When traveling solo, the idea of being fearless is one that many women think they need to live up to, however, that isn’t the case! Women need to be aware, prepared and also be strategic with their decisions. The smallest of choices can affect the outcome of your overall travel.
Let’s breakdown how you can successfully achieve this!
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
A popular travel writer, has said that certain locations feel more dangerous for a woman traveling solo than others, not to scare anyone away from going there, but instead to show that you need to understand the location.
In addition to knowing about the destination and what is acceptable behaviour, it is also important to know what the safety level is for women in that location. Once you have knowledge of both of these, you will already be ahead of anyone else who does not have those two things.
Your Behaviour Affects Others’ Reactions
Asking for help is important
While many women romanticise getting lost, it’s really one of the most stressful situations a woman can face. Therefore, please do not hesitate to ask for help from anyone around you (especially in highly populated areas). Most people would be happy to help, and asking can help prevent you from going down a questionable path.
Although it may seem scary to talk to a man, just as a woman should always keep in mind the surroundings that she is in and her feelings when evaluating whether to engage or not, whether it’s with a man or woman. If you get into a conversation with a man, keep yourself in a well-lit area, trust your gut, and don’t feel obligated to be polite if it doesn’t feel right to you.
Dressing Like You Fit In
While dressing like you fit in does not mean to limit your style, it means to adapt your style to what is viewed as acceptable in that particular country. Each country has its own rules about what types of clothes people are supposed to wear, and following those rules will help you avoid unwanted attention. Generally speaking, simple clothing that falls within the guidelines for the local culture is best.
This idea is about being culturally-aware, and it is not about restricting yourself.
How You Behave Matters
Do not over-share with people you don’t know. You do not need to tell strangers that you are traveling by yourself, where you are staying, or what you are going to do. It is perfectly acceptable to be friendly, but it is far more acceptable to maintain your boundaries with others.
If a stranger makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you need to be very clear and assertive with them. Your smile is not an invitation for a conversation; neither is an explanation about your travels.
Traveling alone provides women with independence, confidence, and lifelong memories. However, to maximize the benefits of traveling alone, women must take responsibility for their personal safety and develop smart travel planning habits. When a woman travels alone with the appropriate mindset, it can be empowering, rather than frightening.
Always keep your valuables on your person and secured in a manner that prevents them from being stolen. If you plan to use a mobile device to scroll through social media, it is best to do so in private rather than in public where people will see you. Always have a way to get back to your place to stay and, should anything go wrong, have a backup plan.
If you find yourself being harassed or followed, don’t minimize it. Go to a public area, seek help and, if necessary, yell for assistance. Safety should be more important than feeling embarrassed about the situation.
If meeting someone new, make sure to do so in a busy, public place. You’ll feel safer sitting down in a cafe compared to walking along a deserted street.
Avoid going out alone after dark unless it’s absolutely necessary. Not only will there be limited visibility and no other people around (unless you’re at the bar), but the chances of getting into trouble are higher. When you cannot avoid going out after dark, try to use a legit taxi service or ride-hailing app and share your location with someone you know and trust.
A simple text message like “I just got here” can save you from a lot of headaches.
Solo traveling is not about being fearless; it’s about being smart. While these tips may seem basic, they are effective. Once you have ensured your safety, you’ll be able to enjoy all the fun of solo traveling.
