At Bold Spirit Travel, we lead all-women trips. We hear the following all the time from women thinking about joining an adventure:

• “I’ve never flown internationally by myself before.”
• “I’ve never gone a trip by myself.”
• “Who is going to watch my stuff while I use the restroom at the airport?”

Does this sound familiar?

Flying internationally solo can feel intimidating. A lot of us have been there. But honestly? The buildup in your head is usually much worse than the actual experience. Sometimes you’ve just gotta channel your inner Nike ad and… well, just do it. Choose nonstop flights whenever possible to make the journey less stressful.

If you’ve never gone on a trip by yourself, just know that most of the women on our tours come solo. For many guests, it’s their first time traveling alone, and in some cases, their first time out of the USA. Remember, you will not be alone for long because you’ll be meeting up with a group of women who can’t wait to be your buddies for the next 7-10 days!

For example, on the May 2026 Amalfi Coast trip in Italy, you will need to fly into the Naples airport alone. But once you’re there, our crew will pick you up and take you to the hotel. Then, you’re with the guides and the other guests for the rest of the week.

You’re alone, but not really. If something were to happen and you needed help, there are trained tour leaders to make sure you’re taken care of. You can relax and feel supported.

Coming by yourself on a group trip is a great step toward solo travel. Every time you challenge yourself to take a solo journey, you’re showing the worried part of your brain that everything is just fine. It will get easier and easier. You might even find that you like traveling solo…you don’t have to compromise with anyone: you make the rules, decide on what to see, choose the restaurant to go to, etc.

But what about eating alone at restaurants? Isn’t that sad? 

Well, no, we don’t think so. It’s a chance to people-watch, to write in your journal, to read, to enjoy your food, and to talk to other travelers (or locals) and make a new friend. And, when you’re on a group trip, you’re included in lots of communal meals. On off nights? Grab another solo travel amiga and go check out the nearby pub or osteria together.

Ready to take the brave step to travel solo in 2026? Great! Join our all-women trips in Costa Rica, Iceland, Scotland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Greece, and more. You can see all your options right here: Solo travel for women 2026.

We know there’s lots to worry about when trying to plan a solo trip. But remember, “worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength” (Corrie Ten Boom).

Put your anxieties aside and go. It will be so worth it once you’re savoring a gelato in Sorrento with a new group of travel friends.

Regina Winkle-Bryan is a writer, educator, and avid globetrotter based in Seattle, Washington. She founded Bold Spirit Travel to help women connect and create community while exploring our vast and beautiful planet She leads all-women, small-group tours to Italy, Costa Rica, and her corner of the USA, the Pacific Northwest. She lived in Spain for a decade and loves to take guests along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, as well as curated trips to Barcelona and the Costa Brava. Learn more about where you can travel next with Bold Spirit Travel: www.boldspirittravel.com Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.