Solo Travel

Solo travel and living life boldly have now become a strain of my DNA—it’s inside of me, it changed me, it saved me. I get strength from traveling solo. One of my many goals with this website has been to help women do what they think they can’t do—and for some of you, that means traveling solo.

In 2006, I left my corporate career to take a career break and travel around the world for a year solo. I had never undertaken anything like this before and wasn’t an experienced traveler. But I did it, and I learned a lot along the way. I gained the confidence to continue that solo journey for another 10 years! I have traveled solo to Jordan, Lebanon, Mongolia, Nepal, India, Morocco, South Africa, Patagonia, Turkey, New Zealand, and Oman.

However, that first trip alone was the key to opening up the world for me. I no longer needed to—or wanted to—wait for others to join me to do what I wanted. The fantastic sense of freedom and choice that swept over my life at that point was life-changing.

Over the decades, I’ve amassed a number of solo travel tips and recommendations, and I’m thrilled to share them with you!

Top Solo Travel Tips

Start small
Stay in communication with people at home.
When you are lonely, take a tour.
Register with the STEP program.
Keep alcohol to a minimum.
Use ride sharing in foreign countries whenever possible.
Dress like the locals and be modest.
Rent an airbnb room instead of the entire apartment.

See all My Solo Travel tips >

Featured Solo Travel Trips and Tips

Travel Solo With These Expert Travel Safety Tips for Women

Roam Sweet Roam – Solo Car Camping Tips

Taking on Colorado Solo in a Camper Van: What it’s really like to road trip by yourself

Traveling Solo Doesn’t Mean Solo All the Time

The One Question Every Solo Female Traveler Gets Asked

Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Walk the Camino de Santiago Solo

Let me help you take that solo trip you are longing for

Travel Consulting

Fifty Places to Travel Solo Book

I was contacted and asked to be included in this great solo travel book!

This book is filled with great solo travel ideas from many people I personally know which makes it even more special! Want some inspiration and ideas for solo travel – then check it out! And pay special attention to Destination 41…that’s mine!

Buy the Book

Fifty Places to Travel Solo: Travel Experts Share the World s Greatest Solo Destinations

Upcoming Ottsworld women’s tours.

Explore All Tours >

Epic Nepal Trekking Tour – Women Only

Sep 16-29, 2025 Women Only Moderate Overview Join me and World Expeditions for a unique women’s adventure in the Everest Region of Nepal. As part of World Expeditions’ 50th Anniversary trek series, this trip offers a perfect mix of outdoor exploration and cultural immersion. You’ll enjoy the company of like-minded female trekkers as we journey…

Panama Surf & Yoga Camp

January 10-17, 2026 Min/Max: 6/12 Beginner & Advanced Beginner surfers Overview Join me & Surf Sisters for an amazing Panama surf & yoga camp. This retreat is for the discerning adventure traveler. The surf-focused itinerary is sure to get you stoked on surfing and give you the skills and confidence you need to get into…