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What is it like to travel solo? Well, the answer is that it’s great. Solo travel is one of the most exhilarating things you can participate in. Especially if you know how to do it right.
When done right, you get a certain unexplainable feeling. That feeling of being free of boundaries and the ability to do what you want without having to follow other people’s itineraries.
But done wrong solo travel can be a pain in the but. And part of traveling solo the right way is being safe and taking care of yourself.
Like everything in life, you need to be innovative. Traveling solo is an art, and learning to be safe is part of the art form.
Trust Your Gut
The first safety tip you need to know is to trust your gut. Your gut can speak, and it speaks very loudly.
That’s why we need to practice the art of listening to it. The gut is instinctive and there to protect you.
If you find yourself participating in solo female travel, you need to know how to practice listening to your gut. Especially when you get that feeling that something is wrong.
Don’t try to talk yourself out of the feeling. Listen to your instinct. In the end, your safety is a priority at all times.
Remember, safety is instinctual. So, don’t overlook your instinct. If your instinct is to run, then run. WORRY ABOUT LOOKING STUPID LATER. Nine out of ten times, you are right.
Always be Aware
You need to know when you decide to participate in solo female travel to pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Most times, we ignore our surroundings, oblivious to the dangers around us.
However, when you travel solo, it is the time to start practicing mindfulness- the art of living in the present.
Yes, be mesmerized by the beautiful sight in front of you but also be alert.
When you walk into a building, make sure you know where a second exit is, and in case of emergency, go out of that exist, not the one you came in from.
Practicing the art of awareness is simple and easy and something you need to do when you travel solo.
Travel during the day
It is best to travel as a female solo traveler during the day. Mostly because day travel makes it easier to navigate your way around the new place you are visiting.
Yes, you can go places at night. But limit your night travels to the best of your abilities.
The only time you should travel at night is to go with people you trust. This way, safety is ensured.
If the place you are traveling to has nightlife, make sure you follow safety procedures. Don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger.
Plan Everything
The best-laid plans guarantee success. So don’t just go with the flow. Make sure to have an itinerary.
An itinerary is good because it allows you to have some sort of structure. Plus, you get to actually experience the country instead of wandering aimlessly.
We are all used to going on trips with our family and friends, and when we get to our location, they have no itinerary, and we have to go with the flow.
That is the best way to waste your time. Plan when you’re going out and where you’re going.
Don’t just wander the street with no purpose. And when you plan, give your itinerary to someone back home. This way, they know what you are doing and can help if they have to.
Research your destination
Don’t go anywhere without doing a little research. No matter what country, state, or city you choose for your solo trip, make sure you know the basics.
Know how the transportation of the place works. Do they mostly use cars, trains, buses, etc.? Make sure you are familiar with the language. Don’t forget to find out about the culture and history of the place.
If you’re going overseas, you need to know the biases towards Americans. Also, political climate, and so on. The research is necessary because it lets you know what to expect, especially traveling alone.
The research will help you make well-informed decisions as you enjoy your host location.
Have emergency numbers
Emergency numbers are not just numbers of the local police and ambulance. Those things are essential to know when traveling to a new country or traveling solo in general.
It’s part of the research phase of safe traveling.
You also need to make sure you have the number of the embassy in case of emergencies, and you need help.
Some countries have tourist helplines. So check to see where you’re going to have a tourist helpline.
Also, keep numbers of people back home that anyone can call in an emergency. Like the person who you call and send your photos. Keep those numbers handy and on your person at all times.
Get a tour guide
One thing about traveling solo is that you can do what you want with your time. If you find yourself lost at what to do. Then get a tour guide.
A tour guide will help explore the city you are in, and since you are traveling alone, you will make some friends along the way. If that is not your thing, then get a solo tour guide.
Many times you can find specials to a place that offer guided tours.
So don’t be scared to research those tours. You can usually ask for information at your hotel or airport information desk.
Join traveling groups
Traveling groups are superb. They provide you with the joy of solo travel with like-minded individuals.
Everybody there is ready to see the world and meet new people. Not only are you meeting new people doing the exact same thing you do.
But you are making connections and new friends. This way, you can learn from them as they learn from you.
There are many good travel groups out there. A simple google search should help you find the right one for you.
If you are having trouble finding the group for you check out these two sites, Travel Noire and/or Green Book Travel.
Remember to Check In
One of the most important safety rules about traveling solo is simple and to the point. Check-in with your family and friends.
They love and want to hear from you. They will be the ones crying if something happens to you. Don’t neglect them.
Check-in with them. Let them know your plans and what you’re doing. Send them pictures. Remember you are traveling alone, and they want to hear from you when they can.
Stranger danger is real
To clarify, we all go places with strangers. The Uber driver is a stranger. However, there are some strangers you should be wary of.
Don’t go to private places with strangers who you just met.
Especially if you are in another country or out of your homes state. You don’t know their intentions.
Don’t misunderstand there are good strangers in the world. But the way things are, you should always be wary.
You should not go anywhere with those that you just met. Especially if your gut tells you something is wrong.
Make sure your phone is charged
This is a given. If you are planning on traveling alone make sure your phone is charged. Again another mistake I made. I went to New York once and halfway through time square my phone died.
The problem was I did not know my way back to where I was staying. I was relying on Google maps. In the end, I had to buy a small portable charger. Now I carry it whenever I go on a trip.
Again another lesson learned. Be prepared for this and carry a small portable charger with you. Make sure your phone is 100 percent charged before you set out for the day. Safety safety safety.
Don’t tell anyone
One significant safety rule that is important to know is that when you travel alone, the last thing you want to do is tell people you are alone.
For apparent reason, whether you are traveling by yourself in your home country, state, or overseas, the last thing you want to do is let strangers know.
This ensures that you don’t become a target for any nefarious activities.
Brag about your trip later when you are home safe.
Another thing is that you don’t want to post your travel in real-time. Mostly because you never know who is following you on your social media. You don’t want them just showing up knowing where you are.
The rule of thumbs is if you are going to post. Post a day after. Instagram and pretty much all social media platforms allow you to save videos and post them at a later date.
Charge your phone
This is a given. If you plan on traveling alone, make sure your phone is on point.
Make sure your phone is 100 percent charged before setting out for the day. Safety safety safety.
If your phone loses charge quickly, carry around a portable charger.
They sell all kinds of portable chargers.
It is recommended that you get A solar charger because you don’t have to charge it and the sun does all the work for you.
No matter what, just make sure you have something to charge your phone. You never know when you are going to need it.
Make copies
This trick is something most people don’t know. Every time you travel out of the country, make copies of your documents.
Keep a copy with you and give a copy to the ones you love or a trusted source.
This way, if anything happens, you have a copy, and they have a copy to help you.
If you don’t trust anyone with your documents. Make copies and leave them at home somewhere you know is easy to remember. So that someone can find it if you need them too.
Consider travel insurance
If you can afford it. Depending on what country you’re going get travel insurance. You need to protect yourself and your things.
Travel Insurance is beneficial because it protects you. If financial protection is not enough to sell you on travel insurance, you need to know its other benefits.
Travel insurance provides you access to assistance anywhere you are in the world. Besides those great benefits, travel insurance also covers you medically.
That is why if you are traveling solo, you should consider investing in yourself. You should get travel insurance.
Reminder travel insurance is not something you should invest in if traveling within your home country. But if overseas travel is your cup of tea for solo travel, then invest in yourself.
It’s okay to blend in
Traveling solo is a big flex. Especially since you are learning about yourself and enjoying your company.
So when you are out there in the world, remember that although you are different, you don’t want to stand out too much so that you don’t become a target.
Whatever host country you find yourself in, try to blend in as much as possible with the locals.
Yes, your skin may make you stand out but remember there are expats of color worldwide. The point is to dress wisely to be as native as possible.
You may look different, but no one will question it if you act like you belong and dress like you belong. Avoid looking like a tourist and leave your valuables at home.
Last words
The next time you’re thinking about that solo trip. Consider this list. If solo female travel is your thing, then do it. Just don’t forget to give some consideration to your safety. Make sure you go safely and come home safely too.
Have fun and watch out for yourself. You won’t regret traveling solo if you do it right.
What do you think?