There’s a certain thrill to stepping off a plane alone – that heady mix of independence, excitement, and mild panic when you realise your roaming data costs more than your flight.
As a 40-year-old woman who’s been adventuring solo for nearly two decades, I’ve learnt that travel freedom is glorious… but reliable internet access is pure gold.
And that’s where prepaid eSIMs, like those from Holafly, swoop in like a superhero with a connection cape.
In this post, I’ll break down why eSIMs are the modern traveller’s best friend – especially for women travelling solo – and why Holafly has become my go-to for peace of mind on the road.
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Why eSIMs Have Changed the Game for Travellers
Gone are the days of hunting for dodgy SIM cards in dimly lit airport kiosks or swapping tiny bits of plastic on the floor of a bus station while your new travel mates politely pretend not to watch.
An eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lives inside your phone.
Instead of physically inserting a card, you simply install your eSIM before leaving your home, activate it upon arrival in seconds, and voilà – instant data connection.
The beauty of it?
No queues, no fiddly adapters, and no panicked searching for wifi to load Google Maps when you’ve wandered three streets past your guesthouse.
For solo travellers, it’s not just about convenience, it’s about safety.
Being online means…
- You can share your live location with a friend or family member.
- You can book transport or accommodation on the go, without relying on public wifi.
- You can translate menus, call a ride, or navigate unfamiliar streets even in places where you don’t speak the language.
In short, it’s one of those rare travel hacks that genuinely makes life easier, safer, and less stressful.
Safety for Solo Female Travellers
Now, let’s talk about the real heart of the matter – safety for solo female adventurers.
Travelling solo as a woman is incredibly empowering, but it does come with unique challenges.
Having reliable data can make all the difference between feeling vulnerable and feeling in control, trust me.
Here’s how an eSIM from a company, such as Holafly, helps make solo travel safer…
- Navigation
Whether you’re walking back to your accommodation after dinner or exploring a new neighbourhood, Google Maps (or other maps apps) with live tracking is priceless.
- Communication
Unlimited data means you can always message friends, family, or your accommodation. No worrying about running out of credit.
- Emergency Help
In unfamiliar places, being able to instantly search for the nearest police station, embassy, or hospital can be a lifesaver.
- Transport
Apps like Uber, Bolt, or local equivalents rely on data. With Holafly, you’ll always be able to book a safe ride, track your route, and share your trip in real time.
- Confidence
Simply knowing you’re never offline reduces stress. And that confidence radiates outward, which often helps you travel more safely and comfortably.
When I’m travelling solo, that constant connection feels like a quiet, invisible safety net.
It’s not about fear, it’s about freedom.
The Peace-of-Mind Factor
For me, the biggest gift Holafly offers is peace of mind.
As a solo female traveller, I already juggle enough!
From flight timings, luggage limits, new cultures, the eternal question of where to find decent coffee.
Having instant, unlimited data connection means one less thing to worry about.
I can arrive anywhere, connect instantly, and start exploring… all while staying in touch with home.
Holafly isn’t just selling connectivity – it’s selling confidence, freedom, and a quiet sense of safety that makes solo travel even more empowering.
Real-World Example: Holafly in Action
Last year, I tested Holafly while travelling solo through several destinations over a six-week period.
Within minutes of landing, I was connected.
No queueing for SIM cards, no fiddling with language barriers, and no hunting for wifi to tell mum I was ok!
I used it to book accommodation on the fly, get directions to bus terminals, translate menus, and even make last-minute calls when a tour company changed plans.
It was especially helpful when arriving in a destination late at night.
The data connection stayed strong the entire time, even in rural spots where I half-expected it to falter.
And knowing I could message or call for help at any time made me feel genuinely secure.
That’s not something you can put a price on.
Discover Holafly’s global prepaid eSIMs for yourself. Use code BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS for a 5% discount!
Why Holafly Stands Out from the Crowd
There are a few eSIM providers out there now, but Holafly has fast become the darling of the travel community… and with good reason.
They’ve already helped over 10 million travellers stay connected, boast a stellar Trustpilot rating of 4.5, and have racked up over 70,000 reviews.
That’s a lot of happy wanderers!
So what makes Holafly a winner? Let’s dig in.
1. Unlimited Data = Unlimited Peace of Mind
Holafly’s biggest selling point is simple but brilliant: unlimited data.
No more worrying about running out of megabytes mid-WhatsApp call, or nervously switching off your data because you’ve gone over your allowance.
Every Holafly eSIM comes with unlimited data, so you can scroll, share, and navigate freely, without the shock of hidden roaming fees.
And since it’s a prepaid setup, there are no sneaky extra charges waiting for you at the end of your trip.
What you pay upfront is what you pay for total transparency, total calm.
Check out Holafly’s unlimited data eSIMs to learn more.
2. Coverage for Over 200 Destinations
Whether you’re exploring city rooftops in Asia, island-hopping in Oceania, or hiking through dramatic landscapes in Europe, Holafly has an eSIM to match.
You can choose from…
- Individual destination eSIMs for when you’re focusing on one place.
- Regional eSIMs that cover multiple nearby destinations in one plan, especially great for multi-stop itineraries.
- Global eSIMs that keep you connected across continents.
With over 200 destinations covered, you can quite literally go almost anywhere and still have data waiting for you the second your plane lands.
3. Instant Activation… Because No One Has Time for Tech Stress!
Let’s be real, most of us don’t want to spend our first travel hour watching a loading bar.
Holafly gets that.
Once you buy your eSIM, you receive your installation details instantly via email or WhatsApp.
You can set it up before you leave home or while you’re in the departure lounge – whichever suits you. Just make sure you have stable wifi for this part of the process.
The installation process takes minutes, and you can activate it the moment you arrive.
That means no fumbling for wifi passwords in arrivals halls and no waiting for local SIM shops to open.
Just pure, uninterrupted travel flow – a real win for solo female travellers.
4. Keep Your Number for WhatsApp and Contacts
One of my biggest hesitations before switching to eSIMs was the thought of losing my original number, especially for WhatsApp and verification texts.
But Holafly has this covered.
Their setup allows you to keep your original number active for WhatsApp, meaning your friends and family can still message you on the same thread, while your data runs through Holafly.
You also keep your physical SIM from home in your phone, so you don’t lose contact numbers or service from your main provider if needed.
It’s a seamless, flexible setup that makes staying in touch simple.
5. No Guesswork! Use the Data Calculator
Ever tried to figure out how much data you actually use?
Between video calls, maps, reels, and restaurant searches, it’s easy to underestimate.
Holafly’s data calculator helps you estimate how much you’ll need based on your travel style, whether you’re a minimalist scroller or a full-blown digital nomad uploading drone shots from a volcano.
It’s a small detail that shows Holafly understands how travellers really use their tech.
Check out Holafly’s data calculator to learn how much you might need when away – and why unlimited data is probably your best choice.
6. Compatible with Most Modern Phones (But Always Check First!)
Before you buy any eSIM, it’s crucial to make sure your device supports eSIM technology.
Most newer smartphones do, including iPhones from XS onwards, Google Pixels, and newer Samsung Galaxy models.
Holafly makes this easy with a compatibility checker on their site.
Always double-check before purchasing – a 2 minute check could save you a lot of frustration at your destination.
7. Simple Installation (No Tech Genius Required!)
Here’s how easy it is to install a Holafly eSIM…
- Buy your eSIM via the Holafly website or app, using the code BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS for a 5% discount
- Receive your QR code instantly by email or WhatsApp
- Scan the code with your phone camera to install the eSIM
- Activate it when you land at your destination (or right before take-off if you prefer)
- Turn on data roaming… and you’re live!
That’s it. No plastic, no tiny paperclips, no risk of losing your home SIM in a hotel room.
If you ever get stuck, Holafly’s 24/7 support team is on hand to help – via chat, email, or WhatsApp.
8. 6 Month Refund Policy – Because Plans Change
Travel isn’t always predictable.
As we all know, flights get cancelled, plans shift, and sometimes we just decide to stay put somewhere we love.
Holafly understands that too, offering a 6 month refund policy if your plans change before you use your eSIM.
It’s a small but hugely reassuring touch, especially when life (or the weather) throws a curveball.
How to Get Started
- Visit the Holafly website or download their app
- Check your device compatibility
- Choose your destination, regional, or global eSIM, and use code BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS at checkout for a 5% discount
- Receive your QR code instantly by email or WhatsApp
- Install before your trip and activate when you land
- Enjoy unlimited data, 24/7 support, and no hidden costs
It really is that simple.
Travelling solo as a woman in your 40s is a beautiful blend of courage and curiosity, and having the right tools can make all the difference.
Holafly’s prepaid eSIMs offer more than just data – they offer freedom, safety, and that golden feeling of being prepared for anything.
Whether you’re heading on a weekend city escape or a months-long adventure around the globe, staying connected shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. With Holafly, it isn’t.
Stay safe, stay connected, and travel smart.
Explore Holafly’s prepaid eSIMs for over 200 destinations and get your adventure started!
This article was sponsored by Holafly but, as always, all views are my own.
This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.
