A Woman’s Perspective: Solo Traveling and Group Women’s Trips

Written By Gina Foresta

Three months ago, I tried two different styles of travel; both for the first time and both on the same trip. As a divorced woman with one child out of college and one child in, I had the unique opportunity to make travel decisions without having to factor anyone else in. I have a 7-year-old dog who depends on me, but I knew he’d be pampered by my neighbor, and he also has no abstract concept of time. Now, in my 50s, I certainly do have a full concept of time, and it’s elapsing annoyingly fast. When an announcement of an open slot on a women’s trip in Portugal led by a woman I trusted popped up in my inbox, I hit Register without looking back. 

I have never traveled alone in another country. Someone was always with me or waiting for me on the other side. At some point in life, I was mistakenly ingrained with societal messages that it was too dangerous or too hard for a woman. For example, when I told a fellow male friend my plans to travel to Portugal alone, he asked, “Aren’t you scared?” In fact, Portugal is ranked seventh among the safest countries by the Global Peace Index. United States? We are ranked 131. I liked my odds. 

Signing up for a group trip was the perfect way to solo travel with training wheels. I booked my flight to arrive two days ahead of meeting the group to allow both the experience of traveling alone and acclimating to a new time zone. I flew into Lisbon where the majority of residents speak some English. Lesson number one: understand tipping policies in a new country. After my ride from the airport to my hotel, I accidentally gave my cab driver a 75% tip. I settled into my lovely hotel, and then headed out to explore. 

Lisbon is a beautifully walkable city. Sneakers or nonstick sandals are a must as many of their walkways are tile. My left hip can attest to that after an embarrassing wipe out. I wandered through residential streets, down busy thoroughfares laden with inviting storefronts, up deceptively steep hills and along the oceanfront. I packed a book for solo dining and chose a bar seat at a cozy restaurant. My server spoke little English and I little Portuguese, and we ping-ponged “How do you say?” questions between us. When I walked back to my hotel in the dark, neighbors were out sipping wine and watching soccer at cafes, and families were taking evening strolls. I never felt in danger.      

Despite jet lag's insistence on being my travel companion the next day, I still went out to explore. However, I allowed myself to come back and nap when I needed. For the first time in a long time, I was responsible for no one else but myself. No one needed me, no one expected me, I could choose whatever I wanted to do whenever I wanted to do it, and I needed no permission or other opinion. I could finally hear what my body needed and could trust my instincts — and it felt liberating. 

On the third day, I met the group of 12 other women I would travel with for the next six days. We were from all over the United States and Canada, ranged from ages 39-70 and had a passion for heritage crafts, especially ceramics and textiles. Our guides, author and photographer Christine Chitnis and writer Megan McEwen led us west to smaller towns and villages in the Alentejo region. We visited Estromoz, Aeriolish, Masaraz, Evora, Redondo and more to meet artisan craftsman, some Unesco protected, and enter the world of Portuguese traditional arts. We stayed at two gorgeous properties on land with rich histories, ate incredible traditional meals, drank local wine, took sunrise countryside walks among sheep, cows and cork trees, swam in icy pools and chatted like long-lost sisters.

Indeed, this group of women seemed magical. We all got along, no one got sick or hurt, and we all had similar or relatable life stories about relationships or healing or creativity. Among us, we had two medical doctors, three writers, a bookshop owner, a food tour organizer, an art dealer, a podcaster, a vision therapist and more. It only took six days to create likely lifelong friendships. We have already planned a second trip together.

Those two days of getting to know myself in a new way in a different country bolstered me to step out of my comfort zone and join a group of strangers. I felt confident and accepted and didn't have to wear any other hat except the one I chose for me. Just as I know I will travel with these women again, I know I will travel alone again, and I now crave it. I can’t wait to see more of the world, and I look forward to getting to know myself again there. 

When one is solo traveling, safety is always a factor. In addition, some of the safer places come with a hefty price tag. After navigating travel abroad on my own, learning where I could have cut costs and how I could have prepared better, I have compiled a list of helpful tips. Take these to heart, then book that flight. It is never too late or too early to explore the world. 

Make Flying More Comfortable to Save Money 

Instead of paying up for a more comfortable roomy seat, employ a few simple travel tools to make your seat in coach more comfortable. Save your money for a nicer hotel room or more experiences while traveling.

Safety Suggestions

Despite how safe the country or area you travel to may be, it is always wise to protect your belongings, identification and person, especially when traveling alone. 

  • Use a cross-body bag as a purse with a secure zipper to minimize theft opportunities. 

  • Don't keep your phone in your back pocket.

  • Don't walk with headphones on or walk alone looking at your phone and not at your surroundings.

  • Prepare your route, or at least understand how to read a map of the city you are in. In addition, obtain a paper map in case your phone looses service. 

  • Pack a portable phone charger.

Plan Ahead

  • Allow enough time between destinations to reduce stress and find your way more easily.

  • If possible, allow 1-2 buffer days to acclimate at the beginning of a trip and a day to recuperate at home before jumping back into work.

  • Research any possible illnesses or bacterial infections that are more prevalent in your destination country.

  • Pack essential remedies for emergencies, including Oreganol brand oil for bacterial stomach discomfort, pain medication, immune-boosting drink powders (Emer-gen-C), masks, etc. 

  • Consult your doctor as to whether it is wise to travel with a Z-Pak, a pre-packaged, 5-day course of the generic antibiotic medication azithromycin used to treat a variety of common bacterial infections.

Respect Your Destination's Culture

  • Learn necessary phrases for basic respectful communication: Good morning, Good evening, Thank you, Please, Where is...?, My name is..., Goodbye, etc.

  • Understand tipping expectations or protocol.

  • Research cultural taboos, societal norms and attire preferences.

Gina Foresta
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