It wasn’t until I embarked on my first full solo trip to Europe in 2017 that I realised that there were so many people like me. In a tiny hostel room in London, I met several women in their early twenties from countries like Australia, the US and New Zealand that were spending the summer travelling around Europe alone.

Many, like me, were gearing up to join a tour with companies such as Contiki and Topdeck, but I was blown away by how much people left everything behind, despite all the risks, to find themselves.

I get it. I’m not sure why I didn’t feel scared or overwhelmed because of all the terrible things in the news that is shown everyday. Instead I blocked out all instincts and rationality, and jumped.

I’m sure that every single female traveller would feel the same.

One thing that has become more and more clear to me is that solo female travelling has a bit of stigma attached to it. And I HATE it. Whenever I tell people that I’m travelling somewhere, they always ask, ‘who are you going with?’ and I have always felt like I have to defend my stance of travelling by myself. Like they think I have no friends, or couldn’t find anyone to go with me. But let me tell you, every female solo traveller I have met has had the exact same dialogue with friends, acquaintances or family. And I am now becoming more aware that this doesn’t have to do with me, but rather with society. So if you’re a female solo traveller reading this (or even just a solo traveller), remind yourself that you are brave, and you don’t have to wait a lifetime for someone to come along with you! Don’t listen to the people who are stuck at home, and who are probably jealous tbh…

There’s a lot to fear. Even now two years later, I still occasionally get that tingling panic inside that something bad could happen, and there’s no one there to help you. And why this could happen, it shouldn’t stop you.

Travelling solo opens up so many doors for new and long-lasting friendships with strong independent women  from all over the globe. Because of the women I have met throughout my travels, I feel more empowered and proud everyday to be travelling solo.

And despite all of the WHAT IFS and fears, I would do it again in a heartbeat (and I have, I just got back from Budapest!). Take a chance, you’ll love yourself for it.

Shout out to all the incredible and strong women I’ve met throughout my travels! xx