Are you a woman who wants to travel alone?

Now more than ever, women are increasingly enjoying solo travel, perhaps due to job demands or personal preferences. Whatever the reason, while the itinerary may be similar to that of men, the concerns are often very different.

Here are some suggestions to help women anticipate unfortunate situations while traveling alone.

'Know Before You Go' is the mantra of every journey. Learn as much as possible about your destination: local customs, attire, behavior, and gestures that are appropriate for the local culture. To avoid unwanted attention, we advise against wearing overly revealing or tight-fitting outfits.

A safe place to stay:

Get to know the staff, especially those who appear friendly and helpful, ask them for guidance on entry and exit procedures, hotel or hostel guidelines, and local tips. If you go out at night, ensure someone will open the door or receive you at your accommodation if you return late.

Choose rooms on higher floors, near elevators but away from emergency exits, staircases, or secondary exits. Never accept a room that you feel pressured into by staff. Remember to take a contact information card from the hotel or guesthouse where you stay and keep it on you at all times. Ensure your room has a peephole on the door and a secure lock. Never open the door to someone you don't know.

Documentation:

Make copies of important travel documents. Keep one copy with you and give another to a trusted friend or family member to hold onto at home.

Pack sensibly

Pack efficiently and compactly to appear lighter and not be a target for pickpockets. Avoid carrying expensive and fancy clothing or luggage, lock all suitcases, and only list your office address on luggage tags, not your home address. Carry a credit card and don't keep all your money in one place – that's an important note.

Traveling:

Familiarize yourself with the transportation system of your destination thoroughly before departure, especially if you're arriving late. Travel agents can assist you in selecting the safest mode of transportation and arranging a sensible itinerary. If you're opting to rent a car, ensure you have and understand local maps or directions. Remember to carry your mobile phone and make sure it always has charge.

Lastly, consult with travel experts, agents, or experienced individuals to avoid unnecessary risks. You know, there are many things that seem great in books and newspapers but turn out quite differently in reality.

Leave your worries behind and let's travel!

By PYS Travel

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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook