Do you want to venture into the world of solo female travel but you’re holding back because of the many horror stories you’ve heard over the years? If yes, then you should know you aren’t alone. Many solo female travelers often hesitate from taking the plunge because they’ve been told over and over again how traveling alone will make them targets.
Others hold back because their friends and family have told them solo traveling is not a thing for women. The truth is, there are many females out there traveling solo and doing it exceptionally well. You, too, can do it. You only need to know how to take care of yourself. That’s why we prepared tips to help you stay safe as a solo female traveler.
1. Dress Like the Locals
If you are a feminist, you’re probably ready to come forward with the “my dress, my choice” phrase, but unfortunately, this doesn’t apply here. We believe that women should be able to dress how they like, but keep in mind, different cultures have a different perception of women. This means that while wearing shorts might be the norm in your hometown, it might be a taboo somewhere else.
Therefore, wearing them in such a destination will only attract the wrong kind of attention towards you. In that light, always dress up like the locals to avoid turning yourself into a target. In other words, as a solo female traveler, you need to stay true to the phrase “if you go to Rome, be like the Romans.”
2. Keep a Dummy Wallet and a Whistle
You can be robbed anywhere and at any time. People get mugged every day while on their doorsteps. The risk increases even more if you are in a new destination. Note, this is regardless of the safety measures you take. Therefore, it is wise to go the extra mile to keep yourself safe by having a dummy wallet. Have a few canceled credit cards and a few dollars in it.
This way, in case of a mugging attempt, you’ll have the thief thinking they’ve walked away with a jackpot while your valuables are safe. Moreover, having such a wallet will help prevent the situation from escalating as you’ll hand it over without a scuffle.
A whistle also comes in handy as it alerts those around you of what’s happening and scares anyone with ill intentions. Note, just because you have a dummy wallet and a whistle on you doesn’t mean something will happen. This is just a safety measure.
3. Avoid the Temptation to Get Wasted
As a solo female traveler, you’ll probably come across people who’ll want to buy you a drink. If it feels right, it’s okay to say yes. After all, that’s how you make friends while on the road. However, as much as you hate to disappoint your newly found friend(s), never let the pressure to take on another round of shots get you.
Being wasted in a foreign land while traveling alone, especially as a female, is never a good idea. You’ll be opening yourself to all kinds of problems, including rape and being robbed.
4. Trust Your Intuition
Your instincts are never wrong. Therefore, if you’ve had the habit of not listening to your intuition, then it’s high time you start. If someone gives you a negative vibe, walk away from them. The more you listen to your intuition, the more heightened it will become. You’re better off safe than sorry!
5. Accept Solo Female Travel Will Never Be the Same as Male Travel
We are all about equality. We believe that women should be treated the same as men. But unfortunately, not everybody shares the same views. Therefore, accept that in some countries, you’ll not be able to dress how you want. Brace yourself for questions such as “where is your boyfriend/husband “or “are you alone?” Accept that some men will always perceive your friendly nature as an invitation for a hookup.
The sooner you accept that solo female travel is different from solo male travel, the easier it’ll be for you to tackle such issues and make the most out of your solo travel experiences. Join Xpirient to travel to all your dream destinations without spending all your savings this year.
