Get a secure day bag for when you’re out and about, such as a cross-body bag, to keep your belongings safe. A power bank is essential so you don’t get caught out without a phone or map – and if you are using your phone, have it on a phone strap to keep it secure. Take a book for when you’re traveling long distances or relaxing alone.

Plenty of women travel to meet new people, but it can still be intimidating – your best bet is to go guided. This means you’ll have a group of like-minded women to travel and bond with. If not, then stay in female-run hostels or join local classes to make new connections.

Generally, female travelers will feel more secure in countries that are already familiar. North America and Europe are great starting points (Scotland, Ireland, Italy and Spain are especially welcoming); both regions have mature tourism industries that provide plenty of support to visitors, making them more approachable for female travellers. Touring can come in to help you feel more confident and secure in less familiar destinations – our Women-Only tours travel across Europe, America, India and Morocco, so there’s something for everyone.

Generally, yes. But there are precautions that should be taken as a solo female traveler, such as not sharing too much about yourself and your travel plans with strangers, sharing your location with friends and family, and downloading the offline versions of maps so you don’t have to rely on data. Going guided relieves some of the anxieties around travelling solo, as you’ll have a Travel Director and group of like-minded travelers looking out for you.

Try your best to learn the language before you go, even if it’s just a few basic phrases, and take a phrasebook with you. When you travel with Insight Vacations, your Travel Director will speak the local language and will be able to handle everything for you.

There are plenty of blogs and guides for solo female travelers – including ours. Find our female travel guides below, from where to go to what to pack, and how to prepare for your solo trip.