I’m back in London after a short stint working abroad as a consultant in the lush Caribbean island of Nevis (the sister island of St Kitts), and I have to ask myself – does that count as solo travel if it’s technically a work trip? Either way, when my contract was extended another month, I took it as a sign to use my evenings and weekends wisely. And I did just that. I started creating content again, soaking up the beauty and culture of the Caribbean, and reconnecting with the part of myself that had gone quiet for a while.
Before I launched My Soho Times, I was an avid solo traveller, documenting my adventures on my blog, TravelmakerKai: A Black British Girl’s Perspective of a Global Village. But somewhere between running a business and the day-to-day hustle, the blog began gathering digital dust.
So imagine my excitement when shortly before returning to London, I received an invite to attend Lonely Planet’s Solo Female Travel book launch brunch and Q&A. It felt like the universe was offering me a clear affirmation – travel is not just what I did, it’s who I still am.
Celebrating Women’s Journeys in Solo Travel
Gathered at The Nest, Treehouse Hotel London (just a short stroll from Oxford Circus), the event offered breathtaking views over London’s skyline… A beautiful reminder that our city truly is the connecting capital of the world, linking us to almost any country we can imagine.
Lonely Planet’s Women Travel Solo is an inspiring collection of 30 uplifting stories from extraordinary women who have embraced the empowering adventure of travelling the world alone. This book serves as a vibrant guide for female explorers everywhere, filled with heartfelt advice and insights from each woman about the valuable lessons they’ve learned, the unforgettable moments they cherish, and the profound ways their journeys have transformed them. Also featured are enlightening experiences from a spirited nomad, an enthusiastic cyclist, a creative circus artist, a woman celebrating sobriety, and many more remarkable individuals.
Featured in the book and gracing the panel was author and travel content creator Stephanie Yeboah, who shared some golden advice for the ‘Type A’ personalities in the room. Her top solo travel tips included:
- Write an itinerary of what you want to do
- Pre-book activities in advance
- Pack a week ahead and be practical about what you bring
- Know the emergency numbers of the country you’re visiting
- Have Plans A, B, and C
- Stay vigilant (“constant vigilance” was her catchphrase!)
- Use apps like Bumble BFF to meet new people and build community on the road
This event reminded me that solo travel isn’t just about independence, about moving through the world on your own terms, even if that world is your own city. It felt like a warm welcome back to a community I didn’t realise I missed so much.
So here’s your sign, too. Whether you’re flying to faraway islands or just hopping across the city, there’s a solo travel journey waiting for you. And who knows? Maybe, like me, it’s time to dust off that old blog or journal and start writing about travel again.
Lonely Planet Women Travel Solo: 30 Inspiring Stories of Adventure, Curiosity and the Power of Self-Discovery (Hardback, £17.99, available here)
Written by Kai Lutterodt aka The Soho Girl @the.soho.girl (and somewhere deep down still, @travelmakerkai | www.travelmakerkai.com).
Share your thoughts in the comment box below!
More from the blog:
Get social with us – follow and tag us! @mysohotimes #MySohoTimes
Special Offers – Straight to Your Inbox!
Receive the latest news, events, and discounts from our partners in a MONTHLY newsletter… Ready to join the club?
MY SOHO TIMES 