FAQ
Got questions?
I’ve got them covered
Below, you’ll find some of my most frequently asked questions! Whether it’s “how to travel on a budget” or more personal ones like “how many countries have you been to?”—it’s all here! If they aren’t, feel free to use the contact form below, and I’ll get back to you ASAP!
The first time I went on a plane solo, I was still in middle school. My mother had to work, so I was sent from New York to California alone to visit family. I don’t recall being especially scared; I was more concerned that the flight attendant who was told to look after me really didn’t, LOL. So, I think from that point on, solo travel didn’t bother me. I moved from NY to CA when I was 18 by myself, so I’m pretty used to being independent, especially as an only child in a single-parent household.
But if you’re having trouble, remember, as the late great Carrie Fisher says, “Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.”
99% of the time, yes, I do. However, I will note that I purposely avoid potentially dangerous situations, such as going out at night by myself if I’m unsure of the area or drinking more than a glass of alcohol. I don’t want to lose track of my senses; I like to keep an eye on my surroundings.
The only time I felt unsettled was in Paris. I wandered outside of the tourist area and got a lot of looks from the locals. No one did anything or said anything, but I got the feeling I was unwelcome. The best advice I can give is to stay vigilant, and if you feel uncomfortable somewhere, get to a safe space ASAP.
Also, always keep someone else in the know of your plans, whether that be a parent or friend; just find someone you can trust to check in on you in case of trouble. You can find other safety tips here.
I use the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag in black. I love it so much that I dedicated a whole post to it titled What is the Best Purse for Traveling in Europe?
As of this writing, May 2024, the count is 20. But, of course, I’m looking to increase that!
I have met solo female travelers in various places, such as hostel rooms, on tours, and online. I highly recommend checking out Facebook Groups such as Girls Love Travel, which has 1.5 million members. I’ve found nothing but supportive female travelers in this group, whether you’re looking for advice or a buddy to meet up with on your trip. I highly recommend joining.
I also recommend social apps such as Bumble. No, not using the dating function, though I’ve tried that as well. Instead, turn it on Bumble BFF; that’s how I found my travel buddy, with whom I’ve been to Italy, England, and Finland.
I have! Some of whom I’ve stayed in contact with for over 10 years. But it’s good to note that sometimes you connect with someone abroad, but it doesn’t translate once you head home, and that’s okay. I tend to get attached, so I say this not only to make you aware but also to remind myself. Sometimes we’re just ships in the night, and that’s okay!
I’ve been a NextVacay subscriber for a while and found my incredibly cheap flight to Spain this way. You set your home location, and it’ll regularly send emails with flight deals out of your local airports, i.e., “$275ish NONSTOP [Los Angeles – Guatemala City] Aug – Oct.” The only downside of this is if you’re looking to travel at a specific time or to a specific place. When I got my Spain deal, I just lucked out that the cheap flight was during a period when I was unemployed, had just gotten a flight voucher for the airline mentioned in the email, and had never been to Spain.
If you have less flexibility, I suggest Google Flights. You can be more specific about your search, including when and where you want to go. You can then also set up notifications for your preferences to alert you to the best deal possible.
As much as I love helping fellow travelers, no. Don’t worry; I turn down family as well. I love planning trips for myself, but I don’t pursue work as a travel agent or full-time travel planner as I fear it will become work and, thus, less enjoyable. However, check out my things to do before a trip guide, or if you have a quick question, I’m happy to do my best to answer it. You can reach out to me using the form below.
