Travel Smart: Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Solo Women on the Go

Most of the time, when we imagine visiting a place, we involuntarily add someone with us in the image. Traveling with friends and family is fun because we experience new things with them. Someone to experience it all with.

But in the romanticizing of group travel (like we just did above) we forget to realize the pure beauty that is solo travel. It is incredibly healthy because you can spend time with yourself and enjoy true solitude. Some would even say solo travel is a spiritual experience, but that’s going too far. But it sure is suitable for being more comfortable in your own company.

Most women tend to not think of solo traveling at all. And those who do sometimes find themselves deterred by the various safety concerns and just the overall unfamiliarity of it all. It doesn’t help that most people are discouraged when it comes to female solo travel.

Indeed, there are many concerns and not just the ones related to safety. But why should that stop you? So, to all inspiring female solo travelers, let us to assist you in making your travels as seamless as can be.

Female Solo Travel: Dos and Don’ts

Let us advise you with best practices from the beginning of your journey.

Research before you begin

It is crucial to learn as much as you can about the place you plan to visit.

The culture

All places have certain unsaid rules, customs, and general practices. As a traveler, you need to know the ones relevant to you and make sure you don’t offend or agitate the locals.

As a solo female traveler, you are bound to attract attention (especially in a foreign country). It is best to try to blend in among the locals as much as you can. For example, wearing a bikini on a beach is common in the USA, but in Asian countries, doing so is sure to garner unwanted attention.

The language

When traveling to a place with a different local language, find out whether they speak your language. Even if they do, learn at least a few frequently used phrases and questions by heart. Who knows when what might come in handy.

The areas

Get a good idea of the area you will be visiting before you go. Check the basics, like transportation, network, amenities, etc. Know which regions are known for malpractices or are considered the most unsafe and avoid them. If not, be cautious while there.

Always know where you are

Google Maps can be relied on for most places, but keep an offline backup nonetheless, as you never know where and when the connection will go wrong. Familiarize yourself with the locations as much as possible so you don’t feel lost. Do not go off on a walk without a clear idea of where you plan to go or how to return to your hotel.

Choose good hotels

While picking out lodgings, never go below 3 stars. Steer clear of shady or deserted places. Check the reviews and reputation of the place you stay in before going there. If possible, contact people from your connections who live where you are traveling or have visited. The place you will be sleeping in needs to be decidedly safe. Do not compromise on this.

Visit the best of places

As a shift from the hard and practical solutions, make sure to research all the best spots in the area that you would not like to miss out on. Plan your visit such that you get enough time and don’t end up missing out on anything.

Budget

Know how much you can spend and travel only to places you can safely afford. Running short mid-trip is definitely not a good situation.

Food

Know what you’re allergic to and pick out food places accordingly. Be sure to have as many local items as you can. Avoid eating in fancy restaurants and prioritize the local stalls and delicacies. At the same time, make sure what you eat is hygienic and nothing untoward is added to your food or drinks.

Pack Smart

First Aid First

Before anything, make sure you have a proper medical kit and make all the personal additions necessary. Keep it with you throughout the trip, even while just going out for a walk.

Safety Items

Pack whichever safety measure you prefer, pepper spray, mace, or any alternative. Keep this in a place where you can easily access it.

Pack Less

Avoid unnecessary additions and keep your luggage light. Anything you think you can do without, leave. But do not compromise on essential items like first aid and safety tools.

Money

Never take out too much cash in public. Keep multiple wallets, a few with minimal cash, to prevent theft. Do not get carried away while spending; tourists are scammed the most.

Important Documents

Keep multiple copies of your passport and other essential documents. Handle them especially carefully, as they are your only return ticket. Keep secret stashes in your luggage where you can place them so they will not be easily found.

Tips while on the go

Stay in contact

Let your friends and family know precisely where you are. In case of an emergency, they should know your whereabouts. As traveling solo can have its lonely bouts, talking to family and friends can help you feel not so alone.

Be alert and responsible

You’re the only one you can rely on in a solo trip. Be mindful of your actions, and do not indulge too much in alcohol or drugs. Read the room, trust your instincts, and do what you feel is right.

Be prepared

Lastly, always have a backup and emergency plan ready. The best thing about travel is how much it surprises you, but that can also turn the wrong side sometimes.

Engage and have fun

Engage in conversations with locals and connect with others. A solo trip isn’t all brooding and lonely. It is about new people as much as it is about connecting with yourself. And in all the thoughts of safety and the measures, do not forget to have fun.

There are many technological supports now available for women. Here are a few we would suggest:

1. Stand and Pee: Female urination device

This tool, available in both reusable and non-reusable, is best when faced with unhygienic washrooms.

• Portable safety door lock

A must when traveling alone, hotel locks cannot be trusted.

• Doorstep alarm

Loud enough to wake everyone in the lobby, you’re safe.

• Keyhole pad

To keep the creeps away.

• Personal Alarm

Carry it everywhere.

Conclusion

As women, we face many safety concerns even in our daily lives. Traveling solo can seem scary and unsafe, but once you’re ready with all the precautions mentioned above, you’re good to go. Above all else, do what your gut tells you. While traveling, this turns out to be a blessing. Research well, pack light and right, and be aware and confident.

Happy Journey!