Traveling solo as a woman is one of the most empowering and transformative experiences of your life. It means the freedom to go at your own pace, to travel in new cultures, gain confidence moving in new places. But there are some challenges to solo travel, and especially for women. If you do the right things and plan ahead though, your trip can be safe and enjoyable. In this article, I will share with you ten essential tips on how to make the most of your solo adventure.
Do Your Research on Your Destination
Do your research on your destination in detail before your trip. Familiarize yourself with local culture, customs and law so you don’t accidentally upset anyone or break the law. Check out areas that are safe for tourists and areas you should avoid. Knowing the cultural norms will also help make you seem less conspicuous as a tourist. Travel blogs, forums for solo female travellers and websites can tell you much about what to expect.
Choose Accommodations Wisely
The place you stay can be a big factor in how safe and how well you will do. Choose hostels or other accommodations which have strong reviews from solo female travelers and be deliberate in your desire for safety and being close to the city centre. However, many women prefer staying in hostels or boutique hotels that have women only dorms or are women only. Plus, you don’t want to spend your precious vacation time behind rest stops in poorly lighted regions you read in the news about every day, wandering to and fro in dark foreign neighborhoods late at night, wondering how you’ll get into your hotel.
Pack Light but Smart
Solo travel requires you to pack light, so you can move around easier without having to rely on others to help you. But packing smart is just as important — you want to have everything you need for a safe and comfortable trip. A portable phone charger, personal safety alarm, first aid kit and money belt are lifesavers in certain situations. When it comes to clothes, you want things that are appropriate for the local culture, and that are comfortable, and something that you can wear in lots of different situations. Clothing modestly in conservative locations may reduce unwanted attention.
Tell Someone You Trust to Share Your Itinerary
However, one of the perks of solo travel is the freedom, so you don’t want to leave someone back home in the dark about your plans. Tell a trusted friend or family member where you’ll be, where you’ll be staying, and what you plan to do. If you can, make a habit of checking in with them so they know you’re okay. If there is an emergency, it is good to have someone who knows where you are.
Stay Connected at All Times
When you travel alone as a woman, access to reliable communication is essential. If you’re leaving the country, make sure your phone plan includes international roaming before you go, or buy a local SIM card when you arrive in your destination. With internet access, you can use maps, contact emergency services if you need to and stay in contact with loved ones back home. Finally, downloading helpful apps that make offline copies of maps or translate languages can be extremely helpful in getting around strange destinations.
Trust Your Instincts
It’s one of the most important skills for any solo traveler: learning to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, if it’s a situation or a person, remove yourself from it immediately. When traveling alone, your intuition is usually your best guide for staying safe. When you feel like you need to decline an invitation or say no, never think twice about offending someone — always put your well being first.
Blend In with Your Surroundings
Being a tourist sometimes means you stand out, and that can mean you are a target for scams or unwanted attention. To avoid this, you will want to blend into the culture as much as possible by dressing appropriately and avoiding flashy accessories that will call attention to you. Even if you don’t know where you are going, walk with confidence and purpose, and if you do get lost, it’s better to stop somewhere discreetly to check directions, rather than appearing lost on busy streets.
Learn Basic Local Phrases
A few key phrases in the local language can take you a long way in helping you get around in new places and to connect with the locals. Something simple like hello, thank you, would you mind telling me where…? or help can go a long way and show respect for the culture of the local people. Travelers who are more willing to speak in the language of the people are often more willing to help.
Drink Alcohol in Moderation
Of course, part of the travel experience is having a good time, but when you’re traveling alone, it’s important to be careful about what you drink. Never leave your drink unattended and don’t overdo it – you may be less able to judge or be more susceptible in strange places. When you’re out socializing, set limits for yourself and stick to them.
Have Backup Plans Ready
Traveling is full of unexpected situations and it’s important to have contingency plans. Make sure you have digital and physical copies of important papers, for example your passport, visa (if required), travel insurance details and emergency contacts safe but accessible. Spread the emergency cash around, in your wallet, luggage, or hidden compartments so that if you lose one stash, you won’t be left stranded.
Why Solo Travel Is Worth It
While it’s not without its difficulties, solo travel for a woman is a chance to grow and learn more about yourself like no other. This process allows you to step outside of your comfort zone and be around people from all walks of life, coming with you to create new memories that are only your own. Taking these precautions as well as planning thoughtfully will help you have a good time on the road where you can focus on the journey without additional stress or worry.
Remember: Traveling solo isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about seeing new parts of yourself! Snug up kids, you’ve got nowhere to go but all the way up! Let’s rock and roll!
Empire Experience 