We’ve all heard how liberating and empowering solo travel can be. There’s something magical about stepping off a plane in a brand-new destination with no one to answer to but yourself.
It’s a chance to experience personal growth, tick off long-held bucket-list items, and (if you’re anything like me) enjoy an uninterrupted stretch of “me time.”
Yet despite all those amazing upsides, I’ve learned through personal experience—and from plenty of stories other women have shared—that traveling alone can also present some real pitfalls if we’re not careful.
I once took a trip to Paris—completely by myself—and spent the entire first evening in my hotel room because I hadn’t done enough research about my surroundings. I was worried about walking around too late, unsure how to navigate the local transport, and ended up missing out on a night I could have spent exploring.
Over the years, I’ve thankfully become more prepared, but it didn’t happen overnight.
Here, I often talk about the small tweaks in mindset and planning that can make a world of difference in our overall experiences. Traveling alone is no different.
And in this post, I’d like to highlight seven common mistakes many women (my past self included) make on their solo travels—and how to dodge them with confidence.
1. Relying solely on last-minute planning
I love spontaneity. If you’ve read my post on balancing mindfulness with goal-setting, you’ll know I’m all for embracing serendipity in life. However, there’s a big difference between leaving space for surprises and not planning at all.
When traveling alone, especially as a woman, last-minute planning can cause a lot of unnecessary stress—and potentially unsafe situations.
I remember booking a train ride to a remote countryside location without checking the return times. Turns out, the last train back was much earlier than I expected, and I ended up scrambling to catch it. While spontaneity can lead to fun adventures, it’s also important to map out the basics:
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Know how you’ll get from the airport or station to your accommodation.
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Have an idea of the public transport schedules and key routes.
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Book your first night’s stay at the very least, so you have a guaranteed landing spot.
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A study found that travelers who engage in strategic pre-planning tend to feel more confident and secure when navigating unfamiliar environments. For me, even a little research upfront makes me more relaxed and allows me to enjoy those spontaneous experiences when they arise—without feeling panicked about the basics.
2. Overloading your itinerary
I admit, whenever I start researching a new destination, my travel bucket list gets unbelievably long. Museums, rooftop bars, local markets, scenic hikes…I want to see it all. But one classic mistake I’ve made (and seen many other women make) is cramming too much into a single trip.
Overloading your itinerary can leave you exhausted, stressed, and ironically, missing out on the local vibe. If you’re sprinting from place to place, you won’t have time to savor that leisurely lunch at a sidewalk café or strike up a spontaneous conversation with a friendly local.
And in terms of safety, rushing can cause you to be less aware of your surroundings, making you more susceptible to pickpockets or other travel hiccups.
Take it from Seth Godin, who once said, “You don’t need more time, you just need to decide.” When we over-schedule, we’re telling ourselves we need more time than we actually have. But deciding on two or three key experiences per day can help you fully immerse yourself without the panic of a jam-packed to-do list.
3. Ignoring intuition about safety
We all have that little voice inside—a gut feeling that whispers when something feels off. And yet, sometimes we brush it aside because we don’t want to seem rude, or we’re embarrassed to cause a scene. But ignoring your intuition can lead you into risky scenarios, especially when traveling solo.
I recall being in a taxi late one night in Marrakech. The driver took a turn down an unlit side street, and alarm bells went off in my head. Part of me wanted to stay quiet, but thankfully, I spoke up, asked him to turn around, and insisted he drop me at a well-lit hotel entrance.
It all turned out fine, but it was a reminder that my intuition is there for a reason.
As Sheryl Sandberg has noted, “We need women at all levels…to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation.” This applies to our safety, too. We can reshape the conversation by prioritizing our gut instincts, speaking up, and taking charge of our own well-being.
If a situation feels wrong—trust that feeling and act on it. Switch cabs, walk into a busy restaurant, call a friend. You have every right to keep yourself safe.
4. Overlooking travel insurance and health precautions
You’d be surprised how often I’ve heard people say, “I’m healthy, I won’t need it,” when it comes to travel insurance or health preparations. But accidents can happen, and healthcare costs in other countries can spiral quickly. It’s one of those easily avoidable mistakes that can ruin a trip if not addressed before you leave.
Plus, there’s more to health precautions than just insurance. For instance, are there any vaccinations you need? Any local health advisories you should be aware of? How about carrying a small kit with over-the-counter meds for common issues like headaches or allergies?
In my early travels, I got caught off guard by a sudden bout of food poisoning in Thailand, and it took me way too long to find a pharmacy. If I’d packed basic supplies—like rehydration salts or pain relief medication—it would have made a world of difference.
Remember, it’s not just about the cost of unexpected medical treatment; it’s about peace of mind. Nobody wants to be stressing over forms and documents when they could be out exploring a new city. A little preparation goes a long way here.
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5. Oversharing your whereabouts online
In this age of social media, it can be tempting to update Instagram the second you check into your stunning beachside villa or that charming European hostel. It’s natural to want to share the excitement. However, pinpointing your exact location in real-time can be risky, particularly when you’re traveling alone.
I once caught myself tagging a restaurant the moment I sat down to eat, including a photo that clearly showed I was solo. Midway through posting, I had a nagging thought: am I effectively announcing to the world that I’m alone and exactly where I am?
That realization was enough for me to change my behavior. Now, I wait until I’ve left a place before I share photos or check-ins online.
Dale Carnegie famously said, “When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.” While social media isn’t inherently bad, we sometimes let our emotions (excitement, pride, joy) lead us to overlook practical safety measures.
It’s perfectly fine to share your adventures—just consider a delay or avoid including details that pinpoint your location and isolation.
6. Letting fear hold you back from engaging with others
When traveling alone, it’s easy to slip into the mindset of “I must do everything independently.” While independence is fantastic, being too guarded can mean missing out on wonderful connections.
Locals can offer invaluable insights (sometimes even life-changing friendships), and fellow travelers can become part of your journey’s best memories.
I used to be quite reserved about striking up conversations. But on a solo trip to a wellness retreat, I decided to push past the awkwardness and join a group for a cooking lesson. It turned out to be the highlight of the entire trip—locals taught me traditional recipes, and fellow travelers became friends I still keep in touch with.
Of course, there’s a difference between healthy caution and staying completely isolated. You can still be vigilant about who you befriend. Meeting in public spaces, sharing your plans with someone you trust, and listening to your instincts are crucial steps.
But don’t let fear rob you of the opportunity to learn about new cultures, make friends from around the world, or discover hidden gems you’d never find on your own.
7. Underestimating the power of self-care and rest
Perhaps most crucially, underestimating self-care can derail your entire trip. It’s easy to want to power through every day when you’re traveling somewhere new, but neglecting rest can lead to burnout, irritability, or even compromised decision-making.
I once spent a day exploring a bustling city from sunrise to late evening, only to find myself cranky and dehydrated by midday. By the time I stumbled back to my hotel, I was too exhausted to enjoy dinner plans.
Taking breaks—even if it’s just an hour to sit quietly in a park or sip tea in a cozy café—recharges the mind and body.
If you don’t pace yourself, you risk getting sick, feeling overwhelmed, or losing motivation to explore. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s an integral part of solo travel. Whether it’s journaling in a scenic spot, practicing yoga in your hotel room, or simply turning in early one evening, these small acts can profoundly shape the quality of your trip.
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Wrapping up
Traveling alone can be an extraordinary gift. It’s a chance to learn about new cultures, and more importantly, about yourself. But it’s also a journey that requires a certain level of awareness, planning, and balance.
From failing to plan the basics and overloading your itinerary, to ignoring health precautions or oversharing your every move on social media, each misstep can have a ripple effect on your overall experience. The good news is, with a little mindfulness and practical know-how, these mistakes are entirely avoidable.
If you’re gearing up for a solo trip, consider using this list as a gentle checklist. Make time for thoughtful planning, leave room for rest, and remember that your instincts are there for a reason. It’s about finding the sweet spot between openness to adventure and taking those small but vital steps to stay safe and well.
Above all, don’t let the fear of making mistakes stop you from booking that next flight or train ride. Solo travel has enriched my life in more ways than I can count—from giving me space to reflect and bond with my son once I’m back home, to helping me grow more confident in my own capabilities.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, we have to step out of our comfort zone to truly discover what we’re capable of.
Safe travels, and may your next solo adventure be filled with wonder, growth, and beautiful memories. Remember, we here are cheering you on every step of the way. Bon voyage!
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