Brief Overview
Is a solo travel something you are thinking about? How exciting, and excellent for you! Just like you probably imagine, it sets you free. It’s exciting to step outside your comfort zone, but it may also be a little scary. Solo female is exactly that. But there are practical measures you can take to make travelling alone as interesting, joyful, and stress-free as possible for you as a woman.
Because I’ve taken several trips without a travel companion, I can attest that solo travels are wonderful experiences, and feeling nervous is normal. If you follow my recommendations, I guarantee you’ll have the time of you life.
Beating pre-trip Anxiety
Getting over your fear of flying solo as a woman starts with knowing that you’re not alone. We have people we can call on for support, and the internet is always there to link us all together. The best way to overcome fear of travelling alone is to talk about it with someone you trust. The solution is effective and will put you at ease.
Research and Book in Advance
Learn as much as you can about the destination ahead of time, including the climate, the people, their traditions, the appropriate attire, the rules of conduct, etc. Know the essentials of what to expect before you get off the plane. By doing this, you will make better choices and a more enjoyable experience.
Is this your first experience with solo travel? Just remember that common sense is the most vital item you can bring with you. If you want to avoid the stress of looking for a hotel late at night while you’re already jetlagged, you should always arrange the first night’s stay in advance. Always be prepared with a contingency plan.
Keep your passport and some additional cash in a secure location and have the hotel’s address on hand (not in a place where you’ll require WiFi access). Don’t leave home without first securing travel insurance!
Assure Your Loved Ones
Explaining your plans to friends and family and coping with their emotions to the idea of solo travel can be one of the most challenging conversations you can have in the lead-up to your first journey alone. There are those who get it and those who don’t.
Most people we care about worry when we announce a solo trip, and they have good reason to worry if it’s your first one. Everyone in your immediate family, including parents, spouses, siblings, and even acquaintances, may be apprehensive about you going on a trip without them.
Many people find great personal growth and development through solo travel experiences, but if your loved ones are likely to try to talk you out of it or may be disappointed about your choice, you may want to prepare a conversation outline in advance.
Facing Your Fears
The world is a wondrous, difficult, and interesting place to explore. Don’t let anything scare you! The whole point of travelling is to force yourself out of your comfort zone and go past the limits you’ve set for yourself.
Your worries of being alone or being lost shouldn’t prevent you from exploring the world and learning more about who you are. Travel can broaden one’s horizons and strengthen one’s sense of identity, so go even if you’re unsure.
Don’t think twice about it because of how good it will make you feel. And with that, I say, seize the reins of adventure and ride!
Pack What You Need
You will almost always bring along unnecessary goods in your luggage. In addition, having a huge suitcase or a cumbersome bag can ruin your trip. Here are some tried-and-true methods for not overpacking:
- Start checking things off. In that case, get rid of half of what you anticipate needing.
- Keep your luggage light by bringing pieces that can be combined in a variety of ways, such as many tops and bottoms.
- Two or three pairs of sturdy footwear are all you need to take on your trip; they will be put to heavy use on the trails you’ll be exploring. You should bring a pair of sandals for lounging around in, a pair of sneakers, and possibly a pair of athletic shoes. Instead of sandals, pack a pair of boots if you’re going somewhere chilly.
Don’t forget, you can always buy things on your travels!
Choose The Right Destination
Embrace your wanderlust, but only if you can do so safely or are well-prepared. The first step is to select a destination with a low crime rate and a reputation for being “safe” for female travellers.
If you don’t have to worry about getting mugged or assaulted, you can kick back and enjoy your trip. You should begin by learning about yourself. If you can’t take men’s approaches, it might be best to plan a trip somewhere less male-dominated.
Have An Airport Pickup
Unfortunately, many of us fail to realise this. The stress and uncertainty of flying solo to an unfamiliar destination can be completely eliminated with the help of an airport pickup service. You arrive, have no trouble locating your ride, and make your way safely to the hotel. You won’t even have to worry about anything before you have gone!
Don’t Worry If Plans Change
This is something that happens to everyone on a regular basis, and it’s usually not as big of a deal as you may imagine. There will be delays on the trains, the weather will be unpredictable, and the excursions may be cancelled. Stay calm, carry a map and your phone, and you’ll be fine. Don’t lose your cool; come up with a backup strategy. If not, be prepared with a backup strategy. What are your plans B if the next train is late? In other words, you should prepare that idea in before.
I am a complete control freak, and I’m not ashamed to say it. That’s just who I am and always will be. That’s fine, since I’m a really strategic person. However, this also means that I cannot relinquish control. Accept that the weather, the traffic, and other people are outside of your control. That’s totally acceptable. Go with the flow. In the end, it’s the unexpected that makes for the best story.
Pre-Book Your Tours
My number one piece of guidance for women travelling alone is to sign up for a few tours. You’ll be among other women who are also travelling alone and under the guidance of experienced guides. In contrast to travelling on one’s alone, taking a tour is a lot of fun. Book the best tours with GetYourGuide
Safety Tips
Carry a rubber doorstop: The small price of a rubber doorstop to ensure your safety and security in a less expensive hotel or hostel is well worth it.
Carry a safety whistle: It doesn’t have to be a showpiece; simply having it on hand is sufficient. If you’re a woman travelling alone, carrying a safety whistle or personal alarm will help you feel more secure.
Pay a bit more to stay at a central hotel in a well-lit area of town with a 24-hour front desk: It’s comforting to know that there are individuals there to assist with any situation. In addition, individuals in the centre of a city are more likely to recognise you and help you out in an emergency.
Watch your drink and don’t get too drunk: You may, of course, enjoy yourselves in public. Absolutely, that’s how I feel as well! But remember how easily you might be hurt, and make sure you do that before every drink. Always keep in mind where you are and how you will get back to your accommodation.
Dress conservatively: This is done both for your benefit and out of deference to various cultural norms. Wearing your nicest clothes when you’re by yourself is a certain way to attract unwanted attention.
Don’t tell people where you’re staying: The name of your hotel is not something that everybody you may meet on your journey needs to know. And if you must arrange a meeting, do so at a public place like a restaurant or bar. Consider a middle ground. Don’t let anyone know you’re hiding out in the motel.
Be aware that eye contact in some countries can invite aggressive behaviour: I don’t suggest you go around with your head in the sand, but you should pause to consider your gaze before staring at anyone, especially men, in the Middle East or other conservative countries. You don’t want to be the centre of attention.
Register with your local embassy: Know the location of your embassy, as I’ve already explained. Find out where they live and how to reach you, then introduce yourself and let them know you’re in the nation. Having this on hand is invaluable in the event of a crisis or calamity of any kind.
Meeting people: Joining a day trip, striking up a conversation—especially with a fellow solo female traveller—or simply becoming friends with the hotel staff are great ways to enjoy being alone without feeling lonely. It’s always a pleasure to be in the company of such well-informed, friendly, and reassuring individuals.
Things You’ll Learn Travelling Solo
Alone time has many positive health effects. Remember the value of time spent alone. It’s a chance to reestablish a connection with oneself, prioritise one’s own emotional and physical well-being, and have no outside demands or responsibilities. For the time being, at least. Resetting your mind and letting go of your stresses is like pressing the reset button. Time spent in quiet reflection is priceless.
Having this knowledge is liberating. I am capable of accomplishing this! I’m capable of handling things on my own. Basically, I have limitless potential. Self-discovery and self-revelation are amplified by solo travel.
Confronting a phobia isn’t as terrifying as it sounds. Despite your initial apprehension, travelling alone as a woman isn’t actually all that terrifying as long as you’re prepared, confident in yourself, and keeping to a schedule. Your options are endless. As a result, you will be able to relax and let your worries disappear.
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Other Solo Female Travel Related Guides
Be sure to check out our other exciting guides related to Solo travel:
Do you have any tips to share with us and help other readers with solo travel? Let us know in the comments!
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