Solo travel is getting more and more popular these days. This isn’t surprising, though – solo travel can be an incredibly rewarding and liberating experience. It gives you the freedom to go where you want to go and do what you want at your own pace.
That said, traveling solo is often seen as a dangerous mission – especially for women.
While it’s true that women do have to travel more cautiously compared to men, that doesn’t mean that solo female travel is inherently dangerous. Here are some tips to keep you safe on the road:
Blend in
Different countries have different traditions and cultural norms, and these often extend into the types of clothing that women usually wear. Do a bit of research before your trip to find out if you’re visiting a place where you should cover your shoulders or knees or even hair when you’re out in public. Not only is this respectful to the local culture, but it can also help you blend in and avoid negative attention or unwanted advances.
Be aware
As women, we always have to be more aware of our surroundings, especially when we’re alone. Be vigilant about your drinks when you’re out at the bar; don’t flash expensive jewelry or electronics in public; and pay attention to details like the neighborhood you’re staying in – if it doesn’t feel safe to walk in alone at night, don’t (or consider finding a different place to stay).
Trust your gut
If you ever find yourself in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself from it immediately. Your gut instincts are stronger than you think, and you should trust them without question.
Don’t sacrifice safety for savings
Sure, it might be cheaper to stay in a hostel in a slightly seedy part of the town, or more convenient to hitch a ride with that random guy than wait for a taxi, but never sacrifice your safety to save a few dollars. It’s always worth it to splurge on a taxi at night instead of walking down unfamiliar roads by yourself in the dark. And stay in a safer part of town, even if it does cost a little more.
Be confident
You never want to make yourself a target when traveling – whether it’s a target for pickpockets or street harassment. When you’re out and about on your own in unfamiliar territory, hold your head high and be confident about where you’re going. If you’re not actually feeling very confident, then you should fake it ’til you make it! Exuding confidence will automatically make you look like less of a target.
Use the right gear
Lastly, don’t make it easy for petty street crime to happen to you. Invest in gear that deters pickpockets and keeps your things safe, like a handbag or backpack from Pacsafe. These pickpocket-proof bags will give you some peace of mind while you’re out exploring (nobody wants to stress about their stuff being stolen when they’re sightseeing!), and many of them are super cute as well as being practical (thePacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack is my current favorite).
And, finally, don’t believe the people who say that traveling alone as a woman is dangerous. The world doesn’t have to be scary and you don’t need to be afraid of every person on the street. Just stay alert and keep an eye on your surroundings while you travel.
By Amanda William
Amanda is a solo travel blogger who craves for adventure. She shares her travel experience and her tips and tricks to make solo travel safe and fun on her blog. Follow her solo adventureshere.
