My Story
How I Got Started Solo Traveling
What is special about this site? How can I help you?
I am Melissa Byron, a solo female travel expert, and founder of A Solo Woman Traveling! This brand is packed with my 15 years of solo travel experience.
A site dedicated to empowering women all over the globe to find themselves through the power of solo travel.
There are many reasons why A Solo Woman Traveling was created.
The first reason is that I just love giving and sharing my discoveries and wins! Sharing the hidden gems of a city with any traveler gives me joy!
This site has various posts from mostly European cities! I specialize in top-notch itineraries, recommendations for hotels, and restaurants, packing tips, and safety advice!
Although I cater mostly to solo female travelers, everyone can find value in my itinerary posts!

Meet Melissa
Founder & Solo Travel Expert
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Melissa! And I arrived at this point through a series of twists and turns, none of which I was ever expecting. But the unexpected paths bring you to the places you need to go.
My first solo travel adventure started in 2009, the last year of my 20s! This was just before we had the internet in our hands on our phones!
Traveling alone looks a lot different now than when I got started but in a good way.
Over the years, I’ve experienced much personal growth and accomplishment from solo traveling through the whole of Europe and other parts of the world.
These experiences have shaped who I am as a woman and enriched my life in countless ways.
I spent my 30s exploring the world solo, and through this ten-year adventure, I realized that this period is an ideal time for such life-changing journeys.
Traveling solo in my 40s now has been my favorite decade by far!
But, at first, I couldn’t enjoy the solitary time I had with myself. A large part of me was convinced I would have more fun with a partner.
Turns out that going alone is just what I needed.
At one time or another, we can all find ourselves in a place in our lives where it seems everyone else has it figured out. Maybe your best friend just got married.
Perhaps your sibling just had a baby. Or, a co-worker just got promoted over you. You may find yourself feeling pretty lost and alone.
This is the time you should consider a solo trip to help you get back to you!
Where You’ve Seen Me

In The Press
- Solo Trips for Women – Bustle
Podcasts
- Solo Travel & Moving Abroad- I Heart Radio
- Is It Time to Go For It?- Transformative Talk Radio
Collaborations
- Smart Birdy Luggage
- Level8 Luggage
- Encircled
Where DO I Come From, and Where am I Now?
Melissa Byron – Solo Travel Expert
I grew up in a small town outside of Boston, Massachusetts, USA. I moved away from Boston when I was 23 to live in Los Angeles. After many years living in LA, I returned to Boston briefly, then moved back to LA.
I have a love-hate relationship with Los Angeles, which I would say is pretty common. LA has a lot of reasons to love the city, but just as many to hate the city. Hello, traffic!
In 2012 I decided to wave goodbye to Los Angeles and move up to Seattle, Washington. Seattle is truly an incredible city that I feel so lucky to have lived in.
After 5 years of loving the Pacific Northwest, I longed to live in Europe.
In 2017 I was able to make my dream come true, and I moved to Berlin, Germany. Berlin was my home for three and a half years!
In early 2021, I decided it was time to return to the United States and embark on a new adventure that lasted for just 2 years.
In May of 2023, I relocated to Athens, Greece! And the plot twist, that I wasn’t even expecting was my move to Lisbon, Portugal in October 2023.

a few of my favorite things
Favorite movie
Under The Tuscan Sun
Coffee order
Oat Milk Latte
Couldn’t live without
My sleep mask
Favorite destination
Sifnos, Greece
My guilty pleasure
Aperol Spritz
Favorite Color
Soft coastal blue
On repeat
Florence & The Machine
Currently Binging
Selling Sunset
My Site Specializes In
Support
I am here to support other women who are feeling a little lost and misaligned in life. Let solo travel be the light to guide your way.
Encouragement
I want to really encourage solo women to get out there and explore the world. So what if you don’t have a travel partner!? No one will think you are a loser.
Inspiration
My travel itineraries and guide posts are here to inspire and guide you around the world. Each guide is crafted with my travel expertise.

FREE E-Course
7-Day Solo Travel Course
Unlock the secrets of solo travel with our exclusive email series:
- Day 1: Embrace the Freedom
- Day 2: Share the Journey
- Day 3: Stay Safe, Wander Far
- Day 4: Plan Like a Pro
- Day 5: Selfie Mastery
- Day 6: Solo Dining, Solo Pleasure
- Day 7: Travel More, Spend Less

Quiz Time
European City Finder
Not sure which European City is the best for you? Find out what city you might enjoy the best with this 10-question quiz!