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Are you a woman who wants to travel solo to challenge yourself? Just prepare these 20 things and you'll be confidently hitting the road!
Traveling solo is the best way to discover yourself and have valuable experiences, which can make you more confident and stronger. But it doesn't mean you should disregard your safety while traveling alone, especially as a woman, there are many things to consider.
Here are 20 tips summarized and hopefully useful for your solo journeys.
1. Get Comfortable with Solo Travel (Fake it until you make it!)
Not finding a travel companion doesn't mean you'll miss out on exciting journeys. Feeling nervous and anxious is common in your first solo trips. But don't let that stop you. Always remember: No one starts solo travel smoothly, without fear and confusion.
Get used to it and soon you'll comfortably enjoy solo adventures.
Anxiety and excitement are definitely emotions to have when traveling solo. @stevenlewis
2. Research Your Destination Thoroughly
Having a clear travel plan is essential. Additionally, research everything possible about the place you're going on the internet. First, understand the culture, customs, local people, and communication in the place you're visiting.Next, see if it's a safe place, if there's a high crime rate, where the dangerous areas are, what issues previous travelers have faced, whether men in that country easily harass women?...
Understanding the safety level of your upcoming destination is absolutely essential. @christinhumephoto
The wealth of information on the internet is vast and free, so make the most of it by researching in detail. If you know someone who has traveled to that place before, that's even better, they'll be a living guidebook for you to learn from.3. Blend in as a Local
When traveling, girls often like to wear standout outfits to look the most 'Instagrammable.' If possible, you should avoid wearing flashy clothes when you're alone in a foreign place. Why? Because making yourself too different is the quickest way to attract everyone's attention, including those with bad intentions. Not to mention, looking too different, it's easy to be identified as a tourist. Unintentionally, you could become a victim of scams, frauds...
It's best to dress appropriately for the occasion and the destination. @omarlopez1
If you're visiting a country where people dress modestly according to their religion and customs, try not to be too 'cool' with shorts, tank tops, crop tops... That will only make you feel isolated and distant from everyone.
Learn about the customs and traditions of the place you're visiting and try to 'disguise' yourself like a local to blend in more easily.
4. Keep Valuables Secure
No one knows what doubts life holds, especially when you're in a completely unfamiliar land, caution is still the best policy. Crowded tourist areas are not immune to the prying eyes of pickpockets and thieves. It's best not to bring too many valuable items when going out, such as watches, jewelry, expensive cameras... And absolutely, when going out, don't carry too much cash and passport to prevent pickpocketing.
Always pay attention to valuable items when traveling alone. @stil
5. Try to Schedule Activities During the Day
When planning your itinerary, you should schedule all sightseeing and exploration activities during the day.Evenings are for gentle leisure activities, dining, or relaxation because you need to recharge for the next day's journey. If you go out too late, the risk is high that you'll need to catch up on sleep the next day, wasting the entire morning.
Daytime is always the best time for exploration and sightseeing. @sylwiabartyzel
6. Avoid Going to Desolate Areas at Night
Desolate nights are always dangerous, especially for women traveling alone. There's nothing wrong with going to lively nightlife spots, crowded with tourists. But you should limit visits to desolate areas not meant for tourists at night.
If you go out at night, choose crowded places. @edencohen
If you're going to unfamiliar places, use taxis instead of walking. If you take a taxi late at night, remember to carefully note down the taxi's number and always stay vigilant.7. Learn Some Local Language
It's never redundant to know a bit of the local language. Start learning some simple phrases in the local language of your destination to use in unavoidable situations, like 'Help me!'.
Aside from emergency phrases, being able to communicate in the local language is a huge advantage. It not only helps you in dangerous situations but also easily earns the affection of the locals. Learn some simple sentences for greetings, thank you, asking for directions, ordering food...
Knowing a few basic communication phrases will help you integrate more quickly. @kcurtis113
8. Get Acquainted with Hotel Staff
Getting acquainted with hotel staff at your solo travel destination is extremely useful. They are locals, so no one knows this area better than them. They can not only assist you with hotel-related matters but also provide advice on where to go, where to avoid, what to be aware of, and countless other helpful tips.
Hotel staff at your accommodation can assist you in many situations. @Leo De Loo
When you're alone in a foreign land, the hotel now becomes your residence, so the hotel staff are like your own family. If you encounter any issues, at least you still have someone to turn to. Most hotel staff are very friendly and approachable, ready to assist you anytime.9. Inform Your Family of Your Travel Plans
Whether you're taking a short getaway or embarking on an extended backpacking trip, make sure at least a few loved ones are fully aware of your travel plans. Where you'll go, how long you'll stay, which hotel you'll stay at... When you arrive, even if you're enjoying the freedom to the fullest, don't forget to update your family a bit.
Keep your schedule and status updated with your loved ones regularly. @matthewkane
10. Utilize Social Media
We have to admit, social media nowadays is incredibly convenient. You can let everyone know what you're up to, where you are. Plus, when traveling, there are so many new beautiful scenes to show off. So, make the most of social media, especially the Story feature, to give your family and friends a glimpse of your journey.
Currently, checking in on Facebook, Instagram, and even Instagram stories is quite useful to keep in touch with loved ones. @neobrand
If you meet new people, don't forget to connect with them on social media. That's how everyone stays in touch and gains new friends for future journeys.11. Stay vigilant and look confidently
By common sense, those who appear fearful and hesitant are often targets of attackers. So, even if you're lost, always look like you know what you're doing.
Always be aware of your surroundings, if you feel something is not right, quickly move to a crowded place. Or if you have a bad feeling when talking to someone, try to get out of that situation. Remember, even though you're enjoying your vacation, never let your guard down when traveling alone.
Even when traveling for relaxation, you should stay vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings. @matt_quinn
While everyone has a smartphone nowadays, don't be careless when using it on the streets. Many cases involve thieves snatching phones right out of people's hands. Even in big cities like Amsterdam and London, this happens. So, stay alert and always observe your surroundings.
12. Be cautious when communicating
During your trip, you'll meet new friends or locals, and while chatting, be careful not to delve too deeply into topics like religion or beliefs. This could be considered impolite in some countries.
Each place has its own communication culture, so it's essential to understand to avoid embarrassing situations. @alexisrbrown
It's best to learn about the history and culture of the place you're visiting to have friendly yet appropriate conversations with locals.13. Avoid sharing too much personal information with strangers
When meeting someone new, refrain from sharing all your personal information right away. Even if you feel like you've known each other for a long time, it's wise to remain cautious. If possible, limit revealing that you're traveling solo in a foreign place.
Limit disclosing overly personal information such as hotel room numbers, workplace location... @christinhumephoto @christinhumephoto
Key information not to share: your accommodation, hotel room number, overly detailed personal information like home address, phone number, workplace,...14. Remember: You're never alone
Forget about thinking solo travel will be boring. Not at all, you'll have countless opportunities to meet new friends throughout the journey. And then you'll be immersed in new experiences, new stories along with new friends. By then, you'll cherish some quiet time to enjoy your own space.
In reality, never openly tell strangers that you're traveling alone. If someone approaches you and you feel uncomfortable, exit the situation with phrases like: 'Sorry, I already have plans with a friend, I have to go.' Or 'My boyfriend stepped out for a moment, he'll be back soon.'...
Even in thought or reality, don't consider yourself all alone. @jasonhk1920
It's not paranoia, but sometimes remind yourself you're not alone when feeling uncomfortable.15. Always have copies of important documents
It feels like the world is crumbling if you lose essential documents like your passport during the trip. Worse, continuing the journey or returning home becomes challenging. At this very moment, you'll realize the importance of keeping photocopies of necessary documents. Even passport photos, ID cards stored in your phone or laptop become lifesavers.
Keep copies of important documents such as passport, flight tickets, hotel reservations... @firmbee
Having photocopies of these documents will benefit you in reapplying for your passport and help you confirm your identity with the embassy or local authorities for easier assistance.16. Always have emergency contact numbers in your phone
You don't need to invest in expensive phone packages or 3G, but at least get a SIM card when you travel. In emergency situations, you can call the police or seek help. Remember to research or ask the hotel for emergency contact numbers at your destination (hotel phone number, police, ambulance...)
Additionally, a phone with internet will assist you in using Google Maps, GPS, receiving messages...
Prepare a SIM card and emergency contact numbers for communication when needed. @rawpixel
17. Avoid always wearing headphones
Do you have the habit of wearing headphones while traveling in a car, waiting for a flight, or while strolling around the city? While it's great to enjoy music and get lost in your thoughts, you can easily get absorbed in the music and forget about the world around you. This is when you become vulnerable and lose awareness. Always remember, for women traveling alone, the most important thing is to stay attentive and vigilant of the surroundings!
Always stay alert of your surroundings. @samuelzeller
18. Drink for fun, not to get drunk
Alcoholic beverages are a double-edged sword in every celebration. It can make your evening more enjoyable but can also be the enemy putting you in dangerous situations. Having a drink to relax with new acquaintances is quite interesting, but overindulgence can lead to unforeseen consequences.
Have fun, but not too much fun. @mdisc
Even if you're partying hard at a gathering, remember you're still alone in a foreign land. Drink moderately, know your limits, and always keep yourself sober enough to be aware of your surroundings. If you feel tipsy and someone approaches you, leave immediately and go to a safe place. If you're at a bar or nightclub, seek help from the bartenders as they're familiar with all kinds of guests in this environment. Bartenders or servers can also help call security to escort you to safety.
Remember: the most forbidden thing for solo female travelers is to get drunk and lose control. This can lead to the most perilous situations during the trip.
19. Overcome homesickness
One of the challenges solo travelers have to face is homesickness. During long journeys, you can't avoid feeling homesick. Or a lonely night wandering through a strange city, seeing people together will inevitably make you feel lonely.
But look at the bright side, your solo travel journey has many wonderful things that staying at home can't offer, so try to enjoy every moment. And you'll see everyone again soon.
You might feel a little lonely, but embrace this feeling. Because in a few days, when the trip ends, you won't have the chance to feel like this anymore. @gooner
20. Don't forget to buy travel insurance
Finally, but equally important, is to purchase travel insurance. Many people overlook this step when traveling, thinking insurance is unnecessary and costly. But trust me, during trips, especially when traveling solo, insurance is extremely necessary!
Travel insurance can assist you in risky situations abroad like visiting a doctor, hospitalization... Of course, no one wants unfortunate events to happen, but having insurance will give you more peace of mind.
Travel insurance offers various packages for you to choose from. It costs less than 1 million VND but brings you much more peace of mind. @andrewtneel
This world is vast and full of wonderful, interesting things. Don't let fear of being alone stop you from exploring and experiencing new things.You'll realize that traveling is as important as going to school. Travel solo at least once before being tied down by work, marriage, children... Experience different cultures, meet different people to broaden your horizons, knowledge. To discover and overcome your own limits, understand what you truly need and want. Isn't that the two questions everyone spends their youth searching for answers to?
