Traveling solo has become more popular over the last few decades. More women are interested in traveling solo than ever before. But security isn’t equal everywhere, and it can become difficult for travelers – especially women – to visit some countries without taking precautions during solo trips. Below, we have listed a few simple tips that can help solo female travelers travel with caution and ease.
Research Your Destination
Knowing the destination well can reduce many problems for solo female travelers. Before you land in your destination, thoroughly research the location, especially its safety reputation and female-friendliness.
Also, research their customs and cultural norms to avoid upsetting anyone unintentionally. Research your hotel and surrounding locations, and mark places you must avoid.
Know Your Rights
Try to familiarize yourself with local laws and emergency contact numbers of the travel destination before you land there. Check if they have victims of assault or harassment laws, and memorize where to go and seek help. Also, keep the contacts of a victim lawyer from your home country because you will need it if you get into any trouble during your solo trip.
“Our seasoned attorneys are adept at assessing your case comprehensively, ensuring that those responsible for your injuries are held accountable,” says a representative of victims advocate Broward County firm named ‘Victim Advocate.’ They can help you file the case and get compensation for assault, robbery or theft, absence of security, shooting, and sexual attacks.
Share Your Itinerary
Plan a detailed itinerary before you start your journey and share it with trusted friends and family members. Create a daily itinerary and inform them where they can expect you each day. If possible, mark when you might be out of network or your dear ones might fail to reach you over the network or the internet.
Don’t forget to include details of your accommodation, flight, and planned activities so that they are aware of your whereabouts at all times. It adds a layer of safety and allows your dear ones to alert the authorities if something doesn’t add up.
Stay Connected
While it might seem like an added hassle to stay connected with your friends and family back home when traveling solo, it adds a layer of safety for a female solo traveler. Try to send updates at regular intervals through calls or text messages. Or send them updates over social media to ensure them about your wellbeing. You can also share your location if you can’t send them constant updates. Make sure you have a steady mobile data package and ample device battery health to ensure continued connectivity.
Trust Your Instincts
Always trust your instinct to stay safe. If you’re not comfortable going somewhere, avoid that place. If you find any inconsistencies with the travel arrangement or accommodation, talk to the respective authorities and inform them of your discomfort.
Avoid trusting strangers completely. If your intuition tells you to stay away from a stranger, follow it. Our intuition heightens during traveling in a foreign country and in most cases, our intuition leads us to the right path.
Blend In
Follow local cultures and norms and try to blend in to avoid unnecessary problems. Try not to draw too much attention to yourself by trying to stand out, be that with your actions or your attire. Not every country has the same level of security, and you might draw unnecessary attention from the wrong people who might harm or scam you. Blending in allows you to enjoy a different culture and turn it into an educational experience while staying safe while traveling solo.
Secure Your Belongings
Always count the number of bags you take with you when going out. Keep your valuables, such as passports and other important documents secure. Keep your passport in the hotel locker or locked in your luggage if you don’t require it at all times. If you must carry them with you, keep an eye on everything you carry. Use a money belt to store the money and divide it into portions to avoid losing banknotes when pulling out one. Try to pay with cards and keep it safely tucked away. Using a money belt can also prevent theft or loss.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
It’s easy to get carried away in a tourist spot. But always try to stay aware of your surroundings to ensure you stay out of trouble’s way. Watch what goes on around you to avoid suspicious people or activities. Staying vigilant also reduces the chances of getting into accidents.
Plan Your Transportation
Plan your transportation ahead of time. Learn how the public transport system works before you reach your destination. Not all countries have the same transport system, and it can cost you both time and money if you get derailed or lost.
Always use licensed taxi services. Use ridesharing services if you’re unsure how much to pay for each ride, or if haggling with taxi drivers is part of the culture and you don’t have much experience with it. Don’t accept rides from random strangers even if they ask for a cheaper fare. Always use public transport because most people will be there, and you can get help from a local if you get into trouble.
Avoid Risky Situations
We all know what risky situations are. Don’t consume too much alcohol alone, especially if you don’t have anyone to help you reach your hotel. Don’t roam at night if the area is calm and quiet after certain hours. Avoid dark lanes at all costs. Only take well-lit roads if you must go out during an emergency. Reject invitations from strangers and avoid visiting their houses alone. Prioritize your safety above everything else to prevent accidents.
Traveling solo shouldn’t be difficult. You can ensure a safe and happy trip in any corner of the world if you follow the safety measures mentioned above.
