Tamisha Taylor shares her tips and advice for going it alone
“Female solo travelers accounted for 54.6% of the overall solo travel industry’s revenue in 2025, driven by increased independence, changing societal norms and tailored experiences.” Grand View Research
In other words, more and more women are choosing to head out independently, or with groups of like-minded travelers.
I have had many great experiences traveling solo, and women (and men) should not let a fear of going alone hold them back. What I enjoy most about it is not postponing life. I have had authentic experiences, sampled amazing cuisine and shopped in stores I had only previously dreamed of.
Here are a few tips I have picked up along the way.
Preparation
Carry-on or checked bags? Remember, there will be no extra hands to help carry your luggage. Plan outfits to reduce weight. Not all of your “in case of” clothing and beauty products need to join you.
Pack with your destination and activities in mind. Short skirts and dresses are good for strolling the cities, not so much for climbing the Eiffel Tower.
Get some local currency. Either exchange some money beforehand or go to an ATM on arrival. Some places do not take cards, so it is worth having some emergency cash.
Hi, Hola, Bonjour. Learning a few everyday words and phrases can make your interactions easier.
Transport
Ask a local what is dependable. They know what to use to save time and money and avoid risks. For example, in Trinidad, I took the ferry from San Fernando to Port of Spain to avoid the early morning traffic jams.
Pre-book pickups. A real time saver, and a money saver too. In England, I paid for my airport transfer beforehand, so I did not have to worry about organizing a pickup once there.
Sightsee like a local. Hop on a bus, train or boat to explore. It might take longer, but it can offer a more scenic journey.
Challenges
Solo travel is worth it, but it is not frictionless. These are the things that come up.
Harassment. We may want to be polite, but always exit uncomfortable situations.
Familiar brands may be unavailable. From feminine hygiene to your favorite tea bags, products differ from country to country. Bring your must-haves with you.
Depending on strangers for help. Asking for help will likely pop up at some point. I am not a fan, but do it if warranted.
Self-reliance may be stressful. Solo travel means making decisions yourself. Ironically, this is the opposite of the tip above, and I may now say, ask for help. But both feelings can be true.
Meeting others
Be friendly, but not too friendly. It is natural to chat with locals and other tourists, but be mindful of sharing too much personal information.
Join local tours. Walking tours, bicycle rides and community-driven events are good ways to meet others in a relaxed setting.
Social media groups. Look online to find others with similar interests. I like eating out, so I searched Facebook for restaurant groups to find people who wanted to try an eatery together.
Volunteer. Whether for a short stay or longer, help out at a charity that needs an extra pair of hands.
Safety
Research societal norms. What may be acceptable at home may not be acceptable in your destination, for instance certain clothing and behaviors.
Know the best places to explore. Find out the best places to visit during the day and at night, so you can safely make the most of your time.
Alert loved ones of your movements. This simple habit offers peace of mind for everyone.
Where to go first
If you are planning your first solo trip, the Caribbean is a good place to start. Many islands are easy to explore over a few days, English is widely spoken, and short regional flights make it possible to see more than one destination.
You might spend a few days in one island, then move on when you are ready for a change of scenery. interCaribbean Airways connects destinations across the region, so adding a second or even third stop is often easier than it looks.
Check flights with interCaribbean and start planning your solo Caribbean trip.
This article was originally published in Cacique Magazine, Issue 32. Read the original publication
Source: Solo Travel Market Size & Trends, Grand View Research