Navigating Your Travel Dreams With Confidence
There are several reasons I have chosen to travel solo, the first and foremost being that I learned that if I had waited for someone to come with me, I would never have gone anywhere! And where is the fun in that?
Solo travelling is super empowering and you will learn things about yourself that will allow you, I think, to become a better person in yourself and your dealings with others.
That being said, when you are by yourself in a new country where you may not speak the language, you are the only person who will ever be 100% on your side and invested in your safety. Allow me to provide a few (as many as I could think of) ways to help you keep as safe as possible while you explore.
- Research, research, research: Before going anywhere, arm yourself with knowledge about your destination. Understand local customs, laws and ongoing scams and concerns specific to where you are going.
- Trust your gut: Your intuition is a powerful tool. If something feels off, it probably is. Do not hesitate to remove yourself from any situation that makes you uncomfortable. When you are travelling by yourself it is always better to be over cautious than under-cautious. After I had been backpacking for a while, my cousin started her journey and we happened to overlap in Vietnam for the day and spent some time together, I will tell you what I told her and I swear is the most important advice I have probably ever given anyone. If you are in an area and you feel off or like you’re being watched and you notice there are no women and/or children in the area, leave. That is your gut telling you that you are not safe, trust yourself. If the feeling comes and you look around and you see women and children, then that may actually just be your anxiety. Women all over the world will instinctively remove ourselvesand our children away from perceived danger.
- Stay Connected: Keep someone you trust informed of your whereabouts and travel plans. Check-in regularly, especially when venturing into remote areas. My type-A-ness
- ( and possible eldest daughter syndrome) makes a Google doc that I share with my parents and besties. This always includes my flight info, hotel addresses and their contacts and any planned tours.
- Blend in: Embrace the art of blending in with the locals. If in a more conservative country, dress modestly and respectfully to avoid unwanted attention and respect cultural norms. What is your holiday is someone else’s home.
- Secure your belongings: Invest in quality locks for your luggage and accommodation. Use a secure money belt or hidden pouch for your valuables when exploring. Never keep your money in the same place, and make copies of all your important documents (paper and digital)
- Avoid dark and isolated areas: Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night. Trustworthy transportation options like registered taxis or rideshare services are preferable after dark. There are a large number of countries where public transportation is reliable but learn in the day-light.
- Choose Accommodations Wisely: Opt for well-reviewed accommodations in safe areas. Consider staying in female-only dorms or guesthouses for added peace of mind. My past travel experience has taught me to be wary of places with no reviews, and always type the address into Google Maps and see if at a glance you can see a hospital and police station.
- Be Street Smart: Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid flashing expensive jewellery or gadgets.
- Learn Basic Phrases: Familiarize yourself with key phrases in the local language, especially greetings. Even learning ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ can have locals look towards you more positively.
- Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Have important phone numbers saved in your phone and keep a hard copy in your wallet or bag. Include numbers like emergency services, your embassy or consulate and your accommodation.
- Don’t Overshare: Be mindful of sharing too much personal information with strangers. You do not know who they are or what they want.
- Stay Sober: I will admit to loving a good cocktail, and while it’s always tempting to indulge in local nightlife, alcohol impairs judgment and makes you more vulnerable. Drink responsibly and know your limits. When you are travelling alone, you are not on a girls’ night, you are the only one looking out for you, and you need to be aware.
- Utilize technology: Download safety apps, such as ones that allow you to share your location with trusted contacts or call emergency services discreetly. We are lucky enough to live in a time where we live with a supercomputer in our pockets and use it.
- Be Mindful of your social media presence: Do not share your exact location or travel plans in real-time. Save it for when you have moved on. For example, if you are in Paris, do not post your pictures of Paris until you are in your next destination.
- Learn some self-defence: Consider taking a self-defence class before your trip to boost your confidence and equip yourself with essential skills. Remember, if you believe that you are in legitimate danger, aim for the eyes and groin.
- Planning your arrival and departure: Arrive at your destination during daylight hours whenever possible. Similarly, avoid arriving late at night or departing in the early hours when transportation options may be limited.
- Stay informed: Stay up-to-date on local news and current events that may impact your safety. Be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly if any risks arise.
- Trust yourself: Above all, trust in your abilities and instincts. Solo travelling can be empowering and transformative, but it is essential to prioritize your safety every step of the way.
- Wear a fake wedding ring: This one may seem a little too much, but this is something I do and I swear by it.Wedding rings are noticed and I have 100% noticed a change in attitude with male shopkeepers or potential scammers once they think there is a man with me. It doesn’t need to be expensive, just on the correct finger.
And there we have it. My tips and tricks for a safe and successful trip as a solo female traveller. Do you think I missed any?