Tips for solo woman travelers

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Tips for Solo Women Travellers

 

Every year, thousands of women travel on their own. You can too, by using the same judgement you use at home. Even so many people believe that women cannot go unaccompanied. Everybody can travel alone, it’s just that we necessitate to be a little cautious. It’s nowhere written that only men can travel alone, women can too.

If you have travelled alone in America, you would have known that theft and harassment are two big concerns for women. In Europe you will rarely hear about violence. India is doomed when it comes to solo travel for women, it’s a major hype created by Indian media. But yes, you have to be little cautious whether you are a man or women traveling solo.

I have asked fellow women travellers and many of my female friends about their experience of traveling solo-What worried them much, how comfortable are they talking to locals, local food and the mode of transport they use while traveling.

1) Basics

The first step is applicable to everybody. Save all your documents online. Also, email the scanned copies to your friend or a family member. So in case you lose your passport, it becomes easy to get a new one.

2) Keep Informed about your travel

Keep at least one person informed about your travel whom you trust the most. When you are arriving, where you are staying and with whom you are travelling. This is most important when you travel solo.

3) In Rome, do as the Romans do

It’s a very well said phrase. And it is so true also. Try to be like local as much as you can. I mean eat local food, wear local attire and if required tries to speak the local language.

4) Trust yourself

Yes am serious. Trust your instincts. Suppose if someone approaches you and you don’t feel comfortable to talk, then immediately ignore them and keep walking. Because there is no harm in being rude sometimes. I may be wrong but please don’t take any chances.

5) Always keep smiling and be good when you are traveling

One of the female traveller quoted– “If you are good and kind when you are traveling, it seems like everything is enough for you and people will help you whenever you are in trouble. That’s my experience.”

Actually, everybody said the same and I also felt the same when I was traveling alone.

6) Party at night

Yeah, everybody does that when we travel abroad. But don’t go out and party with strangers. It can land you in trouble. Always go out with friends and let someone drop you at night. It’s better if your friends have their own transport.

7) Transportation

It’s better to use local transport then to use a private taxis. But nowadays local transport is a ripe for pickpockets. Never keep anything in your back pocket. It’s not just the young man that pickpocket, but sometimes a group of woman also does the same.

On longer rides, prefer to sit beside a woman. Sometimes the conductor has the passenger’s information and they are happy to help, so don’t hesitate to ask. When you enter in a bus always tell driver the place where you want to get down and try to be communicative, I know it’s silly but if you will do this then you will never missed your stop also they will take care of your backpacks. Lastly, when you are going out from your hotel or hostel always ask about the fare and the way where you are heading next. Always ask at the reception and also to the security guard for double check.

8) Accommodation

Yea, this is most important. There are many woman friendly hostels and hotels around the world. Always try to talk to front desk and ask for a map so that you can easily point out where to go and where not. Also, carry visiting card of your hotel/hostel where you are staying. The most important try to get information about any tourist scams that can happen when you are out.

Lastly, if you get into any kind of unforeseen situation don’t fight. Because fight is not a solution. You can buy a new laptop or camera but you cannot get a new life. Life is more important than anything else for people like us. Having confidence in yourself and your ability to travel on your own, you will be rewarded with rich experiences- and great stories to tell your friends. So tell the world I too can travel alone and just go.

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