10 Essential Tips For Solo Female Travellers

16 June
London

Ladies, this article is for you if you are about to embark on your first solo abroad trip. First and foremost, do know that you are not alone! Countless of women are actually travelling overseas by themselves on a daily basis and contrary to popular belief, most of them remain safe and sound. While it is important to acknowledge that dangers do exist, minimising the risks of encountering them is actually very possible should you put an extra effort to be cautious.

Safety issues aside, women travelling alone should also bear in mind that solo long term travels are not just about exhilarating experiences. There would be moments that are awfully frustrating and even lonely. But trust us, spending quality time with yourself will allow you to uncover the inner voice that has been previously suppressed by your hectic life. We are advocates for solo travels as it allows you to explore freely and also rediscover yourself.

Having said that, solo travelling as a female is clearly not an impossible feat. In fact, it is one of the most defining moments for many ladies, who have proclaimed that solo travels are their best life experiences. Before whisking off to your dream destination, do spend a significant amount of time to research on the city/country. Never head there unprepared or you might be susceptible to robbery etc.

#1 ALWAYS BE ALERT

While the world is inherently a good place, solo female travellers still have to be extremely careful and street smart for their own safety. Be extremely alert about your surroundings and never ever get too caught up with your mobile phone.

Never let your guard down while traveling – especially when alone – because you never know when someone might just strike when you least expect it. Even if it means dragging your entire bulky baggage into the bathroom, do it.

Rome

#2 AVOID DARK AND REMOTE PLACES

Avoiding dark and remote alleyways when travelling alone (especially during nighttime) seems like a common sense but is still reiterated endlessly for a reason. Walking into a dingy alleyway maximises an attacker’s opportunity in attacking you, but strolling along a bustling street would leave potential robbers and rapists with minimal chances.

Before whisking off to your dream destination, do spend a significant amount of time to research about the places you want to visit – and what the safest routes are. It will be immensely helpful.

#3 BEHAVE LIKE A LOCAL

While it is not possible to completely assimilate into a foreign culture or pick up another language right away, the best thing you could do to avoid unnecessary attention is to try to blend in. For instance, women should cover up and avoid skimpy clothing when travelling in conservative countries.

Similarly, understanding a destination’s taboos will also save you from many problems.

Woobar

#4 DO NOT OVER DRINK

We are not saying that you should completely ditch your favourite beer or wine. But it is only wise to ensure you do not drink till you are tipsy, or worse still, drunk. The brutal truth is that the likelihood of a solo female traveller being assaulted will multifold when she is intoxicated. Remember that nobody is fending for you but yourself!

#5 LIE ABOUT YOUR IDENTITY AND STATUS

If your sixth sense tells you that there is something off about the stranger speaking to you, listen to it. A woman’s intuition is usually right when danger is looming. Fabricate a story that your boyfriend/husband is on the way to meet you or you could even wear a ring to fake that you are married.

If you want to avoid any conversations, simply put your headphones on (and pretend you are listening to music even if you are not). We once had a friend who even acted as a lunatic to shake people off! Do whatever it is to protect yourself and never let fear overcome you.

Solo Female Traveller

#6 PACK LIGHT

Remember that nobody but yourself is responsible for all your belongings. Having said that, do keep it a point to pack light and only take essentials with you. Overpacking will have you struggling at train stations that do not have lifts at all – good luck with lugging the heavy luggage up and down the flight of stairs. It is hard to keep calm and composed with all that heavy baggage. So save yourself the hassle by packing light!

Osaka

#7 PLAN & RESEARCH PRIOR TO ARRIVAL

Do research on a destinations’ dos and don’ts, your accommodation’s neighbourhood, mode of transportation etc. Like it or not, solo female travellers are way more vulnerable than solo male travellers. The least you could do is research and plan!

If possible, try to understand traditional customs and even the area’s common scams to minimise setbacks. Avoid flights that only touchdown at night – it is better to reach your hotel in broad daylight so you can navigate the foreign streets safely.

Venice

#8 PRETEND YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING

Are you lost? Don’t tell anyone. By revealing signs that you are lost in a foreign city will attract attention from both genuinely helpful people and lurking predators in the vicinity. Most of the time, you might not even be able to distinguish the wolf in sheep clothing. Even in the case of an address confusion, always act confident and pretend you are in control.

Never ever panic. So long as there is a will, there is always a way.

#9 STAY CONNECTED WITH LOVED ONES

Always update your loved ones on where you are heading to – even give them the details! This will allow your family and friends to have a peace of mind. At the same time, they would be able to gather relevant information and come to your rescue should anything crops up *cross fingers*.

While we know not everyone will purchase a prepaid SIM card, do take advantage of the free wifi hotspots or the complimentary internet in the hostel/hotel you are staying at.

Pont Alexandre III

#10 YOU WILL EXPERIENCE LONELINESS

Do not let all the epic Instagram shots fool you. While travelling alone long term might be a liberating and exhilarating experience, do know that there will be moments where you get frustrated and lonely. But know that you will learn to cope with homesickness and become even more independent than before!

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