10 solo travel tips for females
If I am being honest with you it actually semi pisses me off that this is a real topic we have to seriously engage in, research and learn about. Now before I begin I want to preface that this entire post is not going to be revolving around the safety measures needed to solo travel in a safe manner. But I feel like it needs to be discussed.
If you are serious about traveling, have places and goals and things you want to see then you are most likely going to have to go for it, alone. Unless you have a partner and that partner is willing to always jump at a random trip there are going to be times where you are going to travel alone… and you SHOULD. I fully believe that solo travel is a absolute must do for individuals in their young twenties navigating this insane reality of adulting. The transition period of young adulthood is quite literally the most confusing, hesitant and crazy phases of our lives. We are meant to live life unapologetically and reach for whatever the hell life throws at us. Travel, exp. solo travel enhances those realizations and feelings and just forces us to be uncomfortable and form skills and emotional intelligence factors we never dreamed of. Anyways, as always I am rambling. Let’s get into some tips and tricks used to have a adventure filled yet safe travel experience by your self.
SHARE YOUR LOCATION AND ITINERARY ALWAYS WITH AT LEAST 3 PEOPLE. This is a big one. I always share things with my family, and a couple close friends.
Always have your phone charged completely and carry a portable charger, self explanatory.
Sign up for the US safe travelers program via US.gov as it’s allows for the airline to know where you are when traveling internationally. I know it sounds kind of odd but they would only utilize this if something was really wrong and you were reported missing. It would speed up an investigation compared to having to first go through your family and friends.
Attempt to look like a semi local. A big tip is to always download your maps via google maps and play the audio through an air pod!
Figure out transportation prior. Transportation to and from accommodations and activities is a big deal. Depending on where you are figure out the safest means of travel and what that means in that area. For example, when I arrived in NYC I took public transit via busses and the subway at 2 PM from the airport to my hotel. But leaving… I had to leave the hotel at 3 AM… I felt due to the time of night and such I was safer to uber despite the cost.
Be AWARE NOT AFRAID. Do not hold back when solo traveling. Still do all the excursions, party, swim, zip line and experience everything you want and more. There’s no need to hold back but you do need to be more aware than when you are with someone else. For example, if you are in Barcelona and clubbing… you may want to find some friends that day on the beach and hang with them at night and go but in comparison if you are alone at night in say London you could safety go to a Pub alone near a populated area and be totally fine. Gage things accordingly.
Use your gut feeling. If something feels off it probably is… and if it it’s not you can never be too careful!
Stay in highly rated and reviewed places. For example spend the extra money to stay in a populated hotel or a airbnb with a thousand reviews as compared to the newly listed airbnb with no reviews or a hostel.
Fake it until you make it. Okay so confidence plays a large factor in not only safety while solo traveling but also in your level of ease and fun! Display a aura of confidence and intellect while traveling.
Try outdoor trips compared to big cities if you are an introvert. If the thought of being around a lot of people while solo traveling scares you try somewhere like Costa Rico or Canada or Iceland first! So many opportunities for outdoor activities that involve more daytime excursion time and night time relaxation!
Make friends, if you want! Be safe and smart about who you are befriending but by all means make those connections and relationships, they could turn out to be your people. I have met a really really good friend through solo travel in Europe.
Okay, those are my top solo travel tips! Do not wait for the right time, your friends, more money or your bosses approval. GO. Life is short take the trip always.
