This article is orientated towards female solo travellers, but really the majority of the tips apply to anyone travelling solo abroad! You should always use common sense, but follow our easy advice and you’ll feel safe.
Pre arrange accommodation and airport transfers
At least for the first night! That way, you aren’t wandering around your new destination attempting to find somewhere to stay. The airport transfers aspect is particularly useful if you are arriving late at night. If you are unsure about booking an airport transfer, try to go with whichever company your airline recommends.
Avoid street taxi hire
Instead of flagging a taxi down from the street, try to always get your restaurant/hotel to call you one, so that there will be a record if anything happens.
Dress appropriately in conservative countries
Research the dress code of a destination before you visit to avoid offence. You should also try to dress in neutral colours and avoid tight clothes as a general rule of thumb, in order to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Wear a wedding band
Again, another method of avoiding unwanted attention! It’s sad that this helps in some destinations, but it’s true.
Fake confidence
Even if you don’t know your way around, look like you do! Don’t get out a map or guidebook in a public place.
Learn key & emergency phrases
You should always learn a few conversational phrases in the local language, but learn some for emergencies too, such as ‘help’. See our guide to learning a new language here.
Let people know where you’re going
Use the wonderful tool that is social media to tell people of your plans for that day, or text a friend at home. One seasoned solo traveller said she also takes a full length picture of what she is wearing each day and sends it someone at home, so there is always a picture of what she is wearing if anything happens.
Store the phone number/address of your accommodation
It’s always helpful to have the reception phone number and address of your accommodation written down on a piece of paper and stored on your phone.
Ask about areas to avoid
Ask staff in your accommodation or fellow travellers about the areas to avoid.
If you think you’re being followed…
Cross the street! Also try to head into a café, shop or a hotel and wait there until some time has passed.
Try to have contacts in your destination
You may not have friends or family in your destination, but take advantage of travel communities, particularly online. Some of the best ones for women include Travelettes and Go Girl Travel Network.
Always use your instincts
Very important! If something feels wrong in your gut, such as a situation or person, it probably is.
Take photos of all your documents and store them on Dropbox
Passports, flight itineraries, reservations- take photos of them all and upload them to Dropbox. That way, if you lose the paper records or your phone, there is a record of them accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Carry a local shopping bag
Another great tip from a seasoned traveller! When you land, visit the local grocery store and get a carrier bag from there. You’ll look like a local and it is less likely to get stolen than an expensive backpack!
Set a time frame before leaving home
Tell friends and family if they don’t hear from you within 5 days, or see you post on social media, that something may be wrong.
Have an alter ego
This tip goes hand in hand with the ‘wedding band’ tip- have an alter ego. If someone asks where you’re from/who you’re travelling with/where you’re staying, never say you’re travelling alone. Just say something along the lines of ‘I’m visiting for the day with my boyfriend, he’ll be around here somewhere looking for me!’ with a slight laugh.
Enjoy!
Travelling solo can be daunting, but it will also be the best thing that you ever do. A female solo traveller said ‘travel as if everyone is going to help you, not hurt you’ and we agree!
We asked our friends on Twitter for advice, and here’s what they said:
@holiday_numbers Do some research about the place before you get there to see what areas are solo travelers friendly
— Miriam (@MiriamIndries) March 30, 2016
