My 51 Best Solo Female Travel Tips From Over A Decade Of Travel

I seldom write about solo feminine journey as a result of in a method I simply consider in “solo travel” no matter gender. I by no means actually thought-about my journey expertise to be all that completely different from a man’s journey expertise. 

But fascinated about it extra carefully, there are just a few issues which might be completely different. For a begin we normally have durations to deal with on the highway that are annoying and sometimes begin on the most inconvenient instances. And inevitably for those who’re feminine and touring alone locals at all times appear to ask the query, “Why you have no boyfriend?” or “Why is a girl like you still single?” Cat calling can be one thing you get used to experiencing as a solo feminine traveler; once I went to Havana, Cuba, I skilled cat calling day by day.

Then there’s the matter of packing and dressing appropriately for the tradition; in sure components of the world girls are required to cowl their legs and shoulders, whereas males don’t need to.

So sure, touring as a feminine is a bit completely different, however so long as you’re cautious it’s an extremely liberating expertise. My first ever huge solo feminine journey was to Australia and I had an absolute blast. I used to be so nervous that I wouldn’t make any pals and that it will be a catastrophe however fairly the other occurred. I made numerous pals and considered one of them I’m nonetheless good pals with to this present day.

Since then I’ve traveled to over 55 nations, generally with pals, generally with boyfriends and generally on press journeys. But a few of the finest adventures I’ve had have been the solo ones.

If you’re contemplating a solo journey I encourage you to strive it! To assist, listed here are my finest solo feminine journey suggestions after over a decade of journey: 

Safety

Tell family and friends the place you’re going

When I am going abroad I at all times write down the identify and tackle of the primary place I’ll be staying and provides it to my mom. If I’m visiting somebody or assembly up with a good friend I write down their contact data too. Definitely let your loved ones and pals know the place you’re going and likewise keep up a correspondence with them frequently by way of textual content or social media. This method if something occurs they’ve a tough thought of the place your final location was. 

Share your location

I at all times use the “FindMy” app on Apple iPhone to constantly share my location with a few pals who I belief. I do know some folks don’t like the concept of different folks realizing precisely the place they’re always however personally I feel it’s nice for security. I do know my pals aren’t going to stalk my each transfer and even when they did, I’ve nothing to cover. Consider sharing your location with a member of the family or good friend in order that they will pull up your final location if one thing occurs. 

Trust your intestine

When doubtful, belief your intestine and your instinct. If a scenario feels off or not fairly proper, then belief your instincts and stroll away.

Try to not stroll round alone at night time

Avoid strolling round alone at night time time however when you have no possibility, follow well-lit streets and attempt to stroll carefully behind a gaggle of individuals. This method folks would possibly assume you might be with the group. If you observed you’re being adopted, cross the road and alter path. 

Have a code phrase

Come up with a code phrase or phrase between you and your mother and father or a good friend. This method, you’ll be able to alert them one thing’s flawed over the telephone with out your potential attacker/kidnapper realizing what you’re saying. 

Watch your drinks

I can’t stress this sufficient – watch your drinks. Don’t go away your drink unattended or with some new particular person you’ve simply met once you go to the lavatory. Take it with you. I do know generally folks provide to purchase a shot or a drink and I’ve undoubtedly accepted a couple of in my time. Always assess the scenario and whether or not you belief the particular person. If you’re going to just accept a free drink, watch the bartender make it.

Don’t get blackout drunk

I’ll be sincere with you right here – I spent a lot of my backpacking life in my 20s partying and ingesting. Lots of people do. When you’re staying in hostels and mingling with backpackers, photographs and ingesting video games are the norm. I’m positive there’ll be instances when most of you get drunk so I’m not going to faux in any other case, however simply strive to not get blackout drunk. When you’re inebriated, that’s when unhealthy issues begin to occur. Phones get misplaced and folks do silly issues. Keep your wits about you and restrict your consumption for those who really feel such as you’re getting too drunk. 

Carry hairspray for those who can’t carry pepper spray

In some locations pepper spray is taken into account a hid weapon. Personally I’ve by no means carried it however I do know individuals who do. An excellent various is a can of hairspray. Keep the hairspray in your purse so you’ll be able to spray it on the particular person’s face for those who’re being attacked.

Feel free to make use of the “I have a boyfriend” card

If males are coming as much as you asking on your quantity and the eye is undesirable, bear in mind the road “I have a boyfriend” will normally do the trick.

Attach an Apple Airtag to your belongings

I’ve an Apple Airtag on my keys after which I put these inside my purse. The Airtag is linked to “FindMy” in your iPhone so in case your purse will get stolen and you’ve got an Airtag inside, then you definitely’ll be capable of see its location on a map. Of course, there’s nothing to cease the thief from wanting inside your bag and throwing the Airtag out however hopefully they gained’t discover it’s in there. If you’re somebody who typically misplaces issues or forgets their keys, then Apple Airtag is actually helpful. If I go away my keys behind, I immediately get a notification on my telephone.   

Stay calm

I’ve had two not-so-nice incidents within the final fourteen years of journey. The first was once I was dwelling in Bali and a person got here via a panel within the roof of the bed room. I assumed it was a hen scuttling round contained in the roof at first however no, it was an individual. My boyfriend had left to go online and I suppose the man thought he might rob the home whereas no-one was dwelling. Anyway, you by no means know the way you’ll react in these conditions however I mainly simply bought away from bed, stood there and mentioned “Excuse me, what are you doing?”. He checked out me and simply ran as quick as he might out the door. 

The second time I used to be touring with pals in Barcelona. We had been in a principal sq. in broad daylight and I felt somebody take my telephone out of my purse. The thief was making an attempt to cross it from individual to individual down a line of accomplices. I immediately simply mentioned “Excuse me” and snatched it again. I do know you’re not speculated to strive to withstand or wrestle with a thief however I bought my telephone again.

Anyway, the ethical of the story is that staying calm in bushy conditions appears to have labored out OK for me. 

Use Uber, however verify the license plate

I like utilizing Uber as a result of I don’t need to haggle over the fare or carry money. If you propose to make use of Uber, at all times verify the license plate to verify it matches the automotive you ordered. Sit within the again and attempt to maintain your baggage with you within the again so you’ll be able to simply soar out if there’s an issue. 

Packing & Clothes

Take a cross physique bag, or a fanny pack/sling bag

Handbags and totes are straightforward to grab or get into, which is why I desire to have a cross physique bag or perhaps a sling bag or fanny pack that I can maintain proper throughout my chest. Not solely is stuff straightforward to entry but it surely’s additionally tougher for thieves to pickpocket with out you noticing. Whatever bag you carry, maintain it zipped up. 

Wheeled baggage is OK

Most backpackers journey with backpacks however I’m 5ft 1 and there’s no method I used to be going to hold a giant, heavy backpack once I was globetrotting in my 20s. Instead I opted for a wheeled duffel bag and daypack combo. Aside from making a noise once I pulled it over cobbled streets, I actually had no points. Don’t really feel like you need to have a backpack; go along with no matter is snug for you. These days I normally solely fly carry-on to keep away from baggage charges, so I’ve a soft-sided wheeled carry-on bag and a daypack.

Opt for wedges over stilettos

Walking in stiletto heels on cobbled streets is a nightmare. Just don’t do it. If you want a little bit of top, journey with a pair of espadrille wedges or block heeled sandals/boots. 

Dress appropriately for the tradition

Make positive you learn up on the customs and tradition of the vacation spot that you simply’re touring to. If you’re visiting a rustic the place girls are required to cowl their arms and knees for example, then be sure you deliver some lengthy sleeved tops and lengthy skirts or pants. It’s at all times essential to be respectful of the tradition, plus you don’t need to obtain any unfavourable consideration. 

Always pack a pashmina

Pashminas are extremely versatile and light-weight. You can use a pashmina for protecting up when visiting church buildings or temples and you too can use it as a seaside towel or a picnic blanket. 

Pack mild

Packing mild has quite a few benefits. If you fly with only a carry-on bag you’ll be able to keep away from paying costly checked baggage charges and also you don’t need to waste time on the airport ready on the baggage carousel. You additionally by no means have to fret concerning the airline dropping your baggage. It makes such a distinction to have the ability to velocity via the airport effortlessly. 

When I first began backpacking in my 20s I traveled with numerous garments. Admittedly I used to be touring on for much longer journeys however I actually didn’t want that a lot stuff. As I traveled extra I began packing much less and fewer. 

Try to pack as mild as attainable and roll your garments. Packing cubes are additionally actually helpful if you wish to save house in your baggage. 

Dresses take up much less house than skirts/pants and tops

I really like packing attire as a result of I don’t have to consider what’s going to go along with what. When you resolve to put on pants or skirts you then have to consider which high will go together with your outfit. Dresses are simply straightforward as a result of there’s nothing to consider; you simply throw them on and so they take up much less room in your suitcase. If I’m going someplace heat I normally journey with a couple of attire and a denim jacket in case I get chilly at night time.   

Dress heat and comfortable for the airplane

Aircraft cabins are sometimes chilly, which is why I normally put on all my cumbersome layers on the airplane. If you’re touring with a sweater and jacket or coat, put on these gadgets on the airplane in order that they don’t take up room in your baggage. Opt for comfortable, stretchy garments, corresponding to a pair of yoga pants, a free high and a hoodie or cardigan. 

Put your bikini in your keep it up

If you’re flying with checked baggage, put a spare pair of underwear and a bikini in your keep it up. That method if the airline loses your baggage you’ll be able to nonetheless hit the seaside. Pack a toothbrush in there too as a way to brush your enamel on lengthy journeys. 

Planning

Join solo feminine journey teams

Facebook has a number of solo feminine journey teams, that are helpful for inspiration, journey recommendation or connecting with different solo feminine vacationers. Try becoming a member of the Girls Love Travel group, Girls vs Globe group or The Solo Female Traveler Network.

Follow solo feminine journey bloggers

For inspiration and journey suggestions, observe a couple of solo feminine journey bloggers. Some nice bloggers embrace: 

Be My Travel Muse @bemytravelmuse

The Blonde Abroad @theblondeabroad

Pommie Travels (me!) @pommietravels

Adventurous Kate @adventurouskate

Alex in Wanderland @alexinwanderland 

Book your lodging prematurely

When you’re touring solo, don’t wing it. At least have your first night time’s lodging booked prematurely. Booking.com, Trivago and Hotel Tonight are all nice for locating offers. If you’re reserving accommodations, use Hostelworld. 

Avoid arriving locations late at night time

At night time time it’s typically not as straightforward to get from the airport into town. Buses and trains cease working and then you definitely’re left with having to take a taxi. When you arrive at night time, it’s additionally tougher to get your bearings. Try to land in daylight so you’ll be able to stroll across the neighborhood and get a really feel for the place issues are. 

Choose lodging in a protected, central space

When reserving lodging, at all times check out the map to see the place the airbnb/resort/hostel is. It may be tempting to simply e-book the perfect deal obtainable, however generally cheaper accommodations are positioned far out of city or in additional run-down areas. Try to decide on an space that’s protected and near all the principle points of interest so that you don’t have to fret about strolling too far off the overwhelmed path.

Start off with locations that are perfect for solo feminine travellers

If you’re new to solo feminine journey, begin with typically protected locations which might be in style with vacationers or have well-trodden backpacker routes. The following nations are all nice for solo feminine vacationers:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada
• Portugal
• Spain
• Italy 
• Greece 
• Croatia
• Japan
• Singapore
• Bali
• Switzerland 
• Norway

Health, Beauty and Wellness

Pack electrolytes

If you might have a hangover and also you’re dehydrated, electrolyte sachets are a godsend. Sure, you should buy gatorade, but it surely’s filled with sugar which isn’t that good for you. Try electrolyte sachets corresponding to Dioralyte, Hydrant or Liquid IV. Just pop a sachet in a glass of water, combine it up and drink. You’ll quickly really feel pretty much as good as new!

Treat your self to a pedicure

Before I am going on a visit, I normally deal with myself to a pedicure in order that my toes look good and I be ok with myself. When you’re touring, pedicures are an effective way to loosen up, de-stress and elevate your temper. 

Keep make-up easy

Don’t journey together with your whole make-up bag. Instead, maintain your make-up delicate and easy. I normally journey with the naked necessities; a tinted moisturizer (with SPF), lipstick, blusher, eyeliner, mascara and one taupe eyeshadow. Makeup is heavy and takes up house in your bag, so it’s higher to maintain issues to a minimal. Plus, you’ll be having a lot enjoyable you gained’t need to spend ages preparing.

Don’t ignore your day by day skincare routine

When you’re burning the candle at each ends it’s straightforward to start out neglecting your pores and skin and your well being. Long flights, lack of sleep and alcohol may cause your pores and skin to look dry and drained. When you get again to you resort, take your make-up off and moisturize. Even for those who’re tremendous drained and don’t really feel like doing it, you’ll be grateful you probably did it once you get up the following day.  

Consider laser hair elimination

Want to chop down on time spent within the bathe? Consider getting laser hair elimination so that you not have to fret about shaving your legs and bikini line. For some folks it really works rather well and the hair doesn’t develop again. Since I’ve fairly mild hair it did develop again but it surely’s softer and finer so shaving is an entire lot simpler. 

Indulge in a spa remedy now and again

Sometimes you simply want some good R&R, so don’t be afraid to indulge now and again. Traveling may be exhausting, so generally you simply must reset and pamper your self slightly bit. Book your self a therapeutic massage or a facial for slightly pick-me-up.

Dry shampoo is your good friend

Sometimes once you’re on the highway there’s no time to clean your hair. This is when dry shampoo is available in actually helpful. Spray a bit in your roots et voila, you’re good to go!  

Leave the hairdryer and curling iron at dwelling

Hairdryers and curling irons are heavy and take up numerous room. Try to depart them at dwelling for those who can. If you might have unmanageable hair and you should take them, then go for travel-size variations as a substitute. When I’m touring overseas I simply let my hair air dry naturally, or I take advantage of the hairdryer within the resort if there’s one within the room. 

Pack samples and mini fragrance

Have a drawer filled with samples at dwelling? Now’s your likelihood to make use of them. Sachets of basis and hand cream or mini lip glosses take up loads much less room in your make-up bag. I at all times buy a mini travel-size model of my favourite fragrance in order that I scent good. 

Buy a menstrual cup

If you get your interval, then think about shopping for a menstrual cup. This method you don’t need to pack containers of tampons in your bag. Menstrual cups take a little bit of getting used to however I really like mine and I at all times take it with me once I know I’ll have my interval.  I’ve had my Lily Cup since 2016 and it nonetheless works completely. You simply must be sure you rinse it off and clear it in boiling water or hydrogen peroxide between makes use of. 

Use physique wash as shaving cream

These days I by no means use shaving cream to shave my legs as bathe gel does a high quality job. Pack a mini bottle of bathe gel or use the physique wash that’s provided in your resort room. 

Pack mini sunscreen and basis with SPF

Try to not get burnt whilst you’re touring – it’s no enjoyable in any respect! The very last thing you need is to be writhing round in mattress with painful sunburn or having to spend days of your journey within the shade. Pack a mini sunscreen and attempt to choose a tinted moisturizer or basis that has SPF in it. This method you look good on the seaside and your face is protected against the solar’s rays. 

Bring antibiotics

I generally endure from UTIs, significantly if I don’t drink sufficient water and I’m in a scorching nation. I at all times be certain I’ve a stash of antibiotics simply in case I get an an infection once I’m touring. Get a prescription for antibiotics earlier than you go so that you don’t find yourself working round looking for a physician whilst you’re abroad. If you get yeast infections, you may additionally need to pack a Canesten pill or cream in case you get a flare up.

Stay hydrated

Keeping hydrated is essential to glowing pores and skin and also you’ll additionally really feel much less drained. Avoid complications by ingesting numerous water, significantly for those who’re in a scorching local weather. Pack a water bottle with a filter so it can save you cash on bottled water. 

Making Friends

Try lessons

Love yoga? Perhaps join an area yoga class within the place you’re visiting. Classes are an effective way to make pals and develop a talent whilst you’re on the highway. Whatever interest you’re fascinated with, take a look to see what lessons can be found within the surrounding space.

Stay in hostels

I met so many individuals staying in hostels and a few of them I nonetheless keep in contact with to this present day. Hostels are nice for solo feminine vacationers as a result of they’ve frequent areas, bars and arranged actions that present loads of alternatives to fulfill fellow vacationers.  

Book excursions

If you’d desire to remain in a resort you’ll be able to nonetheless meet different folks by reserving day journeys and excursions within the cities you go to. Usually excursions embrace transportation so that you don’t have to fret about renting a automotive or determining public transportation. You can sit again and loosen up, realizing that your information will maintain every little thing and supply loads of data concerning the vacation spot. 

Strike up conversations

Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with strangers! If I’m consuming out or going for a drink I like to take a seat on the bar so I can chat to the bartender or folks sitting subsequent to me. It’s a lot better than sitting at a desk with no-one reverse you. 

Money & Budgeting

Don’t get into debt 

When I first began touring I might save up simply sufficient for a airplane ticket and to barely scrape by. I ended up utilizing bank cards and racking up tons of debt. I used to be undoubtedly not accountable with cash in any respect and I simply put all of it on plastic and thought “I’ll deal with it another day”. It additionally turned a behavior. I might lastly repay a few of the debt after which go journey and run up extra debt once more. While journey is superior, the stress of debt actually isn’t. Try to save lots of up as a lot as you’ll be able to earlier than you journey and follow a funds. 

Consider shorter journeys

One technique to see extra of the world however spend much less cash is by taking shorter journeys, however extra of them. Your itinerary will most likely be jam packed however you gained’t must e-book as many nights and also you’ll spend much less on issues like consuming out. My optimum period of time for a brand new vacation spot today is about 3-5 days. 

Be financially savvy

Finance has usually been an trade dominated by males and a examine performed by George Washington University confirmed that ladies are much less financially literate than me. However, issues are steadily altering as extra girls grow to be fascinated with rising their wealth. 

Improve your monetary literacy by studying private finance blogs and books. This will enable you to perceive a bit extra about issues like shares, ETFs and investments. If you’re not snug with selecting shares, strive platforms corresponding to Betterment, Acorns, Wealthfront or Acorns. All you need to do is put your cash in, select your danger tolerance and so they’ll unfold your cash throughout a diversified portfolio.

When it involves saving cash for journey, investing is an effective way to develop your cash. Also think about slicing again in your day by day expenditure and making additional money by promoting your undesirable belongings on websites like Poshmark or eBay. 

Carry money

When you’re in another country, at all times carry a bit of money on you. Not an excessive amount of, however sufficient to get a taxi again to your lodging if it is advisable to. 

Love

Don’t chase love

One of the largest classes I discovered from touring the world is to not chase love. Sometimes you find yourself having an incredible vacation romance with somebody who lives on the opposite aspect of the world. It’s unhappy when you need to say goodbye, and this will typically lead to fantasizing about what might be. Before you understand it you’re fascinated about reserving a flight to see them or altering your itinerary so you’ll be able to meet up with them once more.

If the opposite particular person desires to be with you they may discover a technique to see you once more. But as a rule, the communication ultimately fades and the particular person views it as only a fling. Don’t spend your time pining after somebody who isn’t making an effort. Don’t attempt to push it. What will likely be will likely be. 

Don’t abandon your plans and desires for a man

I do know a few girls who moved the world over for a man and so they’re married now. I additionally know loads of girls who moved to the man’s dwelling nation, just for the connection to crumble. In these cases the girl normally finally ends up leaving or going dwelling and licking her wounds.

If you need to take an opportunity on love, be sure you’d be proud of the choice, even when the connection doesn’t work out. Ideally you need to guarantee that the man is on the identical web page and that you simply’re in a stable relationship first. 

Don’t transfer to a rustic that you’d by no means need to dwell in for those who had been single. Move there since you’d prefer to dwell there too. If you’re in an extended distance relationship, be sure you each have an finish aim and that you simply’re each placing in equal effort to go to one another. It shouldn’t simply be you who’s flying the world over.

Most of all simply don’t abandon your journey plans or your individual desires in pursuit of romance. It hardly ever ever works out for those who’ve given up who you might be. 

Focus on you first and hopefully an superior man will come alongside who’s impressed by your life! 

A Final Word…

So that’s it! My high solo feminine journey suggestions! Traveling solo is actually empowering and the perfect half about it’s you don’t need to reply to anybody. You can do no matter you need, everytime you need. I’d extremely suggest taking a solo journey not less than as soon as in your life. 

Have I missed one thing? Do you might have your individual suggestions you’d prefer to share? Leave a remark under!