The Top 5 Empowering Solo Travel Movies for Women Travelers
Are you a woman with a passion for travel, but feeling held back by the fear of traveling solo?
You’re not alone.
Many women share the same travel fears, but there’s good news – you can overcome them. One powerful way to boost your confidence is by watching solo travel films for women. These films not only inspire adventure but also help you see the world through the eyes of brave women who dared to travel alone. In this post, we’ll explore the most empowering travel movies for women that can help you conquer your fears and take that first step toward a fearless journey. If you’ve been thinking, ‘I want to overcome my fear of traveling and explore the world on my own terms,’ these films are your perfect starting point.
1) Wild (2014)
Plot: Following the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed embarks on a solo trek along the 1,100-mile Pacific Crest Trail. This trek is not just a physical challenge, but also an emotional and spiritual healing process for Cheryl, who is grappling with grief and personal trauma.
My Thoughts: People are always talking. When you make a decision like this, you will likely hear many voices around you saying things like, ‘Solo travel isn’t safe for women.’ Before you know it, you might start to believe these manipulative thoughts. At this point, it becomes crucial to make a decision. Sometimes, you have to trust your instincts and move forward. For many women, films like Wild stand out as one of the best solo travel films for women — not just for the journey, but for the courage it inspires.
2) Tracks (2013) - A True Story
Plot: The film follows Robyn Davidson as she embarks on a 1,700-mile (about 2,700 km) journey across the Australian desert with four camels and a dog, embarking on a personal quest of self-discovery. This journey becomes a powerful symbol of women reclaiming their independence and discovering their inner strength against the constraints imposed by society. It resonates particularly with women around the world, showcasing how they can overcome challenges and chart their own paths. The film has been widely praised by female audiences and critics for its inspiring portrayal of resilience and empowerment.
My Thoughts: We all have dreams that feel just out of reach, and it is often our own doubts and fears that hold us back. But what if we faced those fears head-on? What if we pushed through them instead of letting them stop us? Robyn’s solo journey shows that travel is much more than a physical test — it’s a journey of self-discovery. When we step out of our comfort zones and embark on new adventures, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As Robyn teaches us, the real adventure begins when we challenge the barriers we’ve built within.
3) Eat Pray Love (2010)
Plot: In Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) travels through Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of self-discovery after her divorce. Each destination teaches her something different about life, love, and spirituality, helping her find balance and peace.
My Thoughts: What I love most about Eat Pray Love is how it shows that self-discovery isn’t about escaping your problems, but facing them. Elizabeth’s journey reminds us that we don’t need to have everything figured out to be happy. Her time in Italy teaches us to embrace life’s pleasures without guilt, while India emphasizes the importance of inner peace through meditation. Finally, in Bali, Elizabeth learns that love starts with loving yourself first. This film speaks to anyone who feels lost or uncertain and serves as a reminder that sometimes we have to step away from everything to find what really matters.
4) Nomadland (2020)
Plot: Nomadland follows Fern (played by Frances McDormand), a woman in her sixties who loses everything in the wake of the Great Recession. She chooses a life on the road and becomes part of a growing community of modern-day American nomads. As she travels across the American West in her van, Fern takes on seasonal jobs and finds resilience, connection, and quiet dignity outside of traditional society.
My Thoughts: Nomadland is not just a film about life on the road; it’s also about letting go of the life you were told to want and finding freedom in simplicity. Fern’s journey shows that home isn’t always a physical place. Sometimes, it’s the peace we carry within us. Her quiet strength and the deep loneliness she confronts reflect the emotional reality of those who choose or are forced into a nomadic life. For those exploring the idea of solo travel for women, Fern’s story serves as a powerful example of resilience and self-reliance. What stayed with me is the film’s gentle reminder that, even in the most uncertain landscapes, beauty, connection, and purpose still exist. Nomadland doesn’t romanticize travel; it shows it as raw, real, and deeply human.
5) Maidentrip
Plot: Maidentrip is a documentary about 14-year-old Laura Dekker’s attempt to become the youngest person to sail around the world solo. Over the course of nearly two years, she navigates vast oceans, extreme weather, and personal solitude, all while documenting her experiences. The film provides a raw, firsthand account of her incredible physical and emotional journey as she matures from a determined teenager into a resilient young woman.
My Thoughts: Maidentrip is more than just a story of adventure — it’s a celebration of courage, independence, and self-belief. Watching Laura sail across the world alone at such a young age is both humbling and inspiring. She breaks stereotypes about what young people, especially girls, are capable of when they trust themselves. What touched me most was her connection to the sea — how it became her space of freedom, reflection, and growth. For anyone who loves wanderlust movies that go beyond beautiful landscapes and dive deep into personal transformation, Maidentrip is a must-watch. It reminds us that the real journey isn’t just about reaching a destination, but about discovering who you are along the way.
Found this guide useful? Let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram @bekirthenomad.
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