10 Solo Travel Tips For Women That Will Change Your Life
You need only one person to change your life: YOU. And you also don’t need a lot of money to travel, just the willingness to see the world in a new light and an open mind. Women who travel solo can come back with more confidence than they ever dreamed they could have. They discover more about themselves, their values, and what they stand for. They become themselves unapologetically. Women who travel solo grow faster as people than those who stay at home or only travel in groups.
That’s the reason the popularity of solo trips is on the rise, and that trend shows no signs of slowing down. According to a 2019 survey, over 60% of Americans have traveled alone or are considering it, and women are the driving force behind this shift. While the thought of stowing your belongings and setting off on an adventure without anybody but yourself may seem appealing, especially appealing (thanks to social media), taking your first journey without anyone but yourself may be nerve-wracking.
If you're the one who has made up your mind to embark on this exciting journey in life and go on an unforgettable experience, check out these ten solo travel tips for women that will change your life!
1. Do your homework
Before leaving on your trip, make sure you've done your research about the area. Find out the currency conversion rate, any customs or visa requirements, how to get around using public transit, the best mobile phone plan to get, any unsafe areas to avoid, any safety precautions you should take, and any local emergency numbers you should store in your phone, etc.
Travelers and locals alike can benefit from exchanging stories and tips on internet discussion boards and Facebook pages. It's a brilliant idea to research local customs and traditions so that you can adjust your behavior properly. By dressing and acting quite differently from the local ladies, you would be inviting unwanted attention. Dressing in a way that doesn't scream "tourist!" Additionally, make an effort to pick up some phrases in the native language. How to properly introduce oneself, welcome others, inquire about where you could find something, etc. The results may surprise you.
2. Don’t be afraid
First of all, you’re going to be alone for a good portion of your life, so you better be used to it! But seriously, solo travel is a great option for many women who want to explore a new city, a new life, and probably a new you. And if you’re still afraid to travel alone, try going on a tour or doing a “solo together” trip with another traveler.
Talk to a travel agent or internet forum and see if you can find someone to travel with. You’ll meet someone new and have a shared experience to talk to them about. If you have a great time with your fellow traveler, you can always stay in touch afterward. Not everyone can travel in a group, so don’t feel alone because you’re solo.
3. Travel for solidarity
Do not confuse alone with lonely. Be alone with yourself and take the time to reflect on who you are, what you want from life, and what you’re doing to get there. You’ll notice how much more you appreciate your surroundings when you don’t have anyone to talk to.
Experiencing life alone can be an incredible experience and help you profoundly connect with yourself. On the other hand, if you travel alone, don’t be disappointed if you happen to meet someone. In addition, don't let it prevent you from mingling with the residents or other tourists. Choosing solitude is an active process.
4. Pack lightly
One of the first solo travel tips for women is to travel lightly. Don’t bring everything you own, especially if you’re staying somewhere with a washing machine. Instead, focus on packing only the essentials and nothing more.
Bring multi-purpose items: a scarf can be used as a head wrap, shawl, or sarong. Bring a water bottle instead of buying lots of plastic bottles. When you pack light, you’ll save space and money to bring home lots of souvenirs. Focus on necessities like underwear, toiletries, and comfortable clothing. These items are necessary for your trip but are also easy to replace when the trip is over. Save mementos for essential things you can’t just go out and buy again when you get home.
5. Be an explorer
If you’re a solo traveler, that’s great! There are lots of unique opportunities that will come your way when you are traveling alone. For example, a cute little hut where you want to stop by but couldn't avail the opportunity you were in a group and if there were other people had you on a schedule. Traveling alone allows you to connect with different people and discover new things about yourself and the world around you. It can help you find more confidence in yourself and what you’re capable of doing.
6. Learn to communicate in different languages
You don’t want to be stuck in your thoughts the entire time on a solo travel trip. Make an effort to communicate with people and learn a few key phrases in their language. You can always use an app like Pleco to learn the language before you go and while you’re there. You will notice how people are more than willing to help when you try to speak to them in their language. Traveling to a developed country, you don’t have to learn the language. But even in these places, knowing how to ask for directions or order food can make a big difference. This can also be a great way to connect with people in your host culture and make friends.
7. Take good care Of yourself
As a solo traveler, you must be extra careful about your health and hygiene. This means eating well, exercising correctly, and getting the needed rest. You might not be able to find a gym in every place you visit, but you can always do exercises in your room or outside. Solo travelers often have a lot of free time on their hands, so don’t use this time to travel and be lazy at the same time.
Take time to explore your surroundings, culture, and history, and get healthy while at it. Travelling takes a lot of you, especially if you do it solo. If you take care of yourself, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip more and come back and do what you must do when you get home.
8. Be aware of your surroundings
When you travel solo, you have to be extra careful. You don’t want to be in a dangerous situation where you can’t escape it. In addition to maintaining situational awareness, it's a good idea to always have a first aid kit on hand. Pay attention to your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, leave the place or situation as soon as possible. Never leave your stuff unattended.
Travel with a friend, especially if you’re traveling in a less developed country. Even if you meet someone along the way, you can still travel with them. Meeting new people when traveling alone might be exciting, but it's important to take precautions. Avoid doing anything that makes you feel uneasy, and go with your gut. Keeping yourself secure when traveling is entirely up to you.
9. Don’t let anyone steal your confidence Or joy
You might meet someone or have a situation where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Don’t let anyone steal your confidence or joy. If someone is being inappropriate or disrespectful towards you, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and leave the situation. If you feel it essential, you may always call the police. Keep in mind that the world and its inhabitants are not all bad. In the world, there are many wonderful people who are also traveling alone. You might even meet someone who will become a lifelong friend. This is very common among solo travelers.
10. Spend more on safety
This implies that if you're landing in a sketchy city at night, you shouldn't take the bus into town and risk finding a guesthouse on foot, but rather shell out the extra cash for a place that will pick you up from the airport instead. This implies foregoing a more affordable, secluded residential area in favor of one that is located in a more central, bustling one. This implies that instead of going with the rough-around-the-edges dive school that quotes you at a lower price, you go with the one that has an outstanding safety reputation and hundreds of favorable internet reviews. If you anticipate encounters on your trip when additional spending might make you feel more secure, consider including that money in your trip budget.
Conclusion
Traveling solo is an incredible experience but can also be a bit scary. Following these solo women’s travel tips from WomenWire.com, you are well prepared for any situation that comes your way. Solo traveling is a great approach to experiencing the globe and rediscovering yourself. It can sometimes be challenging, but it’s also an enriching experience. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and explore the world!