4 Aspects A Solo Woman Traveler Must Definitely Heed

Try being a solo woman traveler at least once in your lifetime. Such a decision implies overcoming several mental blocks, not to mention cultivating self-confidence.

When women decide to embark on a solo trip, multiple concerns raise their heads. The foremost pertains to personal safety, followed by comfort and technicalities. Much of the literature in this niche paints a dreary and scary picture, often advising women to refrain from venturing into the big bad world by themselves. However, equally true is the fact that solo women travelers have negated these conventional concepts. As long as you heed certain basic guidelines, being a solo woman traveler need not be as fearsome as suggested by some.

Every journey involves certain risks and rewards. To this effect, setting in place certain ground rules helps mitigate the risks, so that you can whole-heartedly enjoy the rewards. Be mindful of the following aspects, and you can embark on the long-awaited hiatus free from worries and anxiety –

Research, Ask and Question

Put a lot of thought into choosing your destination. At this point, you must not only ask plenty of questions, but also cover every single detail pertaining to the trip. Conduct detailed research –

• About the place – Find out if the place of interest truly aligns with your objective. For example, if you like history, plan a trip to a region which features plenty of forts, museums and relics of the past. Likewise, a solo woman traveler who seeks healing can explore destinations that offer solace and facilitate resetting inside out.
• Overall vibe – How does the place feel like to you? Trust your gut instinct on this one, and stick to your inner voice. Do bear in mind that something that seems too good to be true probably is, and steer clear of it. The overall vibe should match with your requirements in every way to make it to your bucket list.
• Safety issues – Check if any of the authorities have issued advisories against the destination or the country in question. Usually, warnings indicate political turmoil or disease outbreak, both of which imply cancelling the trip. 
• Beyond the obvious – Some destinations call for reading between the lines to be able to comprehend the reality. Despite being a renowned tourist magnet, the country may not be as congenial towards a solo woman traveler. Inquiring about social norms on online forums and through feedback from past travelers can reveal the ground reality and impact your decision to travel.
• Law and order – Street violence, mugging, theft and social anarchy spell red flags. Rather select a destination which upholds social security and maintains law and order as a basic requisite.

Travel Prep

Having identified your destination, the next step entails preparing for the trip. As a solo woman traveler, you must –

• Download apps as a precaution – Download and install apps that facilitate sharing your location, provide a panic button, informs you of the latest news, and ensures wi-fi connectivity. Equally important it is to stay in touch with a couple of close friends and your bank. Keep your friends informed of your movements, and stay updated as to your latest bank balance throughout the trip.
• Invest in a power bank – While at home/work, you can charge the phone/laptop as and when you like, but this might not be possible on a tour. This is where a power bank comes in, and during travel, treat it as a lifeline. A power bank enables you to charge the device anywhere and at any time, which in turn enables you to always stay connected.

• Travel light – Considering that a solo woman traveler has to get around on her own, travelling light makes sense. Carry a spacious slash-free backpack that can withstand rough handling and inclement weather. Pair it with a handbag that can accommodate the basic items. Limit your baggage to be able to move about with ease without having to worry about leaving anything behind.  
• Carry an additional cell-phone – At the bottom of your back-pack, keep another phone. Ensure that it is fully charged, then switch it off, wrap it up in a protective cloth or bubble paper and tuck it away safely. Take it out only in case of an emergency, otherwise pretend as if it does not exist.
• File of your documents – Make copies of all important documents, like your passport, visa, insurance papers, health certificate and so on and arrange them in a file. Let this file occupy a corner of your baggage and accompany you wherever you go.

Post Arrival Tips

Once you arrive at the destination, look around you and soak in the surroundings. Take a deep breath and pat yourself on having made it so far. Take another deep breath and brace yourself for what lies ahead. Now that you have actually become a solo woman traveler, personal safety becomes a priority. Stay safe during the trip by –

• Pretending that you have company – Never announce that you are travelling alone, as it might invite unwanted attention. Pretend that you are a part of a group, or have someone waiting at the other end, or on their way to catch up with you.
• Not being too nice – By all means be polite and courteous, but stay within a self-imposed boundary. Being too nice as a solo woman traveler does not win you any brownie points. On the contrary it exposes you to unpleasant situations which might spoil your travel experience.
• Choose transport carefully – Cheapest may not be the best for a solo woman traveler from the safety perspective. Rather opt for time-tested options like Ola and Uber, or an air-conditioned bus and travel comfortably.

• Be Confident – Wherever you go, walk with your head held high. Take confident strides, and make decisions from a place of calm rather than pressure.
• Dress to fit in – Your motive should be to blend with the local crowd. Dressing as the locals ensures that you do not stand out, and get to explore the attractions at your own pace.

During the Trip

It is easy to float on the seventh cloud while being on your own, but do make it a point to stay grounded. If you wish to cherish your bold move of being a solo woman traveler, make sure to –

• Maintain your budget – How much ever tempting it might be to launch into a shopping spree, keep a tight leash on your spending. Find budget markets that offer good deals, and be on the look-out for discounts, particularly while shopping for souvenirs. Refrain from crossing a designated mark, and preserve your account balance.
• Avoid if-and-but locales – Not every nook and cranny of your favorite destination might be suitable. Realize and accept that there would be streets/corners which might take away more than they provide, and avoid them. 

• Reach out to other travelers – More than anything else, traveling solo affords a great opportunity to forge new friendships. Seek other like-minded travelers who share your passion of seeing new places and experiencing new cultures. Bond with them and you will have earned travel companions for the trip.
• Do not get drunk – One of the biggest mistakes that a solo woman traveler can make is to get drunk, or get high on any other substance. Not only does this put you at a risk, but also your belongings. Go ahead and try a unique version of alcohol if you must, but limit it to a tasting session only.
• Flow with the crowd – If there is a particular area that the locals avoid, you must avoid it too. No-one might mention this unspoken rule, so use your observation to figure out whether or not you should enter the lane. A bit of vigilance can go a long way in shaping up your experience as a solo woman traveler into a pleasant trip.

Final Thoughts

Finally start small for your first journey as a solo woman traveler. Pick a destination which is close to where you live, so that you are not too far away from home. Ensure that the social norms are somewhat similar to what you are used to, and get accustomed to the nuances of being on your own. Some aspects of being a solo woman traveler require training and practice, and a nearby destination serves as a perfect conditioning camp.

Few other useful trips include spreading your cash and cards throughout your baggage. Spread out the booty across multiple pockets so that all is not lost in case one gets plundered. If you are comfortable, go as far as to carry a decoy wallet to hoodwink those who are out to hoodwink you.

Now that you have ensured safety on all levels, it is time to relax and enjoy every moment of being a solo woman traveler. Do everything that you have always wanted to, and turn off the cleaning sign for a few days. If possible, even forget about the laundry during the trip, especially if you are carrying sufficient clothes. It is not always that you get to be the solo woman traveler of your dreams, so make the most of the opportunity when it does come.

At Flipside Leisure, we provide accurate and comprehensive guidance as per your individual travel needs. All you need to do is seek a consultation, and henceforth the responsibility of planning a great trip for you is totally ours.