10 Meaningful Ways to travel as a Single Woman

Ever had visions of you lounging by the beach with a drink in your hand and a book waiting to be read?

Dreams of you walking through historic buildings, visiting the tomb of Christ, while also enjoying an array of delectable dishes?

If you’re anything like me, then you love to travel.

You love the chance to see different places and experience different cultures but yet, you don’t. These dreams remain just that, dreams. Lost in the recesses of your mind.

For me, there’s this incredible feeling when I’m about to take a trip, even if it’s just to the next state. There’s a deep sense of adventure, and the chance to explore the landscape and learn about diverse cultures and people.

How about you? Why do you like traveling?

But more importantly, why do you think you never go?

Perhaps, you had been hoping to travel but keep finding reasons not to go, some of the major reasons I have heard over the years are:

1. Not enough money
2. Not enough time
3. Don’t want to travel alone – for security, companionship and status reasons.

These all sound like valid reasons but they could also be excuses, our way of waiting for the perfect moment (which doesn’t exist).

I have met many single women who say they will travel when they get married and I wonder why they want to wait for something that is out of their control (marriage) to do something within their control (travel). 

But one common thread amongst these reasons is that they are all stopping us from pursuing our dreams of travel.

If you believe you don’t have enough money, that might not change even when you have more money since your tastes will increase as your bank account fattens. ?

Today, I want to share some amazing tips to help you stop dreaming and start doing. I have used some of these and plan to try others.

10 travel tips for single women

Most of these tips will help you save money, explore unexpected places and also make the most of your trips.

 

1. Travel during off peak seasons

There are certain seasons that are popular times to travel; the usual ones are Christmas, summer holidays, Easter break and spring break.

To get the most out of your trip, in terms of money and time, you may consider traveling during the low travel periods.

Tickets are usually cheaper during the off peak periods. Think about it, for tourists, the worst time to go to a cold place is when its at its coldest same for a hot place. But for you, you can make it work.

Going to most parts of the Middle East in June-July is like living in a sauna but you will get great airline and hotel rates.

 

2. Join tour groups or associations

Over the last year or so, I have met several single women who traveled with tour groups. Some of these were informal groups formed by people with similar interests, (I recently met some ladies who were part of a travel group for women of color). There are also a few Christian tour groups and country specific groups.

Tourmate organizes trips around Nigeria and Africa.

Some of the advantages of group travel can also be its disadvantages:

• Safety
• Trying to fit in/get to know everyone
• Not enough time to do some activities because there are too many people.

 

3. Go with a friend 

Do you have a friend or two who share your love of travel? Perhaps its time you all planned a trip together. Find time to talk about your travel interests and what would work for each of you.

Remember not to get lost in the planning. If you spend all the time planning and never actually travel then it would be all a waste, right?

So, be decisive.

Know what works for each of you and learn to compromise.

The good thing about traveling with friends, beyond all the awesome late night conversations, is that you also get to save money and you will feel safer with someone you know rather than people in a tour group.

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4. Stay in a hostel or look for families/churches in that city

You can consider cheaper accommodation options like motels, hostels or even families or churches who are willing to take in tourists.

It’s easier to get free room/board for one person than if you have two or more people. I have a friend who has travelled to a lot of countries and most of these came with free accommodation.

 

5. Always ask about offers – airline, hotel, restaurants, parks etc. 

Most airlines usually have promos and offers at different times in the year.

While I have visions of someone giving me free tickets to visit any country of my choice, that hasn’t happened…yet. So, for now, I browse hotel and airline websites to check for offers and promos. By God’s grace, I’ve gotten some pretty good deals.

One memorable one was in 2016. I had wanted to attend a conference but had not gotten a go-ahead from the Holy Spirit (yes, I involve God in all my travel plans). He finally gave the green light two days to the date I had wanted to leave by. I remember thinking, “God, how will I possibly get a cheap ticket at this point”.

Ladies, please don’t limit God.

Would you believe that when I checked for flights, a few minutes later, I saw the lowest rates than I had ever seen and after I bought my tickets the prices went back up. Who says God can’t stop the clock for us?! 🙂

6. Travel light

There are so many benefits to traveling light.

For one thing, you don’t have to log a lot around and you get to save money: there are more transportation options and no extra baggage fees.

With little luggage, you can use a bus or train rather than a taxi. You could also walk if your destination is not too far.

While I say this, I know it’s not always easy to travel light especially if you are a ‘closet shopaholic’ or always over pack. But this is definitely an option to consider.

 

7. Look for alternative means of transportation 

Have you considered that there may be other options to get to your preferred destination?

This could mean going by road rather than by air, taking a train, rather than a car.

Of course, this works best with short trips, within neighbouring states and countries.

 

8. Try a different route 

I have a confession to make: I have no allegiance to any airlines or routes, I am quick to move from one airline to the next if I believe I can get a better deal.

I once took a 14hour flight(with a 5hr stop over) because it was cheaper than the direct flight which was 6hours. Though I felt foolish after that particular flight.??

So, it had been a promo flight with a chance of a free flight if I flew a few more times with the airline. Don’t know why I even considered it since I didn’t fly with them for a few years after that, thereby losing the miles.

So, while I would suggest you consider a cheaper route, please also consider your time (because time is money) and how it affects your trip.

These days, I consider the impact of using a different route and I have had some pleasant experiences doing this.

 

9. Make it short and sweet

Nothing says you have to travel for a long period to have an amazing time. I have had some incredibly short but satisfying trips. Like the time I was in Jersey Island for 3days.

Any thing more may have been an over kill.

It was a small island and I got the chance to see most of it. I had also gone during the winter months so the ticket and accommodation fees were reasonable

10. Volunteer with a Mission Agency or Charity

Do you have a heart that longs to help others? Then you should consider volunteering with domestic or foreign missions/charities. Many of these are looking for volunteers to help out in different areas. Many times, these opportunities come with room and board but you may need to pay your airfare.

As a single woman, you are generally more flexible time and responsibility wise, which means you may be able to take on volunteer opportunities in different parts of your country or the world.

Please pray about it and ensure that you believe God is leading you to take on such opportunities. They can be incredibly satisfying but may lead to big life changes.

 

Make it Impactful

While I love traveling, I have also realized that it needs to be purposeful.

As I have grown as a Christian and a woman, I have realized the import of this scripture:

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.”

1 Corinthians 10:23

Don’t just travel because you can travel. Find out why you want to travel.

I remember a particular year when I didn’t get to travel. It felt like something was missing. When I dug deeper, I realized that I had become entitled, believing I had to travel every year. This was the wrong mindset and it took me not traveling to realize I was abusing the blessing and opportunity I had been given.

What about you? What fuels your love of travel; is it to show off, to be the most traveled amongst your peers, or the best dressed?

As Christians, our motives matter in everything we do for God looks at the heart.

The Bible says:

“All the ways of man are clean in his own sight but the Lord weighs the motives.”

Proverbs 16:2

These days, I’m more intentional about my trips, even if it’s just to the next city. I start with asking God for his plans. He knows I love to travel and I have seen how he has weaved this into my work with him.

Sis, God is so intentional.

You may think that when you serve God you won’t be able to “enjoy” life or do the things you love to do.

But that’s not true. One thing I’ve seen is that you will do better things. He will make those trips more purposeful. He is willing and able to direct your path, whether or not that involves travel. Lean into him and allow him to lead you.

So, what are your reasons for traveling? Here are a few reasons why some of us travel:

1. To rest (personal retreats)
2. For a conference or training
3. To visit loved ones
4. To volunteer
5. To shop and explore different places

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Your Travel Bucket List

So after all that has been said, I’m curious about you.

Do you have a travel bucket list (a list of all the places you want to go to)?

Well, it’s time you created one, but here’s a little twist. It will not be your usual bucket list but one you will create prayerfully and purposefully.

Ready?

Alright, get to it!!

All the best, Sis. Above all, I pray you make the most of your singleness.

Remember, God has you in mind:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11