Here are my 8 tips for staying safe while traveling solo as a female!
Traveling solo is a great experience! Before I ever traveled solo I really wasn’t sure what to expect, so being nervous is totally okay! With the proper research and the right tools, you’ll be just fine. Every woman should take solo trip at least once in their lives. Check out some recommendations for destinations that are safe for solo female travel on my page if you are not sure where to begin!
Remain alert and maintain a confident presence
Avoid drawing unwanted attention to yourself. This should go without saying, but if you look confused and nervous you might attract that unwanted attention. If this destination is completely new to you, all the more reason to remain alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing headphone in public. Even if you have no clue where you are going, keep a look of confidence. Confidence is key to staying safe during your trip. If you need assistance, just pop on into a local store or cafe and someone will always be likely to help you out! You’ll find most locals are very friendly.
Sign up for group tours with others
This was super important to not feeling “alone” during my first solo trip. I am very independent and don’t mind being alone, but it was a great opportunity to be around like-minded people who are also not from the area either. Solo travel doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be alone. You will often meet new people through a group tour, which can be very interesting! Whether you go hiking, snorkeling, or take a tour of an ancient city, you’re bound to meet someone. Sign up for group tours that interest you. Staying in hostels is also a great way to find people to explore and connect with!
Research is essential
Im a huge travel nerd and will spend countless hours research a destination and everything you could know about it. At this point, I could likely name most locations on a world map! With that being said, upon deciding on a destination, research as much as you can and discover information from others. I do most of my research through fellow bloggers who have traveled to that destination before. Ask a friend. Take it all in before ultimately deciding to book it! During this time especially, you’ll need to do some extra research on the COVID situation wherever you are going. Make sure you know how they are dealing with virus and any regulations in place. Whether abroad or not, take into consideration the weather, the time of year, customs, and any national holidays that might affect the hours of local attractions!
Look up what the local currency is as well. It is always important to bring a bit of local cash with you, which can obtained from your local bank. I like to keep some on me at all times, but not all of the cash I bring (I’ll leave some back in a safe place for later).
Share your location
I think my parents would have been worried out of their minds had I not shared my location with them before leaving. Find My Friends and Life360 are great options for friends/family to keep up with your location while you’re away. Also, give someone an itinerary of where you are staying and possibly what your plans are while you’re there. Not only will family have peace of mind, but they will have somewhere to start if something were to go wrong! I left a VERY detailed itinerary for my parents because I know they need it.
Learn a few phrases in the native language
This is something I struggle with, but the locals will really appreciate you trying to speak their language. Many people around the world speak at least some English, but in case they don’t it is great to have a starting point for communication. Of course, you can always download Google Translate (and probably should)! Learning simple phrases such as hello and thank you can go a long way.
Dress appropriately
Nothing screams “tourist” like wearing the wrong apparel. Whether you are dressing appropriately for the weather or respecting the conservative values of some destinations, it is important to do your research before you pack! If you’re not sure, modesty is best. Just be mindful and respectful of where you are in the world!
Download offline maps
When you download maps and routes you won’t need internet to access them! I had a package that allowed unlimited internet access so that wasn’t an issue for me, but there have been other times I’ve traveled where I didn’t have that package and internet access was limited! This is also important in case you are in a place where there is no service or wifi. The maps will be downloaded onto your phone for easy access. Obviously this is a solo traveler’s best friend! Before you leave, mark down any lodging, attractions, food, and entertainment in the area you are traveling to.
Know your limits
There is nothing wrong with being open to trying new things, just as long as you know what you can handle physically and emotionally. Being alone in a new place is exciting and you have the luxury of doing whatever YOU want, but it is important to know and set boundaries for yourself. If you feel uncomfortable, it is okay to say no and walk away. This goes for local street vendors and new friends you make as well. This is your trip and only you get to decide what you want to do! With that being said, another quick tip is to only go out with people you feel comfortable with! Don’t go out with any one you don’t trust or feel comfortable around. Once again, it’s okay to say no. All in all, have fun on your trip, it’s likely traveling solo is already stepping out of your comfort zone!
