Female Solo Travel
Photo by Luke George Photography
I’m a firm believer in the benefits of traveling alone. Whether you’re 18 or 65, experiencing new worlds is a great way to grow as an individual. But a common worry amongst women who dream of traveling abroad is safety. We face danger every single day just by walking out the front door. Being alone in a strange country, especially one where we don’t speak the language, can be terrifying and expose us to dangerous situations.
I’ve had these concerns myself, and for a long time, I believed I should avoid solo travel to stay safe.
That was before I discovered the resources created by women to keep female travelers safe.
Near the end of 2022, Benicia Magazine was invited to attend the Female Globetrotters Festival in San Francisco. Here, a group of women gathered to discuss traveling and the dangers involved and talk about some fantastic resources available to make traveling safer for us.
These unique travel apps and companies focused on ensuring a safe experience for solo female travelers have opened a whole new world to us women. We can now log in, find friends, and discover the best way to navigate a new city.
NomadHer and Greether hosted the 2022 Female Globetrotters Festival.
Two companies founded by women and dedicated to making travel possible for everyone. Hyojeong started NomadHer to benefit that nomad who is lost somewhere and scared to take the journey alone. NomadHer believes solo female traveling allows women to confront themselves and exceed their limits. Their mission is to bring this community of women together to connect with other female travelers, gain insight into their upcoming travels, and shed some light on their past journeys. If you’re interested in finding like-minded women to meet up with during your trip or want to explore content on travel experiences and tips, download the NomadHer app or visit them at nomadher.com.
One of the best parts of traveling alone is cultivating friendships along the way.
With Greether, you can book your local bestie, who can help you have a culturally enriching and safe experience in whatever country you visit. Each “Meet and Greether” experience is unique and catered to the individual. Aimed at reducing safety risks and creating job opportunities for women through sustainable tourism, Greether is one of the best ways to cultivate meaningful relationships and support your fellow women. To book a bestie for your next trip, head over to greether.com. While you’re there, be sure to read up on their founder, Venessa Karel, who was recently named one of the 100 rising Latinx Startup founders to watch by Inicio Ventures.
Two other companies spoke at the panel for Female Globetrotters Festival, Globesisters and Tripsider.
Pauline André founded Globesisters after having an uncomfortable and terrifying experience using a homestay service. André finds homestays to be a uniquely powerful way to travel, allowing you to become fully immersed in the local culture without breaking the bank. Globesisters has made it possible for women-identifying individuals to enjoy these benefits while staying safe. You can find a host or become one yourself at globesisters.com.
If you consider yourself a true adventurer or thrill-seeker, Tripsider is for you. Founders Olga and Ivan have developed a tailor-made, tech-backed service that matches travelers with experiences, adventure, and local experts worldwide. Discover itineraries crafted by locals and independent guides at tripsider.com.
I hope these resources help even just one of our female readers take the leap needed to plan their first solo trip abroad. Open your mind and heart to places far from home while staying safe and making real connections. I can’t wait to see where your adventures take you next!
