The Essential Guide to Women Travelling Alone

Travelling alone can be a liberating experience, but it can also be stressful. Whether going on a short trip or travelling around the world, these tips will help you make the most of your trip and stay safe! Whether you’re a woman travelling alone for personal growth, to explore new places and cultures, or just to get away from it all – here are some essential tips and tricks for a safe and successful journey.

Do Your Research

Before you go, do some research about the area you’re visiting. Check local laws and customs, the general safety of the area, the language spoken there and what currency is used. Plan out your routes ahead of time so that you are aware of your location. This will help keep you safe while travelling and make your experience go smoothly.

Pack Appropriately

One of the most important parts of travelling alone is to pack smartly. Pack sensibly, and don’t take anything you wouldn’t need locally – the less baggage you have, the easier it will be while navigating public transportation systems solo. Make sure to look up the recommended dress code for areas you’ll be travelling in, even for day trips and excursions – this will ensure that you don’t accidentally break any local rules or customs.

Stay in Touch With Family Back Home

When you travel, make a communication strategy with friends and family at home. Let them know where you’re going, how long you plan to stay, and how they can get in touch with you in case of an emergency.

To stay connected while you’re abroad, consider purchasing a local SIM card for your phone. Many carriers also have good travel plans, so check before you go. A plan with your regular carrier is often more expensive than a local SIM card but can be more convenient.

Learn Key Phrases in the Local Language

If you’re travelling alone as a woman in a country where English is not widely spoken, it can help to learn a few key phrases beforehand so that people understand what you want from them. You can use a phrasebook or an app to help you if you feel nervous about speaking with locals.

Pick Activities That You Know You’ll Enjoy

When you travel alone as a woman, you can do whatever you want and on your own schedule. Want to spend the day reading and sipping coffee or exploring second-hand shops? You can! When planning your trip, think about your personality and preferences; it will be easier to narrow down the options available to you.

Take Safety Precautions

When solo travelling, it is essential to take safety precautions. Avoid travelling at night and always be aware of your surroundings. If possible, avoid areas that do not appear secure or well-lit and stick to areas where tourists are more visible. Additionally, carry copies of important documents such as your passport, driver’s license, visa and medical records in case of an emergency.

Try to Look Like You Know What You’re Doing

When you are travelling solo as a woman, try to blend in with the locals. Dress appropriately, wear comfortable shoes, and carry only what is necessary for your day-to-day activities. Walk with confidence! Keep expensive items locked up in the hotel or, even better, leave them at home. Avoid dark, deserted areas and don’t walk alone at night. If you’re waiting for a bus or taxi, stay near other people. Use common sense!

Don’t be Afraid to Talk to Strangers

If you want to get the most out of your travels, try asking the locals about their culture or getting to know other travellers. This will make exploring new places more enjoyable and give you the opportunity to gain insight into unique attractions that you probably won’t find in a guidebook.

If you want to meet other travellers, start a conversation with them. You’ll learn a lot about the places you’re visiting from those who have already been there, and they may even be able to tell you about places less well-known by tourists.

But Be Wary of Overly-Friendly Locals

It’s not uncommon for solo female travelers to be followed or approached by men who are overly friendly. If you feel like you’re being followed, don’t be afraid to say no and keep moving! If possible, try to walk towards a busy place, like a restaurant or a store full of people.

Listen to Your Gut

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation. This is an essential piece of advice that can help keep you safe while travelling alone as a woman. It’s also one of the most difficult things for people to do–especially if they’re new to travelling.