FEMALE SOLO TRAVEL TIPS

I have travelled pretty extensively to over 115 countries by now and some solo. My first trip alone was to Sri Lanka and after that I have visited Greece, Italy, Georgia, Armenia, Montenegro, Albania, Croatia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Cambodia, Brunei, Indonesia, South Africa, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan by myself. 

Travelling solo is amazing. I was afraid of it for the longest time but I sadly  the person I would travel the most with and that showed me the beauty of seeing the world - my mum - passed away and my partner or friends are not always available to travel with me so I realised to see the world and satisfy my excessive love for exploring I need to brave up and try going away by myself. I cannot be more scary than moving to another country alone, which I have done before, can it?

Honestly, every time I do another solo trip I am still anxious of the unknown, but every time I do the trip I realise that most fear is in my head and how great is to spend time with yourself exploring this world and doing the things only you want. And I very often meet fellow travellers so as they say - you are not alone if you do not want to be.

HERE ARE MY TOP TIPS FOR FEMALE SOLO TRAVEL:

1. SAFE DESTINATIONS

Chose safe countries to visit by yourself such as most Europe, America, South East Asia, parts of Central and South America. Some females, of course, are more brave and would say that India or Africa are absolutely fine alone, however I still feel like I am more of a target or attract attention being female and by myself so I do not want to put myself in situations that I do not feel comfortable in. 

Also, chose tourist destinations and you will not feel out of the place. I have travelled now to places that are not so touristy and sometimes I am the only non-local and honestly, I can say I do not always feel comfortable then. For example, I recently took a local bus from Surabaya to Malang in Java and it was only locals at the bus station, no-one speaking much English. It all went fine but I was slightly anxious. So, my recommendation is to start with places that you would feel comfortable and safe in and test how you feel before jumping on a solo trip to India or Central Africa.

2. SHARE YOUR LOCATION

I recommend sharing your itinerary and accommodation details with someone you trust so you also feel more at ease someone knowing where you are at all times. I would also share live location when I am in a taxi and only use reputable companies or taxi hailing companies vs taking taxi from the street. 

3. DRESS CODE

Respect local culture and dress modestly, especially travelling alone. I would also leave all flashy jewellery at home. Of course, it depends on a destination - if you are visiting Paris, please go all out fancy! But if we are talking Central America, I would personally feel more comfortable in long pants/skirt and long sleeve shirt not to attract unwanted attention and leaving any jewellery at home.

4. ACCOMODATION

Chose accommodation in safe locations, preferably more central and touristy so you feel more safe. Hostels are a great option as you will have fellow travellers there and you can meet people. I, however, love my privacy so hostels are not for me, but I would nevertheless chose more central locations over remote. This again, depends on your comfort levels.

5. WALKING IN DARKNESS 

Do not walk by yourself at the dark hours unless it is touristy or a night market. I think this tips speaks of itself.

6. DO NOT SHARE TOO MUCH INFORMATION

I would not share my hotel details or that I am travelling alone with locals if asked. I am perhaps too careful, however I have been followed to my hotel in the past so I am extra vigilant nowadays.

7. LOCAL SIM / DATA

Get data latest at the airport. If you are ever in trouble, or for example cannot find your accommodation, you will be very grateful to have internet access. I have been in the situations, arriving at airbnb and unable to find the entrance or having no key at the door. If I had not had data, I would not be able to get in touch with the booking site or owner. I personally use AirAlo when my network plan does not have coverage in a country.

8. MONEY 

Spread your money and leave some cards at home. Speaking from experience being robbed with all my cards and money in the bag I would never keep everything in one place. If I am in the hotel - leave some money in safe, take some cash with you. Also, there is no need to take all your bank cards with you on a trip (which I have done in the past). I also would set daily spending/withdraw limits and keep little cash on the card just in case. Yes, I have also used the trick and put money in my bra when I am in areas that are more dodgy than I would like. Use your own tricks!

9. GROUP TOURS

When I am at the destination, there are things I do joining a group. I usually book tours via Get Your Guide App or Viatour. I always look at the company reviews and so far I have only had great experiences and I always meet other solo travellers on these tours. I usually judge whether I will do activities by myself or with group depending on the location. For example, I travelled Uzbekistan fully solo using local trains and no group tours, however I used organised tours in East Java. If you are first time solo travelling, this will probably put some things at the ease for you. You and pick and chose and tailor what you would like to do so it is very different from an organised tour for 2 weeks. Most I would do are 2 day trips, but mostly day trips.

Of course, no-one is safe when travelling or not travelling. We never know. I am not saying these tips will prevent you from bad things happening, but I think the older I grow, the more I realise that taking some precautions give me more peace of mind.