When you’re a woman traveling solo, there are some additional concerns you face and precautions you should consider taking. Many women do hit the road by themselves to experience all the benefits of solo travel, and we absolutely encourage our traveling sisters to continue to do so. Here are some things that our female staffers personally advocate, as well as a few recommended blogs by savvy traveling women:
- Pick a hotel or hostel that is in a safe neighborhood, or on a brightly lit street if possible, especially if you expect that you might be returning late at night.
- “Dress as the Romans dress.” Be aware of the cultural norms for the country you are in, and try to respect them. If you’re not sure, err on the side of conservative clothing with more coverage. What is acceptable where you live may be offensive overseas. Here’s a good article on etiquette around the world.
- Don’t drink too much. This is good advice for solo travelers of either sex, but if you’re concerned about safety, indulge carefully.
- Be careful taking taxis, especially at night. It’s best in many places to get a taxi from a taxi stand or your hotel or hostel rather than flagging one down yourself. Most airports have a taxi kiosk you can use rather than picking up a random cab outside or going with someone who solicits to give you a ride.
- If you’re taking a night train, get a private room if possible.
- Be cautious of going off on your own with a stranger. If you’re setting up a date, meet in a very public place. If possible, use a buddy system – tell someone where you’re going, who you’re with, and when you expect to return.
- Protect yourself. Contraception isn’t as widely available in all parts of the world. If you’re sexually active, in addition to packing condoms, you might consider asking your doctor to write you a prescription for an extra pack of birth control pills or a pack of Plan B.
Learn from others:
Here are some sites and blogs we love, filled with more information for the solo female traveler:
Have recommendations of your own? Leave your suggestions in the comments!
