Article provided by Harvey World Travel
Travelling solo as a woman can be an empowering experience. Regardless of whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, it provides an opportunity to experience new and interesting people and places in your own unique way. On the downside, the reality is unfortunately that solo women travellers face greater risks than their male counterparts. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Opinium, 71% of female travellers say travelling as a woman is less safe than travelling as a man. So, let’s focus on what you CAN control:
1. Be prepared
- Do your research: Take the time to investigate your destination extensively. Familiarise yourself with
local language, traditions and laws. In addition, know what custom requirements and restrictions exist at your exit and entry points. Check out airport logistics such as car hire, taxi services and money exchange. Use reliable sources of information such as recent travel forums, reviews or official government websites for guidance and real-time information. - Get organised: Consider a money belt or a secure bag to keep your valuables safe. Take copies of
important documents like your passport, travel insurance and emergency contact information. There
may be no one to speak for you in an emergency, so it’s important to have these documents on hand. - Pack smartly: Pack light and opt for a versatile wardrobe that is destination appropriate. If you’ve done
your research, you will know what’s acceptable. Dressing appropriately and find a balance between your unique style and what is appropriate in your destination culture to help you blend in and look less like a tourist.
2. Stay connected
- Share your itinerary: Notify a friend or family member about your travel plans. Share your plans,
including details of transportation, where you are staying and contact information. Check in with them
to keep them updated on your whereabouts. - Prioritise good communication tools: Purchase a local SIM card or have an international roaming plan
to ensure you have reliable communication wherever you go. Don’t share live updates of your
whereabouts and avoid posting pictures of your flight and hotel to prevent dangerous people from
accessing your details. Update your friends and family privately, especially if there are changes. Share
your contact details only with trusted individuals. It’s also helpful to download offline maps or use GPS
tracking apps for navigation. Activate language translation tools like Google Translate when travelling to destinations where you cannot speak the local language. - Use the knowledge of reputable local partners: Prioritise safety by choosing accommodation near your meeting location. Many hotels offer women-only floors and if they don’t, then ask for an upper-level room. Make use of hotel shuttles and concierge services whenever you can. Local authorities, tourism offices and fellow locals can also provide valuable information and assistance. Don’t be shy to ask for advice on safe areas to visit, reliable transportation, or any potential dangers to be aware of.
- Connect with fellow travellers: Engage with other travellers or join organised tours and activities. This
creates an opportunity to meet like-minded people and safety in numbers can offer an extra layer of
security.
3. Trust your instincts
- Listen to your intuition: If a situation or person makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and remove yourself from it. Set boundaries that make you feel safe and comfortable. For example, don’t feel bad about declining late-night activities. Each destination is unique, but if it doesn’t feel right to walk alone late at night or in dimly lit areas, don’t. Stick to well-lit and crowded places, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Apply common sense to the use of alcohol or any medication that might affect your ability to make sensible choices. And, of course – never accept drinks from strangers!
Travelling solo means you are the boss. The choices are all yours. Albert Einstein apparently said – “The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before”. What a great place to be!
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