Female Solo Travel: How To Start, Act Smart, and Be Fearless

(This can be advice for anyone, but this goes out to the solo traveling ladies)

 

Most people are terrified to end up “alone.”

They couldn’t imagine themselves without family or friends. They would never think about requesting a “table for one” at a sit-down restaurant. They would never think of going to the movies by themselves. People often mistake independence for loneliness. So maybe this is the reason many travellers these days would never dream about going a million miles across the globe, to a country where they don’t speak the language or know anything about – alone.

I know because I remember those days of uncertainty. I would have been lost on my first “solo” international trip and not only because I had never actively used a map aside from geography class – it was because I was inexperienced and didn’t have the tact I do now.  Luckily, I was studying abroad then and I had the company of my classmates. However, after the travel bug hit me, the rest of my trips would be completely solo. Since every country is different, I felt anxious. Would I get lost? If I asked for help, would people even listen to me if we didn’t speak the same language? I was a naive, petite girl wanting to explore unknown places. It definitely took me some time to be completely comfortable travelling solo, but I learned to just go with it. You have to start somewhere and I never really felt “alone” as a solo traveler because there were always new people to meet. My priority has been to explore, but to take care of myself and promote my own safety.

After seven years of solo travel, here’s what I wish someone would have told me and what I’ve learned in the wanderlust process.

Practice Traveling Solo
How to start traveling solo? If the idea of being anywhere alone frightens you, put yourself in that situation and start doing things by yourself where you live. Do it in small steps first – go out to eat, go to the movies, or go to a theme park alone. Then take bigger steps – go to a surrounding city, travel around your country, or explore your continent solo. Travelling around where you live with people that speak your language and share your culture will help you be more comfortable traveling solo at first, and then hopefully you’ll gain the confidence outside of your comfort zone. ANYWHERE!

Pack Light
This seems like it may not directly relate, but packing light has made my life easier as a solo traveller. I remember when I used to travel with a huge suitcase and it didn’t fit in elevators, I had to carry it up a flight of stairs, or the wheels got stuck in cobblestone paths. That’s when I decided I would travel only with a small, lightweight, and manageable backpack – smaller than what normal backpackers use – that was more like a school backpack!

How does this help me? Well, it helps me with my confidence. When I arrive to a new city, I’m not afraid to get lost and feel like all eyes are on me as I would if I was lugging a large suitcase, looking like I don’t know where I’m going. With lightweight baggage, it doesn’t matter if I’m roaming for a few minutes or an hour to find my hotel – I am less self conscious and less stressed. After all, it would simply be exploring for me.

And sidenote, if you use taxis all the time then this probably doesn’t matter as much to you.

Dress Accordingly
I dress according to where I am and I try not to catch attention for the wrong reasons. What do I mean? I tend to dress like the locals, usually casual, and I do my best to fit in (this is the only time I want to be part of the “in” crowd ). Instead of buying lame souvenirs, you can buy local clothing and wear it on your trip. I choose to dress modestly (no matter the weather) and prefer not to wear low cut shirts or other revealing clothing. If I happen to wear shorts, it will be in a place that sees it as a standard norm. I also don’t really wear makeup because it will melt while I’m exploring, and I don’t wear anything valuable because I’m more comfortable when I don’t have to be worrying about material things.

I prefer to dress neutral when I explore because my goal is to explore thoroughly, and that happens whenever you’re dressed comfortably. In addition, I dress according to the occasion and I wouldn’t be wearing my hiking boots to the opera. LOL! I pack multifunctional and versatile clothing that can work for exploring and also going out; I also pack minimal makeup for events I need to look good for. Ultimately, my goal is to fit in with the locals and not draw attention to myself – I don’t want to seem like a tourist at all!

Moreover, dressing accordingly doesn’t mean you can’t look good at all or cute in pictures. You can dress up with colourful clothing, basic accessories, and by simply brushing your hair!  Look however you feel comfortable. If you want to show yourself off when you go out clubbin’ (or if you’re looking for a man), maybe that can be considered dressing for the occasion and it can be fine. Just know that every country’s culture is different and you may be treated differently for how you dress – so do your research if you are unsure about what’s appropriate in that country.

And if you’re wondering how people on social media look so good, I’ve seen those Instagram travel “models” bring an extra set of clothes to pretend they can hike in a beautiful flowy dress. Do it for the ’gram or whatever makes you happy.

Look Confident, Look Like A Badass
Focus on your body language. Are you looking a bit lost? When I travel solo, I switch on my badass “hat” and my body language just follows naturally. I walk with my back straight, my head up, and a poker face.   I’m a girl on a mission.  My attitude is confident even if I don’t know where I am – I subtly use my phone as a map when I need to, and I don’t stare at the map as I walk. I’ll have my phone out, maybe glance at the map, and then just keep walking. I walk with the intention and vibe that I know where I’m going.

This next piece of advice may be extreme, but it’s an idea; I notice I wear dark colors a lot (and not because I’m emo!). I just like how dark colors look on me, and this psychologically makes me feel stronger believe it or not. I also have been travelling for years with this dark Ralph Lauren vest with a noticeable crest logo – and it makes people think I’m a company employee or was in the military or something. It’s hilarious, but I feel like this gets me some sort of respect. I do enjoy wearing dark colors but to be honest, I have become tired of the uniformity and it’s not the best idea for fiery weather, so I am currently trying to mix up the colour scheme of my travelling wardrobe.

Mind Your Belongings
“Hide your money, hide your $1000 Iphone X, and hide all your valuables cuz they stealing from everybody out there!” In all seriousness though, don’t think all places are like Japan where you can leave a million dollars on the table and no one’s gonna take it. People👏Will👏Take👏Your👏Stuff.

While I like to think that all humans are good people, I still look after my belongings. I never leave any valuables unattended in a hotel or hostel. I see other travellers leave their phone charging while they’re away from their dorm, and that just seems careless. Even if you’re staying in your own hotel room, secure your valuables. I once got my iPod stolen from a closed backpack which was hidden in the closet of my hotel room. Therefore, I find it best to lock up your valuables if possible. I always look for a room with a locker or simply travel with several locks if it’s not available.

When you’re out exploring, keep your money on you – literally. I usually wear a money belt which is hidden underneath my clothes (random, but now I’m thinking of that Shakira song ). Remember that Ralph Lauren vest I mentioned I always wear? It also has pockets on the inside and outside, so I often put my money or phone in there which keeps me bag-free. I prefer this latter option because I can easily pull out cash to buy food, tickets, or whatever. And if the weather is too hot, the money belts add to the heat so I prefer wearing my vest. Alternatively, if you must wear a purse, I suggest a cross body bag since it is less bulky and you can keep it close to you.

Don’t Act Like A Tourist
Don’t be loud and obnoxious – the [American] stereotype that lets everyone know you’re not from that country. It doesn’t mean you have to be as quiet as a mouse, but no one wants to hear your conversation about that boy you met last night and the “haha, like, so, whatever.” Seriously.

Additionally, put the foldable map away. If I ever need to reference a paper map, I either rip the section I need or fold it into a smaller section. Don’t give anyone the idea that you don’t know where you’re going or are lost, especially if you’re distracted or in a crowded area; this can be an indication that you’re an easy target for theft. If I desperately need help, I would rather go inside a safe area like a store and ask for help there.

Grow Eyes Behind Your Head
Learn to be mindful and aware of your surroundings. It’s easy to be buried into your phone if you’re lost or simply messaging someone back home. Being present is a way to keep you safe. If you look distracted, you may be an easy target to a wrongdoer. If I have to walk alone at night for whatever reason, I try to walk in the lit areas and walk along the clear paths, avoiding corners or closed areas. I power walk to where I have to be and I’m aware of what’s going on around me – my eyes and ears are open.

And this may sound like your mom’s advice when you were four years old, but pay attention when you’re crossing the street. Some countries don’t give priority to pedestrians and cars won’t stop for you. I’ve been in situations where a car passed an inch beside me – the driver didn’t care at all! Since I’ve lived in some of the busiest cities around the world, I have learned to not only look both ways – but to do a full 360 degree lookout – before crossing the street.

Have Backup
I wouldn’t suggest spending your vacation on your phone, but your phone can be your research tool, camera, emergency communication, calculator, flashlight, and navigation. I would suggest buying a quality phone with good battery life and always carry a portable charger with you. This backup helps me feel secure if I’m out exploring all day and need to look something up or refer to a map.

Rely on your memory as well; don’t just rely on your map. When I leave my hotel to explore, I always try to understand where I’m going and take a memory snapshot in case I need to find my way on my own – you might pinpoint a sign, a pole, a street, a restaurant – anything that helps you remember where you are.

It may be helpful to carry a handwritten note (or business card) with your hotel’s contact details, emergency numbers, and any other relevant information. This way you can show it to someone if you need help and there’s a language barrier.

 

 

Hopefully these tips helped you become more open minded if you have never travelled solo, and given you some ideas if you’re already a solo explorer. Overall, the best way to start solo travelling is to go for it. Face your fears; after all, fear is a lie!. Take Nike’s advice and just do it!

Honestly if you can talk and read a sign, then you can travel solo easily – and practice makes perfect.

How do YOU take care of yourself when you travel solo? Share your wisdom.