When it comes to world travel, sisters are doing it for themselves—in droves. Female solo travel is all about freedom, self-exploration, and empowerment. While we are all for getting your Eat, Pray, Love on, it’s crucial to be educated and alert while jet-setting sans companions. Here are our favorite tips for keeping it real and staying drama-free as a single lady on the road.
1. Have a regular check-in time scheduled with someone back home
Use health applications, it gives you destination-specific vaccine recommendations, and a checklist of what you need to do to prepare for travel. some applications also help you to track your monthly menstrual date.
2. Maintain hard copies of your itinerary and emergency contacts at all times
For added peace of mind, upload copies of key documents to a locked site such as Dropbox. You can always grant access as needed to friends or family. Be sure to keep a photocopy of your passport & other important documents in each piece of luggage.
3. Be conscious of your surroundings
There is no need to advertise that you are traveling alone. If leaving your hotel room, placing a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door and leaving the TV on gives the impression the room is occupied and could deter theft. At check-in and when ordering room service, be discreet and do not mention you are flying solo. If you find yourself lost, rather than checking your cell on the street, pop into a shop or café.
4. There are places to save on a trip and places to live large
Females traveling alone should budget a little extra cushion to lean back on if there ever comes a time when they do not feel completely safe. A fallback fund will enable you to hail cabs when you feel unsafe walking, switch to a hotel if your Airbnb feels sketchy, or take a private train car. If renting a vehicle, get the GPS, and keep the gas tank above the half-full mark at all times.
5. Minimize attention
By taking style notes from local women, try to blend into your surroundings. If you can’t pull off a full-blown local look, at the very least, shoot for looking like a seasoned expat. For instance, if you’re traveling to the Middle East, the U.S. State Department recommends that single women wear a wedding ring. Do your research and get a feel for what other solo female travelers have packed.
6. Go for function over form
Cross-body bags with zipper tops are preferable since they are harder to snatch. Choose a purse top that is harder to pickpocket, i.e. not a simple flap or something easy to open. Keep your passport and key documents under your garments in a hidden security wallet.
7. Street harassment is a multicultural phenomenon
Depending on your location, it can take many forms, ranging from subtle to aggressive. Expect it. Ignore it. Don’t be phased, and most importantly, don’t engage.
8. Lookout & network with other female solo travelers
The world of solo female travelers is a burgeoning and powerful sisterhood. There exists a bond of mutual respect and confidence you’ll be well advised to tap into. If you come across a fellow lady rolling solo, make friends, compare notes, and maybe strike out on a quest together. We promise it will pay off.
9. Trust your intuition
Don’t feel guilty about turning down anything. This goes for hanging out with locals or checking out an off-the-beaten-path attraction. While it’s exciting to be adventurous and embrace the moment, if at any time you’re not feeling the vibe, politely decline and move on.
