The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel
If you intend to do some traveling, and if doing so in the company of other people is not an option, you are in the right place.
Solo travel for women can get hazardous, and nobody is quite safe from outliers, but with these simple lifehacks, you’ll be able to get the most out of your touring. Eastern Europe, Africa, Americas, and the entire globe are our playground. Safe travels, here we go!
Why do people travel solo?
One of the benefits of traveling alone is that you get to decide exactly how you wish to travel. You’re doing everything at own pace, and you’re not being pressured into anything by your peers.
Solo traveling gets a bad rep for all the wrong reasons. It’s like going solo to the movies and being considered a dunce for it. Truthfully, there is absolutely nothing shameful in doing so. If anything, it’s an excellent way to build up confidence and work on your self-maintenance.
Either way, if you are going to travel solo, keep a few guidelines handy for your next outing. Being cautious never hurts, and it can prevent any grievances from ever coming to life.
What are the Main Hurdles to Overcome?
Right off the bat, by traveling solo, you won’t be feeling more alone than you would otherwise. You’ll still meet new people.
This is a pitch of a few ideas you may want to remember on how to safely travel alone. After all, you can’t think of everything all the time. Traveling is slightly more nuanced. You’re not a student anymore, you can’t just play the “Write a paper for me!” card and be done with it. Going abroad demands more foresight.
Take What You Need
We all know how much can fit into a woman’s purse, but there are limits on luggage, and paying additional luggage fees is not fun.
Travelling alone means you have to rely on yourself to do the heavy lifting. So take the essentials only and stay mobile.
Pepper Spray
Once you land at your country of destination, get yourself a can of pepper spray for protection.
If you already have one, note that you won’t be able to bring it in your carry-on bag through security checkpoints. However, having it in your luggage is usually allowed.
That only rings true if you’re traveling by plane, if you’re adventuring by bus or car, there is really no reason not to have it in your purse… unless there’s a nationwide ban on pepper spray. That would suck. Either way, you should investigate the legal status of pepper spray with your airlines and cross-check it with your destination. It’s a powerful chemical agent, after all.
Get a DIY Doorstop
Think of it as a safety measure. An invaluable piece of equipment for your peace of mind; it stops any non-desirables from entering your domicile. Hopefully, it’ll never see direct use, but it’s better to be on the safe side on your solo trip.
Pick a “Safe” Destination
Not just safe from the general perspective, but also safe from outside influences and men seeking thrills. Safe, as in, a popular spot filled with easy-going and like-minded people you may want to get acquainted with. If you pick an exotic destination far from your usual comfort zone, make sure to…
Respect Local Customs
By traveling to Middle-Eastern countries (or even some Asian ones at that), you will unintentionally put yourself in harm’s way by not adhering to local customs. Read up on them. You should always make a note of what you’re wearing, and how you behave in public. You will be fine.
Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight
If you carry a purse, make sure to keep in front you. Pay close attention to it in crowded areas. Pickpockets know how to spot a foreigner. Out of sight, out of mind.
Public Transport
Use public transportation when you need to get around town. Of course, public transport doesn’t allow the same level of comfort as a car or any other private transport would.
It’s also working around a set schedule, and it’ll be difficult bringing luggage along with you. Hitchhiking is not a suggested way of transportation since it has a set of risks attached; it would be a lot easier (and safer) with a travel buddy.
Stay Vigilant With Strangers
Especially if they know that you are unaccompanied. Meeting the perfect stranger and being swept away by emotions is a fantastic cinematic trope, but it’s just that, a trope. Better safe, than sorry.
You may also want to rely heavily on your instincts. Whenever you feel like getting into a car, an eerie room or some other place with creepy vibes, call it off immediately. Spotting danger will become second nature once you add some of those miles behind your back.
Stay in Your Room in the Evenings
Unless your destination has a lot of active tourists during evenings, you might want to rethink your stance and stay inside. Watching TV was never so safe and stress-free. Otherwise…
Meet with Like-Minded People Before You Go to a Party or any Social Event
You may get a lot of unwanted attention (or even harassment) when you’re going to a party as a single guest, but once you get into a “posse,” you’re less likely to be bothered.
Prepare a Good Response to the “The” Question.
The question is, of course, “Are you alone?”
It’s likely you’ll get that a lot, so come up with something. No matter how witty or resigned your answer is going to be, make it good.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Everett: I am a freelance writer currently based in Chicago. Solving students career and university problems. Having an interest in marketing and business.
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