More and more women have been deciding to go out to explore the world by themselves for many reasons, like empowerment, independency, personal development, fullfilment, lack of company, self-knowledge and so much more!
But, it is natural to be afraid and ask yourself if that would be a good choice, afterall many times we are still seen or even see ourselves as the "fragile sex". I really do believe that women that wish so can do almost anything and be super strong, bur unfortunately it is still true that we can go through tough situations that most men never do.
These situations can be agravated or avoided, depending on where we are and how we act. That is why I created this post, to help you avoid them and discover the world in your own way.
Research before choosing your destination.
Some countries have high rates of rape, harassment, kidnaping, extorsion, violence, roberies, etc. It is important to make sure when you chose your destination you seach for the risks you would be taking by going somewhere. For example, in India, rapes are common and it is hard to get any assistence; but New Zealand is known for being very peaceful, with respectful people.
In other countries, they have no problems with female travelers, but is recommended that you dress and act according to local customs, so you don't disrespect anyone.
2. Try to always have data connection
Before you leave your country or as soon as you land, get an internet connection for your phone so you can always be connected. This way you can easily look for routes, tips, reviews, talk to someone you trust or even send send your live location.
It is also important to always keep your cellphone charged, so take a power bank with you, they can be the best option when you don't know when or where you are going to get energy.
3. Don't let it show that you are a tourist
Because the place is not familiar to them, tourists are an easy target for those with bad intentions. Try not to attract any attention to yourself, use clothing and accessories that blend in and don't ever look like you are lost.
In case you really are lost, don't stop in the middle of the street to look at a map, go inside a store or cooffee shop before trying to locate yourself. In these ocasions, you can also ask people who work at the place you went in which path you should take.
4. Choose carefully where you are going to stay
When the subject is safety, it is better to spend more and keep safe than to take risks to save some money.
Choose places that are close to where you plan to visit, that have easy access and are considered safe. Read reviews to make sure it is a good place and if any review is from a solo traveler woman, even better.
Hostels are a great place to meet people, that just like you, are traveling solo and besides, the odds of making friends from all over the world are pretty good.
5. Choose riding apps over street cabs
When you take a cab randomly on the street, no one has any type of control over the car, the person who drives it, where it is going or the time it left, on the other hand, apps know the car, plate, driver, time you left and destination, so it is harder for anyone to scam.
It is not unusual that taxi drivers scam passengers when it comes to the trip price, by charging extra, not measuring the distance and more and you won't be able to prove them wrong.
6. Don't drink too much and always watch your drink
You should always watch your drinks, regardless of where you are, there can always be someone bad nearby that wants to drug you.
Of course you can drink alcohol in your trips, but not too much. When traveling alone you can't assure that you will get to the hotel safe if you are not fully aware of what is happening.
7. Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone you trust
This way, in case you don't answer or show up for a few days, the person, based on where you should be or where you were last, can start looking for you. It is also a good idea to leave with them the names of you accommodations, in case they try to contact you.
8. Keep digitalized copies of your documents in the cloud
This way, if you loose your documents or they are stolen, you can still prove who you are.
9. Follow your instincts
If you are not feeling confortable around someone or about something, trust your instincts, they don't usually come for no reason and can spare you a big headache.
10. Use Apps to meet fellow travelers
Tourlina App is only for females and gets them in touch with other women traveling by themselves so they can get together.
As a woman, I think it is important that we help each other as much as we can and obviously make each other's experiences better. In case you have any doubt or suggestion, leave a comment below and feel free to send me an email.
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