10 Tips for women planning to travel alone

Solo Trip: 10 Tips for women planning to travel alone

Angela Goh

07 Jul 2016

updated the Thursday, July 7, 2016

1/10
Always research the area you’re travelling to
It's important to download relevant maps and do some background research on the streets you'll be visiting and the landmarks you'll encounter beforehand. Getting to know your surrounds better pre-travel will make sure you don't end up completely clueless when you get there. This way you also prepare for the slim possibility of your smartphone running out of battery at the most crucial moment, or losing your GPS device or map. Anything can happen. Better to be over-prepared than under!
2/10
Blend in
Think, behave and dress like the locals do. Take note of your surroundings and how the people around you act, what they wear, et cetera. The more you blend in, the less likely you are to stick out and attract unwanted attention. This way you'll also be less likely to be targeted as a clueless tourist.
3/10
Always appear confident
One wrong move to make when you're travelling solo and in a place you aren't familiar with is to look worried, unsure or fearful. Even when you are lost, in trouble, or just asking for directions, always be sure to come across as assertive and attentive at all times. There are any number of people out there just waiting to take advantage of a situation, so don't give them any reason to think you are vulnerable.
4/10
Be practical
We’re talking about what you carry with you, what you wear, and what you do. Carry a practical bag with plenty of room to keep your important necessities like an extra water bottle or bug spray. Make sure the bag is secure, and not an easy target for snatch thieves. Don’t tote around an expensive designer bag along an unfamiliar street! Also, wear clothing suited for the environment – get inspiration from the locals around you.
5/10
Never get drunk
Sure, this is fine if you’re out with some close friends in a city you are very familiar with. But if you’re all on your own or amongst people you hardly know, you should be alert at all times. Alcohol can dull your senses and make you vulnerable. You’ve heard stories of people passing out and having their kidneys stolen? Yep, as a lone traveller, getting completely wasted isn’t the wisest thing to do.
6/10
Keep friends and family informed
Make sure your close friends and family members are aware of your movements. Don’t just leave home and not tell anyone where you’ll be disappearing off to for the next few weeks or months! Leave a trail on your social media accounts, so that people are aware of your whereabouts. Should something happen to you, at least everyone will know your location. Frequently talking to loved ones can also stave off that loneliness sometimes associated with solo travelling.
7/10
Use public transportation wisely
If you know that train stations or bus stops in a particular city can feel unsafe in the nighttime, it’s best to plan your movements for the day. Make sure you are aware of how long it can take to travel from one location to the next, and also try to scope out the station that you will be leaving from beforehand so you can gauge how safe it feels and what services it has.
8/10
Be careful about the people you approach
If you have to approach someone to ask for help or directions, be savvy about whom you go up to. Seek out a friendly-looking woman or perhaps a nice family with young children. Service staff at restaurants and retail shops will also be a safe bet.
9/10
Always be aware of your surroundings
Withdrawing money from a cash machine? Do it in the daytime on a busy street, not at night when there are too few people around. Walking through a quiet neighbourhood? Never become to engrossed in looking down at your phone or map as you might be caught unawares – you will never know when a pickpocket (or worse) will cross paths with you.
10/10
Enjoy your experience
While travelling alone calls for a lot of vigilance and courage, you should also embrace the fun and freedom that your solo expedition gives you. While you should always be cautious with what you do and the people you meet, this doesn’t mean you should avoid having conversations with friendly strangers or visiting less-travelled destinations. Trust your instincts and make good decisions – you will be rewarded with wonderful stories to share with all your friends.

Always research the area you're travelling to

Don’t leave home unprepared – follow our advice to make your next solo adventure safe and enjoyable.

If you’re about to head off to thrilling Taipei for a solo shopping expedition or relaxing Bali for a lone spa retreat or cultural Penang for a one-woman adventure, you might want to keep a few travel tips in mind. As a woman, it can be a little daunting to go at it alone, but when armed with the right information and the right mindset, you can make your trip run smoothly. From blending in with the locals to being picky about who you approach to ask for directions, there are plenty of useful tips a lone woman travelling should be aware of.

So, before you jet off to your epic destination of choice, head up to the gallery to check out our top 10 tips for women planning to travel alone. You might learn a thing or two that could save you later on!

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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