Back in 2016, I took my very first solo trip. I booked a flight to Saint Lucia, a place I had seen in dreamy Instagram posts and travel shows. I didn’t know what to expect. I was excited, nervous, and slightly overwhelmed. There were so many unknowns, but I was determined to experience the Caribbean on my own terms.
If you’re thinking about traveling solo for the first time, especially as a woman, let me walk you through some of the things I wish I had known before landing in Saint Lucia. Hopefully, this helps you feel a little more prepared than I was.
Not Every Country Requires a Visa—Even If You’re From Africa
One of the first surprises was that I didn’t need a visa. Coming from an African country, I had gotten used to assuming that travel always involved jumping through bureaucratic hoops. But Saint Lucia was visa-free for me. No embassy appointments. No letters of invitation. Just a valid passport and proof of accommodation.
So before you go into full panic mode about paperwork, double-check your visa requirements. There are actually a number of Caribbean and South American countries that welcome African passport holders without much fuss. It would’ve saved me a lot of stress if I’d checked that earlier.
Mosquitoes Will Find You. Be Ready.
No one warned me about the mosquitoes. I knew the Caribbean had a tropical climate, but I wasn’t prepared for how relentless the bites would be. I didn’t bring proper repellent, and I definitely didn’t know about the importance of reapplying it often.
By the end of the trip, I had clusters of red bumps on my legs that itched for days. You can see the aftermath in one of the photos. Lesson learned. Next time, I’m bringing a miniature bug spray that fits in my carry-on, a citronella bracelet or two, and maybe even a mosquito net if I’m staying somewhere rustic.
And for what it’s worth, that same mini bug spray could double as a self-defense tool in a pinch.
Always Carry Extra Cash in the Local Currency
Saint Lucia accepts Eastern Caribbean dollars, but I assumed I could just tap my card everywhere or find an ATM easily. That was a mistake.
Some of the local markets, beach shacks, and even taxi drivers were cash-only. And in certain areas, ATMs weren’t exactly around the corner. I remember getting a coconut from a vendor and realizing I didn’t have the local cash to pay. He was kind enough to let it slide, but I felt bad.
Since then, I always arrive with at least a small amount of local currency on hand. You don’t need a huge amount, just enough to cover meals, transport, and emergencies for a couple of days.
There Are Travel Apps Designed for Solo Female Travelers
I had no idea that apps existed specifically for women who travel solo. From safety check-ins to community-based alerts, these apps can be incredibly helpful.
Back then, I didn’t know about Tourlina, which connects female travelers with each other, or SafetyWing, which offers travel medical insurance with a global support network. Even apps like Google Maps and Maps.me, which work offline, could have saved me when I got lost near the Sulphur Springs.
If I were doing that trip today, I’d definitely download a few of these ahead of time and make sure they were ready to go before I landed.
Reddit Has Honest Reviews About Hotels for Solo Women
I picked my hotel based on the photos on a booking site. It looked cute and clean, and it had a view of the beach. What I didn’t see were the reviews warning that it wasn’t the most secure place for solo travelers. The doors didn’t have proper locks, and it was located far from the main roads.
Later on, I found out there’s a whole community on Reddit where solo women share hotel tips, safety advice, and what to avoid in different cities. If I had known that earlier, I would’ve made a different choice.
It’s now one of the first places I check when I’m planning a trip. Real people, real experiences, and often more helpful than the generic star ratings you see elsewhere.
Pack Smart, Not Just Cute
I packed sundresses, swimsuits, and sandals. All great for the beach and the weather, but I overlooked a few practical items.
What I wish I had brought:
A wearable panic alarm or keychain alarm
A water-resistant crossbody bag that zips completely shut
A flashlight or phone with a strong light for dimly lit areas
The previously mentioned bug spray
A small first aid kit with antiseptic and antihistamines (mosquito bites again)
Yes, looking good is part of the fun, and I definitely enjoyed wearing my Ankara dress and swimsuit. But having a few safety-focused items would have added a layer of comfort to my experience.
Solo Travel Isn’t Always Glamorous, but It’s Worth It
There were moments during my trip when I felt lonely or unsure of myself. One night, I skipped dinner because I was too nervous to eat out alone. Another time, I got overwhelmed trying to navigate local transport.
But I also had quiet moments on the beach that felt surreal. I explored a volcano, covered myself in healing mud at the Sulphur Springs, and watched the sunset from a catamaran. I got to know myself better in ways I never expected.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. But with bug spray, a better hotel, and a few travel apps on standby.
Final Thoughts
Traveling solo to Saint Lucia taught me a lot, not just about the island, but about how to take care of myself when I’m far from home. I didn’t have it all figured out, and I made plenty of rookie mistakes, but those mistakes gave me the confidence to keep going.
If you’re planning your first solo trip as a woman, especially to a tropical destination, take a little extra time to research beyond the tourist highlights. Safety, comfort, and preparedness matter just as much as where you stay or what swimsuit you pack.