Solo Travel for Widows: Safety Tips and Destinations

Why Solo Travel as a Widow

Potential Benefits

• Reclaim independence: Prove to yourself you can navigate the world alone
• Honor your spouse's memory: Visit places you planned to go together
• Create new memories: Build your identity beyond widowhood
• Meet new people: Solo travelers are more approachable and open to connections
• Personal growth: Challenge yourself and discover your strength
• Freedom: Go where you want, when you want, at your own pace
• Break from grief: Change of scenery can provide perspective

Common Fears (And Why They're Manageable)

"I'm afraid to travel alone"

Reality: Fear is normal, especially if you always traveled with your spouse. Start small (weekend trip to nearby city) and build confidence gradually.

"It won't be fun without him/her"

Reality: It will be different, not necessarily worse. You may feel sad at times AND enjoy yourself. Both can be true.

"What if something happens and I'm alone?"

Reality: Millions of solo travelers stay safe with proper preparation. You'll learn safety strategies throughout this guide.

"People will judge me or feel sorry for me"

Reality: Solo travel is increasingly common for women of all ages. Most people won't know you're widowed unless you share, and those who do usually admire your courage.

"I can't afford to travel alone (single supplement charges)"

Reality: Some options avoid single supplements: hostels, Airbnb, cruises with studio cabins, tour companies specializing in solo travelers.

Safety First: Essential Precautions

Before You Go

Share Your Itinerary

• Give detailed itinerary to trusted friend or family member
• Include: flight numbers, hotel addresses, phone numbers, daily plans
• Agree on check-in schedule (daily text, etc.)
• Update them if plans change

Document Preparation

• Passport: Check expiration (many countries require 6 months validity)
• Copies: Make photocopies and digital scans of passport, credit cards, insurance cards
• Store separately: Keep copies in different location from originals
• Email yourself: Send scans to your email for cloud access
• Emergency contacts: Carry card with ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts

Health Preparations

• Travel insurance: Get comprehensive coverage including medical evacuation
• Medications: Bring extra in original containers, plus prescriptions
• Medical info: Carry list of medications, allergies, conditions
• Vaccinations: Check CDC recommendations for your destination
• Doctor contact: Have your doctor's phone number accessible

Financial Preparations

• Notify bank and credit card companies of travel dates and locations
• Have backup payment methods: Multiple credit cards, some cash
• Know your credit card's emergency number
• Carry some local currency for arrival
• Use RFID-blocking wallet to prevent electronic theft

Destination Research

Safety Ratings

• U.S. State Department Travel Advisories: travel.state.gov
• Global Peace Index: Rankings of safest countries
• Solo female traveler blogs: Search "[destination] solo female travel"

Cultural Research

• Dress codes and cultural norms
• Areas to avoid
• Common scams targeting tourists
• Safe neighborhoods for accommodation
• Local emergency numbers (not always 911)

While Traveling

Accommodation Safety

• Choose wisely: Stay in well-reviewed hotels in safe neighborhoods
• Check reviews: Read recent reviews specifically from solo female travelers
• Request specific rooms:
  • Between 2nd-6th floors (high enough for security, low enough for fire escape)
  • Near elevator (less isolated)
  • Not ground floor or end of hall
• Room security:
  • Use all locks (deadbolt, chain, doorstop)
  • Verify who's at door before opening (use peephole)
  • Keep valuables in safe
  • Don't broadcast room number publicly

Transportation Safety

• Taxis/Rideshare:
  • Use official taxis or verified rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft)
  • Check license plate matches app
  • Sit in back seat
  • Share trip details with friend via app
  • Trust your gut - exit if uncomfortable
• Public transit:
  • Sit near driver or conductor when possible
  • Avoid empty cars
  • Be alert and aware, not buried in phone
  • Know your route before boarding

Personal Safety Habits

Technology Safety

• Phone:
  • Keep charged (carry portable charger)
  • Have offline maps downloaded (Google Maps, Maps.me)
  • Add local emergency numbers
  • Consider local SIM card or international plan
• Apps for safety:
  • Google Maps: Offline maps, share location
  • TripIt: Organize itinerary, share with contacts
  • Smart Traveler (State Dept): Travel alerts, embassy locations
• Social media caution:
  • Don't post real-time locations (wait until you've left)
  • Don't announce empty home
  • Adjust privacy settings

Scam Awareness

Common Tourist Scams

• "Helpful" locals: Offering unsolicited help then demanding payment
• Taxi scams: Taking long routes, broken meters
• Distraction theft: One person distracts while another pickpockets
• Fake police: Asking to "inspect" your wallet
• Overcharging: Inflated prices for tourists
• Friendship scams: Getting friendly then pressuring you to buy things or visit specific shops

Protection: Research common scams in your destination before arrival

Best Destinations for Solo Travel

Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers (2026)

Europe

• Iceland: Safest country in the world, stunning nature, easy to navigate
• Norway: Very safe, beautiful fjords, expensive but worthwhile
• Switzerland: Safe, efficient public transit, gorgeous scenery
• Ireland: Friendly locals, English-speaking, rich culture
• Portugal: Safe, affordable, beautiful cities and coastline
• Denmark/Sweden/Finland: Scandinavian safety and friendliness

Asia-Pacific

• New Zealand: Very safe, friendly, stunning landscapes
• Japan: Extremely safe, fascinating culture, excellent public transit
• Singapore: Very safe, modern, English widely spoken
• Australia: Safe, English-speaking, diverse experiences

North America

• Canada: Safe, friendly, beautiful national parks
• Costa Rica: Relatively safe, nature-focused, adventure opportunities

Good First Solo Trips

For Beginners: Domestic

• Weekend city trip: Boston, Charleston, San Diego, Portland, Savannah
• National parks with lodges: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon
• Beach resorts: All-inclusive in Florida, California, Hawaii
• Small group tours: Road Scholar, Overseas Adventure Travel (solo-friendly)

For Intermediate: International

• London: English-speaking, excellent public transit, endless activities
• Paris: Tourist-friendly, walkable, manageable size
• Ireland: Small, friendly, easy to navigate, English-speaking
• Italy (Rome, Florence): Tourist infrastructure, beautiful, cultural

Types of Travel Experiences

Structured Group Tours (Good for First-Timers)

Companies welcoming solo travelers:

• Road Scholar: Educational travel for 50+, many solo travelers
• Overseas Adventure Travel: Small groups, no single supplement on many trips
• G Adventures: Small group adventure travel, specific solo traveler tours
• Intrepid Travel: Solo-friendly small groups
• Smithsonian Journeys: Educational, cultural focus

Pros: Built-in companions, logistics handled, safety in numbers

Cons: Fixed itinerary, less flexibility, can be expensive

Solo Cruises

Cruise lines with solo cabins (no/low single supplement):

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Studio cabins designed for solo travelers, solo lounge
• Royal Caribbean: Some ships have solo cabins
• Cunard: Hosts solo travelers' events

Pros: Unpack once, meals included, social opportunities, safe

Cons: Can feel couple-focused, ports are brief

Independent Travel

Best for: Those comfortable navigating alone, wanting full flexibility

Tips:

• Book first and last nights in advance, wing middle days
• Use Airbnb for local insights, hotels for safety/service
• Join free walking tours to meet other travelers
• Stay in hostels with private rooms (social common areas)

Practical Tips

Packing Smart

• Pack light: Carry-on only if possible (easier to manage alone)
• Comfortable shoes: You'll walk more than you expect
• Layers: Easier than multiple outfits
• Photocopy documents: Keep separate from originals
• First aid kit: Basic meds, band-aids, prescription copies
• Doorstop alarm: Extra security for hotel rooms
• Portable charger: Keep phone charged

Dining Solo

Strategies to feel comfortable:

• Lunch instead of dinner: Less awkward, lighter crowds
• Sit at the bar: Easier than table alone, can chat with bartender
• Bring a book: Gives you something to do
• Request outside seating: People-watching entertainment
• Try cafes first: More casual than restaurants
• Order room service: No shame in eating in your room
• Food tours: Built-in dinner companions

Remember: Solo diners are increasingly common. Restaurant staff see them daily.

Meeting People (If You Want To)

• Free walking tours: Meet other travelers
• Cooking classes: Hands-on, social activity
• Day tours: Share experiences with small group
• Hostel common areas: Even if you have private room
• Apps like Meetup: Find local events and groups
• Strike up conversations: Coffee shops, museums, tours

Safety note: Be friendly but cautious. Don't share hotel name/room number with new acquaintances.

Handling Emotions

Travel as a widow can bring unexpected emotions:

Missing Your Spouse

• It's normal to feel sad seeing couples or at romantic spots
• Bring a token: Small item that reminds you of them
• Journal: Write to them about what you're experiencing
• Take photos for them: "He would have loved this view"
• Allow the grief: Have a cry, then continue your trip

Feeling Lonely

• Join a tour or activity to be around people
• Video call family/friends
• Remember: You can feel lonely at home too. At least here there's scenery.

Feeling Guilty About Enjoying Yourself

• Your spouse would want you to live and find joy
• Experiencing happiness doesn't diminish your love
• You're honoring them by living fully

Budget Considerations

Solo Travel Costs More (Unfortunately)

• Single supplements: Hotels often charge 150-200% for single occupancy
• No cost-sharing: Can't split taxis, meals, tours
• Tour surcharges: Many tours add solo supplement

Ways to Save

• Choose accommodations wisely:
  • Airbnb (no single supplement)
  • Hostels with private rooms
  • Hotels with flat rates (not per-person pricing)
• Travel off-season: Better prices, fewer crowds
• Use points/miles: Hotel and airline rewards
• Look for "no single supplement" tours: OAT, some G Adventures trips
• Consider cruises with solo cabins: Norwegian's studios
• Longer stays in one place: Weekly Airbnb discounts
• Cook some meals: Stay places with kitchenettes

Special Considerations for Widows

Traveling to "Your Places"

Visiting places you went together or planned to visit:

It can be healing:

• Honor their memory
• Complete a shared dream
• Create new memories in meaningful places
• Prove to yourself you can do it alone

It can be painful:

• Constant reminders of their absence
• Comparing to past trips together
• "This was our table," "We stood right here"

Consider:

• Wait until you're ready (no pressure)
• Bring a friend the first time back
• Create new traditions (stay in different hotel, try new restaurants)
• Acknowledge it will be bittersweet

People Asking About Your Spouse

Strangers often ask, "Are you traveling alone?" or "What does your husband do?"

Response options:

• Honest: "I'm widowed" (can lead to pity or deep conversations)
• Vague: "Yes, solo trip!" (avoids the topic)
• Deflect: "I'm here to see the museums. What brings you?"
• White lie: "He's working" (if you don't want to share with strangers)

You don't owe anyone your story. Share what feels comfortable.

Anniversary Trips and Meaningful Dates

• Some widows find travel helpful on difficult anniversaries
• Change of scenery can ease the pain of "this day last year"
• Or it might feel wrong to be somewhere new on that day
• There's no right answer - do what feels best for you

When You're Ready: Taking the Leap

Start Small

1. Day trip: Drive to nearby town for lunch and sightseeing
2. Overnight: Stay one night in neighboring city
3. Weekend: 2-3 nights somewhere drivable
4. Week-long: Domestic flight to somewhere you've always wanted to go
5. International: When you're ready, start with English-speaking country

Planning Your First Solo Trip

Resources

Websites and Blogs

• Solo Female Travelers Network: Community and resources
• Wanderful: Women's travel community with meetups worldwide
• Travel State Department: travel.state.gov - Safety advisories
• Seat 61: seat61.com - Train travel worldwide

Apps

• TripIt: Organize itinerary
• Maps.me: Offline maps
• Google Translate: Offline translation
• XE Currency: Exchange rates
• Meetup: Find local events

Books

• The Solo Traveler's Handbook by Janice Waugh
• Solo: A Modern Guide for the Solo Female Traveler by Debbie Dubrow

Related Resources

• Self-Care and Wellness
• Grief Stages and Timeline
• When to Start Dating