If you want to explore all that the world has to offer, but you don’t have, or don’t want, to travel with a companion, then there is no reason not to get out there and make it happen. Life is for living, after all!
However, if you are planning to travel solo as a female, there are a few things you should probably do to ensurer you stay safe and have the most amazing time, including the following:
Get insured
This goes for everyone, male and female. If you are traveling overseas, a good travel insurance policy will protect you if you are injured or sick. You should never travel without it.
Have an itinerary
If you are traveling solo, it’s a good idea to have at least a loose idea of where you will be heading and when. That way, if you don’t show up at your next hotel or apartment within a day or two, people will notice and they will know where to start the search.
Leave your valuables behind
Obviously, you’re going to need to bring your phone, but if you don’t need to bring valuables, whether they be jewelry or a designer bag, it is probably best not to bring them. That way, you will be much less of a target for muggers.
Stay connected with loved ones back home
It’s worth updating loved ones back home as to where you are in the world in case something happens. If you stop communicating, they’ll then know something is up. For peace of mind, some people even share their live location with a loved one. If you do get mugged or scammed and you need money to get back home, it’s worth noting that there are ways in which loved ones can cheaply transfer money to other countries around the world to help you out. Keep your phone charged at all times so that you have the ability to contact loved ones if you get into trouble.
Make friends but be wary
One of the best things about traveling solo is that you get to meet so many interesting people and make lifelong friends in the hostels, clubs, and hiking trails you visit. It’s great to make friends, but don’t be too trusting in the first instance, Never go off alone with someone you’ve just met, and always tell someone you trust where you are going snd who you are with.
Look after your drinks
Whether you’re relaxing with a cocktail on the beach or hitting up the hip local bar, do not leave your drinks unattended. Most people are good and honest, but it only takes one bad person to cause disaster, so look after your drinks at all times. You should do this in the bars at home too, of course!
Dress like a local
When you are traveling solo, it is a good idea to dress more like a local than a tourist. If you are able to blend in, then you will look like less of a target if you do happen upon someone with ill intent.
Travel in daylight
If you can, try to restrict travel times to times of the day when it is likely to be light snd lots of people are likely to be around, If you cannot do that, then at least book an official taxi cab to take you from the airport to your accommodation and vice versa.
This may seem like a lot, but you should not let it scare you or put you off. Most people in most places are amazingly warm, welcoming, and friendly and most solo travelers have no trouble at all, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Stay safe and have an amazing time!
