There is something special about traveling alone, whether you’re a female solo traveler or a male solo traveler. Especially if you’re an introvert. There are no distractions, you can go at your own pace, and you can visit the locations that only you are interested in. You don’t have to compromise with anyone, and exploring a new place on your own is also a great way to meet locals and connect with new people.
However, things do become a bit more tricky (even more so if you are traveling alone as a woman). You have to worry about your own safety, and you will also have to take certain precautions to avoid getting into risky situations. I know that it doesn’t sound very YOLO to be preparing for the worst, however, that simply is the reality that we live in.
Don’t get me wrong, I love traveling alone as a woman. I’m not in any way implying that you should allow your fear to hold you back from exploring the world. I just want to paint a realistic picture. Yes, it is possible to travel alone. However, there are some things that you have to consider first.
Do research
It’s not uncommon to do some research about the place that you are planning to visit next. However, if you are traveling alone, you should be a little more detailed. Look up female travel bloggers who share their own experiences with solo traveling. Read their reviews about the places that you want to visit, and try to find out if they believed that their safety was compromised. Also, do research about the place that you are planning to stay. Check if it’s in a dangerous neighborhood and if they have a good security system.
Don’t travel with luxury items
I know that it seems tempting to bring your favorite designer bags with you when you are going on a tour around Europe. However, you have to understand that it could get dangerous. Expensive clothing, gold jewelry, and flashy watches could make you a potential target for criminals. Try to keep things low-key.
Be cautious with public transport
When in a foreign country, public transportation may be your safest way to get around. However, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the public transportation options beforehand. Most of them will be covered by CCTV, and they are also pretty busy, so you won’t find yourself alone with a suspicious stranger. No matter what you do or where you are going, never get into cars or taxis that aren’t government-registered or linked to a ride-sharing app. And even then, know it can still get dangerous.
Always share your location with someone
Last but not least, always make sure that someone close to you knows where you are going. Share your location with your partner, friends, or family at home. You can do this via Google Maps or other similar apps. This will allow the people who are closest to you to know where you are going while not interrupting you during your exploration of a new city.