Last updated on October 24th, 2022
Are you planning a solo trip but don’t know any tips for traveling alone as a woman? Here are some top tips for solo travel as a woman that will keep you safe while exploring.
Going on a solo trip is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Besides the unique places you get to explore, you will be tested in a way that strengthens and brings out the best version of yourself. And let me tell you, you won’t want to travel any other way after that.
As someone who adores solo travel, I’ve got some great tips to allow you to have fun, stay safe, and even a few items to add to your solo travel checklist.
After learning about these stellar tips for traveling by yourself, you will be fully equipped to take on the world!
This post is all about tips for traveling alone as a woman.
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Tips for Traveling Alone as a Woman
Research, Research, Research
Research is a girl’s best friend when traveling, solo or otherwise. But you gotta know what to research for it to be effective.
Essential particulars to research:
- Is this a good destination for solo travelers?
- Will you need a visa?
- What language is spoken in the area you’re visiting?
- What is the best way to get around?
- What are specific safety tips for the destination you’re traveling to?
- Alternate hostels or hotels in the area you’re staying.
- Best way to meet locals or other travelers.
These questions are an easy way to get started. And they will be vital in deciding where to visit on a solo trip.
Plan Your Trip Around You & Your Well-Being
Another crucial tip is to plan your trip around you and your well-being. Here’s what I mean by this. I remember the first time I traveled abroad. I was so excited to explore these countries and cultures so different than mine that I did it at the cost of my well-being.
Now, I wasn’t doing anything too crazy. But a lot of the time, I would forgo sleep and push my body past its limits, all because I thought this would be my only chance to travel. Best to get everything in while I could. How silly of me!
As a result, I tired myself out, which negatively impacted my traveling experiences. And since I was so tired, I was moody, which often led to me speeding through cities and not enjoying them to the fullest.
Learn from me, and ensure you care for yourself throughout your journey. Eat regularly, rest when you are tired, and simply make space to recharge yourself when necessary. You have much higher chances of having better experiences when you are the best version of yourself.
Challenge Yourself
Remember to challenge yourself! I know what you’re thinking, ‘This whole trip is a challenge!’ And, you’re absolutely right. Traveling solo is challenging, but it’s very easy to become frozen in fear once you reach your destination.
Yes, you’ve arrived, but now, the real challenge is that you actually have to enjoy yourself. And while not every experience is enjoyable, when you put your best foot forward, you know you’ve given it your all. Which leaves little room for regrets!
So, remember to push yourself out of your comfort zone and see where it takes you!
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
This may sound like a no-brainer, but one of the best tips for traveling alone as a woman is to stay aware of your surroundings. This cardinal rule will help you dodge a lot of trouble. So stay alert always.
Bonus tip: If you have headphones in, keep the volume low enough to hear what’s happening around you. I always prefer to leave one headphone in and one out to keep my ears peeled.
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Keep Your Family and Friends in the Know
The next tip on how to be safe traveling alone as a woman is to keep your family and friends informed of your plans. I recommend leaving a copy of your itinerary with a trusted someone back home. By doing this, others know where you are in case of an emergency. Which adds peace of mind while out and about.
Another way to update friends and family is to regularly communicate with them. Now, this doesn’t have to be an everyday thing. For example, you can use social media to your advantage and post periodically while traveling. However, if you plan on doing this, I would advise against posting your exact location, especially in real-time. Sharing your precise location is potentially dangerous, so we just want to keep folks updated on your general whereabouts.
Or this could just be calling your mom every other night to tell her you’re all right.
Trust Your Gut
The next tip is to trust your gut. We were all born with this innate ability to sense when things are wrong. So, if your gut is telling you something is off, it most likely is. So, listen to it and find a way to exit yourself from the situation immediately.
Don’t be afraid to offend or hurt someone’s feelings if your intuition tells you to run. You are your first priority, and you need to protect yourself.
Try to Blend In
The best way to avoid unwanted attention is to blend in. This means wearing similar clothing to the locals and walking confidently, even if unfamiliar with the area.
Bonus tip: An excellent way to blend in is to purchase something as soon as you get to the city you’re traveling to. Something small from a drugstore or convenience store will do. This small action helps you blend in better and appear like a local.
Split Up Your Monies
Another tip I highly recommend is separating your money into different areas, with smaller bills in one spot and bigger bills in another. Doing this prevents you from getting all your money stolen if you run into pickpocketers.
Also, if someone tries to rob you & you don’t give them anything, they could get angry. And things could go from bad to worse in no time. So, you want to avoid that at all costs, and giving them your smaller bills allows you to walk away unharmed, hopefully, and with most of your money.
Bonus tip: Make sure to keep your travel documents (i.e., passport & i.d.) as secure as possible. Keep copies of each with you & leave copies back at home with a trusted family member or friend.
A great way to secure personal items is to carry an anti-theft backpack or purse.
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Invest in a Doorstop
As a general rule of thumb, always invest in your safety when possible. Your life is not worth the risk that may come from saving some coins. Doorstops give you that added protection when staying in hotels or hostels, making it nearly impossible for someone to get into your room. A very simple way to be worry-free and sleep soundly when traveling solo.
Write About Your Experiences in a Travel Journal
I always thought I’d be the one to remember everything about my life. But, surprisingly, the older I get, the more I seem to forget. And everything happens so fast, making it much easier to slip the mind. So I would highly suggest bringing & writing in a travel journal while on your solo adventure.
And if you want to jazz it up, leave some spaces to add pictures later. It’s always so much fun to read later. Journaling while traveling is a great way to keep the memories alive and get transported back to where you visited.
Talk with the Locals
Locals can be a huge source of knowledge while traveling. As they live there, they are sure to know all the best spots to eat, the best places to shop, all the jumping night spots, and more. And generally, the locals are friendly and love to tell visitors all about what makes their city great. So, be sure to take advantage of those already living there!
Take a Deep Breathe & Relax
Traveling alone as a woman can be terrifying at first. You’re in a new place with unfamiliar faces all around, and you have no idea where you’re going. That’s enough to freak anyone out. But remember to breathe and relax. Ground yourself in the moment, and everything is going to be ok.
Believe in yourself & have fun!
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