Traveling as a female solo is not easy but add in the fact you are over 30 well you think your options are less. They are not. I am going to tell you how to plan a solo trip and well, if you are not a person who meets people easily I am going to share a few tricks. Getting anxiety just thinking about it? I have an anxiety attack on almost every vacation, but I don’t let it stop me. Read about how I cope.
Planning the Trip
Well this is the best part for me but can be stressful for a lot of women. Here are the things you need to think about.
– What am I looking to do?
– Where is it safe to go as a single traveler?
– What is my budget?
What am I looking at doing?
So here is the main question. What are you wanting to do? Are you looking for adventure? Are you looking to read a couple books on the beach? Are you looking to capture your twenties again? Here are some places and ideas for each.
1. Costa Rica – I love Costa Rica. There is so much to do here such as surfing, climbing volcanos, getting lost in a cloud jungle and relaxing in hot springs. If you are looking for adventure and you are social I would say Jaco Beach. If you are looking for hiking and relaxation I would say La Fortuna.
2. South Africa – Cape Town is stunning and there is so much to see here. Hike Table Top Mountain and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Dive with sharks or hang out with penguins. Take a Safari Trip to Krugar Park. Or try some surf lessons in Jeffreys Bay. Adventure seeker head to Storms River for great hiking, bungy jumping or Ziplining.
3. Portugal – This country is magical. Some many places to choose from but if you want beach life and some history head to Lagos. Want to explore enchanted gardens head to Sintra. Or if you want to hang out in a safe easy to get around city, head to Lisbon.
4. Canada – Yes it is my own country but I love it. Toronto, Ontario in the summer is so much fun. Collingwood in the winter, well it’s hard to get to, but is it stunning. British Columbia is a great city and has so much to offer and easy to get around. The East Coast, my fav, any of the East Coast Provinces are amazing and the people are about as friendly (Canadian) as you can get.
5. Thailand – Amazing place to get caught up in history and culture. Explore the Northern city of Chiang Mai. Visit an elephant sanctuary. Find hidden temples or celebrate at the lantern festival. Want beach life head South to Krabi, better yet Ao Nang. Great place to relax in the sand or even go snorkeling.
Well this is the best part for me but can be stressful for a lot of women. Here are the things you need to think about.
- What am I looking to do?
- Where is it safe to go as a single traveler?
- What is my budget?
What am I looking at doing?
- Portugal- This country is magical. Some many places to choose from but if you want beach life and some history head to Lagos. Want to explore enchanted gardens head to Sintra. Or if you want to hang out in a safe easy to get around city, head to Lisbon.
- Thailand– Amazing place to get caught up in history and culture. Explore the Northern city of Chiang Mai. Visit an elephant sanctuary. Find hidden temples or celebrate at the lantern festival. Want beach life head South to Krabi, better yet Ao Nang. Great place to relax in the sand or even go snorkeling.
Where is it Safe to Travel
Well it is 2020 and lets be real, no where. I will say this. I have followed the news and social media outlets. Here are some places I can see that will open up and will be safe after the pandemic.
- Australia- They have handled it very well since the beginning. And even before it was a safe place to travel to solo.
- New Zealand- Ok I have never been but it is on my bucket list. They have handled it the best so far. And it is beautiful there.
- Finland – Again not a place I have been but ranked high in solo travel and 5th for handling the pandemic.
- Thailand- Doing well with keeping numbers low and I never worried traveling here alone. It is a beautiful country with amazing people, who smile 🙂
- Canada- again yes it is my country but we have done well in some of our provinces. British Columbia in the North, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. And Canada is a very safe country.
Tip: So with that being said. Every country has it’s problems. Traveling solo you need to be aware of your surroundings. If you are going to a resort, stay off the beaches at night. If you are in a city, take a cab or stay close to the hotel at night. Going out to party, don’t drink too much, stay in control. I am not a big drinker when I solo travel, maybe one at dinner. You should always be ready.
Budget Travel
So this is a biggie. I am a budget traveler. I love getting good deals where I go, I mean really who doesn’t? So with that being said here are a few budget friendly places to consider.
- Costa Rica- Food is cheap and healthy. Not going to lie, I lived on their coffee and it was amazing. Hotels/ Hostels/ Air BNB are priced well and getting around by bus is safe.
- Thailand – Very cheap to stay. For about 50 USD per day you can stay at a nice place, eat well and explore.
- South Africa – So here is where it gets tough. SA has had a bad rap lately but I loved this country. I stayed at backpackers and met some of the most amazing people, friends for life. I rented my own room so it was a little more expensive but food was cheap and getting around was easy and affordable. Best advice look up Baz Bus, great service for getting around, where to stay and a Safari.
Tips and Advice
Meeting New People – I love meeting people from around the world. Hostels are a great way to do that. There is always a common area where everyone gathers to talk about their day and what they have planned for the next. If you hear someone doing what you want, ask them about it. MOST will say to join. Hostels are full of fun loving people.
Tours are also a great way to meet people of all ages. It is always a way to meet someone with the same interests.
Cafes are the resting place for journey seekers and a great way to start up a conversation.
Safety – Trust your gut. As a solo traveler this is your radar. If something doesn’t feel right walk away.
Ladies we love to go get our dance on. If you decide to party. Go to a place that is busy, has a good reputation and is close to your hotel. PLEASE drink responsibly.
Beaches are beautiful however at night they are not. If you are with a group of people ok, if you are alone, no. They are a big area where crime happens and you should avoid it. You can watch the sun set but then head back to town or your room.
Friends For Life
When you travel solo, even if you want to be alone, you will meet people. Even to hang out for dinner or a tour they will become a friend for life. Here are some of the people who I met and made an impact on my life.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. You truly can ask anything about solo travel and if I don’t know the answer I will research for you.
Safe Travels