Going It Alone: The rise of the solo female traveller

Nerve-wracking? Perhaps. Rewarding? Absolutely. Solo female travel is about discovering new places and new friendships with a healthy dose of self-empowerment thrown in for good measure.

Meet three seasoned solo travellers who leapt out of their comfort zones to join a growing tribe of independent women travelling on their own terms. And with more and more women planning solo trips like Jess, Coral, and Lynn, there’s no better time to take the plunge and join the fun on an adventure across New South Wales.

Article by Odette Tonkin

Travel All-Rounder, Jessica (@jesswardphoto)

Have you always loved to travel?

"Always! It’s on my mind constantly, and I’m forever saving photos and videos of places throughout Australia and the world that I would love to visit. I believe that travelling is one of the most enriching experiences that a person can do for themselves and their personal growth, so I hope to never stop."

What’s your travel style?

"I’ve done it all! From couch surfing to five-star hotels. I spent six weeks on a camping trip through NSW and QLD (I learnt it’s not the best idea to sleep in a tent in their wet season...), and in the past I’ve rented campervans for trips in NSW and New Zealand. I recently bought a Subaru Forester that I now sleep in for short trips, but I have a real love for tiny houses, so they are my preference, or any sort of cute cabin."

Tell us about your experiences travelling solo?

"I first did it to prove to myself that I could do a trip alone, and then I became addicted to the feeling of independence and knowing that I could do anything, no matter what situation I was confronted with. Most of my travel, especially in the past, has been done solo, so it’s what I’ve grown to know and be comfortable with, but you tend to always make friends along the way when you want or need to. "

Has doing trips on your own increased your confidence? 

"Oh, absolutely! I’m the person that I am today because of the trips that I’ve done. I’m so sure of who I am, my abilities and my potential, and I owe all of that to travelling. I went from being a quiet, dependent teenager, whose biggest fear was catching a plane alone, into an adult who has literally travelled the world solo. The skills and qualities that you learn from doing this can be applied to every avenue in your life - from your career to your personal life. You don’t even have to jump in and go big from the start; a night or two away somewhere close is a great starting point, and from there, your confidence will grow once you see how capable you are. I’m highly independent, and I know that I can get through whatever life throws at me, without relying on others, all due to the travelling situations that I have put myself through."

There are so many women hitting the road solo! Are you surprised?

"Not at all! Women can do anything, and travelling solo is no exception. There are so many great groups on social media geared towards female travel, where the idea of it is celebrated, and everyone is there to support and encourage others. It helps create that community feel, which I think is probably more important to females than males when it comes to solo travel. The vast array of accommodation options that are available now really helps. The fact that holiday parks have tiny houses and cabins, as well as the traditional camping sites, helps women get out there and explore, while still feeling safe and connected to others when needed."

What about camping solo? Isn’t that a bit scary?

"Honestly, camp at a holiday park! It’s how I started camping solo, and it helps ease you into it, while still being so much fun – years later, I’m still doing it. If you’re new to solo travel, holiday parks like Reflections are a great option because you can choose the type of set-up you want to have, be in amazing locations and do it by yourself with the safety net of other campers around you. It really helps when so many families stay at Reflections, because it adds to that level of safety and helps you feel more comfortable in your surroundings. My biggest tip would be to always share your plans with someone back home and try to keep regular communication. On my big trips, I use a Google Drive spreadsheet to document my plans and travel details, and I then send the link to my family. I also always try to be aware of my surroundings and trust my gut – if something feels off, it’s best to listen to that feeling and change your plans accordingly."

The Forever Traveller, Lynn 

Have you always had the travel bug?

"I trained as a Primary School teacher, and from a young age, annual camping trips from Sydney to the far South Coast of NSW put the love of camping into my life. For two years in the 70’s I followed the backpacker trail across South East Asia to Europe. Lonely Planet’s South East Asia on a Shoestring was my bible! My Aussie solo travels began following the unexpected death of my husband in 2011. My current mode of travel is an Explorer Motorhome. It is on a Toyota Hilux base, so it’s a 4x4; and being only 6 metres in length, it’s ideal for me and my little furry travel companion, my dog Caroline."

Did you find your first trip on your own daunting?

"Initially, travelling solo was very intimidating. But over time, I’ve been able to overcome these anxieties and gain confidence. You meet so many really ‘nice’ like-minded people when you travel, from all walks of life, and most are willing to help if help is needed. Often, I’m on my own, but you’re never alone for long; you’re always meeting new and old travel friends on the way. I’m set up with solar power, lithium batteries, diesel heating, and a gas BBQ, so I enjoy bush camps and National Parks when I don’t have my dog, but nothing beats the long hot showers in a holiday park! I do both long and short trips. Short trips are four-to-six-day getaways with my Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Solo groups, and longer trips, which can last up to 6 months, around our great country."

What has been the most unexpected part of travelling solo?

"It would have to be the sense of contentment it provides. It gives me a real feeling of achievement. Snuggling down in my little motorhome at night is such a great feeling. There are so many solo women out and about now, and I just read that one third of all Explorer motorhome sales are to single females. Some have lost their partners through divorce, some are widows, some have always been solo and just want to take it that bit further. Some leave their partners at home because they don’t like to travel or camp. There are so many reasons why women are deciding to get out there and explore the place, but we all have the same desire to go! It doesn’t matter where, just go!"

Tell us a bit about your most memorable trips?

"I’ve had so many great trips! Sitting around campfires, cruising on lakes, rivers, and seas, attending music festivals and rallies, sharing food and stories and games, and laughing fit to burst with other travellers. Op shopping, Geocaching and finding the best bakery in our outback towns. The stunning Australian scenery and different landscapes are just a bonus, and I feel lucky to get to see so much of it all. Western Australia is a standout location for me, New South Wales is where I’m grateful to call home and do short trips from and who doesn’t love tropical Queensland!"

What’s your best advice for solo women just starting their travel journeys?

"It’s always easiest to align with other solo travellers, like the Campervans and Motorhome Club (CMCA) Solo Group. There you’ll find friendly folk willing to share ideas and plan travel adventures, monthly getaways not far from your home base, as well as travelling together as a group on short or long trips to varying destinations like the Silo art trails, waterfalls, hot springs, caves, bush walks, and beaches."

The Full Time Vanlifer, Coral (@my.sprinty)

What do you love about the travelling life?

"I’ve been travelling full-time in my van for over 2 years, and I love the variety it creates in my life. I’m always discovering beautiful locations, meeting a vast range of different personalities and characters, and making endless memories that will last me a lifetime. Travel also really challenges me, and it has helped me gain back my independence, and it helps me feel my true, authentic self."

You’ve built your own van set-up, and it’s amazing! 

"I have a high-roof, long-wheelbase Sprinter van which I have converted into the campervan of my dreams! I am fully self-sufficient, and this makes it possible for me to spend more money on adventures and experiences rather than just on the cost of living, which continues to rise. Through impressing people with my van design whilst on my travels, I decided to create a business called Compact Innovations Co., where I have designed a Campervan Bed Lift Kit. This is targeted for other vanlifers and van builders to help them build their own ultimate campervan of their dreams."

Some women might feel nervous at the thought of camping on their own. Any advice to share?

"Back yourself! Push yourself outside of your comfort zone because you never know what you might discover about yourself and the world around you. Realistically, you’re going to feel hopeless at times, but if you keep pushing yourself, you won’t regret the growth you’ve gone through. I was terrified to do this journey on my own, but now, over two years later, I absolutely LOVE the lifestyle I live, and I’m so grateful to have the experience of travelling on my own. My biggest tip would be to believe in yourself! Set up your home on wheels with the creature comforts that you can’t live without. Be open to new connections and opportunities that you might encounter along the way and permit yourself to live your true, authentic self."

What type of trips are your favourite?

"I’m a sucker for the coastline, so I’m always trying to search for a beautiful spot near the water, and I’m always chasing the sun. I also organise van meet-ups through my Facebook group, Vanlife- Community, a platform where other travellers can organise van meet-ups or road trips. It's always beautiful meeting other like-minded people and creating a community and connections whilst travelling."

What has surprised you most about travelling solo?

"How many people do I inspire everywhere I go! People of all ages and all walks of life who are interested in the alternative life I live and the steps I’ve been through to get here. I think the community I’ve started to create & how fast it is growing. My biggest tip for other solo women travellers is that I always make sure I have reception where I am and that someone knows where I’m staying. Staying connected always creates peace of mind for the people who care for me and me. I wish more people would try this type of lifestyle to see how it can challenge them and transform them. It’s a great way to live!"

Hitting the road with Reflections couldn't be easier

Reflections offers solo female travellers a comforting home base close to some of the most naturally beautiful locations in NSW. Whether you have your own van, motorhome, tent, or you’d prefer to holiday in a cabin or tiny home, staying at Reflections has your solo travelling needs covered.