I tend to travel alone more than I do with others, because being unencumbered, I can be more spontaneous than my married friends, who are mothers and fathers, with a mortgage and the whole shebang. I love it though, the ability to just plan a trip and explore a place on my own, without the hassle or nagging associated with some group trips. Yet one has to be prudent as well, especially as a single female traveller. Let's face it, even in the most idyllic paradise, one can encounter a host of dangers and you have to be smart about the way you carry about yourself.
Tips for the Solo Female Traveller
Book day flights where possible.
If you can avoid flying into a strange country during the graveyard periods, then do it. And if you cannot reasonably avoid night flights, then be mindful of your surroundings once you land. The best advice would be to pre-book transportation before you arrive, from a trusted source, be it your hotel or through your travel agent. Or you can seek assistance from the airport's Information Desk or security. In any event, be careful when moving around late at night, after a long flight.
Research your hotel thoroughly.
I always have a hard time choosing a hotel for my vacations because I am always sensitive to my status as a solo female traveller. So I look for hotels that speak directly to my safety, and the security of my belongings. Avoid hotels which may be isolated or far away from the activities which you may be interested in. I have found it extremely useful to not solely depend on the hotel's website for information because as a marketer myself, we are trained to sell the best of our product. Instead refer to user-driven sites such as Tripadvisor for honest customer reviews and to ask questions about prospective hotels. See what previous guests thought about the rooms, the location, the staff and the facilities in terms of safety.
Choose your hotel room carefully.
I always look for hotel rooms that are close to exits or elevators, preferably not on the ground floor, and which come with a safe, where I can store belongings like my passport. Never be afraid to ask hotel staff for rooms based on your specific preferences.
Check in regularly.
My mother worries incessantly when I am on vacation but I do check in regularly. Before you jet off on your solo adventure, leave all the details associated with your trip with someone close to you - name of hotel, tour itinerary, flight numbers, contact info etc. Let your check in contact know where you will be during your trip and who you may be with.
Be conservative.
Do not dress or act in such a way as to draw unwanted attention to yourself. Try to fit in with your environment and those around you. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or too-tight, too short clothing.
Keep back-ups.
You never know what will happen on your vacation, so it is important that you are not left stranded literally and figuratively. Make copies of your passport and if possible, keep an electronic copy online or a hard copy with someone back home. Ensure you make copies of all the used/stamped pages and of all visa information. Have your bank's number - emergency and otherwise - stored somewhere as well, in the event of stolen credit cards or travellers' cheques. Don't keep all your money in one location either so in the event your purse is stolen, you have spare cash elsewhere - like in your shoe, your hotel safe or any other creative place you can think of.
Know your local emergency numbers.
Keep a card with the emergency contact numbers on you at all times. Have an idea where your local police station and hospital are, in the event that you have an emergency while on vacation.
Practise key phrases in the native language.
Learn a bit of the language spoken in your vacation spot. Not only is it courteous to do so, but it can also expedite matters when you need help. Have a language guide handy and know key phrases like "Help!" or "Can you give me directions to the police station/hospital".
Always be aware of your surroundings.
Be mindful of who is around you, and what is happening about you. Never take anything for granted when travelling. Pickpockets and other criminals are well skilled in the art of deception and speed and can change your life in an instant. Where you can, strike up conversations with fellow travellers and I recommend doing a group tour while on vacation, which allows you to make friends who can stay friends during the rest of your trip and give you the comfort of travelling in a large group.
These are just a few tips to keep the solo female traveller on her toes while exploring the world's most interesting and captivating destinations. There is no reason why any woman should not feel empowered to pack her bag, pick up her passport and pick a destination.
Aviane Hunte - Aviane Hunte has always had a passion for writing and communications and has spent the past 8 years in the field of public relations and ...
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