5 Tips For Solo Female Travelers

By T. Hayworth

IG: @mekaseestheworld

If you’re like me then traveling is one of your biggest desires in life! Sometimes you don’t always have a travel buddy and that’s totally okay! Perhaps you should wait it out or not go?Absolutely not! I’ve had some of the best times in my life while traveling solo. If you desire to see the world, Solo Travel can be one of the most liberating experiences you can do and I would suggest anyone brave enough, to do it at least once.

Me personally I’ve been to five different countries solo including Egypt, Costa Rica and Paris! Traveling alone can definitely be scary especially as a woman in this world but like Aaron Bruno said “never let your fear decide your fate.” Here are my 5 Tips for Solo Female Travelers.

1. Research research research…And then research some more.

So you’ve decided on your destination now what? Now is the time to break out Google, Take to social media forums for your destination and extensively look up where are you going. It’s pertinent to know what you’re about to get yourself into. Me? I usually start with looking up emergency numbers and police information (it’s 112 in France). You definitely want to know who to call in case of an emergency. The next thing I like to research is the hotels and the proximity of it and other locations like grocery stores and pharmacies. It’s very beneficial to know where you can get things you may need for unforeseen events. You don’t want to get stuck in a place where Necessities aren’t easily accessible. Last but not least I like to look up the locals! What’s the night life like? What language is spoken? Are people friendly to tourists? Of course bad encounters Can happen anywhere but it’s nice to know if these encounters are happening more common in One place over another. Nevertheless, make sure you learn as much about your destination before jumping on a plane.

2. Make Friends with Service Staff.

One of the best and most interesting things I’ve done while traveling solo is making friends with a waiter or hotel crewmember! They usually know of all the local spots and may even join you! They usually know about great deals and the best places for food! Picking the brain of someone who is there locally can set you miles ahead in your travels especially if you’re taking the train and aren’t familiar with the routes. More importantly you will have someone to tell where you are going and when you’ll be back. I always let someone know where I’m going just in case!

3. Never and I mean NEVER get into an unmarked or “unofficial” Taxi.

I can’t stress this enough, do not jump into any unofficial Taxi! Uber and Lyft aren’t available in every country, a lot of countries still rely on Taxi’s. The best piece of advice I can offer is to ask someone from your hotel, the airport or restaurant to call you a cab in the event you need a ride somewhere! Also don’t fall asleep, stay vigil and aware of your surroundings until you arrive safely at your destination.

4. Do not wear expensive clothing or Accessories

Sure… you wanna look your best on vacation a lot of us Do! But you are putting a huge target on your back when you walk around with expensive watches, jewelry, designer handbags and shoes.. it is not recommended! Not only are you a target for thieves but you are also subject to being up-charged because hey, You look like you can afford it. Research into what the locals commonly dress like and go off that . I like try and blend in when the locals, the last thing I want to do is look like an obnoxious tourist…

5. Always and I mean Always be Confident and Alert!

And finally… Be Confident in the way you walk, talk and engage with the locals. If you; seem unsure, if you seem like you have no idea what’s going on, that you’re lost or you’re vulnerable then you could be taken advantage of and become a target. Do not go to the beach by yourself at night, do not walk around while talking/texting on your cellphone-thus seeming oblivious, be assertive in your dialect when speaking to people about what you are needing and what you are trying to accomplish. Know where you’re going before you leave and always always always trust your gut feeling-if Something seems off then it probably is! This isn’t to say that nothing bad will ever happen but if you remain cognizant of your surroundings and use a reasonable level of caution you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Enjoy your solo travel Queen!