
- Outlet converters – The UK outlets are different than mainland Europe. A best practice would be to google and confirm the type of outlets in the country you’re spending the most time and order two of those.
- Portable chargers – I encourage capturing as many pictures and videos of your trip as you can. When you travel alone, you’re solely responsible for capturing your trip. This can be to share with others back home, or even reminiscing when your trip is over. A dead phone battery is not what you want, if not for content than at least for safety.
- Linen outfits – A personal favorite of mine is to bring a staple wardrobe to create many outfits with limited items.
- Comfortable shoes – I used to stress about only wearing sneakers on my travels, but really Europeans wear sneakers everywhere too. Your feet will thank you later.
- Leather day bag – When I explore a city, I am out for hours. I like to pack water, snacks, and my tripod when wandering around. I find that a leather bag can look more casual than a book bag and helps you blend in.
- Canon Rebel Camera – As much as I’ve tried to use my iPhone, I still love the quality that a digital camera brings to a photograph.
- Tripod – A tripod and a timer is sometimes all you need to bring a moment to life.
Tips as a Solo Female Traveler
1. Research Neighborhoods Before Booking
Some neighborhoods are safer than others, especially in large cities. Read hotel reviews carefully and research the area beforehand to feel more confident about where you’re staying.
2. Share Your Itinerary With Someone You Trust
Even when traveling independently, someone back home should know your itinerary and accommodations. I also recommend sharing your ride details when using Uber or Lyft.
3. Avoid Late-Night Arrivals
Arriving alone at night with luggage can make you more vulnerable. Whenever possible, schedule flights and train arrivals during daylight hours.
4. Leave Expensive Items at Home
Designer bags, luxury jewelry, and expensive accessories are unnecessary risks while traveling solo. I keep it simple and wear minimal jewelry abroad.
5. Travel Carry-On Only
Navigating airports, train stations, and crowded streets is much easier without large checked luggage. Carry-on travel gives you more flexibility and less stress.
6. Use Apple AirTags for Peace of Mind
Even carry-on luggage can occasionally be gate-checked or misplaced. AirTags provide an extra layer of reassurance and can help you track your belongings if needed.
7. Wake Up Early for Popular Attractions
One of my favorite solo travel tips is waking up at sunrise to explore famous landmarks before crowds arrive.
When I visited Paris solo in 2023, I went to the Eiffel Tower at sunrise and practically had the area to myself. Early mornings feel calmer, safer, and much more enjoyable for photography.
8. Be Careful Sharing Your Location Online
As someone who posts travel content online, I avoid sharing my real-time location. I typically wait at least 24 hours before posting updates so I’m no longer in that exact location.
This Eiffel Tower photo spot is flooded with travelers year round, and I had the place nearly to myself when the sun came up.
Final Thoughts on Solo Female Travel
Solo travel can feel intimidating at first, but it’s also one of the most empowering experiences you can have. The more prepared you feel, the more confident you’ll become navigating new places on your own.
You do not need expensive gear or a perfect itinerary to travel solo successfully. A thoughtful packing list, safety awareness, and a willingness to embrace new experiences go a long way.
If you’ve been waiting for permission to book that trip, this is it.
