WHAT DO WOMEN NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
TRAVELING ALONE
Traveling alone can be very challenging and frightening sometimes. Especially if you go to a place you know nothing about, or worse, that no one knows where you are. I think the scariest part when we travel alone as a female is that we believe no one cares about us and even if something happens to us, who will know? Who will care, right?
Well, things are not like we imagine them to be. And we always tend to think of the worse. Of course, we all have people around us that care for us, that want to know where we are and if we are OK. Going on a Solo Female Travel is not something to be ashamed of, or feel abandoned and alone. Traveling alone as a Female is something glorious, and powerful, it gives you total freedom, independence, and mental strength. Traveling alone is also character-building as you will shape yourself based on the experiences you’ve lived and the people you’ve met on your journey. Coming from someone who’s dealt with abandonment issues, Traveling alone is the only thing that’s helped me.
If it’s your first time planning a Solo Trip, you should start with some places that are friendly for Solo Female Travelers and offer you countless adventures that will help you connect with other travelers.
Going on a Solo Female trip is a fantastic way to know yourself deeper, reinvent yourself, be honest with yourself, and most importantly, do whatever you like at your own pace.
When you travel alone as a woman, you are the most vulnerable, as you can rely only on yourself. There’s no man around you to rescue you. And being only with yourself 24/7 can be challenging for many of us. Especially for us, women, as we tend to be super intense about everything. I was in the same situation. I still am, I guess. I always kept myself occupied when I was alone because I was so scared of facing ME, facing my inner self, and my own thoughts. Until someone told me that I don’t know how to be my best friend. It was like a train hit me. How, to be my own best friend? Is that a thing?
Well, let me tell you that it’s a very real thing. And going by yourself, on a Solo Female Trip will help you accomplish that: becoming your own best friend.
I started with baby steps, the first year when I moved to Paris. I suffered so much in my first year in Paris, being without my friends, as I did not know how to do anything alone. I did not even go and explore Paris, my dream city, because I did not know how to do it on my own. I never had to back in Romania. I would always have my group of friends, colleagues, and family, that would keep me occupied. If I wanted to go somewhere or do some specific activities, I would always find someone available to come with me.
Now, eight years after, I am an experienced Solo Female Traveler, and during all those years of traveling alone, I’ve created my routine in terms of safety and I can share it with you. Of course, you do not have to follow this list mot-a-mot, feel free to adapt it based on the situation you’re in or the place you are visiting. My first advice would be to not forget you are a woman and you have your own experience. Everyone’s journey is different, so do not take everything à-la-carte. create your routine, get advice from other solo female travelers, and then stick to your own plan, the one that will make you feel comfortable.
I’ve been alone on many trips and I am proud to say I have never encountered any problems. Why? Because I was always well prepared, especially after my trip to Manila in The Philippines when I had no idea what I was getting myself into. But we always learn the hard way. I am thankful that despite the fact it was my first and only trip when I want unprepared, everything went smoothly without issues.
If I’ve managed to catch your attention and motivate you on taking a Solo Trip, here is my advice for all Women who are traveling alone.
SHARE YOUR LOCATION
Always let someone know where you are. Make extra copies of your flight itinerary, your hotel confirmations, and your complete itinerary if possible.
And check-in daily if possible, on WhatsApp, SMS, or Social Media. My family always knows that I al posting daily on my Instagram account, so if they don’t see me active, they start to worry.
If I go someplace where there will be no reception for the day, I will let them know in advance about that.
DOCUMENTS & MONEY
I never carry my passport with me or too much cash. If I am in Europe I barely have cash with me. I always leave my passport in the safe deposit box in the hotel room and only carry a copy with me. I have my ID and driving license with me as I usually rent a car. If I need to carry money and official documents, I always keep them in the small purse that I have on me with the padlock facing my belly. That way if I am pickpocketed I am safe.
EMBASSY REGISTRATION
This I only recommend if you go very far away from your continent, to places where there are natural disasters and sinister happening. So, in this case, I might suggest you register with your country’s embassy or consulate in the country/city you’re visiting. In case of an emergency they will be aware of your presence on the territory and will know to look for you. And you receive an SMS with alerts at all times from them.
Remember, if you are from the EU and your country does not have an embassy, you can go to the embassy of any EU state member.
WHAT not TO WEAR
As a Solo Female Traveler, you need to pay attention to your daily outfit, but most importantly, to your evening outfit, in case you go out. It is perfectly normal to go alone to a restaurant or a bar, but watch your outfit, don’t attract too much-undesired attention to yourself with a provocative outfit. In case you don’t feel at easy, always say you are with your partner who will join you shortly, or say he’s at the hotel expecting you.
DON’t be out late
DATING STRANGERS
I’ve said it in an article, it’s perfectly fine to go on Tinder if you travel alone and try meeting someone. My only advice is to meet for lunch or dinner in a public space. Do not let them know where you stay exactly or invite them to your hotel room directly. Or worse, get invited to go to their house. Just try spending a good time over dinner or in a bar with that person, to establish if that person is trustworthy or not. Also, when you go out with a stranger or even alone at night, inform your hotel desk of your whereabouts and your expected time to be back. A lot of hotels offer this service for solo female travelers and you should not be ashamed of giving them this information.
DOWNLOAD CITY MAP
No matter where you’re going, if you are alone, always download on Google Maps the map of the city or the island you’re in. Like this, you know for sure you can access it anytime, without an internet connection. Getting lost in an unknown place can get scary sometimes, so be prepared. Very useful when you’re on a hike as well.
Travel with revolut
It is important to limit your expenses, and this starts with your bank fees. REVOLUT card helps you. After spending 4 days in Dubrovnik, I paid 20€ in bank fees. When traveling abroad, you’ll have to use foreign currency, therefore you might lose money on different exchange rate practices by local merchants. With the REVOLUT card, you can now exchange currencies in the Revolut app at the real interbank exchange rate.
USEFUL GADGETS/APPs
Always carry a portable charger with you, in case your battery dies and you have nowhere to charge it. If you don’t know the language, download some useful phrases in the local language to help you get around. Have the most used taxi apps in the world: Uber, Bolt, Free Now, and Grab.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE
Having travel insurance will eliminate your anxiety. trust me. You will feel more relaxed knowing that if something happens, you are taken care of. Even if your luggage got lost at the airport, you’ll get an indemnisation. Some travel insurances even offer the option to reimburse your luggage in case it got damaged by the airline company during the flight. If you have a VISA Gold, check also the insurance type attached to the card.
FIND ACTIVITIES FOR SOLO FEMALE AROUND THE WORLD
DID YOU LIKE MY ADVICE FOR TRAVELING ALONE AS A SOLO WOMAN?
Tell me in the comments section what precautions you like to take while solo traveling.
And REMEMBER: As long as you have a young spirit, you can do whatever you like exactly at your age.
Just enjoy what you are doing. The rest is silence.
FOR MORE TRAVEL INSPIRATION, FOLLOW ME ON
MY EXPERIENCE AS A SOLO FEMALE TRAVELER
My experience as a Solo Female Traveler to Mexico
Is Mexico safe for women traveling alone?
My Experience as a Solo Female Traveler in Bali
My experience as a solo female traveler in Bali Going on a Solo Trip, especially as a female traveler can be overwhelming. I’ve been on so many Solo Travels that you would think I got used by now. But when […]
How to plan a trip to Bali that costs less
SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL GUIDE TO BALI
Going on a Solo Trip, especially as a female traveler can be overwhelming. I’ve been on so many Solo Travels that you would think I got used by now. But when I decided to book my longest solo trip ever, […]
Is Bali safe for women traveling alone?
IS BALI SAFE FOR WOMEN TRAVELING ALONE? TRAVELING TO BALI ALONE AS A SOLO FEMALE IS 100% SAFE! Going on a Solo Trip, especially as a female traveler can be frightening. But actually, this is the place where you should […]
Getting Around as a Solo Female Traveler in Singapore
GETTING AROUND AS A SOLO FEMALE TRAVELER IN SINGAPORE Going on a Solo Trip, especially as a female traveler can be overwhelming. I’ve been on so many Solo Travels that you would think I got used by now. But when […]