Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers
Many articles have been written about the safety of women when traveling—some have been helpful, and some are even made to incite fear. Though many women are still scared of traveling alone, it's still possible to travel safely with so many tips existing on the internet, like this article.
Act as if you know the area.
There are destinations that are far safer than others, but the rule of thumb is never to make yourself vulnerable and an easy target. When walking down the street or along the alley, especially when it's dark out there, act as if you know where you're going. If you feel lost, step into a cafe or store and check the right directions on your phone.
When in a local or even foreign country, make sure to take time on knowing the emergency hotlines in that specific area. Always know the 911-counterpart before arriving in a country.
Dress according to the country's culture.
If you're planning to visit a conservative country, do your research about the country's culture and the appropriate clothing to bring, which can help you blend in. It's important to be mindful of the culture and traditions of a certain country so you won't attract unwanted attention. Even if you're going to hot areas, bring a few clothes that can help you cover your knees and shoulders so it can be comfortable for you to explore the area.
Join solo female traveler group chats or Facebook groups.
Traveling solo doesn't always mean being completely on your own all throughout your vacation. There are existing group chats, or even Facebook groups created solely to help women travel without having to worry about their safety. These Facebook groups give you the freedom to post about your vacation whereabouts and get tips from others who have been in that country before. Who knows, you might discover your next travel buddy during these trips!
Leave your valuable accessories at home.
While wearing your best accessories can bring the feel-good vibes on your vacation, these items might draw unwanted attention. If you really want to wear jewelry, you can opt for costume jewelry to roam around with or buy a cheap local jewelry to wear on the trip. Through this, it will be easier to blend in without having to worry about losing your most precious items.
Utilize taxis and carpool safely.
Nowadays, each country has its own counterpart of the famous ridesharing app Uber, which can help you request a taxi service. Using Uber or a local app has tracking features that contain a real-time view of your trip along with the info of the driver and the car itself—there's also an option to share the details of your trip with your friends.
These organized ride-hailing apps are far more safe than hailing a taxi on the street. If you can't find any ridesharing apps, opt for authorized taxis from the airport or ask your accommodation services to call for a taxi.
Know when to use your phone and when not to.
There are countries known to have a high prevalence of phone theft. If these locations are included in your dream destinations and you're planning to visit them soon, invest in a secure belt bag or a passport holder belt—these little pouches inside your shirt or even skirt without your device being visible.
Be mindful when dating and drinking.
Last but the most important tip of all, be alert when you date and drink. Drinking too much when in a foreign country hinders your ability to make sound decisions. Always let a close friend of yours or a family member where you're going, especially during at night. There are existing apps with location-sharing features in which you can involve your loved ones so they to be updated on your whereabouts, whether you're in the vicinity or out of the country.
Also, if you're meeting someone for the first time during travel, agree to meet in a public place. Through this, you can easily leave the area if you feel threatened, if you're uncomfortable, or if you're not having a good time. Lastly, don't ever leave your drink unattended if you're drinking at bars or restaurants—if you forgot your drink at your table, make sure not to finish it and just ask the barkeep for a fresh drink.
Fearless Travel Starts With Mindful Preparation
Though challenging, traveling solo as a woman can be an incredibly empowering and rewarding experience. While it's crucial to prioritize these precautions, don't let fear hold you back from going to your dream destinations. With these tips, you can embrace the thrill of independence, be vigilant yet open-minded, and trust your instincts.
You're stronger than you think! With the right preparation and mindset, you can explore unfamiliar territories with confidence and create unforgettable memories that you will cherish forever. So pack your bags, do your own research, and start that solo adventure you've been dreaming about.
