Ashleigh GohEverybody loves exploring new destinations, but not everyone has the courage to do so alone. It might be scary to consider, especially if you are a solo female traveller. However, trust us when we say it’s a risk that promises exciting rewards! There are countless benefits of solo travelling — it’s fun, spontaneous and definitely different. You don’t have to accommodate the needs of your travel group, and you get the opportunity to venture out of your comfort zone to try things you’d otherwise never attempt. Trust us, we could go on and on about how great it is!
Yet it is also true that it’s not exactly the safest option out there. But with the right precautions and preparation, one should be able to make the most of their trip — even when it’s their first time! Here are some things to remember before you embark on your solo adventure.
Also read: 12 Best Destinations for Solo Female Travellers
Solo female traveller tips to keep in mind
1. Be respectful: Know when to cover up
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When travelling to countries that are generally more conservative, remember to act in accordance with their norms as part of respecting the culture. Bring along a long skirt or a pair of long loose pants, because you never know when you might need them. This applies to places like Bali, which despite being known as a sunny beach paradise, is still fundamentally a traditional Hindu island. That said, make sure to do your research before visiting a destination!
2. Be aware: Be hyper-alert when drinking in a foreign country
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It’s natural to let your guard down when you’re having a drink with newfound friends in a stranger country. This may be horrible to say, but know that people might take advantage of you — even if they seem nice at first! It has happened to many others before, so do keep that in mind. Some tips: Don’t let anybody buy you a drink and never ever let your drink out of sight. Know that date rape drugs exist and there are sexual predators who slip drugs into girls’ drinks. Always be hyper-aware of your surroundings and the people around you!
3. Have a form of identity with you at all times
Before leaving for your adventure, scan your passport/IC/birth certificate and send them to your family and close friends. Also, make copies of these to bring with you. You never know when you might need to verify your identity. Better be safe than sorry!
4. Secure your valuables in your day bag
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Always keep your important valuables with you at all times! These include your passport, medication, credit cards, cash, phone, camera, and such; things that should never leave your side when you travel. That also means you shouldn’t put them into any of your checked luggage. When you reach your accommodation, I suggest keeping your passport inside a safe. But for the rest of the items, keep them in your day bag and bring them along with you wherever you go.
5. Let people know where you are going
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Keep your family and close friends well-informed about where you’re planning to travel throughout your trip. You should optimally try to touch base with them once in a while as well. That way, they would know that you are safe, doing fine, and contactable should anything come up. Even if you are aiming to be off the grid, it would be a lot less worrying to check in with the people you know from time to time!
Also read: 10 Awkward Struggles Every Solo Traveller Has to Deal With
6. Blend in
It might not be easy to blend in when you are continent-hopping, but the most you can try to do is act as if you live in the country (even just as an expat). This means injecting a dose of confidence into your walk, dressing like a resident, and pretending to know where you are going. Basically, just act like you belong!
Look straight ahead and walk with a purpose. If people harass you on the street, ignore them and keep moving. If you get lost, don’t stop on the street to open your map or even your phone. Instead, slip away somewhere (like a cafe or a convenience store) and figure it out from there. Nothing screams tourist more than a confused-looking person at an intersection. Trust us, we’ve been there!
TripZilla Tip: If you have a smartwatch, it’s best to look at your navigation apps from there. That way, you wouldn’t have to stop every time to check if you’re going the right way; it simply looks like you’re checking the time.
7. Do basic research about your destination
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Before going somewhere, always do some research! What are the normal taxi rates? Where should you take the taxi from at the airport? Metre or fixed price? Ask the concierge about common scams and shady areas when you check into your place of accommodation. The moral of the story is: Know your surroundings, and always be prepared! Or better yet, do your own research. You’ll be surprised to know there is a lot of information you can find out about your destination by just sitting on your couch and going on your internet browser.
8. Your safety should be of the utmost priority
At the end of the day, money is just money; it will never be as precious as your safety and health. If a flight is slightly more expensive because it brings you to your destination at 1pm instead of an hour like 3am when there are fewer people outside, then it’s worth spending a little more on if you’re a solo female traveller. If a place of accommodation is more expensive because it has better ratings, don’t hesitate to book it.
Also — travel insurance. This is extremely important, especially in dire circumstances. (You can thank us later!)
9. Listen to your gut feeling
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I am a perceptive person, and I always trust my gut. And hey, it has served me well! You don’t have to justify a bad feeling to anybody else other than yourself. You’ll be surprised by how well we can sense vibes that other people give off — so, trust your instincts. If you previously agreed to something but eventually feel uneasy, back out of it. You might come off as rude, but it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry.
Also read: How to Build Up the Courage to Travel Solo for the First Time
Arm yourself with these life-saving solo female traveller tips, and you’re guaranteed to have an awesome (and safe!) solo trip. You’re welcome!
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