At Deep Travel Magazine we’re embarking on a six-part series to find out more about female solo travelling. We will be interviewing the top voices in the industry who will be giving us expert first-hand knowledge to help our readers to best plan for their life changing adventure.

For the third interview Ellie Ireland sits down with freelance travel writer Valentina Pucciano to find out about more her life and experiences with solo travelling…

What drew you to solo travel?

After the pandemic, I felt the urgent need to escape. As soon as the borders opened for overseas destinations, I booked my trip to Peru. I needed my solo time in a faraway land where I could immerse myself in a different culture and be amazed by what the country could offer.

Do you have a favourite travel experience? Something you’ll always remember.

Peru holds a special place in my heart. The best memory I have is the friendship I forged with other solo travellers that I met along the way. It seems funny as I wanted to go on my own, but the connection was so strong that we felt like we had known each other for a long time – and we are still in contact after two years.

What one piece of advice would you give to solo travellers?

Just go! Even if it may sound intimidating, the regret of not going is worse. Of course, I would not suggest visiting countries that are known to be less safe if it’s your first time and you feel scared. You can start from a country in Europe for a city break and see how you get on, for example.

Which countries have you felt safest travelling in?

Japan has been the safest country so far. People seem so polite and, as a woman, I did not receive any unwanted attention. However, common sense is a must anyway when you travel as you need to always take care of yourself.

What would you say is the most fulfilling aspect of solo travel?

You get to know yourself. When you are travelling you find yourself in situations that you would not encounter when you are stuck in your routine. You learn to listen to your gut feeling, to be more resilient, to be more responsible and improve your problem-solving skills. You better understand what you like and don’t like, you go out of your comfort zone and learn how capable you are.

What would you say to someone nervous about solo travel?

If someone feels nervous about their first solo trip, I’d suggest joining an organised tour where you get to meet people all over the world. You will spend time visiting the country and making new friends. Since you’ll be sharing your time with someone you learn to be adaptable and notice how other people behave and take care of themselves. It’s about gaining confidence that can lead to experience a full solo travel adventure.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

The biggest challenge so far has been to avoid the unwanted attentions from the locals when I was in Egypt. As a solo female traveller, I need to be more cautious, and in some countries – I don’t want to be discriminating – women may feel uncomfortable as they can get chased or harassed by people on the street. Despite that, I had an amazing time in Egypt and plan to go back there again sometime.

Best/worst memories of solo travel

There are lots of good travel memories that is hard to choose, but one I am fond of is when I wore a kimono in Tokyo. Some tourists wanted to take a picture with me- which I found hilarious since I was not a local- and Japanese people seemed pleased to see me sport the new outfit. It’s an activity I’d recommend doing! Another travel memory is when I did dune buggy with my new friends in the desert in Peru. As a person who does not like rollercoasters, I could not wait to finish that ride as soon as possible, but I loved it!