As a young woman you face difficulties every day both in your career and personal life. You have been brought up to rely on yourself, but the realities are so that being protected is what you need to be. So, naturally, you question whether you are mentally and physically well-equipped for taking solo trips.
Travelling is possibly one of the most exciting activities you will ever have. Travelling alone though could be the most self-educative experience of your life. But just as thrilling and amazing it can be, just as dangerous and unpredictable it could turn if you don’t take certain precautions or prepare thoroughly.
I, myself, have been travelling solo for many years. And it took me a minute or two to realize that all these women travelling on their own in the movies are poorly prepared for their trips. So, I learned it the hard way.
Finally, I came with a little guide of my own that kept me safe through all my travels.
Study the place you are going to.
It doesn’t have to be an educational course, but having a clear understating what this country you are heading to is all about, what is the political climate, what are the surroundings, may be very useful.
Try to learn a bit of the local language.
Remember, you are the one responsible for your well-being there. Knowing what people are talking about or at least having a vague idea what’s discussed behind your back can be crucial. Don’t want to scare you, but since you are a young woman in the foreign country all by yourself, the intentions of other people could be quite harmful, hence the need of the light knowledge of a foreign language.
Don’t travel cheap.
I get it: you are going on a solo trip for self-education and possibly discovering yourself, not for experiencing luxury and wealth. However, it doesn’t mean you need to pick the cheapest hotel in the area to save for other experiences. Staying in a safe place over night is one of the most important pillars of a solo trip.
Get a local phone plan.
First of all, it’s always more financially responsible to use a local data to stay in touch online with your family and friends back home. And second, google maps are a big help when you are traying to navigate in a new place.
Be smart going out at night.
Know what you can and cannot afford, as in drinking alone or making new friends at the bar. Never leave your drink unattended. Better pay twice for it than paying for the rest of the trip or even worse, life. Always take an uber while going back to the hotel. It’s faster and way safer.
Pack light and smart.
Once again, you are planning to find out more about yourself and a new culture other than showing off in different outfits. Make sure you have couple of spare sets of outfits that you can rotate (most of the hotels provide laundry services – so don’t worry about looking untidy) and essentials. Besides that, try to distribute your cards and cash in different bags – this way in case of loss of one of them, you are still covered.
Leave your passport behind in the safe space of your hotel room.
Passport is the legal document that will either let you leave the country without a due or get you stuck in there. Make the copies of it and carry them around.
Get a life insurance.
Some places more than the other are prawn to be in a range of natural risk and disasters. On top of it nobody cancelled the chance of being robbed of unlucky while going for some physical activities. It usually doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg, but it is a necessary safety net while being on the trip alone.
Trust your instincts.
Making friends while travelling can be the most valuable achievement/gain of the whole trip. Although, I want you to be careful about who and what you are sharing. Yes, being open is a key to making really strong connections with people but be sure you are listening to your gut. We tend to ignore it when we are excited and thrilled, but you need to remember that your safety is your first priority. Once you feel something or someone looks fishy – retreat. Lie if you have to. It’s better be overcautious than other way around.
Treat local people, customs and food with respect.
You cannot imagine how many different aspects may open to you if you only be kind to your local guides and new local friends. New beautiful nature spots not available to regular fellow travelers, amazing food spot and private events can be within your reach if you just be kind to the locals.
To summer up this little guide I would like to remind that it’s not a survival kit for solo women-travelers. These are just few things and practices that made the trips on my own safe and fun. Naturally, your first travel might be a bit scary and even terrifying, but don’t let your fear from stopping you to get to know new cultures, people and experiences. You deserve to know it all and more. It’s a first step to discovering the world.
