How to Travel Solo This Holiday As a Woman—And Actually Enjoy It

Not everyone’s holiday season is wrapped in twinkle lights and group photos. Sometimes, the quiet pull of solo travel feels louder than family traditions or packed social calendars—and it’s worth listening to. Maybe you’ve been craving space to reset, explore, or celebrate the holidays on your own terms. Maybe this year looks different, and you’re figuring out what freedom and peace actually feel like in your body. Either way, you’re not alone in wanting a different kind of season—and you don’t need permission to create it.

Solo travel during the holidays isn’t about isolation. It’s about intention. Choosing to spend time with yourself isn’t selfish, sad, or something to be explained—it’s brave, clarifying, and often deeply joyful when done right. Whether you’re heading to a snowy mountain town, a warm island escape, or just taking a quiet break from routine, this guide will help you do it with confidence, style, and smart planning.

Because you deserve a holiday that actually feels like a break—not just a checklist.

1. Curate, Don’t Copy: Choose a Destination That Fits Your Mood

Not all solo trips are created equal. The destination you pick should reflect the kind of energy you’re hoping to cultivate—restful, adventurous, introspective, festive, or something in between.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want quiet or connection?
• Am I craving nature, culture, or sunlight?
• What kind of schedule sounds nourishing—not exhausting?

For example, a coastal town during the off-season could give you peaceful views and room to breathe. A small European city might provide just enough buzz, museums, and cozy cafés to feel inspiring without overwhelming. Some women love ski lodges or winter hiking retreats that keep them physically engaged. Others might book a boutique hotel in a vibrant city and spend their days walking, journaling, and trying new foods.

According to Solo Traveler World, safety, accessibility, and walkability are three top priorities women cite when choosing a solo travel destination—especially during the holidays when weather and transport can be more unpredictable.

2. Plan Just Enough to Feel Grounded—but Leave Space to Improvise

Overplanning can create pressure. Under-planning can lead to feeling lost. The sweet spot is creating a flexible structure that gives your trip rhythm without restricting your freedom.

Create a loose itinerary with:

• A place you want to visit each day (museum, hike, spa)
• A few good meal options (especially for holiday days when things may be closed)
• A daily ritual to anchor your time (morning journaling, evening walk, daily coffee shop)

From experience: a solo holiday trip in Iceland once became 10x more enjoyable when I stopped trying to squeeze in every top-rated activity and instead allowed myself one big outing per day, then used the rest of the time to follow my curiosity (and occasionally nap under wool blankets by the fire).

3. Choose Accommodations That Feel Safe and Inspiring

When you're traveling solo—especially during a season that can stir up emotion—it helps to stay somewhere that feels like a little sanctuary. This is your home base, your recharge zone, your safe haven.

What to look for:

• A well-reviewed hotel or guesthouse with friendly staff
• Walkable surroundings and easy access to public transportation
• Comfortable common areas (great for reading, people-watching, or casual chats)
• A sense of beauty—because aesthetics matter for mood

Want a social experience without sacrificing alone time? Consider women-friendly hostels, boutique hotels with shared spaces, or eco-retreats with optional group meals. Prefer privacy? Look for a cozy rental with a full kitchen and fireplace—or a room with a view that feels like a hug.

4. Create Connection—on Your Terms

Solo doesn’t have to mean isolated. One of the best parts of traveling alone is that it often opens the door to more meaningful, spontaneous interactions—without the pressure of keeping someone else entertained.

Ways to engage without overcommitting:

• Book a small group tour for one afternoon (walking tours, cooking classes, cultural excursions)
• Say yes to a conversation at a café if it feels right—but don’t be afraid to say no, either
• Volunteer for a few hours if you’re staying somewhere longer-term
• Connect virtually with other solo travelers through travel apps or Facebook groups

A solo traveler I met in Croatia told me she always books a half-day food tour early in the trip—it’s her low-stakes way to learn the city and meet people casually. Bonus: she gets restaurant recommendations from locals she wouldn’t find online.

5. Honor the Holiday—However That Looks for You

Just because you’re not at a family table or attending a formal event doesn’t mean you have to skip celebration. The key is redefining what the holiday means to you, and creating rituals that feel rich, not rushed.

Ideas to try:

• Cook or order a favorite holiday dish and enjoy it somewhere beautiful
• Write a letter to yourself recapping your year and intentions for the next
• Pack a small gift or trinket to open on the holiday (yes, really—it adds a layer of care)
• Take yourself out for a holiday coffee, dessert, or solo toast
• Watch your favorite nostalgic movie or playlist—holiday or otherwise

You’re allowed to have a meaningful experience, even if it’s quieter or less conventional. Your presence is enough.

Staying Safe, Smart, and Confident—Wherever You Go

Safety isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness and strategy. And the truth is, most solo trips are smooth, empowering, and incident-free when you stay tuned in.

• Share your location or itinerary with someone you trust
• Use apps like Google Maps offline, and pin your lodging
• Dress to blend in and avoid flashing valuables
• Trust your instincts: if something feels off, leave
• Keep your essentials (ID, cards, phone, charger) in one go-to pouch

According to the U.S. State Department, most safety issues abroad stem from avoidable scenarios—like wandering in unfamiliar neighborhoods at night or not locking up valuables. Awareness goes a long way.

Navigating the Emotions: What to Expect (and How to Ride the Waves)

Even the best solo trips can stir up big emotions—especially during a time that’s culturally loaded with connection, nostalgia, or expectations. You might feel empowered one minute and a little raw the next. That’s normal.

Here’s the thing: feeling your feelings doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision. It means you’re present.

To support your emotional wellbeing:

• Journal, voice-note, or take short videos of your experience
• Create mini rituals to ground you (morning affirmations, evening stretches)
• Stay connected to loved ones on your terms—don’t force it
• Let quiet be restorative, not lonely

And remember: part of the gift of solo travel is space to hear yourself again.

Your Wellness Wins

1. Book the trip, not the guilt. Saying yes to yourself is a holiday decision worth celebrating.
2. Pack a comfort ritual. One candle, scarf, or playlist that feels like home shifts everything.
3. Try a table for one. Dining solo in public builds confidence and presence (plus, you order exactly what you want).
4. Reclaim quiet. Stillness on your terms is healing—not awkward. It means you’re listening in.
5. Celebrate small. A solo toast, a warm bath, a journaled thank-you to yourself—this is joy.

This Holiday, Be Your Own Best Company

Traveling solo as a woman during the holidays isn’t a backup plan. It’s a bold, beautiful choice. It’s a way to reclaim your time, rewrite your story, and walk into the new year knowing you showed up fully—for yourself.

You’re allowed to want more than crowded calendars and endless obligations. You’re allowed to feel peace. And you’re allowed to discover that the most memorable holiday moments don’t always happen around a table—they happen when you give yourself permission to take up space, even alone.

So pack your bag, make your playlist, and go see what’s waiting for you out there.

You’re not missing out—you’re tuning in.