There’s a question I hear often from women over 50 who are considering solo travel:

 “Is it safe?”

It’s a fair question and one I’ve asked myself many times over my decades of travel.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

Traveling solo isn’t about being fearless, it’s about being prepared and practical.

🚗 Solo, Tired, and a Little Spooked - This Is Why Mindset Matters

Let me tell you about the night I flew into a U.S. city on the last flight in.

I was traveling solo, tired, and still had a 45-minute drive ahead of me to my hotel...

All I had to do was pick up my rental car and go.

Simple, right?

Well... not quite.

As I boarded the rental car shuttle, the driver looked at me and asked,

“First time here?”

I smiled and nodded.

Then he said - dead serious...

“You get in your rental car, lock everything, and when you leave the lot, do not stop. Do not stop for any reason until you reach your hotel.”

Gulp, I was on the verge of a full blown freak out.

My heart raced. My imagination kicked into overdrive…

And I was running through the scenario of just going back to the airport and waiting until morning when things might be less scary.

But then thankfully the other part of my brain kicked in.

The part that knows fear and focus don’t mix well.

And in my head I told myself…

“It’s just 45 minutes. You can do 45 minutes. Focus. Breathe. Drive like you’re heading home from your local airport.”

So that’s exactly what I did.

I locked the doors, took a deep breath, and drove. Calm, steady, alert, but not frantic.

And yes, I made it safely to my hotel.

That moment has stayed with me, not because I felt afraid, but because it reminded me how important it is to...

Pause, Reset, and Stay Grounded, even when your nerves want to take over.

🌍 When Everything Feels Unfamiliar: Why We Lose Our Safety Compass

One of the sneakiest things about solo travel is how even the most confident women can be thrown off-kilter.

You're smart. You're capable...

But suddenly you're standing in a foreign train station, the signs are in another language, your SIM card isn't working, and your hotel seems further away than you thought.

Like me the internal panic starts to rise.

It’s not just about safety in that moment…

It’s about how unfamiliarity chips away at our usual coping mechanisms. 

Back home, you know what to do, who to call, how to navigate. 

Abroad? The rules are different. And that can shake even the steadiest traveler.

Here’s what I remind myself—and what I hope you’ll remember too:

Feeling disoriented doesn’t mean you’re not capable.

It just means your brain is working overtime processing new information. Take a breath. You’ve got this.

Have a fallback plan you can count on.
That might be the name and address of your hotel written on paper, a concierge who can point you in the right direction, or simply sitting in a café for a moment to regroup.

You don’t have to figure it all out right now.
Sometimes just pausing, getting your bearings, sipping a coffee, people-watching, is enough to reset your internal compass.

And here’s the big one: You’re not failing because you’re overwhelmed.

You're adapting!

And that's what strong solo women travelers do.

🧭 Use the Same Common Sense You Use at Home

Think about it: when you go out in your own city, you don’t flash your cash, wander through unsafe neighbourhoods at night, or forget to tell someone where you're going.

Traveling abroad should be no different.

It’s not about adopting a whole new personality or becoming hyper-paranoid…

It’s about applying the same street smarts you already use in daily life.

Before you head off, ask yourself:

• Would I walk this street alone at home at night?
  
  

• Would I trust this taxi or this location if it were in my own city?
  
  

• Does this hotel give me peace of mind?

💡 The Most Important Safety Tool You Have? Your Gut.

Yes, bring your digital copies, install helpful apps, and pack your travel locks. But your most powerful safety tool?

Your intuition!

If something feels off, it probably is.

If your gut says “no,” listen.

And if your gut says “maybe just walk away,” do exactly that.

Whether it’s a taxi that doesn’t feel right, a person who gives you a strange vibe, or just a situation where your internal radar pings, you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

Trust yourself. Always.

🧠 Check Your Mindset: Are You Feeling Adventurous or Terrified?

Before you even zip up your suitcase or step out of the hotel, take a moment to check in with yourself.

How are you feeling right now?

Adventurous? Confident? Nervous? Maybe even a little terrified?

All of those feelings are valid. 

But here’s the thing: your mindset matters when you’re traveling solo.

If you feel anxious or unsure, your body language will likely show it. 

And whether we like it or not, that energy can make us more vulnerable, because people who are up to no good often look for someone who seems lost, distracted, or hesitant.

But here’s the good news:

• You don’t have to feel 100% brave to look confident.

• Walk with purpose, even if you’re figuring things out on the fly.

• Hold your head up, even if you're not sure what street you’re on.

• Pretend you’ve done this a hundred times, even if this is your first solo trip abroad.

This isn’t about faking it for others…

It’s about coaching your nervous system. 

Because here’s the secret:

When you look strong, you start to feel strong.

And when you feel strong, you make better decisions, set better boundaries, and carry yourself with more certainty.

Looking confident is not about vanity, it’s a signal to the world (and to yourself):

🧍‍♀️ I’m here. I’ve got this. And I’m no pushover.

✨ Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Feeling nervous or unsure when you travel solo—especially somewhere unfamiliar—isn’t a sign of weakness.

It’s a sign you’re human.

But here’s the truth:

You already know how to stay safe.

You do it every day at home, when you walk through a parking lot, when you choose a street to avoid, when your gut tells you to take a different route.

Travel is no different.

The streets may look unfamiliar, the language may be new—but your instincts are still yours. And they’re strong.

So take a breath.

Stay calm.

Trust your gut.

And walk through this world the same way you do back home…aware, grounded, and confident.

You’ve got this. You really do.

💌 Ready to Feel Safer and More Confident on Your Next Trip?

If you're preparing for a solo journey and want even more practical tips and reassurance, grab my free Travel Safety Guide for Women Traveling Solo Over 50.

It’s full of helpful advice I’ve gathered over millions of miles and it’s yours right here:

👉 Download Your Free Guide

Let’s make safety your superpower, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

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So cheers to wheels up to winging your way on your next travel building lasting memories.