The Solo Shift: How Women Are Redefining Confidence, Connection, and Adventure Through Travel

Beyond the thrill of a new destination, solo travel offers something quieter but more profound: the chance to move through the world without compromise, to make choices entirely for yourself, and to reconnect with the parts of you that often get lost in the noise. It’s not always easy, but that’s part of what makes it transformative. Whether it’s a quick weekend escape or a bigger leap into the unfamiliar, going solo has a way of shifting how women see themselves and what they believe they’re capable of.

Stephanie Yeboah, a writer and body confidence advocate, found solo travel after years of cancelled birthday plans and unmet expectations. What started as a plan B quickly became a tool for self-celebration and personal growth. Francesca Specter, author and host of Alonement, built a platform around the value of time alone and discovered that traveling solo offered the same kind of clarity and confidence she explores in her work. Together, their stories speak to how being alone doesn’t mean being lost, it can mean being more fully at home in yourself.

This conversation is part of our lead-up to Women Travel Solo, a live event at Treehouse Hotel London on 31 May, hosted in partnership with Lonely Planet. We’re celebrating the launch of their new book Women Travel Solo: 30 Inspiring Stories and introducing our new Solo Travel package, designed to support and inspire guests taking their own solo journey.

Reclaiming the Journey with Stephanie Yeboah, Author & Content Creator

You have shared so much about reclaiming confidence and space. How did solo travel become part of that story for you?

For me, solo travel started as a way to celebrate myself after frequent disappointments when attempting to celebrate my birthday with others. After years of not being able to celebrate, I decided to take the bull by the horns and travel alone in a bid to learn more about myself, push my boundaries and develop new life skills. As an introvert, I’ve often found it difficult to be able to connect and socialise with others, however since travelling solo, I’ve been able to develop my skills in socialising with strangers, as well as retaining connections. Because of this, it’s amped up my confidence tenfold.

Solo travel has also taught me to take up space physically as a plus size traveller, being able to wear different clothes in warmer weather without feeling self conscious is a skill that can take years to learn if you suffer from low self confidence like I used to. Solo travel has definitely improved my self confidence and self love for my body.

In your experience, how does being a woman travelling alone shape the way you are seen and the way you see the world?

In my experience, there's often a mix of admiration and concern from others. People sometimes see me as brave, adventurous, or even rebellious, but also vulnerable. I’ve encountered kindness from strangers who wanted to protect or help me, but I’ve also had to navigate unwanted attention or assumptions about why I’m alone.

On the flip side, going solo has sharpened my instincts and deepened my empathy, I think. I notice details I might overlook in a group; subtle social cues, the way women interact in different cultures. It’s made me more aware of gender dynamics and safety in public spaces, but also more connected to the quiet strength of women everywhere.

You contributed to Women Travel Solo, sharing your journey about the power of solo travel. What do you hope women take away from your story?

What I hope women can take away from my story is that you don’t need to wait for the approval of others to learn how to love your body fully and unapologetically. You also don’t need to subscribe to the Westernised standards of beauty to be able to love yourself.

What do you say to women who think they need to wait for a partner or more time or the perfect moment before they travel on their own?

I’d say this: stop waiting. The perfect moment is a myth, and you don’t need a partner or permission to explore the world. Waiting for “someday” often turns into never, and life is literally happening right now.
Travelling on your own isn’t about proving anything to anyone; it’s about discovering how capable, curious, and resilient you already are. You’ll meet parts of yourself you didn’t even know were there. Yeah, it can feel scary or uncertain at first, but that’s where the magic lives; on the edge of your comfort zone.

What’s the biggest lesson solo travel has taught you and what would you say to someone who’s scared to take that first leap?

The biggest lesson solo travel has taught me is that I am enough. I can navigate a strange city, sit alone at a café, make decisions under pressure, and find joy in my own company.

To someone scared to take that first leap, I’d say: it’s okay to be scared. You don’t have to be fearless to begin; you just have to be curious enough to try. The first step is the hardest, but it’s also the most powerful. You don’t need a grand itinerary or perfect confidence. You just need to trust that you’ll figure it out as you go. Because you will!

Making Space for Solitude with Francesca Specter

Your podcast Alonement celebrates the power of solo time. How does the concept of solitude shift when you’re exploring a new place on your own?

It becomes a heightened experience. Being in a new environment—especially a beautiful one—feels extraordinary when you’re alone. I often fall in love with solitude all over again while traveling. I can enjoy a meal without interruption, get lost in thought, and linger in moments purely because I want to. There’s something wonderfully indulgent about making all the decisions for yourself.

That said, it can also feel daunting. Every choice, every piece of admin—especially when things go wrong—is on you. But ultimately, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

What destinations would you recommend for someone traveling solo for the first time, and why?

It depends on what you’re after, but as an extrovert, I enjoy vibrant, cosmopolitan cities. These places allow you the freedom to be alone without standing out, but also offer plenty of opportunities to meet people if you crave connection. Some favorites that strike that balance are Mexico City, Paris, Valencia, New York, and Lisbon.

What would you say to a woman who is nervous that eating dinner alone might feel awkward?

Just do it. The hardest part is walking in. Once you’re seated, it gets easier. Ask for a good table (don’t let them seat you near the loos!), dress in a way that feels confident, and bring a book rather than defaulting to your phone. Treat yourself—order that glass of wine or the starter no one else ever wants to share. For me, it’s vitello tonnato.

Solo travel can be intimidating at first. How do you overcome the challenge of loneliness or isolation during solo travel, and turn it into an opportunity for self-discovery?

As I alluded to earlier, planning ahead is so important - even just planning your accommodation and one activity a day can give you the scaffolding of something to look forward to and distract you from feelings of loneliness or self doubt. I also tend to think about opportunities for social interaction daily, even if that’s just a 90 minute free walking tour, or a cookery class themed around the local cuisine, or booking an accommodation where there are opportunities to meet others eg a vibrant rooftop bar or common area - for me, getting those pockets of social interaction allow me to enjoy the solo time more. I also find staying on my phone, and proactively engaging with the world around me helps insure against loneliness (that’s true all the time, not just when travelling).

That said, there will be moments of loneliness - and don’t berate yourself for that being the case. It’s just one emotion, and not a ‘failure’ if you experience it on your solo trip. There are plenty of pitfalls of travelling with others - hanger-induced arguments, for instance - that you’re avoiding by travelling solo. No way is perfect (although solo travel is pretty close, at its best)

What does a perfect solo day look like for you when you're in a new city?

Oh it varies so much! But I can generalise on the ingredients. I love a dose of novelty - whether that’s meeting a new type of person I would never have encountered at home; or an experience like Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) which broadens my mind to a culture I knew nothing about; or encountering a fascinating building on an architectural tour in a style I had no idea existed. I love a delicious meal - highlights with solo dining include swooping in and getting the single bar seat at the restaurant everyone else is queuing for. It’s especially great if the staff are helpful in helping me find something I might like (e.g. letting me sample a couple of wines, or suggesting a half portion so I can try multiple dishes!). I also like an experience of awe, such as a beautiful landscape or a serene European piazza, or a place of worship, which quietens my thoughts and makes me grateful I’m alone, to be ‘at one’ with whatever it is.