Tips and Tricks for Women Travellers
While traveling with friends can be a blast, there is something singularly (pun intended) wonderful and meaningful about traveling alone. For one, you don’t have to compromise! You can go where you want, when you want–an incredibly liberating feeling, especially if you are used to traveling with your partner! Indeed, you don’t have to schlep along while your boyfriend or husband checks out the Chilli Dog Hall of Fame, or the Monster Truck Museum.
Before You Go Solo
Whatever your reasons, traveling by yourself can be a great way to experience new cultures, meet new friends and, perhaps, even reconnect on a spiritual level! However, before you head out solo, we’d like to ensure that you do so safely. We hope you find the following travel tips useful!
Safety in Numbers
One of the surest ways to stay safe while traveling alone is to find a woman with whom you can meet up with wherever you go. This is also a great way to connect with locals, learn more about their customs and find out where the non-tourist sights are! Meeting up another gal pal is easier now than ever thanks to the internet! The following sites are a great place to start connecting with other traveling women! Simply click on the links!
Spring for an International Phone Plan
These days international phone plans are much more reasonably priced than they were in the past. It’s definitely worth having, and will add a sense of security while you travel the globe! If you don’t want to pay for a whole plan, its best to pack some international phone cards with you.
When in Rome…
The reality is that you’ll stand out in some countries more than in others. Some cultures have very different attitudes about women’s attire than ours, so it’s important to do a little research before heading out for a day of sightseeing. While you may not mean to rock the boat, exposing certain body parts that in North America are considered modest can be considered highly inappropriate in other countries and possibly invite unwanted scrutiny and attention! Dressing like a local will also greatly reduce the possibility of being a target for pickpockets and swindlers.
Leave the Jewels at Home
This may seem obvious but often people are woefully unaware of their surroundings while traveling. For example, don’t flaunt your valuables while traveling. Leave the expensive jewelry at home. There really isn’t any good reason to bring it with you, as it will only make you a target for undesirables and increase your chances of losing it.
Stay Unplugged
Avoid listening to music with earbuds while sightseeing. It alerts thieves to the fact that you have a smartphone and also makes you less aware of your surroundings.
Body Language
When walking around, walk tall and with purpose. Keep your head held high and look people straight in the eye when they address you. This sends a message to potential undesirables that you are, as my friend says, “not the one!” Exuding confidence implies you are not a rookie traveler and you are not going to fall for easy scams or be tricked.
Go Forth!
We hope these solo travel tips were useful! Solo travel is full of joy and wonder, and with a little common sense and travel awareness, you’ll ensure that the overall experience is positive and safe!
