Best Guide to Solo Female Travel Tips and Solo Cruising

Here’s a guide to my growing list of solo female travel tips, hacks and advice. I’ve been a solo traveler for decades. When I was 12 years old, my parents put me on a three-day cross-country train trip from Chicago to visit family in Arizona. I’ve been cruising solo and traveling the world ever since.

Aboard trains, on cruise ships and river boats, I’ve crossed continents, roamed along rivers and traversed oceans in every direction. I didn’t choose to travel solo…it was simply a natural occurrence. When I’ve wanted to go somewhere, I figured out how to do it. Then off I would go in a zillion directions. 

Being a solo adventurer was never my intent. Being overly-cautious with every moment well-planned was and still is my goal. 

Though I’ve learned through years of experience that even the best laid plans can go awry. All anyone can do is go with the flow, stay calm and create a Plan B. Or Plan C.

Sherry leaving the hotel for another solo female travel adventure.
I took this photo of myself by balancing my iPhone on the back edge of the desk chair and setting the timer to 10 seconds. When you travel solo, you get creative. 

Solo Female Travel Tips, Hacks and Other Sound Advice

Below are links for all sorts of helpful advice when traveling solo as a woman, whether on land or on a cruise. There’s even what to know as a first-time solo cruiser. 

Scroll down for detailed solo travel safety tips, how to deal with strange places and even stranger people. Lots of basic solo travel hacks.

New solo travel tips are added as I stumble upon them along the way, so please check back. This is your starting point to many years of solo travel or solo cruising.

43 Lessons I’ve Learned from Traveling Solo

The list started with 21 lessons learned along the way and the list just keeps on growing! As a solo female traveler and cruiser, every day becomes an adventure. 

There’s always something new to learn. In the 43 Lessons are my top travel hacks, from safety and trip planning to dining and exploring.

Top 10 Solo Female Travel Tips

Advice on exploring destinations, dining and drinking alone. it’s important to be prepared for that solo experience. Mostly common sense tips that seem to go unnoticed until you need them.

How to Survive Long Days at Sea When Cruising Solo

Sometimes seemingly endless consecutive sea days can really drive you batty. Here’s what you need to know to make the most out of extended time on the water. Yes, even on transatlantic crossings with a full week of no ports. 

9 Best Tips for Your First Solo Cruise

Would you rather sit at home or be on a beautiful ship on the ocean. Don’t let the idea of cruising solo send chills up your spine. Once you go, you’ll be addicted to doing your own thing. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years.

Advice for Cruising Solo on a Transatlantic Cruise

More than just coping with consecutive sea days, it’s important to know what to expect. Don’t let this incredible experience slip by just because you’re a solo traveler.

What the Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know About Cruising Solo

If you think booking a designated “solo” stateroom will save you money, you’re in for a surprise. Think a solo stateroom is cheaper than buying a double-occupancy stateroom? Think again. 

10 Reasons Why I Love to Cruise Solo

I could probably think of a few more reasons, but these are my top 10 for cruising solo. If you’ve ever cruised alone, you’ll know what I mean. 

6 More Often-Overlooked Cruise Tips for Women

It’s a growing list, too.

Tips for Cruising Solo on a River Cruise

If you think you’re ready to try cruising solo on a river cruise, there are a few things to know to make this a really special experience. From how to navigate dinner seating arrangements to shore excursions that could result in lifetime friendships. I’ve been there and done that dozens of times and I’ve learned so much over the years.

Cruising solo on a river cruise isn’t the same as on an ocean cruise ship. There are really distinctive differences. 

With fewer people, less onboard activities and no place to hide, there are things to know before you embark as a solo on a river cruise.