Top 15 Tips for Solo Women Travelers
There are several advantages of traveling alone such as the freedom to choose what you want to do, see or where to go without the worry of inconveniencing someone. However, traveling alone as a woman has several challenges such as your safety. Here is a compilation of valuable tips to ensure that you are protected while on your trip.
1. In case you get lost, don’t read a map or look at your phone in the middle of the street only duck into a shop or cafe and look at them while inside, away from scrutiny.
2. If you are renting a car, spring for a GPS. Looking at a map on your Smartphone in unfamiliar grounds is time-consuming and unsafe.
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3. When driving, fill up your gas tank to avoid running low on fuel when you are in a sketchy area.
4. When going to the bathroom, take your bag with you. This applies even when you are on a train or bus.
5. Always enter a train car that has people in it. When on a train or bus, sit next to other women, and also close to the front.
6. Don’t sleep on the train. In general, avoid taking night trains when solo if you can avoid it.
7. Tailor your budget to enable you to take a cab when you feel unsafe walking.
8. Before you enter a cab, take a photo of its license plates. In case you get into problems in the cab, you can identify the exact one you boarded. It will also come in handy if you leave something in the cab and you need to track it down.
9. When walking home or in a car, make a real or fake phone call and say something like, I am almost there. This will make the driver think you are meeting up with someone, even if you are not.
10. Track your cab using Google Maps. Doing this will help you tell if you are heading in the right direction or are off-route.
11. If you stop to buy anything such as tickets and something is drawing your attention, keep your bag between your legs, or between you and the counter, not beside you. This makes it harder to swipe.
12. Drink moderately. Know your alcohol limits, and always be mindful while you are having fun.
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13. Talk to many people. If you are walking around or are out on a tour, talk to people and have an idea of what is going on. Making friends is the perfect way to see beautiful things you would otherwise not have found on your own.
14. If you find yourself in a situation that makes you feel lonely and unsafe, when talking, refer to your real or imaginary companion or significant other. This creates a sense of security and partnership.
15. Don’t feel guilty when saying no to anything. It is OK to reject help with your bags, a shot of vodka from someone, an invitation to dinner, etc. And, don’t fear to be rude if it makes you feel safe. Also, trust your instincts about when to accept help. Sometimes, a male escort can make you feel safe, and there are many friendly strangers willing and able to help you.
Traveling alone as a woman should not be something to endure. Instead, it is an opportunity to commune with yourself, to listen to your inner voice. If you follow the advice laid down above, you will be assured of your safety, and will have nothing to fear. To get hotel accommodation information, visit reliable websites such as Hipmunk.com. There you will also learn more about staying in Spain.
This article was written and provided by Fiona Moriarty of Hipmunk, the ultimate platform for all your travel needs.