The Art of Solo Female Travelling

Quick answer: The art of solo female travelling comes down to four things: be prepared for everything, don’t feel you must play it safe all the time, pack a light, solo-friendly suitcase, and dress simply so you blend in. Do that, keep loved ones informed of where you are, and you can explore the world on your own terms.

Until recently, solo female traveling was often considered inadequate or even inappropriate. Over the last couple of years it has gained a lot of popularity, and for good reason: exploring new destinations alone has never been more attractive. If you’re an adventurous lady who agrees, welcome to the club! Here are four useful tips to help you master solo female travel and stay safe on the road.

1. Be Prepared for Everything

Before you embark on a new solo adventure, make sure you’re properly organized, informed and, above all, confident. That’s the best way to stay safe and avoid the worst-case scenario.

Remember the “fake it till you make it” rule? It applies to solo travel too: if you look like you know what you’re doing, you’ll attract less attention, even if you don’t really have a clue. Before you set off:

• Always have a map on hand.
• Know roughly how much things should cost before you buy them.
• Keep copies of your documents somewhere safe.
• Find out what a typical taxi looks like and how much a regular ride usually costs.

2. You Don’t Always Have to Play It Safe

Staying safe and sound should be your top priority when traveling alone, but you don’t have to play it extra safe all the time, especially if you’re an adventurous gal who loves to explore everything first-hand.

Some worries and concerns are completely natural, but they shouldn’t stop you from ticking off the crazy things on your bucket list. You’ll be more than fine as long as you keep in touch with friends or family. Even though they aren’t with you, you’ll feel a lot safer knowing they know where you are.

3. Keep Your Suitcase Light and Solo Traveler-Friendly

One of the most important rules of solo travel is to keep your luggage as lightweight as possible. Some women swear by backpacking, which is an amazing way to travel light, but it can feel limiting if you like to bring more than the bare essentials. That’s why many opt for a smaller suitcase instead.

Solo female travel packing essentials include:

• Favorite skincare products, such as a gentle cleanser and a nourishing moisturizer
• A few makeup basics, like concealer and black mascara
• A quality sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection, as Aussie girls, who understand sunscreen better than anyone, always advise
• A stylish pair of sunglasses, one of the biggest must-haves, to keep your eyes healthy while staying trendy

4. Remember That Blending In Isn’t Always Easy

Blending in isn’t always the easiest task, no matter how superficial that may sound. The way you dress can put a target on you: dressing too well or wearing lots of jewelry and accessories makes you more likely to be targeted by pickpockets.

Purses also attract sticky fingers, and while they’re practical, they aren’t always designed with safety in mind. To avoid unpleasant situations, keep your look simple and try to dress like the local women.

And remember, you’re not alone. Women have been traveling solo for ages and will continue to do so, so you’ll often feel more at ease when you spot a fellow solo female traveler on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is solo female travel safe?

It can be, as long as you’re prepared, confident and keep friends or family updated on where you are.

What should I pack for solo female travel?

Travel light: a small suitcase with skincare basics, a few makeup items, a UVA/UVB sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses.

How can I avoid pickpockets when traveling alone?

Keep your look simple, skip the flashy jewelry, be careful with purses and try to dress like local women.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of solo female travelling isn’t always a piece of cake, and there are plenty of things to consider to stay safe on the go. Keep these tips in mind and they will help you overcome potential obstacles and have the time of your life, all by yourself!

Have you seen something amazing during your travels? Write about it and have it published on Backpackways.com Know How To!