Carly Answers Your Questions

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First and foremost, just book it! Solo traveling can be intimidating, and being a solo female traveler you need to think about safety first and foremost. With that being said, the most difficult step to overcome can be booking the trip itself. Book it, then spend some time researching your destination before you arrive (so you can spend time enjoying the destination while you're there!) and then go! 

A few more quick tips:

• Find a destination that feels right. It's okay and totally normal to be nervous to venture out into the world on your own. When this feeling creeps up, try to remember that the nerves will melt away and you'll more than likely have an incredible time. You can see what you want, eat where you want, and not have to worry about anyone or anything but yourself. It is freeing, and I think everyone should experience a solo trip at least once in their life!
• Book airport transfers and shuttles ahead if possible. Or at least find what company you will be using and how to find them! Find a reputable company with good reviews on google to put your mind at ease before you arrive
• Don't try to pack too much into one trip! Try to stay at least two nights in each destination or city, preferably more, or otherwise you'll feel like you're constantly packing and unpacking
• Book tours! I have used Viator, Get Your Guide, and others to book walking tours, day trips, and even a multi-day tour through the Scottish Highlands. It's a great way to meet people along the way, too :)
• It's okay to feel lonely sometimes, anxious to go out to that restaurant or bar alone, or feel nervous to go take on the world alone. The best advice I can give on that, take it one step at a time. Tell yourself you'll go for an appetizer, or explore the city for a 20 minute walk. Chances are, once you're doing it, you'll be having a great time and forget you were ever nervous at all :)

Many people (honestly, most people) will wait until their partner, their friends, and their family agree to travel with them before they ever think to go on their own. However, time off, differing budgets, and differing desired destinations, or others not wanting to travel at all, can hugely road block those trips from ever happening at all. And while you may feel hesitant or self-concious to travel alone, I think it will always, always beat never traveling at all.

 It's okay and totally normal to be nervous to take your first solo trip. When this feeling creeps up, try to remember that the nerves will melt away and you'll more than likely have an incredible time. You can see what you want, eat where you want, and not have to worry about anyone or anything but yourself. And if you stay in hostels and other socially-centric accommodations, you'll most likely end up making a ton of new friends along the way. It is freeing, and I think everyone should experience a solo trip at least once in their life!

While everyone always loves a good summer vacation, I recommend traveling the shoulders of peak seasons (peak season will change given your destination). It's cheaper, less crowded, but still typically ideal weather. 

For example, Italy in September is much less hot, much less crowded, and can be cheaper both to fly and stay. You'll thank me when you have some space to breath with a cool breeze while wandering those narrow cobblestone streets!

As a single woman, I try to book stays in populated areas and near public transportation, train stations, etc. A great budget option are hostels with private rooms and bathrooms, and you'll usually find lots of other solo travelers in hostels, too. 

I love to treat myself to a night or two at a luxury destination if I can swing it. Otherwise, I'd rather prioritize spending on tours, sightseeing, and eating some really good food :)