Solo Travel For Women: Whether you’re a single woman who wants to explore solo travel or you’ve been putting off your travel plans while waiting for the right partner, solo travel for women can be rewarding. But they also come with a few risks.
Thankfully, you can minimize them with these tips and tricks for traveling alone as a woman.
1. Know Your Limits
When it comes to solo travel for women, safety is a top priority. That’s why it’s important to always listen to your gut and not share more information than necessary with people you meet on the road. This includes people working at your hostel, people you’re doing work exchange with, and even locals that you talk to on the street.
It can be tempting to be overly polite when someone approaches you when you’re traveling alone. However, if you feel like someone’s unwanted attention is unsafe in any way, don’t be afraid to say no or walk away confidently.
Whether you’re traveling in a foreign country or just a short flight or drive from home, it’s always a good idea to keep emergency numbers for your embassy and the local police on hand. Ly also recommends keeping a copy of your passport with you at all times and having an emergency fund for any unforeseen expenses while abroad.
While it may seem daunting to leave loved ones behind and embark on a trip by yourself, it’s an experience that’s both liberating and rewarding. By taking the first step and going for it, you’ll learn so much about yourself and experience life in a whole new way. And who knows, you might even inspire others to follow your lead! Just remember to stay safe and enjoy the ride! And don’t forget to check out our other solo travel tips for women.
2. Stay Connected
When you’re planning your first solo trip, well-meaning friends and family may voice concerns about your safety. Their fears can make you feel anxious and discourage you from taking off for that once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Instead, tell them why you want to travel solo so they understand the benefits of your trip. And be sure to keep in touch while you’re on the road with apps like WhatsApp and Find My Friends so they know your whereabouts at all times.
If your loved ones still have questions, try to be honest and explain that it’s not dangerous to travel alone as long as you do your research, learn about local customs, trust your gut, and stay connected with a reliable service that offers round-the-clock support and assistance. Choosing an organization like Global Vision International, which provides pre-departure advice, travel and medical documents, airport pickup, local orientation, housing arrangements, and 24-hour emergency phone line can give you peace of mind.
You can also stay safe by blending in with your surroundings and wearing clothing that’s appropriate for the country you’re visiting. For example, if you’re going to a place where women typically wear tunics and leggings, consider doing the same or even covering your head with a scarf. Avoid making yourself stand out as a tourist, as it can make you an easy target for scammers and thieves. It’s also important to walk with confidence and look people in the eyes, so they know you’re a confident woman who knows her way around.
A common mistake that women make when traveling solo is sharing too much. This can lead to a lot of unnecessary anxiety, especially if you’re concerned about safety. Keep your social media accounts low-key if possible, and only share photos and videos that are appropriate for the context in which you’re traveling. It’s also important to respect local norms, especially in countries with strict laws on dress or appearance (for example, women covering their heads in Iran and Saudi Arabia).
During your trip, try your best to blend in with the locals. This will not only help you feel more at ease, but it may also protect you from unwanted attention from scammers or thieves. If you’re traveling to a country where women often wear long tunics or leggings, for example, consider wearing something similar. This also goes for other types of clothing, such as a head scarf in Saudi Arabia or an abaya in Iran.
The beauty of solo travel for women is that you can do whatever you want to do whenever you want to do it! Throw out the notion that solo travel is only for young girls and give it a go. You’ll be surprised at the amount of joy and adventure that awaits you. And you might just inspire a friend or family member to do the same! So what are you waiting for? Grab your bags and get out there!
4. Take It Easy
Women who are used to taking care of others—whether it’s as a parent or professional—can feel lost when they embark on solo travel. Even though it can be difficult to make friends and find your place in a new city, you’ll discover that the best way to connect with a destination is to just take it all in.
Getting too excited for a trip can lead to over-planning and over-stressing. Try to avoid overbooking and be flexible enough to embrace a last minute suggestion or opportunity. This is where those great social media groups of solo travelers come in handy.
Remember that scammers and thieves look for easy targets, so try not to stand out on your trip. Blend in as much as possible and dress to the local culture, if applicable. If you’re visiting a country where most women wear long tunics, for example, consider doing the same.
Bring along a journal to record your experiences, such as this Lemome A5 Notebook. That way, you can relive your memories when the trip is over. Vitamin C tablets and electrolyte packets are also a good idea, just in case you get dehydrated or sick during your trip. If you’re going hiking or trekking, a backpack with a hip pouch is also a good choice to store your essentials. It can also be a lifesaver if you get separated from your group during a hike or when you’re climbing to Machu Picchu.
5. Be Flexible
When you’re solo traveling, you have to be able to quickly adapt to unexpected situations. Whether it’s an illness, a sudden change in weather, or even a lost passport, you have to be ready to roll with the punches. Luckily, there are plenty of tools available that can help you stay flexible and safe while on the road.
A great place to start is by making sure your phone’s data package is large enough for your destination country. Check if you can add an international package for your existing plan or look into renting a mobile hotspot while you’re away. Then, be sure to set your social media accounts to private so you don’t broadcast that you are in a certain location (and potentially give out valuable information).
Finally, keep an eye on travel advisories and updates before you make any final plans for your trip. This will provide you with a general idea of a country’s safety status and help you plan accordingly.
While some people still think that women shouldn’t travel alone, more and more women are packing up their bags and booking a flight to see the world for themselves. While it can be intimidating, it’s incredibly rewarding and empowering to explore new places on your own terms. Plus, if you’re prepared to be flexible and keep these tips in mind, you can have the trip of a lifetime!
6. Join a Group
Many people are afraid to travel alone because they think it’s unsafe, but this isn’t always the case. As long as you take precautions, you can enjoy a safe and exciting trip. Plus, traveling solo as a woman is an empowering experience that can open your mind to new possibilities and growth.
In addition to making sure you’re aware of your surroundings, it’s also important to blend in. This way, you won’t appear as an easy target for scammers or thieves. Especially if you’re visiting a country where most women wear traditional attire or cover their heads, it’s best to dress accordingly.
Another great tip is to talk to the locals and other travelers you meet along the way. They’ll have a wealth of knowledge to share with you, from the best attractions and restaurants to the safety of certain areas. Plus, they’ll be able to offer you tips that you won’t find in any guidebook!
Finally, don’t be afraid to take the plunge and book that solo trip you’ve been dreaming about. You’ll be glad you did. And don’t forget to keep a journal of your adventure! This Lemome A5 Notebook is perfect for recording all of your experiences and memories. And be sure to follow our Travel Deeper boards on Pinterest for more travel inspiration!
