Travel Guide

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how to solo travel in 2026: Safe, Joyful, and Confident, Even When You’re Traveling Alone

February 19, 2026

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NomadHer

February 19, 2026

This topic sparked over 1,000 shares and saves on NomadHer’s official Instagram (@nomad_her).
If you’re still hesitating about your first solo trip, or currently planning one, save this checklist and use it on the road :)

Pre-Trip Checklist for Women Traveling Solo in 2026

1) Choose solo friendly destinations

City choice is everything. Pick well, and you’re already halfway there.

  • Safe and walkable cities
    Look for well-lit main streets, wide sidewalks, and easy access to emergency services.
  • Reliable public transport
    Before you go, check airport rail links, transfer times, English signage, and how easy it is to buy and pay for tickets.
  • Solo traveler–friendly culture
    Search for bar seating, communal tables, and easy one-person ordering. On Google Maps, repeated mentions of “solo friendly” or “solo dining” are a green light.
  • Strong digital nomad presence
    See if there are women’s groups, recurring nomad meetups, and solid coworking options. These make a huge difference once you land.

2) Use technology to your advantage

When you’re traveling solo, access to information, mobility, and connectivity is nonnegotiable.

  • Join communities before arrival
    In the NomadHer app, add your travel city and dates. You’ll find women with similar timelines and interests, and potential travel buddies.
  • Book safe transport in advance
    For airport-to-accommodation trips, use verified ride-hailing apps like Grab, Uber, or Bolt.
  • Stay connected anywhere
    Get an eSIM or local SIM so your data never drops. Don’t rely solely on public Wi-Fi.
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On the Ground: Practical Tips

3) Travel slower

Staying longer in one place reduces anxiety and increases satisfaction.

  • Stay longer in one place
    Depth beats breadth. What you remember most are richer moments, not checklists.
  • Build daily routines
    By day two, the streets start to feel familiar. Set a morning walk, pick a go-to café, and let the neighborhood become yours.
  • Explore beyond tourist spots & create deeper experiences
    Visit local markets, parks, or libraries. Everyday places lead to organic interactions and meaningful memories.

4) Prioritize safety

If you’re traveling solo, safety is the top priority.

  • Share your itinerary & trust your intuition
    Give one trusted person your itinerary and accommodation details. If anything feels off such as someone following you or unwanted attention, move to a main street and step into a store or hotel to reset and get help.
  • Don’t post your live location
    Avoid live updates that pinpoint where you’re staying. Post later, and keep identifiable details minimal.
  • For extra safety, use dedicated apps
    Apps like Viola Walk Home, The Sorority, or SafeYOU can add an extra layer of security. It’s recommended to have at least one safety app set up in advance. Also, enable your phone’s SOS shortcut, save local police and embassy numbers, and consider bringing a portable door-stopper for extra peace of mind.

5) Travel for connection

Creating intentional together moments reduces loneliness and boosts confidence.

  • Meet people intentionally & join group activities
    Book meetups or classes like yoga, hiking, or cooking. Smaller groups and women-forward events often feel more comfortable and welcoming.
  • Build meaningful relationships
    Try strength- and experience-based prompts like “What brought you here?” or “What’s been your favorite spot in this city?”
  • Use a travel community app
    With NomadHer, you can find like-minded women by city and date, plan meetups, or simply trade tips. No pressure just support.

Solo Doesn’t Mean Alone

With the right community, you’ll always have someone to lean on whether it’s directions, menu tips, or understanding local norms.
Those small supports compound into higher satisfaction and safer travel. And when you share a city and a moment with someone, the memories tend to last longer, well beyond your flight home.

At its core, travel is about connection. The more connected you are, the safer and richer your journey becomes. Even if you’re shy at first, a simple hello can be the starting point of something special.

NomadHer is a global community app of 400,000 verified women travelers. You can find travel buddies, language exchanges, wellness gatherings, and local experiences in cities around the world.

Planning a solo trip?
Download NomadHer from the App Store and connect with women in your next destination. Your solo journey can be safer, more memorable, and filled with inspiring connections.

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