Q&A: Globetrotter Breffni Horgan Talks Solo Female Travel

In my role at Hostelworld, I have the privilege of meeting with and hearing from travelers from all over the globe. This year especially, Ive noticed an increase in female travelers touting just how important it is to meet the worldits life changing , you get to meet new people , it builds confidence and so on. But we still see articles published every single day that tell women to use common sense like you would anywhere else or to be wary of certain destinations that have been deemed as unsafe. Its a confusing space in which women are told to explore the world, but also told to be on guard, to pick only safe destinations, to limit themselves.

To unpack the importance of solo travel and dispel common myths that discourage women from having once in a lifetime experiences, I sat down with Hostelworlds Director of Product, Breffni Horgan. Breffni is an avid traveler who has been traveling solo for years. She knows the ins and outs and shes here to get real about solo female travel.

Q: What first inspired you to travel solo, and what did you learn from those experiences?

Luckily for me, I was encouraged to travel solo from quite an early age by my parents, going to Spain and France to learn the local languages. It opened my eyes to other cultures, was the best way to immerse myself in the language and led to some unforgettable memories. I once stayed with a host family in Spain where I learned how to make cider, Spanish tortilla and embraced the five-hour Sunday lunches, which brought every relative within a 20-mile radius of the family together.

The next opportunity I had to travel solo was as a young college student. I spent a summer traveling and working in San Francisco. That summer I had countless life experiences that would never have found me in a small town on the south coast of IrelandI went to my first gay club, attended Pride, rollerbladed through Golden Gate Park, visited the most amazing vineyards in Napa and made lifelong friends. There was something so liberating about moving to a new place and leaving the comforts of home behind. It became a catalyst for putting myself out there and experiencing things in life that I might otherwise have been afraid to do in a more traditional setting.

Q: What is your number one piece of advice for women interested in traveling solo?

Never let anyone tell you that you cant. I think a lot of women are afraid to travel solo because theyve been told its not possible or its not safe. Dont let that stop you. If youve done your research, planned wisely and have set your mind on traveling, you will succeed, and it will change your life. Everyone tells you that traveling will make you more confident, that youll find yourself, that youll be creatively inspired. Thats all true, but only if you take a chance on solo travel and embrace the challenges that will inevitably pop up along the way.

Q: What can travelers do to make the most out of their solo travel adventures?

First and foremost, find your tribe and connect with fellow travelers. You may have set out on your own, but theres nothing like meeting new people and finding a few new travel buddies along your journey. Try participating in local groups, meetups or recreational sports leagues. This can be a great way to connect with people over shared interests and learn about other cultures first-hand.

While youll likely spend most of your time exploring and meeting new people, its also important to stay in touch with friends and family back home. Thanks to platforms like Skype and WeChat, its easy to keep in touch with friends and family while you travel. Staying in touch can stave off homesickness (weve all been there) and can make your solo travel experience more enjoyable.

Finally, give it time. Being in a new place by yourself can be overwhelming. The reality is that you might not feel at home right away, but dont panic. It typically takes a week or so to settle in, especially if this is your first time travelling solo.

Q: Are there any destinations that are particularly well suited for solo travelers?

It all depends on the individual traveler and the kinds of experiences they want to have. That said, there are a number of cities around the globe that are known for being welcoming and social. In fact, Hostelworld recently conducted a study to identify some of the most social cities out there. If youre looking to meet new people and have some unforgettable adventures, its worth visiting Gothenburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Madrid. For those interested in traveling domestically, Chicago, Boston and New York are all great options as well.