Wander Woman

I get asked daily WHY am I traveling solo.

“Who are you here with?” It’s a question I hear often from curious strangers I meet during my travels.

“Um, by myself,” I reply.

“Wow, that’s so brave!” they say, eyes wide with admiration. “I wish I had the courage to do something like that.”

It really isn’t. No more courageous than simply existing in the world each day as a woman. And while I appreciate the curiosity, the question is starting to wear thin (as is my patience). Because honestly? Women going solo, making bold moves on their own—this isn’t some groundbreaking concept. A woman traveling alone isn’t unusual in the 21st century. It’s normal. And it’s not going anywhere.

Here’s the truth: I genuinely enjoy my own company. I’m always chasing that sense of wonder—the kind that only finds you when you’re alone. Some people think I’m reckless, even foolish, for venturing out solo. But honestly? Traveling alone is one of the best things I’ve ever done. It gives me complete freedom to make my own choices, encourages personal growth, builds independence, and even sharpens my awareness of the world around me. Marching to the beat of my own drum, checking off experiences I’ve long dreamed of—solo travel has given me freedom, again and again.

Trekking up quiet trails, swapping stories with fellow weary travelers, or drifting off to sleep alone to the rhythm of crashing waves—none of it requires much more than a little courage and a bit of cash. Honestly, I believe the real challenge lies not in hitchhiking hundreds of miles with strangers, but in confronting the grind of everyday life. That takes a different kind of strength entirely.

I’ve become something of a pro at independence—I live alone, go to concerts solo, and catch movies whenever it suits me, whether or not anyone else can join. Throwing myself into situations where I have to rely on myself has only strengthened my confidence. I’ve learned to strike up conversations with anyone, connect with people from all walks of life, and, most importantly, trust myself.

One of the most valuable skills I’ve gained from solo travel—at least for me—is learning how to genuinely connect with anyone I meet along the way. Though I’m an introvert at heart, I truly enjoy talking to strangers and hearing their stories. Everyone has something to share, and every encounter leaves its mark, shifting the way you see the world, even if just a little. Without friends or companions to fall back on, I had to figure this out on my own—and I’m better for it.

This might ruffle a few feathers, but over the years I’ve met so many people who seem completely dependent on others—clingy, needy, and unable to function without a friend, family member, or partner by their side. You’ve probably seen it too—those people who just can’t handle being alone.

Of course, I’ve met plenty of men and women on the other end of the spectrum—there’s a huge range out there. But the ones who stick with me most are either the incredibly strong individuals who inspire me, or those whose daily struggles leave me baffled about how they manage to get through each day.

I definitely don’t speak for every solo woman traveler when I explain why I choose to go it alone… but here’s how it is for me: whenever someone tells me what to do or how to live, I instinctively do the opposite. We’re not all sitting around waiting for a knight in shining armor to come rescue us. And if we are, well, he’s probably lost in some forest somewhere—so we set off on our own adventure to find him. We want to get out there, see the world, explore, experience, and live without regrets. We don’t need anyone holding our hand along the way. And honestly? When Prince Charming finally does show up, it’ll be that much sweeter.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about heading somewhere new—especially alone. Your mind starts spinning with all the what-ifs: Will I make friends? Will I be safe? But most of those fears live only in your head. Your brain loves to imagine worst-case scenarios that probably won’t happen. Honestly, staying cooped up at home isn’t necessarily safer—you’re actually more at risk inside your own house than out there exploring the world.

When I’m wandering solo, I don’t feel like the chances of danger go up—in fact, quite often, I feel safer. Whenever I mention that I’m traveling alone, people tend to respond with a mix of concern and protectiveness. Suddenly, my boldness turns me into someone they feel responsible for, a woman they want to keep safe.

Women have a unique gift for intuition—trusting their gut when traveling or going anywhere alone. We often have to take more safety precautions than we wish, learning and adapting as we gain experience over time. It’s unfortunate that these extra measures are necessary, but they’re part of the reality we face.

I believe it’s important to listen to fear. Some might argue, why put yourself in situations that make you uncomfortable or afraid? But fear isn’t something we can simply erase—it’s part of being human. When I travel or find myself in new places with unfamiliar people, I don’t usually feel my life is in immediate danger. Ironically, it’s often in the most familiar places—my neighborhood, school, or local nightclubs—where I’ve faced stalking, harassment, or been treated like an object.

If something or someone gives me an uneasy feeling, I don’t hesitate to walk away or say no. When my gut signals that something’s off, I trust it. Over time, this instinct has only grown stronger. After a few years, I learned to sound the alarm when something didn’t feel right. It’s amazing how much that small, quiet voice in the back of your mind can guide you in the right direction.

I think one big reason I rarely run into trouble on the road is that I’m great at reading situations. The moment something feels off, I’m out—just like that. I’ve got serious self-preservation skills and zero intention of ending up tied to the back of someone’s van.

Nope, not going to happen.

It’s about weighing the benefits against the risks. If you do your research and trust your gut, chances are you won’t run into serious trouble. I’ve never been mugged, even in some pretty sketchy places. Sure, it might happen someday—and I’m prepared for that possibility—but I take the right precautions to handle it if it does. When you’re venturing out alone, you have to plan for the worst while hoping for the best.

I stand by this 100%: over time, traveling alone sharpens your instincts. You learn to read people better, tell the difference between genuine friendliness and something off, and know when you’re safe—or when it’s time to get out fast. I feel safe wherever I go now because I trust my gut, and because navigating all the places I’ve been has given me a real sense of power and control.

At the risk of sounding like a pretentious dick, Marcel Proust once said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

Travel changes you—especially solo travel, if you’re open to it. It’s one thing to snap beautiful photos and have fun adventures, but it’s a whole different experience when travel transforms your life. When you’re alone on the road, with only your thoughts and experiences for company, reflection becomes inevitable. It’s not always easy; often, you’re forced to confront the demons, thoughts, or issues you might have been avoiding. In just a few years of solo adventures, I’ve experienced more than many people do in a lifetime.