Unhappily Single but Dreaming of Travel? 10 Powerful Ways to Break Free From the Funk and See the World Anyway

Let’s just say the quiet part out loud: it’s hard to see other people traveling with their families, posting beach selfies with their besties, or jetting off with a spouse while you’re over here just trying to figure out if it’s weird to book a hotel room for one.

If you’ve ever hesitated to travel because you didn’t have anyone to go with—or because you don’t have a big circle of friends, close family, or any kind of emotional safety net—I want you to know that I see you. Deeply.

Maybe your family isn’t nearby. Maybe you’re estranged. Maybe life just didn’t bring the friendships you longed for. And when you scroll through Instagram or sit in church and hear about everyone’s girls’ trip or cousin’s destination wedding, you feel that sting of sadness. Sometimes it’s grief. Sometimes it’s envy. And a lot of times—it’s both.

It’s okay to grieve first.

Yes, we’re going to talk about traveling solo. But before we even go there, let’s make space for the ache. Because pretending it doesn’t hurt only makes the silence louder.

Take time to sit with your feelings. What might that look like?

• Journaling.
• Crying.
• Praying.
• Talking to God about the parts that feel unfair or lonely.

Believe it or not you don’t have to power through your pain. Even Jesus withdrew when His heart was heavy (Luke 5:16). But please don’t let your pain have the final word. Don’t let loneliness steal your passport.

Yes, you can travel—even if no one goes with you.

You can have your own adventure, your own story, your own beautiful memories. It won’t always be easy—but it will be worth it.

Here are 10 practical, safe, and empowering tips to help you travel solo even when you feel alone:

10 Tips to Travel Safely and Confidently When You’re Alone

1. Research and plan like a boss.

Before you book a single flight, get strategic. Choose destinations that are known for being solo-travel friendly, particularly for women. Cities like Lisbon (Portugal), Copenhagen (Denmark), Charleston (South Carolina), Tokyo (Japan), and Reykjavík (Iceland) are consistently praised for their walkability, public safety, and welcoming vibe.

• Use blogs, YouTube vlogs, and TikTok travel reviews made by solo female travelers to get the real scoop.
• Research local customs, dress codes, and body language norms — especially in conservative or religious regions where modest attire and specific greetings are expected.
• Look up neighborhood crime stats on local police or tourism websites so you know which areas, cities, or districts to avoid.
• Understand transportation systems (i.e., do they accept credit cards or require pre-loaded travel cards like the Oyster in London or Suica in Tokyo?).
• Consider language barriers and no access to internet. Download offline Google Translate phrases (especially for emergencies) or carry a translation card if necessary.

2. Book accommodations in safe, central areas.

Your safety often starts with where you stay. Prioritize lodging near well-lit, central locations close to major attractions, restaurants, and public transportation.

• Look for hotels that offer 24/7 front desk service, keycard access, and well-reviewed security practices.
• If you’re booking an Airbnb, choose Superhosts with consistent five-star ratings and reviews that mention cleanliness, communication, and safety.
• Avoid places that seem too remote, don’t have clear contact info, or give you a “sketchy” feeling based on photos or host responses.
• Consider women-only hostels (check Hostels and Hostelworld) or co-living spaces that cater to female travelers and digital nomads.
• Before confirming your stay, drop a pin on Google Maps and make sure it’s near populated areas and easily reachable by public transit or rideshare.

3. Share your itinerary.

Even if you don’t have a big family network, always let at least two trusted persons know your plans.

• Email or text a basic itinerary that includes:
  • Flight details
  • Hotel/Airbnb names and addresses
  • Any planned tours or excursions
  • Emergency contacts or travel insurance providers
• If that sounds like too much work, check out the form we’ve created for you here. You can download it as a PDF, add it to your calendar, and/or share it with family/friends.
• Set up regular check-in points (like “I’ll text you when I land” or “I’ll check in every evening at 8pm local time”).

You can also share your live location via iPhone’s “Find My” phone app, WhatsApp, or Google Maps location sharing with someone you trust. Lastly, use a shared calendar (iPhone or Android) and input key travel days, activities, or flight times so your contact can follow your movements passively without constant texting.

4. Use solo travel groups or meet-up apps.

Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone the entire time. There are tons of amazing apps and groups designed for solo travelers — especially women — looking to connect safely.

• Meetup.com has events for travelers, hikers, foodies, and creatives in cities worldwide.
• Tourlina (for iPhone or Android) is a travel companion app for women only, designed to help you meet other female solo travelers with verified profiles.
• Facebook groups like “The Solo Female Travelers Network,” diversity/minority themed groups (like “Black Women Who Love to Travel,” or “Girls LOVE Travel”) are gold mines for real-time tips, meetups, and support.
• Use Eventbrite to find local events, festivals, or city walking tours happening during your trip.

When meeting someone from an app or group, always meet in a public place, let someone know who you’re meeting, and set up a code word or emoji to signal if you need help.

5. Set boundaries with strangers.

You can be kind and open without being naive. Always trust your gut.

• Avoid telling strangers where you’re staying, how long you’ll be in town, or that you’re traveling alone.
• If someone seems too pushy or intrusive, don’t hesitate to be firm: “I prefer to explore alone, thanks.”
• Use confident body language — even when you’re unsure. Walk like you know where you’re going.
• Keep your personal items close in crowded places, and carry your bag crossbody style with zippers facing inward.
• If you’re ever uncomfortable, trust your gut and leave. Go into a nearby hotel, coffee shop, or busy store and ask for help. Staff are often trained to handle such situations.

Carry a fake wedding ring if you’re in a country where unwanted male attention is common, and don’t be afraid to use the “My husband’s waiting for me” line if needed. And no worries. You’re not lying. Your first husband is God after all… 🙃

6. Carry a portable phone charger & keep your phone on.

Your phone is your lifeline while traveling. It can be your map, translator, emergency contact device, payment method, and flashlight — all in one. (Please note that as an Amazon Associate, For Single Women Only earns from qualifying purchases you make while clicking on links on our website. Thank you for supporting our mission 😊)

• Always carry a fully charged portable power bank and a universal adapter if traveling internationally.
• Keep key apps downloaded and accessible, such as:
  • Google Maps (offline maps downloaded!) (Android; iPhone)
  • Rideshare Apps
    • Uber (Android; iPhone) North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Africa & Middle East
    • Lyft (Android; iPhone) North America
    • Bolt (Android; iPhone) Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America
    • Didi (Android; iPhone) Asia, Latin America, Oceania
    • Freenow (Android; iPhone) Europe
    • Cabify (Android; iPhone) Spain & Latin America
  • Google Translate (Android; Iphone)
  • WhatsApp (Android; iPhone) or Signal (Android; iPhone) for international messaging
  • XE Currency Converter (Android; iPhone)
  • TripIt (Android; iPhone) to keep track of bookings
• Save emergency numbers in both your phone and written in a physical travel wallet (ex: local emergency line, embassy, and your country’s consulate).

Also, put your hotel address in your phone notes in the local language, so you can easily show it to a driver or local if needed.

7. Register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) This free U.S. State Department program lets you register your trip with the nearest U.S. embassy. In case of an emergency, they’ll know how to reach you. Enroll here.

8. Know the emergency numbers where you’re going. Here are a few quick ones to note:

• Europe (EU): 112
• UK: 999
• USA: 911
• Canada: 911
• Mexico: 911
• Local U.S. Embassy: Find yours here

9. Trust your gut. Always. If a situation feels off — leave. Don’t worry about being labeled, rude, dramatic, or dumb American! Your safety matters more than someone’s opinion.

10. Treat yourself like someone you’re responsible for. Eat well. Rest. Laugh. Explore. Take the photo. Buy the gelato. God gave you this one life — and He didn’t say it had to be a married life to be special.

Final Reminder

Yes, the loneliness is real. But your ability to live fully isn’t canceled because you don’t have an entourage. God doesn’t require a plus one to bless you with beauty.

You are whole—even while healing. Brave—even when afraid. And worthy of a life that includes joy, color, adventure, and sunsets in foreign places.

Go ahead and start planning, sis. Not because you’re running away from loneliness—but because you’re leaning into the life God still wants you to love.

Do you know a sister who longs to travel but doesn’t have a support system? Send this to her. Let’s normalize solo joy, single adventures, and Christ-centered courage.