The Do’s & Don’ts of Travelling Alone as a Female

Those who have never braved the forefronts of solo travel often deter themselves from doing so. Others who have travelled the globe solo have pinned the experience as somewhat religious – like an awakening to your true, inner self.

There is something truly riveting in attaining an unfiltered perspective on a new environment.

Unaffected and impervious to a fellow companion’s ideas, prejudices, tastebuds, preferences, or opinions, while appreciated, can sometimes be pungent in suppressing your personal experience—heady stuff.

But that’s where the beauty lies in solo travel. Travelling on your own account proffers the possibility to immerse yourself in the full experience.

You become no longer constrained by the confines and tastes of your travel buddy and are more inclined to indulge in your own personal preferences.

With ample opportunity to push yourself beyond the confines of your comfort zone, unlimited growth exists as you can dive into self-reflection.

But, of course, it’s not all sunshine, cocktails and rainbows. Hell no. Travelling alone, as with everything, has its impenetrable perils. From safety concerns and money hassles to anxiety and loneliness, your endeavour holds you accountable and entirely responsible for almost everything that goes down on your passionate pursuit abroad. There’s no one else there with you to assume the blame, and quite literally, everything is on you.

That being said, travelling on your terms can be one of the most fulfilling, inspiring, liberating, and downright awe-worthy experiences if it’s done right when the complexities and confusion of a foreign landscape kick in; a little preparation can honestly hit a home run in the stress relief department.

After years of fruitful, frequent, and sometimes even disastrous globetrotting, I’ve compiled essential tips for planning a solo trip. This compilation of my Grade A advice will help you to navigate an unfamiliar terrain alone, ditch the detrimental calamities, and reap the benefits while you’re at it.

Here’s what we cover in this solo travel guide:

Why Travel Alone?
8 Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers
How to Travel Solo as a Woman
4 Top Tips for Eating Out Solo
How to Get Around Solo
FAQs

Why Travel Alone?

Travelling alone as a woman is ultimately one of the most invigorating forms of self-indulgence. You dapple in the freedom of setting the scope of your own timetable, ticking off your to-do’s, and accomplishing your aspirations.

If you’re feeling stumped, you can call it quits. If you’re craving an ambitious adventure, you can set foot wherever you so well, please. The boundless freedom of time that only solo travel brings ignites a fire of idiosyncratic exhilaration deep within the realms of your subconscious and soul.

The knowledge gained from the mistakes you will inevitably make will essentially propel you into a spur of growth, offering perspective on how you look at the world.

Each mistake transmutes into an unexpected opportunity to learn and grow. And each triumph makes it all the more satisfying. And that’s where it can become straight-out addictive.

You become so intertwined and entangled in the web of opportunity that you are left craving more and more. Do you fancy trekking 10km to a chocolate museum? No worries. Feel like hiking an active volcano at 3 am in the pitch black? F**k yeah. It’s your choice. You can take the day by storm, salvaging and chalking up all the experiences.

One of the most considered concerns amongst those who potter in the possibilities of solo female travel: is it safe? Safety concerns must dominate the tower of doubts and queries when it comes down to solo travel.

Undoubtedly, as a solo female traveller, you are considerably more vulnerable to scammers and criminals. But on the contrary, as a solo traveller, you mask the ability that big groups of tourists cannot do. You can easily blend into your surroundings, avoiding drawing unwanted attention to yourself.

Safety Tips for Travelling Solo as a Woman

Do your goddamn homework beforehand.

That’s right, kids. There’s homework involved. It’s crucial that you prepare ahead before you arrive at your destination. You’ll need to consider the distance between your accommodation and the airport, in terms of how long it takes and different modes of transport.

When you arrive, will you catch a cab or jump on a train? Will it be 2 am local time, or will it be in the heat of the middle of the day? Solo travellers are more susceptible to being scammed, so always ensure you’ve got a rough idea of estimated fares and rates before you embark on your journey.

Opt for appropriate accommodation.

If you’re arriving late or in the early morning hours, it’s more than likely that an Airbnb won’t do the trick.

For your first night, booking a hotel or hostel with a 24-hour front desk is generally best.

Trust your gut.

If something feels off, steer clear. When things don’t feel right, they often turn out to be just as so. If there’s one thing you put into action when travelling solo as a woman, it’s to follow your instincts.

Have your ID on you.

A decent copy of your identification should be on you at all times and in multiple places.

Make photocopies of your Passport, ID, and travel insurance, and be sure to store them in a myriad of spots throughout your luggage, carry-on and backpack.

Extra points: email yourself a copy of everything you’ve got. If you choose to wear a money belt, try to use it more for storage than an actual purse. This is because constantly reaching under your shirt is a telltale sign of pickpockets. Therefore completely defeating the purpose of the money belt…

Get rid of your tourist gear.

What is the best way to fit in when travelling alone? Avoid looking like a tourist. That’s right; you heard me in the back over there. Say hasta luego to that ridiculous t-shirt. Leave the guidebook in your hotel room. And while I’m at it, that selfie stick looks bloody ridiculous too. Leave it all back in your accommodation! On a related note, leave your valuables in a safe spot. Flashy jewellery and clothing also draw undesired attention.

Who can you trust? Everyone & no one.

Probably one of the most difficult lessons you can learn throughout your travels. This is a necessity for solo adventurers.

Of course, travelling on your own terms means you’ve got plenty of opportunities to meet new people, but it can make you more vulnerable. The fair majority of people you’ll meet along the way are harmless, ordinary travellers just like yourself.

It’s more than okay to hang out and explore with them! The conversations, advice, and stories from locals and other travellers make memories that’ll last forever. But, of course, it isn’t straightforward. Don’t be overly naive that you put yourself in danger. Remain open-minded, but don’t let your guard down.

Ditch the dodgy alleyways at night.

Try to stick to open, well-lit public spaces, especially at night. Most people are concerned with going out at night alone and will ditch the idea altogether.

But heading out to a local bar or club can be a great experience. If you plan on going out, plan your transportation ahead of time, and try to stay as sober as possible.

Stand up straight with your shoulders back.

In Jordan B Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life, he talks about how your physical posture affects your mental state.

Just like a lobster, standing up straight with your shoulders back can affect how you feel about yourself and how others perceive you. From a biological point of view, it can affect your perceptions, values, actions, and emotions. So if you find yourself in a dark alleyway at 2 am 20,000km from home, holding your body upright and your shoulders back can be an effective technique.

Essentially, walking with confidence and intent deters unwanted attention. Think about it. If you’re wandering the streets confused or appearing lost, you appear more vulnerable to the outside world.

And if you do find yourself in a shit-uation, don’t be afraid to walk into a shop and ask for directions. There’s no harm in asking!

Top tip: If you will ask for directions, don’t let them know that you are alone. Say that you have a friend waiting for you.

How to Travel Solo as a Female

Aim to arrive during the daytime.
Check your maps and transportation schedules before leaving your hotel/train/rental car/tourist office.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member or trusted friend back home.
Register with the State Department or see if there’s a Smart Traveller Program.

The array of tips listed above applies to most solo travellers. That being said, women who are travelling alone do have to take an extra set of precautions on board. Here’s a handful of tips to help women who are travelling solo:

Tactfully tackle harassment.

Avoid the unwanted hassle by having a fair few deterrents up your sleeve. Preparing a book, a pair of headphones, etc., can go a long way. Also, keeping your eyes glued to your phone makes you appear busy or less approachable. Don’t engage with people trying to bother you; if they’re relentless, making a scene (in a loud and clear way) can sometimes prove effective.

Prepare yourself ahead of time by learning a handful of phrases in the language spoken of your destination. Things like ‘’leave me alone’’ or ‘’help’’ can be a lifesaver.

Don’t dress to impress.

Blending in with how locals dress will help you in avoiding unwanted attention. Don’t sacrifice your personal style, but remember that the general rule of thumb is to dress moderately.

In most countries, exposed legs, shoulders, and arms are considered risqué. Try to research before you arrive so you can prepare your clothes accordingly.

Employ hotel safety.

Whilst you’re checking in, consider asking for a room that’s located closer towards the elevator. This is so you won’t have to walk down long hallways to reach your room.

Don’t invite newfound friends into your room; if you decide to, at least tell a friend or let somebody know that you’re meeting up with these people.

Pair up.

Travelling with the company can usher in a wave of relief in terms of safety for women abroad. It’s generally easier to make like-minded friends in smaller hostels/hotels. If you find yourself in unfamiliar spaces or public transport without a fellow traveller to buddy up with, try staying close to families. Sticking close to others is another technique you can use when travelling alone.

Top Tips for Eating Out Solo

Eating out alone isn’t the end of the world. Most people despise facing a meal alone because they feel insecure. Check out the following tricks to help you overcome any anxiety that may be swarming you.

Don’t be afraid to make a conversation with the waiter.

As a former waitress, I can tell you that a quick chat can go a long way. You can learn about local customs, hot spots, and other places you wouldn’t otherwise know about.

Elect the right place to eat.

Ditch the fancy restaurants and opt for a more petite café or something with outdoor eating. Sitting outside in the fresh air with a big plate of pasta and a decent book isn’t nearly as terrifying as being sandwiched between couples in a buzzing restaurant. You could also consider opting for a seat at the bar or counter.

Prepare some quality reading material.

I’ve mentioned it above, and I’ll repeat it. A good book can ease those feelings of awkwardness and can deter you from staring at your phone/food. Books aren’t your thing? Try out a magazine, newspaper, brochure, etc.

Eat in and eat well.

If you simply can’t handle the pressures of eating out alone, order or ask for takeaway. Travelling solo shouldn’t deter you from taking the time to sit down and enjoy your meal. Make time for a good cup of coffee, a delectable dessert, etc.

Getting Around Solo

Get your walking boots on.

As a self-proclaimed, professional power-walker, I can tell you that there is no better way to get to know a city than to walk it.

Walking the ins and outs of the winding backstreets forces you to slow down. You won’t believe how many things you can discover on foot, especially in a city like Barcelona or Rome.

Opt for local transport.

If you are travelling in a non-English-speaking country, prepare by researching how the public transportation system functions. Ask around for discount passes or other deals to save you some cashola.

Travel light.

There’s no fun in dragging a suitcase and human-sized backpack between destinations.

Whether you opt for public transport, a taxi, etc., try to limit your gear to one piece. You'll be able to travel between different locations more efficiently and with less stress.

FAQS

How can a woman travel alone in Europe?

As a solo female traveller, you need to practice precaution when out on the streets. Don’t walk alone late at night or in poorly-lit alleyways. Don’t drink too much alcohol, and don’t accept drinks for strangers.

How do solo female travellers meet people?

Book an organised day trip from a reliable tour group. In this setting, it’s easy to make friends with people and feel safe.

Which place is safe for solo female travellers?

Dubai is ranked high as a safe city for solo female travellers. Madrid in Spain comes second and Chiang May in Thailand comes third.

Is Spain safe for solo female travellers?

In Spain, many women choose to travel solo. It’s very common. Spain is an excellent choice for a solo female traveller due to its safety ranking. Madrid is the most popular city in Spain for solo women travellers.

Have you got any helpful tips for solo female travellers? I’d love to hear about your own experiences on How to Travel Solo as a Female!