By Amrit Kaur
Pop culture will have you believe that solo travel is all sunshine and rainbows—you rediscover yourself, have wonderful experiences, and maybe even end up meeting a special someone. But the reality is not quite as simple. Travelling alone, especially for women, comes with a unique set of fears and safety concerns. But as more and more women are letting go of their inhibitions in order to experience it for themselves, the curiosity and awareness around solo travel is growing. Every day, women are scaling higher peaks, shattering stereotypes, and redefining what is possible as a female explorer.
Whether you’re simply toying with the idea of travelling solo or preparing for your next big trip, we’ve rounded up a set of safety tips to boost your confidence and give you all the tools to have a successful solo getaway.
1.) Do extensive research: It’s simple—your confidence will increase as you gain more information about your destination. Examine a map of your destination to get a sense of its geographical setup. To plan your transportation, research the availability and cost of public transportation. Knowing the currency and exchange rate will enable you to plan your finances in advance. If you’re travelling to a country or region whose language you don’t speak, consider learning a few words and phrases or downloading a translation app.
2.) Tell a trusted person about your itinerary: Try and keep at least one reliable contact informed about your solo travels. It could be a friend, relative, or co-worker back at home. Inform them of your schedule in full, details of your credit card and travel insurance, as well as the location of your lodging and flight. You should also provide them with your hotel’s front desk phone number in case of an emergency. Establish your check-in schedule and method in advance. Aside from easing the concerns of your loved ones, keeping in touch will also make it much easier for them to discover you if you get into trouble than if you were evasive about your location.
3.) Act like you know what you’re doing: When you are heading somewhere, try not to appear too scared, disoriented, or bewildered. Ask for assistance from a trustworthy person if you feel uncertain or like you’ve lost your way. Confidence is essential, especially when it comes to safety. Maintain your composure and behave as if you know exactly where you are going, even if you are unsure of your route. This will help keep the target off your back on your travels.
4.) Begin a travel journal: Nothing is more effective than putting your anxieties and pessimistic thoughts on paper. By writing them down, you’ll mentally relax and make room for fresh, uplifting ideas. Also, journaling helps you put distance between yourself and your negative thoughts, anxieties, and fears that would otherwise sap your strength and confidence. You can incorporate a certain time each day, such as right after you get up, for journaling.
5.) Make friends with a local: It’s the age of Instagram and we’re certain you have a friend almost everywhere in the world to contact or meet for coffee when you’re feeling anxious. If not, it’s a good idea to pursue a friendship with a trusted local—a friend of a friend, your Airbnb host, or tour guide.
