I used to make a lot of excuses before taking trips, so I understand how you feel if you haven’t traveled solo. This article, “ The Truth Excuses Women Actually Make To Skip Solo Travel”, motivates you to start a trip.
Most of us have dreamed about packing a bag, getting in the car, and heading somewhere peaceful: exploring all the national parks, seeing mountains, red rocks, the desert, or the coast. But right after that daydream, something usually happens: our mind fills with excuses.
What if I get lost?
What if people think I’m lonely?
What if I can’t afford it, or I’m too old to start now?
What if…?
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Before my first solo trip, I had all the same worries. I told myself it wasn’t the right time, I didn’t know where to go, and maybe traveling alone just wasn’t for me. But deep down, I knew what I was really feeling: the fear of the unknown, judgment, and being uncomfortable.
But once I went on the first and the second trips, I discovered that the hardest part isn’t the travel itself. It’s pushing past your own excuses.
Here are some of the most common reasons women tell themselves they can’t travel solo, but actually you can.
“I’m in a committed relationship and have children”
This one’s real: and it’s understandable. When you have a partner or kids, your time feels like it belongs to everyone else. You might feel guilty for wanting time alone. But solo travel doesn’t mean leaving your loved ones behind forever, it means coming back to them renewed and inspired.
Taking a short solo trip, even just a weekend: gives you space to recharge. You’re not running away from your family; you’re refreshing yourself with more energy, love, and presence.
Your kids also learn from your courage. They’ll see that it’s okay to follow passions and take care of yourself. You’re teaching them independence and strength by example.
Start small, maybe a one-night trip or a local getaway. You’ll be surprised how much clarity and peace even a short solo escape can bring.
“I don’t feel comfortable eating alone”
Oh, I remember this one so well! I used to feel so awkward when eating in the restaurant alone. I kept thinking people were watching me, wondering why I was alone. But here’s the truth: no one cares. Everyone’s too busy enjoying their own meal.
Eating alone becomes one of the most peaceful moments of travel once you embrace it. You get to slow down, actually taste your food, and watch the world around you.
Bring a book, a journal, or your camera. Sit outside if the weather’s nice. Enjoy the quiet. Over time, it becomes something you look forward to, that little pocket of calm in your day.
And if you really can’t stand it at first, try a café, food truck, or picnic at a park. You’ll ease into it naturally.
“Being alone is lonely”
Being alone doesn’t always mean being lonely. In fact, solo travel helps you realize how full your own company can be.
When you’re on your own, you notice more: the sound of birds, the colors of sunrise, the small kindnesses from strangers. You connect more deeply with yourself and the world.
Of course, there will be quiet moments. But that’s where growth happens. Those quiet moments teach you how to enjoy your own thoughts, your own rhythm, your own energy.
Loneliness might visit for a short while, but independence stays forever.
“I’ll get bored.”
The truth? You won’t. You’ll have more freedom than ever to do what you enjoy, not what others want.
If you love photography, you’ll spend hours capturing the perfect shot. If you love hiking, you’ll explore trails at your own pace. If you love people-watching, you’ll sit at a café and watch the world go by.
You decide when to stop, when to move, what to eat, and where to go. Every day feels different because you’re free to follow your curiosity.
“I’m shy.”
You don’t have to be an extrovert to travel solo. I’m naturally shy too, especially around new people. But here’s the beautiful part, solo travel gently pushes you out of your shell in the best way.
You start small: asking a question at a café, chatting with a park ranger, joining a short group tour. Most travelers are kind and open. You’ll realize that connection doesn’t have to be forced; it happens naturally when you’re curious and kind.
I remember my trip to Morro Bay. I started a conversation with people waiting in line at a popular restaurant and found out the best item on the menu. That experience made me feel like I’m growing to be stronger and more confident.
And you’ll learn to enjoy your quiet strength. You don’t need to be loud to be brave.
“I’m too old.”
No, you’re not. You’re the perfect age: right now.
Travel doesn’t belong to the young. It belongs to anyone who feels the pull to explore, to learn, to see something new.
I’ve met women in their 60s and 70s hiking, road tripping, and taking photography tours. They weren’t trying to prove anything, they were simply enjoying life.
If anything, traveling later in life comes with more wisdom and appreciation. You see beauty in the little things. You value comfort and pace yourself. That’s the kind of travel that’s truly meaningful.
“I don’t know where to go.”
That’s actually the fun part: you get to discover it!
Start with what calls your heart. Do you love mountains or beaches? Cities or quiet nature? Do you want peace or adventure?
If you’re unsure, begin close to home. Drive to a nearby State park or coastal town. The goal isn’t distance, it’s experience.
Once you start exploring, you’ll quickly figure out what kind of places make you feel alive. And then… you’ll want to keep going.
“I can’t take time off from work.”
This one’s tricky, but not impossible. Most people think they need two weeks off to travel, but that’s not true. You can start with a weekend trip or even a one-day getaway.
A few short breaks each year are better than waiting forever for the “perfect” time that never comes.
And here’s something else: traveling helps you come back to work refreshed. You’ll think clearer, feel calmer, and often perform better. It’s self-care, not indulgence.
If possible, plan ahead and use holidays or long weekends. You deserve time for yourself, even if it’s just a few days.
“I have an illness or disability.”
Traveling with health challenges requires extra care, but it’s not impossible. Many destinations are becoming more accessible, with improved facilities, tours, and accommodations designed for every traveler.
The key is planning ahead and knowing your limits. Bring what you need, check accessibility options, and give yourself grace.
You deserve to see the world, too. Even small, local trips count. You might be surprised at how healing travel can feel: physically and emotionally.
“What if I get lost?”
You probably will, and that’s okay. Getting lost is part of the adventure. It’s how you discover unexpected places and meet kind strangers.
Nowadays, GPS, Google Maps, and travel apps make it easier than ever to find your way. Keep your phone charged, have a paper map as backup, and don’t be afraid to ask for directions.
Getting a little lost teaches you to trust yourself more than any map ever could.
“What if I get sick?”
Yes, I got sick during my nine-day trip to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. I caught a cold and felt nervous, especially when I was alone. However, I kept going, took care of myself, and enjoyed every moment until I returned home.
Preparation is everything. Bring basic medicine, know where the nearest clinic or pharmacy is, and get travel insurance if you’re going far.
Most mild sicknesses: like a cold or food sensitivity, can be managed with rest. If you need help, people are usually kind and willing to assist.
The truth is, you could get sick at home too, but that never stops you from living.
“What will other people think?”
This one holds many women back. But here’s the truth: people will always have opinions, and most of them aren’t thinking about you as much as you think they are.
Traveling solo is not strange. It’s brave. It’s freeing. And those who judge? They usually wish they could do the same.
Don’t let fear of judgment keep you small. Live your life for you, not for what others expect.
“I can’t afford to travel.”
You don’t need luxury hotels or expensive flights to explore. Start small.
Day trips, camping, road trips, hostels, or Airbnb rooms, there are affordable ways to travel if you plan smart. Cook your own meals, use travel reward points, and go during off-seasons.
Solo travel can actually be cheaper because you control every detail: where you stay, what you eat, what you do.
The most valuable part isn’t the money you spend; it’s the experiences you gain.
Read my story: How The First Solo Road Trip That Made Me Strong
Inspiration to You
All those excuses we tell ourselves, they’re not really about travel. They’re about the fear of the unknown; of being uncomfortable; of stepping outside what feels safe. But fear is normal. Every solo traveler starts there. The difference is, they go anyway. You don’t have to be fearless to travel alone, you just have to be willing.
Because once you go, you’ll see how capable, strong, and alive you truly are. You’ll realize that the excuses that once held you back don’t define you but your courage does.
Take that first small step. Plan a day trip or weekend trip. I’m happy to inspire you to start an adventure and find happiness you deserve.
If you’ve found comfort, courage, or ideas here, I’d love for you to come back often, stay connected, and support me on PATREON. Or simply, BUY ME A COFFEE while you enjoy the contents on my website. Your support helps me create more interesting content, travel guides, and stories that empower solo female travelers, and maintain my ad-free website for a quality experience.
If you’ve already traveled solo, what’s your story? I’d love to hear about your first solo trip or any fun travel experiences. Please share below.
