After going through a difficult divorce, Lindsay Bourdeau was in desperate need of a change of pace — and a change of scenery. A pediatric dental assistant at the time, she decided to embark on a medical mission trip to Micronesia. Along the way, she fell in love with traveling, medicine, and herself.
“It completely changed the course of my life,” she says. In the years since, she’s earned a Master’s Degree in cancer clinical research and a Doctorate in Pharmacy — all while seeing incredible sites all over the world. “I’ve been to over 50 countries alone.”
In her travels, she’s had bucket-list experiences (like island-hopping in Cape Verde); learned to lean on others (like when she needed medical care after a motorcycle accident in Myanmar); and lifted other women up (like a young mother in Sri Lanka who needed support after being abandoned by her husband). “If we don't expose ourselves to the world, we don't allow ourselves to be open to others. You have no idea how much you might be able to help someone else in a very similar situation to you,” she says.
Lindsay loves traveling solo, and research shows she’s not alone. A recent survey found that 40 percent of female travelers were interested in setting out solo this year, a big jump from 32 percent in 2024. What’s more, the majority of travelers who go it alone are women — somewhere around 75 percent.
“It’s really a beautiful thing for women to take on solo travel. Many times, we go through things in life where we’re trying to figure out the best next step. Solo travel gives you a sense of clarity to redirect and realign yourself. I highly encourage it for all women,” Lindsay says.
If you’re itching to try solo travel for yourself, consider these tips and perspectives from women who’ve been all around the world. And before you leave, don’t forget to pack some Merino Performance Innerwear — designed to keep up with every bold step, border crossing, and spontaneous detour.
Lindsay Bourdeau, PharmD and Travel Blogger at Beyond Eden
Top countries for solo female travelers: Cape Verde in West Africa comprises a series of islands that are absolutely stunning. Every island has a different landscape, so you have some that are beachy, others mountainous with valleys and rolling hills, and some feel like the Garden of Eden. It’s extremely safe, as well. The island of Crete in Greece is also extremely beautiful, very easy to navigate, and Bali, Indonesia is popular for a reason.
Best safety tip: For many women, it can be scary to be in a hotel room alone due to the fear that someone might break in. You can buy a portable door lock online for $10 or $15 that prevents the door from being opened from the outside and is great for a sense of security.
Must-pack items: I always have a good pair of hiking sneakers and a mini tripod is great for taking pictures if you’re alone. Also I tuck Apple AirTags in my luggage so I always know the exact location of my items in case they get lost.
Tania, Digital Creator at A Footprint’s Story
My solo travel story: Growing up in a small town in Portugal in a low-income family, I didn’t have many opportunities to travel. I started applying for scholarships to study abroad, and spent a year studying in Brazil. It was my first time outside my country, and although it was terrifying, it changed me forever. It made me realize that the world is so much bigger—there’s so much to explore and experience.
Why should women try solo travel? Solo travel forces you to trust yourself and shows you just how capable you really are. Every woman who travels solo inspires another to do the same. The more we see women out there exploring the world on their own terms, the more we break the narrative that it’s something we can’t or shouldn’t do. It creates a ripple effect.
What’s a solo travel myth? It’s not nearly as dangerous as we’re led to believe. Fear might make you doubt yourself, but it’s also a sign that you’re growing. For all women reading this, don't let the fear stop you. Step out of your comfort zone, embrace your journey and discover just how much you’re capable of. All while having the best time of your life!
Top countries for solo female travelers: For first-timers, Southeast Asia is a great option. For those with more experience, I would say South America — Colombia specifically. For the more experienced and adventurous traveler, my top country is Pakistan.
Best safety tip: Share your location with a friend or family member and check in with them regularly. Also, I always carry a personal alarm—it’s small but super loud. I’ve never had to use it, but it definitely gives me peace of mind knowing I have it with me.
Must-pack item: Snacks! As silly as it sounds, I literally can’t think straight when I’m too hungry.
Amanda Black, founder of The Solo Female Traveler Network
My solo travel story: I always knew I wanted to travel solo. When I was a little kid, I told my mom I’d live in another country and speak a foreign language one day, and I did. I ended up spending ten years doing the nomad thing, living in a few different countries and making the world feel like home. When I started my nomadic journey, I had just lost my mom to lung disease. Travel helped me move through that grief in ways nothing else could. It gave me space to feel everything, and the constant change reminded me that life keeps going—and so could I.
Why should women try solo travel? For a lot of women, solo travel becomes this turning point where they stop shrinking themselves and start expanding their world.
What’s a solo travel myth? You don’t have to be fearless, fluent in five languages, or an extrovert to travel solo. It’s not just for the ultra-adventurous—it’s for anyone who wants to connect with themselves and the world on a deeper level.
What's your top country for solo female travelers? I always recommend Portugal to first-time solo female travelers. It’s safe, welcoming, walkable, and full of charm. That said, some of the most life-changing travel experiences happen in countries that are often perceived as less safe—like Egypt, Morocco, or Tanzania. That’s where The Solo Female Traveler Network Tours come in. We make these destinations accessible, safe, and ridiculously fun by taking care of the logistics, providing vetted local guides, and surrounding you with a group of like-minded women.
Best safety tip: Trust your instincts and act early. If something feels off—whether it’s a person, a place, or a situation—leave. You don’t need a logical reason to put your safety first.
Must-pack item: Packing cubes. Also, high quality underwear!
Esther, Digital Creator with Esther Goes To
My solo travel story: My first solo travel trip was out of necessity! I was studying abroad in London and had a visa issue which required me to leave the country and return. The next day, I was on the cheapest flight I could find: a day trip to Oslo, Norway. I was so nervous and there were lots of things I didn’t plan for (like proper footwear in the snow and a backup phone charger). But I realized I was good at entertaining myself and I had the curiosity to set out and explore on my own!
Why should women try solo travel? Definitely confidence and perhaps losing the fear of the world and of strangers that society can instill in women. Men are never questioned or hounded with "What if you get kidnapped?" Also the ability to find assurance in yourself as you navigate mishaps while traveling (like losing my passport, the ATM swallowing my only debit card) and still making it a point to enjoy the journey.
What’s a solo travel myth? Not everyone will harm you or take advantage of you. People around the world are generally kind and extremely helpful! Just use your judgment and common sense.
Top countries for solo female travelers: Iceland, Croatia, Scotland, Bolivia, Ireland, and Dominican Republic
Best safety tip: Choose a flight that arrives during the day versus at night, that way you don't have that additional level of danger.
Must-pack item: A bar of Cuaba soap! It is a great detergent for those trips where I need to do some bathroom sink laundry.
Sophie Deans, founder of Her Solo Travel Guide
My solo travel story: Back when I was in university, I really wanted to travel to Southeast Asia for a summer. The only thing was I was really scared to go alone, but I couldn’t find a friend who was up for it. I knew it was no or never (before joining the workforce full-time) so I went!
Why should women try solo travel? Solo travel can give women space to be introspective and reflect on what they want from life and who they really are without the ties of people from home. You’re allowed to “find yourself,” if that’s not too cliched.
What’s a solo travel myth? I wish women realized solo travel can be whatever you want it to be. It isn’t just a week of solitude (unless you want it to be). When you travel solo you can curate your own journey and day to day experience based on how you feel.
Top countries for solo female travelers: Last year I went to Singapore solo and felt super safe there, even walking alone at night!
Best safety tip: If anyone asks if you are traveling alone, say your friends or partner are waiting for you back at the hotel. I always do this now and it makes me feel safer. I’ve never had any issues in the 13 years I’ve been doing trips on my own.
Must-pack item: It might seem silly to some but I struggle sleeping in new places, so I always take my own silk pillowcase! It reminds me of home and I find I sleep so much better with it.
Jen Tenzer, Founder of The Soloist
My solo travel story: I was working in investment banking with grueling hours. I would get these small gaps in work right after we closed a deal, but often it wouldn’t be a good time for my friends to travel. My first solo trip was to Patagonia. I was so burnt out and busy, I didn’t even have time to be nervous. It ended up being a really restorative trip. I loved it.
Why should women try solo travel? Women are often so selfless. We give so much to other people. Solo travel is a rare time when you can be completely selfish. It’s my ultimate form of self-care.
What’s a solo travel myth? That it’s scary. I like to remind people that wherever you’re going, there are thousands of women in that destination who are living their life single every day.
Top countries for solo female travelers: A top destination right now is Portugal. It’s super safe and almost everyone there seems to speak English. London, Paris, Costa Rica, and Bali are also really popular. My personal favorite is Patagonia, because it has a special place in my heart.
Best safety tip: I always recommend that people apply for the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the US State Department. If you’re in an emergency situation—a terrorism attack occurred in your destination, for example—then the local US consulate knows that you're traveling there and can help get you out. This came in handy for me when I was in Antarctica when COVID hit.
Must-pack item: Portable charger. Having your phone die when you're out and about if you're alone can actually be pretty dangerous. You always want to be able to look at Google Maps or call someone back home.
We want to know! Have you ever traveled solo? What was it like? Would you want to someday? Please share your stories with us anytime at info@branwyn.com or on Instagram at @BRANWYNOFFICIAL
