Ladies, the world is yours to explore! But first, learn how to stay safe. Solo travel is an amazingly rewarding experience that everyone should try not only once but as many times as they can while they still can.
Unfortunately, traveling the world as a woman is a bit different and requires more research and preparation to ensure a safe journey.
Yet, we know you’re unstoppable and nothing should hold you back from discovering the wanders of planet earth. So, we’d like to help you follow your traveler’s heart safely.
Trust your gut
Don’t underestimate the power of your senses when it comes to alerting you to potential dangers. Always listen carefully to what your little, wise inner voices are telling you, especially when you’re traveling alone.
If a person seems suspicious or a situation feels sketchy, then there’s a very good chance that you’re right and should better avoid them. Your instincts are your best travel companions, they wouldn’t let you down.
Keep a text trail
While you’re exploring the world on your own, make sure to regularly text your loved ones throughout the day to let them know what you’re doing, where you are, and what you’re planning to do next. Use free apps like imo or Whatsapp for texting and video calling.
Also, consider leaving a detailed copy of your itinerary with your partner, relatives, or anyone at home. Include your contact info, hotel phone numbers, a copy of your passport’s first page, and contact info for any local people you know.
Discard the earphones
If you want to ensure your own safety, ladies, it’s crucial to have all of your senses present and stay aware of your surroundings. I know it feels quite magical to listen to your favorite playlist as you explore the charms of a new city but that’s actually a terrible idea when you’re traveling solo. You have to stay alert all the time because you’ll have to get your own back. So keep your ears and pretty eyes wide open.
Go light on alcohol
In most cases, a drink or two is OK. But who can resist the temptation and stick to a couple of drinks, right? Well, going light on alcohol is actually an excellent idea to ensure your safety when you’re traveling solo.
You need to stay aware of everything that’s happening around you, be able to maintain boundaries, and tell the difference between friendly people and the ones who want to harm you. Remember that you can build great connections with a cup of tea or coffee in hand instead.
Understand your destination
Before booking your hotel and flight, use Google and social networks to collect as much information as possible about your travel destinations. Browse through travel guides and try to ask travelers who’ve been there before.
It’d be even better if you could contact a local woman because she’ll provide you with the current detailed information you need to enjoy a fun and safe journey.
Don’t forget to ask about specific suggestions for what women travelers must avoid and where they can feel most and least safe. Also, don’t avoid talking to locals once you get to your destination, it’s the best way to understand where you are so you can act accordingly.
Don’t travel at night
Sometimes, it might be impossible to avoid traveling at night, but you should avoid it as often as you can. Don’t take overnight trains or travel by bus, cab, or subway late at night. In case you have to wait for an Uber or Lyft at night, try to avoid doing so in dark, empty streets.
And if you end up taking an overnight train, choose a compartment with the most women. Some countries offer ladies-only couchettes that are usually placed near the conductor to make you feel safer.
Dress modestly
I’m not dictating dress codes, but for your own safety, you should avoid dressing however you want whenever you want. Unfortunately, people in some parts of the world are more disrespectful than others. Moreover, choosing your outfits with modesty in mind will help you avoid unwanted attention and save yourself a lot of troubles.
If you’re traveling to a country where sexual harassment is widespread and women’s rights are nothing but a dream, you should better copy local women’s outfits.
Don’t reveal too many details to strangers
Having conversations with random people is important and enriching, but you might want to keep details about your personal life, current address, and upcoming plans to yourself. The last thing you want is an unwanted intruder (or worse.)
Also, avoid telling the truth when asked about personal stuff and never say that it’s your first time visiting the country, especially if you’re not really sure about the person’s intentions.
Register with your country’s government
Register your travels in advance to be alerted in case of an emergency where you’re headed or back home. Most countries offer such services to travelers. You can register for free and input your information easily. It’s a great way to add extra safety and rest assured that you’ll have time to cancel or postpone a trip when needed.
“What’s the local equivalent of 911?”
As soon as you get to your hotel room and rest your body a bit, call the hotel desk clerk to ask for the local equivalent of 911. Keep the number they’ll give you in mind so you’ll be able to call emergency services in the case of a troublesome situation. If you’re heading to Australia, the emergency number is 000, while it’s 112 in Europe.
Stay safe!