How to Start Traveling Alone as a Solo Female Expat
- herexpatlife
- Jun 2
- 3 min read

Traveling alone as a female expat can be like learning to swim by jumping into the deep end… terrifying at first, but once you start paddling, it’s pure freedom. Especially when you’re landing in a new city like Barcelona, balancing work deadlines, social life, and your wild dreams of adventure, all at the same time.
If you’ve ever stared out your window, dreaming of solo adventures, but felt that voice in your head whispering, “Are you sure? What if...”, then this post is for you. I’m Feven, a solo female traveler who’s now visited 56 countries and all 7 continents. Each trip has been a mix of mishaps, fun, and confidence boosts. I want to share tips and real talk to help you start traveling alone safely and with a big smile.

Facing Fear: Your Travel Frenemy
Fear is like an overprotective friend who won’t let you have fun but actually means well. Will I be safe? Will I be lonely? How do I even start? These questions are normal. The truth? Fear can be your secret travel friend if you let it guide you to prepare better, stay alert, and avoid trouble.
One of my very first solo trips was to Denmark. I was freaking out, but something in me just said, “Let’s do this.” I remember getting off the train in Copenhagen, my heart pounding like a bass drum, and realizing I had no clue how to get to my hostel. But guess what? I smiled, asked a local for directions, and ended up making new friends in the hostel. That trip taught me that fear is temporary, but the memories and confidence are forever.
Start small
Explore your city solo, join group tours to ease into it, or just grab a coffee by yourself. Trust your gut and pick destinations known for solo female travelers. Barcelona is a vibrant playground full of warm hearts and open minds, perfect for your first solo travel experience.
Planning & Pro Tips for Solo Female Travel
Before you jet off, don’t forget the essentials! Grab my free solo travel packing checklist to make sure you pack smart and stress less.
Here’s your starter pack:
Good planning = fewer headaches, more fun.
Download offline maps and trustworthy travel apps before you leave the Wi-Fi bubble.
Book accommodations with glowing reviews from solo female travelers.
Always keep a loved one in the loop with your itinerary. Safety first, adventure second.
Balancing your digital nomad hustle and exploring means you need to schedule “me time.” That means sometimes binge-watching your favorite show in a cozy café instead of ticking off another sightseeing spot. Your mental recharge is your secret weapon.
Bonus tip: Join the solo female expat's community Herexpatlife.com to meet other women, ask questions, and get the kind of support only like-minded women can give. Because solo travel can be a global sisterhood.
Why Traveling Alone Makes You a Total Boss
Every solo trip I’ve taken has been a masterclass in resilience, independence, and self-love. When you face travel hiccups alone, like missed buses, language mix-ups, or even getting lost, you realize you are way more capable than you ever imagined.
That quiet confidence sneaks into every part of your life, and suddenly you’re handling chaos like a pro and walking into meetings like you invented Google. And honestly? That glow-up is worth it.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
If you want to take the first solo step, come join the Herexpatlife.com- community of inspiring solo female expats!
I’m here to guide you with stories and tips because solo travel is worth celebrating.
Want more solo travel inspiration? Follow me on @flightmodefeven and subscribe to my newsletter, Travel Bueno & Beyond, It's like a coffee chat with your travel-obsessed friend. ;)
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