This is a collaborative post by Jenny Patel.
There is much to be learned about the world and yourself as a solo traveller. However, for female solo travellers, it is wise to exercise a higher degree of caution. While you will be able to enjoy most destinations and cities around the world without incident, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your personal well-being.
Conduct Some Research
It is always foolish to simply jump into a foreign environment completely unprepared. While you will want to leave some room for spontaneity and discovery, it is important that you read up and understand a bit about the place you want to visit before you depart.
Look into what the local culture is like and what customs are commonly abided. Make sure that you understand what taboos you might be breaking by wearing inappropriate clothing in certain areas that may be perfectly acceptable in Australia. This will help you to avoid unwanted attention while respecting the locals.
Consider Packing A Light Bag
Carrying excessive baggage around is not only uncomfortable but it is unwise for female solo travellers. This will allow you to be more flexible and prevent yourself from being slowed down by your belongings in potentially dangerous situations. By cutting down on visible valuables, you will also avoid the attention of thieves and pickpockets.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Although travel insurance should be purchased regardless of gender, unfortunately women are at a great risk than men. Travel insurance provides greater peace of mind and can help travellers receive compensation for a varied range of problems. You can buy travel insurance quotes online and quickly find a policy that is most appropriate for your needs.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
One of the classic tips for blending in while abroad is to walk around with a purpose. Even if you are hopelessly lost, it is a good idea to move as though you know where you are going. Lost tourists make for easy targets for thieves and con men.
It is also a good idea to avoid walking around with headphones in to maintain complete awareness of what is going on around you.
Avoid Telling People Where You Are Staying
While most people who ask where you are staying might be harmlessly interested, as a solo female traveller it is better to be safe than sorry. Carelessly revealing where you are staying opens the opportunity for you to be robbed or harmed.
Stay Positive
While it might be easy to assume that everyone is a threat when you are immersed in a foreign country as a solo female traveller, it is important to treat the people you meet with warmth. Give most people the benefit of the doubt. In most cases, locals will be happy to help and will not try to harm you. However, always trust your gut. If something does not feel right, then remove yourself from the situation right away.
Stay Safe And Have Fun
Solo travel is a great way to travel the world and explore new things. While having companions on your adventure is also rewarding, there is nothing else like being completely independent while figuring things out and plotting a course abroad. The opportunities for personal growth through solo travel are limitless. However, because the world is an uncertain place, keep the points outlined above in mind to stay safe throughout your travels.
