People will often tell women who plan to go on solo travels about the dangers they face. The truth is that travelling solo as a woman is no more dangerous than walking the streets of your own hometown or city. There are certain safety measures that are universal but travelling to new places alone doesn’t present any more significant threat than somewhere you know very well.
The benefits of solo travel should not be underestimated and can have a huge impact on your confidence, self-image and mental health. Exploring new places can be a truly enriching experience and one that you will remember your whole life.
Get The Right Backpack
You’ll need a sturdy, lightweight backpack for your travels. The option you choose should fit easily into the overhead luggage compartments on trains and planes so that you don’t need to worry about the hassle of checking in luggage. Most airlines have a standard size and weight limit for their overhead storage, so it can help to research this in advance. Check the reviews on any backpack you’re considering to ensure that it will be suited to your needs.
Travel Light
As the name suggests, you will be carrying all of your belongings on your back when you're backpacking. This means you might have to do without some of your creature comforts if they won’t fit easily into the pack or if they’ll weigh it down too much. You’ll need to be smart with your packing choices and ensure that you can fit all of the essentials. This is easier during the summer, as you will need fewer heavy layers.
Arrange Insurance
Protecting your belongings with insurance can be invaluable when travelling. Travel insurance can cover against the loss of belongings or money and help you pay for replacement flights or trains if they are cancelled. It can also help you pay for accommodation in the event of an emergency. Do some research to find the best travel insurance to keep you safe while on your solo adventure.
Keep In Touch With Loved Ones
Letting loved ones know where you will be during your trip can be an excellent way to ensure your safety. This is a good safety rule of thumb no matter where you are, as it ensures that loved ones can have a starting place to look if they can’t get in touch with you. You could consider giving a trusted loved one access to emergency location sharing on your smartphone, which you or they can activate if needed.
Look For Portable Entertainment
Travelling solo can be incredible fun, but on long train rides or flights, it can get a little boring not having anyone to talk to. Looking for entertainment you can take on the go can be invaluable. Books will usually take up too much room and be much too heavy to take with you, but an e-reader could be an excellent alternative. You could also look for games you can play on the go, like some of the fun options on https://www.onlinecasinos.co.uk/.
Be Cautious With Strangers
Being cautious around strangers is nothing new, but many people find when they’re travelling that they are much more open to meeting new people. This is no bad thing, but you should always keep in mind safety when interacting with strangers. Common personal safety measures you would take at home apply here, like staying in a public space and sticking to a group. Most people you meet while travelling will be genuine, friendly people, but it is always important to exercise caution.
Never Leave A Drink Unattended
Another safety measure that is a common practice at home or on your travels is keeping your eyes on your drink. It can be easy to get caught up in the fun of your travels, but you should still practice basic safety when it comes to drinking. When possible, get your drinks in bottles, which you can easily cover with your thumb while you explore a new setting. In addition, it is best to avoid getting too drunk when travelling solo so that you can always navigate your way home safely.
Go On Free Walking Tours
Free walking tours are offered in many major cities around the world. They can be a great way for solo travellers to meet new people and learn more about the city they’re visiting. Typically, free walking tours ask for donations at the end to help fund their services, but this is not compulsory. Walking tours usually last for a few hours, so it gives you plenty of time to get to know the others in your group and potentially find yourself some company for the rest of your stay.
Book Your Accommodation In Advance
It is a good idea to have your accommodation booked before you set off for your next destination. This will ensure that you have somewhere safe to be when you arrive at your new destination and a base to plan your next activities around. Consider looking for your next hostel or hotel on the last day of your current stop so that you know exactly where you’re going when you leave.
Put Your Smartphone Down
It can be easy to get caught up in social media while you travel, wanting to take pictures of all the sights and share them with loved ones and followers. This is understandable but can easily take you out of the moment if you’re viewing your surroundings through a smartphone camera. There’s nothing wrong with taking plenty of pictures while you travel but consider waiting to post anything to social media until you have some time to kill on a train or flight.
Final Thoughts
Being prepared and savvy is critical for a successful solo backpacking trip. A woman alone is in no more danger in most parts of the world than she is in familiar settings, so it is important to avoid being put off from your plans. If you’re worried, the best thing you can do is research where you’re going and ensure that you have accommodation booked before you arrive at a new destination. Most importantly, you should remember to enjoy the moment and immerse yourself in the culture and life of each new place you visit.