Females Moving Abroad Solo: 8 Tips to Master Expat Life Alone

Moving abroad or traveling alone can be intimidating for everyone, especially for a woman looking to do it solo.

We all know that the world can be dangerous, but it is also beautiful if you give it half a chance. With enough preparation and your wits about you, mastering expat life alone does not have to be such a challenge.

Leaving your home country to move to another one, no matter how temporary, can trigger your anxiety and leave you wanting to quit.

Do not give up on your traveling dreams! 

Follow these eight tips below to help make the transition easier and more enjoyable than it is stressful:

• Comfort Zones

When moving to a new country as a single female, it will be easy to get stuck in a comfort zone.

Comfort zones are where adventurous spirits die, so before you order in for the sixth night in a row in your PJs – take a shower and head out.

Be wary of getting too comfortable in a routine. The whole point of moving to a new country alone is to get out there and explore. Life is for living, not re-watching your favorite TV series because you are too afraid to experience new things.

• Self-Confidence

Learning to be comfortable in your skin is often easier said than done.

Both women and men struggle with self-confidence issues, but women are often more comfortable talking about it.

Start by researching your new home country in detail, the more you know about it the more confident you will be when deciding where to go and what to do.

You are capable of handling this adventure, and you are stronger than you believe.

• Safety

Something all women know, across all nationalities and sexual preferences, is that the need for safety while traveling is paramount.

Keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended.

Do not trust strangers, no matter how friendly they seem. Under no circumstances should you accept a parcel from a stranger or someone you have just met.

These tips are not designed to scare you off traveling, but merely to make you aware of your surroundings while you are alone.

Ensure that someone always knows what your plans are, whether that is a colleague in your new country or a friend back home – as long as someone knows where you are that will help.

• Travel Insurance

For women moving abroad solo, prioritize insurance with robust medical and cancellation coverage.

Research international insurance plans and find the one best suited to your needs. You must find a comprehensive plan by reviewing options and policies from reputable providers.

It is essential to get a plan that offers coverage for medical expenses and other risks while traveling.

Moving abroad does not have to be forever, even if you only plan to be there for a year or two, travel insurance is a non-negotiable for a successful experience overseas. 

• Make New Friends

Not everyone wants to live in an expat community when they first arrive.

For a single woman, moving to a city with expats and locals is the first prize. There are always places to hang out where you can feel comfortable going alone at first and make new friends over time.

Start by introducing yourself to someone new and let social nature take it from there. One person will introduce you to their friends and colleagues, and you will get invited to parties and hangouts before you know it.

• Stay In Contact With Home

Homesickness is tougher when traveling alone – there is no way around that.

Traveling alone is more about the overall experience and how your character will grow and develop as a result, but it does come with inevitable downsides.

Help alleviate the intensity of your homesickness by making friends, starting a new hobby, and staying in touch with friends and family.

After you arrive, make it a habit to call or video chat with your loved ones back in your home country. Those regular weekly updates will help you in the long run.

• Learn The Language

Do not assume that everyone speaks English.

While it is true that most first-world countries will offer services such as transport and shopping in an English-friendly way, learning your new country’s native language is the respectful thing to do.

Even if you never get fluent, every little bit helps and will also help you make friends.

There are countless language courses and apps available online, or you could start by joining a class in your new country.

• Get To Know Yourself Better

Traveling alone will teach you more about yourself than you ever thought possible.

It is one of the most effective ways to find out what makes you tick and what your priorities truly are.

Take this as an opportunity to delve deeper into the psychology of what makes you, well… you.

In Conclusion

Nothing worth having in life ever comes easy.

Remember this when you start this new chapter in your life – hit refresh and take every day as it comes.