5 Useful Tips for Solo Female Travel | Saint Martin

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is Saint Martin safe for solo female travel?” or “Can I travel alone as a woman internationally?”—you’re not alone. More women than ever are choosing to explore the world on their own, and honestly? It’s one of the most empowering experiences you can have.

One of the biggest reasons women don’t travel is simple: they’re waiting on someone else. A friend cancels. A partner can’t get the time off. And suddenly, that dream trip keeps getting pushed to next year.

If you’ve been inspired to travel but feel unsure about going alone—especially to another country—that hesitation is completely normal. Safety, confidence, and logistics matter, especially when you’re planning your first solo female trip.

I’m a traveler at heart, and I made a promise to myself to take an international trip every year for my birthday—somewhere I’d never been before. Most years, I traveled with my husband or girlfriends, but one year, no one could go last minute. After some serious thought, I booked the trip anyway—solo. That trip led me to Sint Maarten, also known as Saint Martin or St. Maarten, and it became my first true solo female travel experience.

That trip taught me that solo female travel doesn’t have to be scary—it just needs the right preparation. If you’re considering traveling alone to Saint Martin or planning your first solo trip as a woman, these 5 useful solo female travel tips will help you feel safer, more confident, and ready to go.

Things to Know Before Going to Saint Martin

Before traveling to Saint Martin, there are a few things I’m really glad I knew ahead of time—especially as a solo female traveler.

Passport & Entry Requirements

If you’re traveling to Saint Martin from the U.S., you do need a passport, but the good news is no tourist visa is required for U.S. citizens.

Language

The locals speak several languages, but English is widely spoken on both sides of the island. I never felt uncomfortable asking questions or getting around on my own.

Currency

Saint Martin has two official currencies:

• Euro on the French side
• Florin (Netherlands Antillean guilder) on the Dutch side

That said, U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere, which made things super easy.

French Side vs. Dutch Side

One island, two totally different vibes:

• Dutch side (Sint Maarten): nightlife, beaches, jewelry shopping, casinos, and drinks made with the island’s native guavaberry rum
• French side (Saint Martin): outdoor markets, boutique shopping, French and Caribbean cuisine, and clothing-optional beaches

You really get the best of both worlds without ever leaving the island.

Solo Female Travel Tip: When traveling solo in Saint Martin, I recommend staying somewhere central and well-populated. It makes getting around easier, reduces transportation stress, and helps you feel more confident exploring both the French and Dutch sides on your own.

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Useful Tips for Solo Female Travel | Saint Martin

Do Your Research

When it comes to solo female travel, doing your research is everything. Where you go and where you stay will play a huge role in how comfortable—and safe—you feel traveling alone.

Before choosing a destination, ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Do I want to stay at a resort and relax on the beach most of the trip?
• Or do I want to be on the move, exploring, sightseeing, and hopping around?

Your answers matter, especially when you’re traveling solo. You’ll also want to look into how safe the destination is for solo female travelers. And if something feels off during your research? Trust that feeling and choose a different place. There’s no shortage of amazing, safe destinations.

When I started thinking about where I should go, I was so indecisive (as usual). At one point, I even started doubting myself and considered not going at all. But I knew one thing for sure—I wanted somewhere tropical, with white sand beaches and turquoise water. I pictured myself laying out on the beach for a few days, soaking up the sun, getting some much-needed R&R, and finally giving myself space to breathe and think through all the changes happening in my life.

That clarity made the decision a lot easier.

Getting Around in Saint Martin

Renting a car in Saint Martin was hands-down the best decision I made. It gave me freedom, flexibility, and the confidence to explore the island on my own schedule—and it was surprisingly affordable.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, here’s some good news: you do NOT need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Saint Martin.

Renting a Car at the Airport

Once I made it through Customs and Immigration (which took a little over an hour), I headed toward the rental car area. Heads up—there are tons of rental car kiosks, and almost every rep tried to get me to book with them on the spot.

I had already read about this happening, so I politely smiled, said “No, thank you,” and kept it moving to the company I had already booked with.

My Rental Car Experience

I made my reservation online the day before arriving, which I highly recommend. I booked with Fox Rent A Car simply because they had the lowest rate at the time.

• Cost: About $25 per day (check the rates becasue this was in 2019)
• Price included: Taxes + fees
• Pickup location: Off-site (not directly at the airport)

The off-site pickup wasn’t a big deal at all, and having my own car made getting around Saint Martin so much easier—especially since the island has both a French and Dutch side.

Side Note: If you’re traveling solo in Saint Martin, book your rental car ahead of time and stick with a company you’ve already researched. It helps you avoid pressure at the airport and lets you start your trip feeling calm, confident, and in control.

Compare Safe Transportation Options

Before traveling solo, it’s always a good idea to check your transportation options and compare both cost and convenience. Renting a car was the best choice for me on this trip, but that won’t always be the case for every destination—or every traveler.

For this trip, I rented an economy car (and when I say tiny, I mean tiny), but it got the job done. I’ll admit, the idea of driving on an island I’d never been to—without constant internet access—had me a little nervous at first.

Turns out, I was worried for nothing.

Driving in Saint Martin was actually super easy. I asked a lot of questions, paid attention, and made sure I got directions everywhere I went before pulling off. That small step alone made a huge difference in how confident I felt behind the wheel.

As soon as I left Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), I was completely taken in by the scenery. The mix of mountains and rolling hills, the different shades of blue in the ocean, sailboats scattered across the water, and even colorful butterflies floating around—it was one of those moments that made me pause and think, I’m really doing this.

Driving Around by Yourself

After leaving the airport, the first thing I wanted to do was find something to eat. I was exhausted, it was hot hot, and all I really wanted was to check into my hotel, gather my thoughts, and figure out my next move. But I already knew once I checked in, I probably wasn’t going back out—so food had to happen first.

I’ve always had great luck asking locals for food recommendations, so before leaving the car rental area, I asked the rep where I could get some good Caribbean food nearby. He suggested Reggae Pool Bar, which was conveniently on the way to my hotel, and mentioned they were known for their Caribbean dishes.

He gave me clear directions and told me to look for a movie theater next door so I wouldn’t miss it. I followed his instructions and found a small bar and restaurant tucked just off to the right, just past Simpson Bay—easy to spot, no stress.

Once inside, I asked the woman behind the bar what they were serving that day. The menu was pretty limited, so I went with brown stew chicken—one of my all-time favorite Caribbean dishes.

Now listen… I LOVE West Indian food. I’ve had brown stew chicken more times than I can count. But this? Whew. To my surprise, it was not good at all. Honestly, it was probably the worst brown stew chicken I’ve ever had. It lacked flavor, seasoning, something—and I was so disappointed.

Communicate with Family & Friends

When you’re traveling alone as a woman, staying in touch with family and friends is so important. Before you go, make sure someone knows where you’re staying and how to reach you if needed. That peace of mind goes a long way—for them and for you.

One of the best things that came out of my quick food stop was the free WiFi they offered to customers. Having internet access right away was clutch. I logged into Facebook and let my family and friends know I had arrived safely and was okay.

At the time, AT&T was my cell phone provider, and honestly? Their international plans just weren’t it. Expensive and not worth it (in my opinion). I later switched to T-Mobile mainly because of the international plan options they offer, which made way more sense for traveling.

While in Saint Martin, I noticed that a lot of stores, restaurants, and hotels offer free WiFi. That made getting around so much easier. I kept my phone on airplane mode and simply connected to WiFi whenever I stopped somewhere—at the hotel, restaurants, or cafes.

Simple, stress-free, and no surprise charges.

Travel Pro Tip: Before traveling internationally, check your phone plan and know your WiFi options. Keeping your phone on airplane mode and using free WiFi can save money and help you stay connected without the stress.

Solo Female Travel in St Marteen | Where to Stay

Let me tell you how indecisive I was with planning this trip. I actually booked my hotel while sitting on the plane, right before they closed the doors. I knew I didn’t want to wait until I landed because I wouldn’t have internet access once my phone went on airplane mode. Luckily, the booking went through just in time, but my nerves were definitely high.

The day before I left, I did a lot of research and decided to do something a little different. Instead of staying at one hotel the entire trip, I split my stay. I spent my first night at The Westin on Dawn Beach and my last night at Simpson Bay Resort.

That decision ended up working out perfectly. The Westin is more secluded and quiet, ideal if you want to relax and stay close to the resort. Simpson Bay Resort, on the other hand, is right in the middle of everything. Restaurants, beaches, nightlife, and activity are all nearby.

At first, I thought I only wanted to lay on the beach and relax, but once I arrived, I realized I also wanted to explore. Staying in two different areas gave me the flexibility to do both.

Saint Martin vs. Sint Maarten: Which Side of the Island Is Better?

Saint Martin is often referred to as “the friendly island.” The island is divided between the French side, Saint Martin, and the Dutch side, Sint Maarten. There are no borders, customs, or checkpoints between the two, which makes getting around easy.

I found there were pros and cons to staying on either side of the island. Since I wanted both relaxation and the option to explore, staying in two locations made the most sense for me.

Finding the Hotel

After leaving Reggae Pool Bar, I headed toward The Westin. One thing to know about Saint Martin is that many streets do not have signs, so it’s important to get clear directions and ask questions when you’re unsure.

I arrived around 6 p.m., just as it was getting dark. The directions I received from the rental car representative were a bit vague. He mentioned there would be three roundabouts, to stay to the right and make a right at each one, then turn left at the end of the road near Philipsburg and follow the signs to The Westin.

What I quickly learned was that there were actually four roundabouts, not three. At one point, there were no signs at all, which meant I had to slow down, pay close attention, and eventually stop to ask for help. I was told I was on the right path and, not long after, I arrived at the hotel. I was proud of myself for navigating the island on my own.

Hotel Booking and Upgrade

I booked The Westin through Hotels.com and ended up getting a great deal. At the time, several four- and five-star resorts on the island were priced under $250 per night, especially before Thanksgiving.

The resort-view room was $189 per night, and after taxes and fees, the total came to $247 per night. I had accumulated a $95 rewards credit through Hotels.com, which brought my final cost down to $152 per night.

When I checked in, I mentioned that it was my birthday and asked if there was any possibility of an upgrade. The front desk clerk asked if I was a Starwood member. Even though I booked through a third-party site and hadn’t used my Starwood membership in years, it was still active.

After a short wait, he returned and let me know I was upgraded to an ocean-view room. The resort itself was really nice and had three floors. My room was on the second floor, and I loved being able to hear the waves at night. I did notice a slight dampness in the room, but it wasn’t bad enough for me to complain.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Is it safe to travel to Saint Martin?

Absolutely.

Just like anywhere else, the key is being smart and not putting yourself in situations that don’t feel right.

By the time I arrived at the resort, I had been up almost the entire night before and traveled all day. I was exhausted. I thought about taking a walk around the property but decided it made more sense to freshen up and head to a nearby restaurant for dinner. I mean, it was the night of my birthday after all.

About 15 to 20 minutes later, reality set in. I was way too tired to get dressed and sit down at a restaurant, so I decided to order takeout instead. There were a few waterfront restaurants and bars within a five-minute drive, so I hopped in the car to grab something to eat.

Once I parked, I noticed a small local grocery store nearby and decided to pop in just to see what they had. I ended up buying a bottle of pineapple juice to go with the mini bottles of Malibu rum I had stashed away.

Out of the few restaurants in the area, I chose Canova. It’s a cute, laid-back spot that’s perfect for grabbing dinner and drinks. While waiting for my food, which felt like it took forever, I decided to sit at the bar and have a drink.

I asked the bartender what daiquiri mix they used, and when she said Island Oasis, my face lit up. I love Island Oasis daiquiris. I ordered a half-and-half strawberry and piña colada, Red Lobster style. She ended up blending it all together instead of layering it, but it was still really good.

I’m a seafood lover, so I ordered coconut shrimp with mashed potatoes and veggies, along with lobster and fish cakes. The coconut sauce on the shrimp was delicious.

Once I got back to my room and ate a little of my food, I got extremely sleepy and knocked out in that big, cozy king-size bed The Westin is known for.

My husband FaceTimed me around midnight and woke me up. Since I was already up, I thought about walking down to the beach. I looked outside and noticed there was no one around. It was completely dark past the pool area, and I didn’t feel comfortable walking alone at that hour. I decided to wait until the morning, and I’m glad I did.

The next morning, it took me forever to get ready, and I almost missed breakfast at the Ocean Restaurant, which ended at 11 a.m. There were a lot of food options available.

I had been drinking water my entire trip, but when I asked for bottled water, I was told it was $8. That wasn’t happening, especially since I had bottled water in my room. I opted for orange juice, which was included with the buffet. Breakfast was about $22, and I tipped the waitress because she was really nice.

Checkout is usually at 11 a.m., but I had called earlier to request a late checkout. They allowed me to check out at 1 p.m., which made a big difference. It never hurts to ask.

After breakfast, I took a stroll around the pool and beach area. The view was beautiful, and the water looked amazing, but it was freezing, so I skipped getting in.

Explore but . . . Be Safe

One of the best parts about traveling alone is that you can really play things by ear. You’re not on anyone else’s schedule, and you can explore at your own pace. It’s also great meeting other travelers along the way. Just make sure you’re always mindful of your surroundings and putting safety first.

Before checking out of The Westin, I stopped by the concierge desk to ask about island tours. She told me that since I was traveling solo, it would actually be more cost-effective to just drive around the island myself instead of paying about $125 for a guided tour.

I asked a few locals if it was safe for me to drive around the entire island by myself, and everyone said yes without hesitation. The concierge gave me a map and pointed out a few places worth checking out. While a tour would have been nice for learning more about the island, they didn’t have the hop-on, hop-off style buses you see in some destinations, so I decided to explore on my own.

I checked out, hopped into my tiny rental car, and took off. I followed the map, paid attention to the limited road signs, and asked questions whenever I wasn’t sure. I wasn’t in a rush, so I just went with the flow. On the way toward Orient Beach, I passed the butterfly farm. Butterflies are everywhere on the island, and I loved seeing them.

My next stop was Grand Case. Everyone told me this was the place to eat on the French side of the island. I parked, walked around, browsed a bit, and took some pictures. I thought I would have lunch there, but once I arrived, I wasn’t hungry. I also didn’t see any restaurants offering food I really wanted. Grand Case is mostly a strip of restaurants and a few shops. Locals rave about it, but personally, I wasn’t impressed with the food options.

While taking pictures near the pier, I noticed a boat with people lining up for what looked like a tour. I walked over to ask how much it cost. One person told me to ask someone else. That person told me to ask the captain. At that point, I was thinking, why can’t anyone just answer the question?

When I finally asked the captain, he told me that since I was by myself and it was last minute, I could just hop on. For free. He said to simply leave a tip in the jar afterward. He was incredibly kind.

The other passengers were from a Disney cruise and had prepaid for the tour as part of a package. I didn’t even know how long the tour was or what it included. I just knew I wanted to be on the water. It ended up being about a 45-minute ride out to a nearby coral reef. Nothing too fancy, but it was free and gave me time out on the sea, which I loved.

After the tour, I thought about eating in Grand Case, but it was getting late, and I wanted to make it to Simpson Bay Resort before dark. I wasn’t sure how long the drive would take, so I decided to keep moving.

As I was leaving, I noticed a juice bar offering free WiFi called Max’s Place. It was hot from being out on the boat, so I stopped for a smoothie. I ordered the “Awake” smoothie, and it was so refreshing that it made me want to buy a juicer when I got home.

I got back on the main one-way road through Grand Case and stopped to ask a woman at a bus stop which way to Simpson Bay. She pointed me in the right direction, and from there, I mostly followed the signs. There were several roundabouts and one-way streets, but I stayed on track.

Traffic picked up, and what should have been a short drive turned into over an hour of bumper-to-bumper traffic. I arrived at Simpson Bay Resort and Marina around 6 p.m. Check-in was quick, and since it was still my birthday, I asked about an upgrade. The staff was incredibly nice and upgraded me to an oceanfront suite on the seventh floor.

The room itself was okay. I wasn’t a fan of the wicker furniture, but the kitchenette was really useful, and the view was absolutely amazing.

For dinner, I walked to a nearby bar and restaurant called Buccaneer’s. After looking at the menu, I realized they mostly served bar food. I was exhausted from being out all day and sitting in traffic, so I didn’t feel like driving or walking far. I ended up ordering a 10-inch cheese pizza.

Normally, I don’t like eating things I can get back home, but this was one of those moments where I made an exception. I was starving and ate most of it. The pizza was okay, though the sauce was a little sweet, which I’m not a fan of, but it did the job.

I video chatted with one of my best friends on Facebook for a bit and then went to bed. A little after midnight, I woke up again. My husband FaceTimed me while I was lying there trying to fall back asleep.

After talking with him, I decided to sit out on the balcony and start typing up my blog post about the trip. When I pulled my laptop out and hit the power button, it wouldn’t turn on. I was completely confused since it had worked the night before at The Westin.

I tried troubleshooting online, but nothing worked. I was frustrated and couldn’t fall back asleep, so I stayed up until about 3 a.m. At first, I planned to relax on the beach the next morning before heading to the airport, but instead, I decided to try finding a computer repair shop.

There was one near the Reggae bar from the day before, so I drove over. Unfortunately, they couldn’t look at my laptop until later that day, and my flight was at 3:30 p.m. There wasn’t enough time to get it fixed, so I decided to make the most of the rest of my trip.

I drove around a bit more, sightseeing and taking pictures, then headed back toward the hotel. Downstairs, I found a small restaurant called The Stone that offered a breakfast buffet for $12.99. It was exactly what I needed. The owners were really friendly, and the buffet included mini whole wheat pancakes, sautéed veggies, omelets, pulled pork, potatoes, bacon, fruit, and a drink. It was good food at a great price.

I truly enjoyed this trip. Everyone I met on the island was friendly and accommodating. Next time, I’d love to visit St. Barts or Anguilla since they’re so close. There are over 30 beaches on the island, and I only made it to a handful.

My favorite beach so far was Little Bay Beach near Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort. The water there was beautiful. The beaches around the island all have different shades of blue and turquoise, but I love the ones with clear, bright turquoise water. I was told Mullet Bay Beach is the best on the island, but that really depends on what you’re looking for.

I’m already looking forward to my next visit. Maybe I’ll actually get in the water next time. I’m really glad I went through with this trip. Traveling solo isn’t as scary as it seems. This was my first time, but it probably won’t be my last

Final Thoughts

This trip to Saint Martin ended up being so much more than just a birthday getaway. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, reminded me how capable I am on my own, and showed me that solo female travel doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming.

Was everything perfect?

No.

But that’s part of the experience. I learned to trust my instincts, ask questions, slow down, and actually enjoy being present. Traveling alone gave me space to think, recharge, and move at my own pace without anyone else’s expectations.

If you’ve been waiting on the “right” time or the “right” person to travel with, take this as your sign. Do your research, be mindful of your surroundings, and go. Even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first, it’s worth it.

Have you ever traveled solo, or is it something you’ve been thinking about but haven’t done yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

If you’re considering solo female travel and Saint Martin is on your list, save this post for later or share it with a friend who needs a little push to book the trip. And if you have questions, drop them in the comments below or reach out. You might be closer to your first solo trip than you think.