This post shares my take on Solo Female Travel: Why I Stopped Waiting for the Group Chat why I decided to explore on my own and the freedom it brought me along the way. This site contains affiliate links, for all the details view the disclosure here.

How many times have you found a flight deal, screenshotted it, sent it to the group chat, and then…crickets?

Everyone says they’re down to travel, but when it comes time to actually book the dates, get the time off, and put the credit card down, it doesn’t happen. Been there, done that.

For a long time, I was that person. I waited for family, friends, a new partner. I waited for the schedules to align. And while I was waiting, I wasn’t going anywhere.

Back in the spring and summer of 2022, I navigated a life-changing medical situation that completely shifted my perspective. It was the kind of reality check that stops you in your tracks and forces you to look at how you are spending your days.

We always think we have all the time in the world to do the things we want—until we realize we don’t. That experience was the propeller I needed to stop wasting time. I realized something that changed my life: I was holding up my own life waiting for other people to be ready to live theirs.

The Wake-Up Call

I remember the exact moment I decided to get out of my own way and book a dream trip to Italy. I had made a promise to myself: Another year is not going to pass without me going to Italy for pizza, pasta, and wine.

I found a cruise on the Celebrity Beyond sailing the Mediterranean for 8 nights—Spain, Italy, and France. It was perfect. But even though my career in social media allows me to work from anywhere, I was nervous.

I’m not going to pretend I’m fearless. To this day, I still have to hype myself up every time I book a solo trip. I remember calling my dad, telling him I found a cruise leaving in a month, and asking if I should go.

He didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, do it.”

I booked it that same day.

If I had waited for a friend who had the money, the time off, and the desire to go to Italy on three weeks’ notice, I never would have gone. That trip would have stayed a fantasy in my head instead of filling up my iPhone camera roll.

The Decision to Go

There is a huge misconception that solo travel is lonely. People think, “Who will I talk to? Won’t I look weird eating dinner alone?”

But here is the truth I learned in Italy (and on every trip since): When you travel solo, you learn so much about who you are.

I realized I had spent so much of my life looking for a travel partner because it felt “safe” or comfortable. But let me tell you something, I am proud to be my own best friend. I love my own company

I ended up meeting a woman named Lauren on that cruise and it turned into a girl’s trip. We did everything from hiking through a forest to Portifino to dining in the swankiest of restaurants in Monaco. What a great trip!
When you are solo, you don’t have to compromise. If you want to wake up early and explore, you do. If you want to sleep in and order room service, you do. You are the only person you have to please.

The Truth About Solo Travel

Since that first trip, I have traveled across Canada, the US, the Caribbean, and Europe—all by myself.

And here is the kicker: If I had kept waiting, I never would have met my husband.

Yes, I met him while I was out living my life, truly enjoying the freedom of traveling solo. I honestly don’t know if we would have hit it off had I been surrounded by friends or family. (But that is a story for another blog post).

The point is, by waiting for ‘the perfect time’ or ‘the perfect group,’ you aren’t just missing out on adventures. You are closing yourself off to the people you might meet, the experiences that will change you, and the unmatched confidence and freedom that comes from doing exactly what you want, when you want.

How to Start Solo Traveling

I know this can feel daunting. I had a bit of a head start because I’ve lived alone for a long time, so I was already used to my own company and feel comfortable going to the movies alone or grabbing a drink by myself.

If jumping on a plane to Europe feels too big right now, start small:

• Go to a nice dinner by yourself. bring a book or your phone, and just enjoy the food.
• Go to a movie alone.
• Book a weekend staycation in your own city.
• Consider joining a travel group.

Stop Waiting to Travel Solo

If you take one thing from this post, let it be this: You owe it to yourself to live your life.

I don’t know how old you are and what your situation is…but, don’t let your dreams sit in the “Pending” folder because your friends can’t get their act together or because you’re single.

I’ve been sharing my solo travel adventures for the last few years on social, but I really implore you: don’t just be an observer.

My hope is that you aren’t just watching my videos, but that you are inspired into action. My life has been so incredibly enriched by my travels—from witnessing new cultures and meeting amazing people to eating the most delicious food. The richness of these experiences has enhanced my life in ways I never expected.

If you are watching my content and thinking, ‘I know this could be me,’ then don’t just sit and watch. Figure out how you can make it your reality, too.

Book the ticket. Take the trip. The only person you are waiting on is you.

Shop My Solo Travel Essentials

1. Portable Door Lock: For that extra peace of mind when sleeping alone.
2. Tripod/Selfie Stick: Because you still need cute photos even if no one is there to take them.
3. Kindle Paperwhite: My favorite dinner date. Perfect for reading while enjoying a meal solo.
4. Crossbody Anti-Theft Bag: Keeps your hands free and your passport safe.
5. Portable Charger: You are your own navigator, so you can’t let your phone die.