Traveling solo can seem scary, especially if you’re a single woman. But you shouldn’t let the fear of exploring alone rob you of an opportunity to travel the world.
There are many safe ways to travel alone. Let’s take a look.
Traveling Solo: Tips for Single Women Who Love to Travel the World
Are you looking to travel around? Unsure of how to do it in a safe or smart way? In this article, we’re covering travel hacks, tips, and best practices so you can feel empowered to embark on an unforgettable trip.
Tip 1: Research Your Destination in Advance
Before you head out for your trip, you should do as much planning and research as possible. Look up any areas of interest you hope to visit or safe countries and take note of any important safety information for your destination.
Write down a list of unsafe neighborhoods, the safety ratings and reviews of any places you plan on staying, and the ways you plan on getting around the city. By doing these things in advance, you can avoid any potential problems or dangers and have a more enjoyable trip.
Tip 2: Use Your Street Smarts
Traveling solo requires you to plan ahead and be as self-reliant and prepared as possible. Be prepared to not rely on anyone but yourself by always keeping cash, a guidebook, a map, and a phrasebook on hand.
Only talk to people who seem trustworthy like other women or families, and exercise caution when traveling around alone at night.
Tip 3: Only Bring the Essentials
When you’re traveling alone it can be tempting to bring everything you own in case anything comes up. But all that stuff will ultimately bog you down and put you at greater risk for theft. Avoid bringing everything with you when you go places, and only carry what you’ll need with you for the day.
Most hotels and hostels will have lockers available for you to store your items during the day. You should also consider buying a slash-proof bag so that it’ll be harder for anyone to get a hold of your valuables.
Tip 4: Try to Blend in as Much as Possible
The best tip for traveling solo is trying to blend into your surroundings. The more you stand out, the more likely someone will try to take advantage of you. So, before you go, research your destination and learn about their cultural customs and style of dress.
By avoiding behaviors or dress that make you stand out, you can better blend in and be able to travel unnoticed.
Tip 5: Spend Extra Money When It’s Needed
When traveling alone, it’s important to invest money in the things that will make you feel safer. If you’re traveling alone at night, spend the extra money on a taxi cab rather than walk or take public transportation.
If the city you’re staying in is relatively unsafe, pay a bit more to stay in safer housing that you feel comfortable in.
Save a bit more before you go so you won’t feel guilty for spending money on these types of things. You’ll feel safer and be able to enjoy your trip so much more.
Tip 6: Get Travel Insurance
If you’re traveling alone, you should absolutely buy travel insurance for your trip. Travel insurance will cover a variety of things like lost baggage, theft, and any injuries that occur while you’re out and about. Prior to traveling, you should examine any potential travel insurance policies in depth, as they vary in what they cover.
Some travel insurance policies will not cover certain activities or countries, so make sure you find one that works for your specific trip.
Tip 7: Check in Regularly with Friends & Family
When traveling solo, you should always designate a person back home to give regular travel updates to. This person should have a list of your itinerary and travel plans in advance, such as your flight number, housing, travel insurance, and bank account information.
Determine a check-in type and time that works best for the two of you, whether it’s texting or a nightly phone call or video chat. Not only will this give you peace of mind and make you feel safer, but it’ll keep other people in the loop in case anything happens.
You should also consider regularly updating your social media or even creating a blog about your travels. This will let everyone know that you’re safe, and also give them some insight into all the cool things you’re doing on your travels.
Tip 8: Fake It ‘Til You Make It
Traveling alone can be scary. Looking scared can make you stand out like a sore thumb So, try to look confident and act like you know what you’re doing- even when you don’t. If you ever feel uncomfortable, try to use your best judgment, and ask for help from someone who seems safe.
And don’t be afraid to try to meet people on your travels. Sometimes striking up a conversation with a complete stranger is easier when you don’t have a travel partner to fall back on. Plus, it’ll make you more approachable!
Tip 9: Remember to Have Fun!
Traveling alone isn’t all about safety. In fact, there are many benefits to traveling solo. You can do whatever you want whenever you want, and not have to worry about doing what other people want to do.
You get to be in charge, independent, free your mind, and learn more about yourself in ways you couldn’t if you were traveling with another person.
Final Thoughts on Traveling Solo
While there are safety tips to consider when traveling solo, you should keep in mind that traveling alone doesn’t have to be scary!
Traveling solo lets you experience the world in a completely different way and can enrich your life and make you feel more confident and independent. It’ll also expose you to new ways of living and thinking and change you when you go back home (for the better).
By following the simple tips outlined in this article, you can rest easy on your travels and know that you’ll have the safest and most enjoyable travel adventure possible.
Are you looking to travel alone for the first time ever? Check out our list of awesome vacation spots!
