Travelling solo as a woman can be one of the most empowering experiences of your life. It's a chance to explore the world on your own terms, gain confidence, and connect deeply with the cultures and places you visit.
But as we embrace the freedom of solo travel, it's equally important to consider the impact of our journeys on the environment and local communities. It can also be a daunting task for first-time travellers. Planning a sustainable adventure allows you to travel responsibly while enjoying all the benefits of solo exploration.
As a female traveller who has taken many solo trips, I have learned the importance of trip planning and organisation while considering how to be mindful when I travel. Finding a balance can sometimes be challenging, but as more sustainable options appear, we are heading into a more eco-conscious future, making travelling sustainably more obtainable.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan your eco-friendly solo trip, along with some pro tips and eco-friendly options in Europe.
Relaxed shopping at a market in Palma De Mallorca, Spain. Photograph by Gabriel Mccallin, Unsplash.
1. Research eco-conscious destinations
The first step in planning a sustainable solo adventure is to search for destinations that prioritise sustainability and are eco-conscious. Look for places committed to eco-friendly practices such as protecting natural resources, promoting conservation, sustainable tourism and supporting local communities. Countries such as Slovenia, Portugal and Norway are known for their commitment to environmental protection.
However, many more are considering more sustainable tourism options. Websites like Exploreo can optimise your research by offering eco-conscious tours and European stays.
Pro tip: Slovenia is considered one of Europe's greenest tourist destinations. Ljubljana, for example, has a vehicle-free centre and a wide variety of sustainable tourism options country-wide.
Eco-friendly option: Ditch the rental car and enjoy an exhilarating adventure through Slovenia by raft, bike, or hiking. Book a tour through Exploreo, like this hike, bike and raft tour in Slovenia and offset your trip's carbon emissions.
The Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria in Lake Bled, Slovenia Photograph by Neven Krcmarek Unsplash
2. Find sustainable transport options
Once you have chosen your eco-conscious destination, it's time to think about how to get there. Transport is one of the most significant contributors to a traveller's carbon footprint, and being solo might make a flight seem more efficient.
To minimise your impact, choose sustainable transport options such as trains, buses and ride shares whenever possible. For longer journeys, consider trains instead of flying as your impact will be considerably less, sometimes up to 10 times less. Using tools such as ecopassenger.org can help you calculate the difference.
Pro tip: Europe has a fantastic rail network, which makes train travel an excellent eco-friendly option. Sleeper trains allow you to explore several countries efficiently and sustainably whilst having almost ten times less of an impact when compared to flying.
Eco-friendly option: Visit eight countries over 19 days by rail on this incredible European highlights city tour, which can be booked on Exploreo.
3. Support local businesses to encourage sustainable tourism
It might sound obvious, but it isn’t always practised. Supporting local businesses can significantly impact the destinations you visit and help you have a more authentic and sustainable adventure. One of the best ways to make your trip more sustainable is to stay in locally owned guesthouses, homestays, eco-lodges and B&Bs instead of large commercial hotels.
When buying groceries, visit the local produce markets rather than supermarkets, and of course, when eating out, find restaurants that use locally grown or sourced ingredients that offer traditional recipes. Not only does this help the local economy, but you are also giving back to local communities and encouraging the preservation of seasonal farming. This is also a great way to have a shared experience; as a solo traveller, staying with locals can help you build friendships and relationships and help curb loneliness.
Pro tip: In Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Spain, and Italy, farm stays are a fantastic way to experience local culture while supporting small businesses growing local produce.
Eco-friendly option: Check out this cute cottage on the Greek Island of Crete. It is just 12km from the bustling historic port city of Chania, where you can enjoy being immersed in the tranquil countryside.
Local fruits displayed at Mercado De La Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain. Photograph by Jacopo Maiarelli, Unsplash.
4. Choose eco-friendly activities
Hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching are all great options for solo travellers who want to enjoy nature responsibly. Outdoor activities, walking tours, and human-powered excursions are better ways to explore an area than more commercial excursions such as boat trips and hop-on, hop-off buses, etc. When choosing activities for your trip, prioritise those that have a low environmental impact and that support local guides and eco-tourism.
Pro tip: Consider booking an eco-tour to learn about local wildlife preservation. If you are in a city, look for a suitable walking tour that teaches you about local history, traditions, and ways of life.
Eco-friendly option: Why not turn your trip into a low-impact active holiday? Enjoy skiing across the beautiful winter wonderland of Norway on this cross-country ski trip.
5. Get off the beaten path
Visiting smaller, less commercialised destinations can be a great experience for solo female travellers. Less popular destinations tend to have more localised restaurant options, tours and accommodation options. This suits the more adventurous traveller looking for a more rustic and meaningful experience.
Sometimes, it can be challenging in major tourist destinations to meet people and make connections that aren’t a transaction. In smaller towns and villages, you are more likely to interact genuinely as people can be more curious and often more welcoming.
Pro tip: Focus on up-and-coming areas of Europe, such as Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Baltics. They tend to be less crowded and have some of Europe's best-kept natural beauty.
Eco-friendly option: The Baltics are closely knit together and can make for a great road trip experience. Why not consider the Baltic Experience where you visit all three countries and witness their wonderful national parks, homemade food and calm nature.
Check out the views over the Vršič Pass in the Julian Alps in Slovenia. Photograph by Jasper Van Der Meij, Unsplash.
6. Offset your carbon footprint
Your carbon footprint is one of the most notable elements of travel today and can influence where you decide to go. Even with the best intentions of offsetting your journey, some carbon emissions are inevitable when travelling. Adapting your travel, such as using trains over flying, will help reduce your impact, but you should also consider how to offset your impact.
Pro Tip: While researching destinations, look into what local areas are doing to help with emissions, as this may impact how you move about when you are at your destination.
Eco-friendly option: Why not consider booking through a sustainable booking platform such as Exploreo.com, which takes care of your carbon emissions so you can have a guilt-free adventure.
The Arco De Triunfo De Barcelona in Spain. Photograph by Toa Heftiba, Unsplash.
7. Pack light and smart
Did you consider your luggage contributing to your carbon footprint? When we travel, we don’t always think about how what we bring can impact our journey. Packing light is not only liberating, but it also reduces your carbon footprint.
The heavier your luggage, the more fuel is needed to transport it. Choose a minimalist packing list that includes versatile clothing made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton or recycled fabrics.
Pro tip: Use packing cubes to help organise your luggage more efficiently so you don’t need a giant bag. Pack multi-purpose items, such as a sarong that can be used as a beach towel, blanket, or scarf.
Eco-friendly option: Consider bringing eco-friendly toiletries and reusable containers such as water bottles and coffee cups to avoid single-use plastics and reduce your impact on the area you visit.
Share your adventure stories with Exploreo and inspire others. Photograph by Ashlyn Ciara, Unsplash.
8. Share your journey to inspire others
After your trip, take some time to reflect on your experiences and consider the impact it had on the environment. If you choose to book sustainably, then make sure to share this with others. Highlighting the sustainable practices you adopted and the lessons you learned is valuable for others considering a more eco-conscious trip.
Pro tip: Sharing your sustainable travel tips on social media can help spread the word and encourage others to think more sustainably when they travel. Also, review your guides, tours, and bookings, as this will help sustainable options become more common and inspire tour operators to improve so they can continue down an eco-conscious path.
Solo travel is a fantastic way to see a new country or place, and doing it sustainably makes the journey even more rewarding. Not only will you learn about a new culture, but you will also be more aware of our impact on local communities and how we can shape the future of sustainable travel. Travelling solo as a female can be an empowering experience. It can be gratifying to witness your actions' positive impact on the local people you meet along the way and the beautiful places being preserved.