Solo travel for women is not an easy task. 73% of female travelers traveling alone worry about their safety, according to our study on female travel trends. Even individuals who have completed more than ten journeys alone and are very seasoned solo travelers worry almost as much as it is their first solo trip.
While traveling solo, there are many unknowns and difficulties; for women, the worry that something horrible would happen to them makes those problems and unknowns even harder. For this reason, we have compiled the most thorough list of solo female travelers safety advice in this post.
No matter where you go, whether it’s a place that’s very safe for solo female travel or a strange one, the safety recommendations for solo female travel below will help you get ready and stay safe during your solo trip.
1. Do All the Research (Especially for Solo Travel for Women)
Solo female travelers in solo travel for women are to be aware of the value of conducting a thorough study before visiting a new location to identify potential threats. You can choose how to lessen them once you are aware of these.
There used to be no single site where you could turn to gather safety information, making it very difficult to understand the type and degree of hazard of a destination, especially during your first solo trip.
Start with the Index, then read the Travel Advisories from your own nation, the US, and the UK, both of which are often fairly comprehensive and updated, to round out your research and then decide the best destinations for your first solo trip.
2. Planning Safely
Planning is one of the integral steps to be taken for solo travel for women. In the broadest meaning of the word, the planning stage can assist you in staying safe if you are a solo traveler.
2.1) Keep Your Documents Safely
In the event that your passport is stolen or lost, having a backup plan is crucial. Always make copies of important papers, including your driver’s license and reservations, and keep them apart from the originals.
2.2) Email Yourself a Copy
Include duplicates of your credit cards since you might still use them to make online purchases of food and other necessities. We advise deactivating the card as soon as you learn it has been lost or stolen.
2.3) Give a Thorough Itinerary
In solo travel for women, utilizing travel applications makes it simple to plan and share your entire schedule. The people you are closest to will be able to contact you in an emergency. This is crucial in case a loved one has a loss or need assistance, in addition to for your own protection.
2.4) Leave Your Passwords Behind
For solo travel for women, we suggest utilizing a VPN and connecting to the internet through your home nation. If a company thinks the location you’re logging in from is questionable, they may suspend your account, including banks and email providers. Consider entering the passwords to your financial accounts as well.
2.5) Install a Tracking Program so A Reliable Source Can Monitor Your Whereabouts
Using Google Maps, you may specify with whom and for how long you want to share your location. Some countries or regions forbid sharing or tracking of whereabouts. If you need to keep track of where you are in case of an emergency, download a safety software like UrSafe.
2.6) Staying Connected
Purchase a local SIM card, or go with your own portable internet hotspot. The chances of becoming lost, not being able to get help if something bad happens to you, ordering a cab, being without your identification, etc. can be greatly reduced if you have access to the internet.
2.7) Have a Full Charge
If your laptop has a USB C charging port, they can also power your phone many times (like the new Macbook Pro – we have done it). Without a battery, a phone is useless.
2.8) Make Your Phone’s Backups Automatic
When you are within WiFi range, you should upload everything to the cloud so that you don’t lose any images in the event that your phone is stolen.
2.9) Register with Your Embassy While You Are Abroad
Always make sure to get in touch with the embassy if you are traveling solo for business in a region that is vulnerable to natural catastrophes or armed conflict. Staying longer may also result in invitations to illustrious events held across the nation. For this, you can enroll in a specific program called STEP in the US.
2.10) Hire and Reserve from A Reliable Business
Travel-related scams are significantly more common than we’d like to think especially with solo female travelers and women traveling solo for the first time. The FTC has a useful list of signs that a travel agency scam is taking place. Do your research, look for travel companies you may have heard of before, and ask questions on online discussion groups especially during your first trip.
3. Some Basic Tips
Some items of advise would still be relevant if you were traveling domestically or going out in your hometown. One of the best methods to keep oneself safe when traveling alone is to use common sense.
3.1) Utilize Your Gut Feeling
Get away if you can if a destination or a scenario feels odd to you. Avoid going to sketchy-feeling destinations, and stay away from dealing with anyone who strikes you as being unreliable. In The Gift of Terror, respected expert Gavin de Becker argues that our gut instincts and unexplainable fear are correct and will alert us to anomalies before our reasoning can.
3.2) Don’t Reveal Where You Are
Never give it out to a total stranger or publish it online. After leaving a place, post information online to prevent anyone from coming looking for you. If you own a home, announcing it on social media may also inform neighborhood groups that it has been abandoned. Even travel blogger update their social media after 3-4 days.
3.3) Do Not Claim to Be Alone
Always act as though someone is waiting for you or is on their way, and if you see someone is being overly curious about you or asking too many questions, excuse yourself and walk away. Announcing your loneliness indicates that no one is waiting for you and that you are a convenient target.
3.4) Sync Up
If you’re a women travelling solo, you could seem like the ideal victim. Do the same if you’re visiting countries like Pakistan or India where indigenous ladies typically wear long tunics and leggings. Any effort you make to fit in and demonstrate your belonging will be beneficial.
3.5) For Temples and Other Places of Worship, Dress Modestly
Where you should respect the local culture of the city. This can assist you in avoiding upsetting the populace and lessen the additional looks that acting strangely or engaging in dubious behavior might draw.
3.6) Respect the Customs and Laws of The Area
Being safe obviously also means abiding by the law, especially for solo female traveler in conservative nations where there are standards for beauty or attire. For instance, Saudi Arabian women should wear an abaya, and women in Iran must cover their heads (though this is changing).
3.7) When Stating a Strong No, Be Kind
Setting boundaries is one of the first stages in self-defense, according to Yunquan Qin. If someone is trying to sell you anything, just keep stating “No” firmly and loudly without offering an apology. You may be firm and polite without being rude.
4. Avoid Common Con Games
You may learn a lot about the scams you can fall for through the Solo Female Travel Safety Index, but there are some universal techniques that thieves use everywhere especially to rob solo travellers.
4.1) Changers of Currencies
To prevent them from trying to shortchange you or claim you paid them a different amount, always double-check the amount you receive from a currency exchanger and pay attention to the notes you give especially when you are travelling solo.
4.2) Search for Fakes
A popular scam involves a taxi driver pretending to give you back a large USD note you were intending to pay with while accepting a smaller amount instead and then later having you realize the note he returned to you was a fake. Make sure the notes you are given back are not forgeries. To learn how to spot a fake, do some research before your trip.
4.3) Obstinate Guides
Make sure you are dropped off where you need to go before getting out of the car, and be firm in your refusal. In Thailand, it’s typical for the tuk tuk driver to bring you to one of these stores, put you off there, and then drive off while making it seem like you intended to go there.
4.4) Excessive Restaurant Tab
A kind local approaches you under the pretense that they want to practice their English, which is a common fraud in Southeast Asia. He brings you to what appears to be a small neighborhood restaurant after showing you around, where many of his friends join him for delicious food. But after they leave, you are left with an enormous bill and a demanding owner.
4.5) Don’t Steal Cigarettes from Unknowing People
Scammers have switched to spiking cigarettes because many solo female travelers will be aware of and alerted to the practice of spiking drinks. You are invited to one that is drug-laced and will make you queasy, after which you will either be robed or assaulted.
4.6) Keep an Eye on Your Credit Cards
Your credit cards may be copied or photographed by con artists to use them fraudulently online. Always request to see the machine when paying with a card or go to the cashier to witness it in action. Better yet, you can purchase without using your card by using wireless payment methods.
5. Never Leave the House Unprotected
Making sure you have the appropriate coverage for travel and medical emergencies is another important aspect of staying safe during your solo trip.
5.1) Purchase Refundable Tickets or Travel Protection
that safeguards you from unanticipated emergencies that keep you from going and cost you hundreds of dollars in unused reservations. To find out what is covered, read the fine print. We advise you to always use a credit card and to inquire about the coverage since certain credit cards come with travel insurance.
5.2) Never Depart without Health Coverage
That ensures you at the destination; the medical expenses may put you out of business if something were to happen to you. it is not worthwhile to take the chance given the low cost of medical travel insurance.
5.3) Be Sure to Purchase Travel Insurance for Certain Activities
such as adventure sports or diving. Typically, diving insurance is obtained through professionals like DAN and provides yearly coverage.
6. Keep your Luggage Light
This is both practical advice to save you from having to carry around many baggage alone and a safety suggestion. You may move around more easily and draw less attention to yourself and your possessions with smaller baggage. Never overpack! You’ll benefit from this and save a ton of time. Count the days you have and bring one outfit for each. You already know you won’t wear everything, so don’t pack extra.
7. Do Not Hold All of Your Assets in One Location
Keep some cash (and your credit card) with you, in your bag, and in your hotel as well. Organize your cash by placing it in an empty sanitary napkin cover (in a bag) or a tampon applicator (in your pocket). There won’t be any curiosity to look inside, and a pickpocket is unlikely to steal it.
8. Avoid Being Intoxicated, High, or Inebriated by Yourself
Even while it can seem like a no-brainer, this concept is nonetheless crucial. Keep your wits about you even though having a drink or two might be acceptable. If you’re in an unfamiliar environment among strangers, don’t go outside your comfort zone. Not every situation works out well. Ensure your return is secure, and then take a thorough nap.
9. Try to Arrive at Your Destinations by Dusk
If you wish to avoid using cabs, rent a self-drive car, but stay off the streets after dark. Always try to be at your destination before sunset so you can get a feel for the area. Additionally, you won’t have to pull your luggage behind you as you go through the dark streets.
10. Keep a Safety Tool with You
For self-defense, keep pepper spray or a whistle on you. Use an alternative, such as hairspray, as mace or pepper spray may be regarded as a concealed weapon in some nations. Try to always have a flashlight with you. Another choice is a Swiss knife, but be sure you know how to use one. Additionally, a spray is more practical, so a Swiss knife might not be necessary.
11. Ensure that Your Lodging Provides Lockers
To see if your accommodation has a safe for your belongings, check. Otherwise, you can carry a reliable lock and keep your belongings in your bag. In case your bag is stolen, don’t forget to keep your key with you at all times. In case your belongings are taken, you can also leave some cash inside. Lockers are present in most hotel rooms. If they don’t have, do inquire.
12. Include the Cost of Using Cabs in Your Budget
Try using SOS buttons built into services like Uber and tracking the cab if you’re vacationing in Europe and need a taxi to get back to your hotel. Choosing self-driving cars is an option if essential, but keep an eye on your budget.
13. Meet People
Often, the greatest approach to see the things you might not have discovered on your own is to make friends with locals. They may also provide you superb transit advice and point you areas to avoid. Additionally, it provides you with a support system in case of an emergency. Engaging in conversation with new individuals is always beneficial. Additionally, since you are alone, making friends is not detrimental.
14. Knowing your Strengths
Are you a social butterfly that enjoys being in the spotlight? If so, head to a place where the language is used since if you can’t communicate, you might go crazy.
On the other hand, if you’re an introvert and traveling alone, don’t worry about the language barrier. Just use a google translate. People watching is especially enjoyable in vibrant cities with a bustling café scene.
15. Explore
One of our best pieces of advice for making it through a solo trip. Spend some time deciding where you’re most likely to find the breathtaking landscapes or white-sand beaches you’re hoping for on your trip.
16. Rest
If you’re traveling alone, choose a homestay or apartment room rentals as these will put you in contact with locals right away. You will have a wide range of possibilities when traveling alone. If your landlord doesn’t take you out, at least you’ll get a few insider hints. Hostels are equipped to accommodate single travelers as well, but be aware that you can end up spending more time with other visitors than with locals.
17. Embracing Yourself
In solo travel for women, Long stretches of time spent alone can be unsettling, but accept it. Always try to meet some new people and talk with them if you’re in the mood to socialize. This is without a doubt one of our best advices for managing solo travel.
18. Taking Photos
Giving your day direction, even if it’s merely to take pictures of odd characteristics in a location. Your pals back home will appreciate your point of view and the stories behind the images.
19. Food
Solo travel for women might as well be an opportunity to try out various cuisines. Chefs and waitstaff are pleased to assist lone diners who are making their first restaurant visit. At Michelin-starred restaurants like Le Bernardin, it’s perfectly acceptable to reserve a table for two even if social people may prefer to visit the bar.
20. Freedom
Solo travel for women has so many options that you won’t even notice that you’re traveling solo.
21. Avoid Hiding
While solo travel for women, women can fully take in their surroundings and meet locals, know the local customs, local culture and other travelers. When you want to be sociable, introduce yourself to people, but be pleased to be alone yourself. Solo travel might be intimidating, but it can also be quite rewarding in a fantastic way.
Conclusion
Solo travel for women can be one of the most adventurous and exhilarating moments for most. To best take advantage of the diversity of the country, solo travel to India is made. It is best to embark on your excursion in a joyous mood and celebrate your travel arrangements. Nothing compares to the excitement of discovering, comprehending, and learning new things.
Last Updated on by ritukhare