Make the most out of your journeys as a solo female traveler
As a young adult working at one of the top travel public relations agencies in the New York City area, I have had the good fortune to travel extensively both for work and for pleasure. Traveling to different countries on all continents is one of the greatest gifts in our line of work – offering an unusual perspective on life and the human experience that changes the way we see ourselves and the world.
Much of my personal experience traveling over the past ten years ironically, has been on a solo basis. As a public relations professional, part of what my responsibilities entail, is the ability to find myself in a completely new country and place and exude a confidence and professionalism that puts others (in our case journalists) at ease to best supplement their trip.
World of Wanderlust recently posted an article titles, “10 Practical Tips for Solo Female Travel,” offering highly valuable suggestions into how to make the best of your solo travel experience while staying safe abroad. Here are my top picks from their list, which I’ve personally found of primary importance in getting the most out of my journeys:
“1. Confidence is Key
The worst thing you can do for yourself both internally and externally as a solo female traveler is look worried or fearful. Even when you’re lost or in trouble, remain assertive and attentive at all times – no matter how tough it can be at challenging times. Just remember it will all be okay in the end – it just sometimes take a little longer or there are a few more hiccups than usual. This is all part of the challenge of solo travel.
2. Think, Act & Dress like a local
It’s one thing to think and act like a local, but it’s another to dress like one. If you really want to blend in, be sure to take a visual note of what others around you are wearing and follow suit. While it may be hot and humid for you in Springtime in Hong Kong, you will soon notice the locals are still wearing pants and/or a jacket. If you want to blend in and not be taken for a tourist target, go with the flow. Aka leave your summer brights well and truly at the bottom of your suitcase when you arrive in Paris.
3. Be Aware of your surrounds at all times
When you travel solo, it’s important to remember that you are your only eyes and ears to ensure you and your belongings are safe. This can be quite difficult at times (aka taking your entire luggage to the bathroom with you), but it’s important not to take chances. When you are in public places, be sure to keep your bag towards the front of your body and zips done up at all times. These little safety precautions sound over the top, but you’ll realise they’re not the day you get mugged because you let your guard down (touch wood, I have yet to be robbed).
4. Know that you will get lonely
The solo travel blues are inevitable at some point in your journey if you are traveling long term. What’s great news, however, is that they’re not the end of the world. After a while you learn to deal with your emotions and know what to do and how to cope when you’re feeling homesick, missing the company of another, or simply tired of your own thoughts. This is all part of the challenge you accept when you set off on your journey.
5. Leave a trail
Social media – with its’ many pros and cons – can be a great tool when traveling solo. A simple check-in at a new location or a quick photo upload will help to keep your family and friends back home in the know of your whereabouts. Before you leave home, try and set a sort of ‘time frame’ – aka – if you don’t see me post anything for 5 days straight, you know something is probably wrong.
6. Embrace this time in your life
But most important of all… don’t be scared, the world is inherently a good place (just with a few bad people in it). It’s important not to let fear get the better of you and prevent you from traveling solo because this is just as important a time in your life as others will be – marriage, family, a house, etc. if you see those in your future. Being able to stand on your own two feet as an independent woman is JUST as important as other times in your life. Don’t be put off by what others around you are doing – settling down, starting a family, getting married. Those can wait. This time in your life is about you – and you will be a much stronger, more independent person because of it.”
What are your tips for traveling alone?