8 Incredibly Practical Tips for Women Travelling Alone
While solo travelling for women can be empowering, it’s still daunting, especially the first time around. Solo travelling comes with many challenges and fears, but it’s also very exciting and beneficial.
If you’re considering travelling on your own, but you’re still having some doubts, here are some practical tips that can help you make up your mind.
1. Do research
Travel can be unpredictable, and many would argue that that’s the charm of it. But when you’re a woman, and you’re travelling on your own, it’s good to know what you’re getting yourself into.
That is why, before every trip, you should do research. Research the place you’re planning to visit, research transport options, weather, culture, hotel, or other accommodation options. You can never have too much information, especially if that is your first time visiting and you’re going alone.
Don’t assume that you’ll deal with things when you get there or that things would go a certain way. Also, don’t expect everyone to know English. In conclusion, before setting off to a certain place, do all the necessary research, you won’t regret it.
2. Have a plan and purpose
If you’re a first-time solo female traveller, it would be a good idea to have a detailed plan for your trip. Create a list that you want to do and see while you’re in a country or city. Also, have all details and information about the accommodations, maps, tickets, and other similar things. That will help you with your plan and help you stay focused.
Never book anything last minute because you risk throwing a wrench in your plans. However, it’s okay to leave a bit of room for additional and spontaneous activities or trips.
One more crucial thing is to always share your plans with your loved ones. That could potentially save your life in case something goes wrong.
3. Dress appropriately for environment and culture
While doing the research, make sure you find out about the environment and culture of the country you’re planning to visit. It will help you dress appropriately. As a guest of a certain country, you’re expected to respect their customs and religious traditions.
That is especially important for solo female travellers. Dressing like a local will help you blend in and not stand out as a tourist target. People also dress according to weather conditions in their countries, so you may only benefit from following the local trends.
4. Keep documents and valuables safe
Keeping your valuables and documents safe while travelling is crucial. You should always have your carry-on bag or day bag with you. This type of bag is ideal for all your valuables such as your passport, wallet, tickets, camera, phone, and anything else you may need.
There’s no need for paranoia. Always be aware of where your bag is, or at least, always keep an eye on it. Losing any of your valuables, especially your passport, in a foreign country is a bad idea.
5. Keep your things clean
The best recommendation for most solo travellers is to pack light. Since you’re travelling alone, you’ll need to deal with your luggage on your own, so it only makes sense that you make it easy on yourself.
Since you’ll be packing light, it gives you the chance to wear things more than once. If you think that your clothing or other stuff requires a washing check, whether your accommodation includes a washing machine.
Also, consider investing in some type of ultrasonic cleaner. A small ultrasonic cleaner can be great for cleaning jewellery you buy during your travels or jewellery you carry with you. Having a gadget such as this can be a big flex. You can rest assured that any trinket you bought is clean and ready to be worn, which is super important in the times we live in – with all the bacteria and viruses lurking around the corner.
6. Leave a trail
When you’re a female travelling on your own, leaving a trail and sharing your plans with your loved ones can be your security blanket. Check in with your loved ones as often as you can. Send photos to friends and family frequently. Also, uploading photos on your social media can be very useful.
Don’t go too long without checking in or posting because that can raise red flags. Leave a trail that can lead to you in case something goes wrong.
7. Always be aware of your surroundings
Being aware of your surroundings is not the same as being paranoid. It’s called being cautious. You’re a woman on your own in a foreign country, ensuring your safety is necessary.
Keep an eye and ear for everything, keep your belongings close to you and always carry some sort of protection – a pepper spray or a small knife. Never let your guard down when you’re in a foreign country all on your own.
8. Trust your gut and have fun
Caution and trusting your gut are crucial when travelling, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have some fun – that’s the whole point of travelling.
Meeting new people and visiting new places, having different adventures will make any trip memorable. However, if someone or something feels off, trust your gut and leave the place or the company. Your instincts are rarely wrong.
Many women all over the world travel on their own more often than you’d expect. That only means that it’s possible for you as a woman to travel on your own. Stick to all the tips we mentioned in the text, and you won’t have any problems.