As fun and exciting as it can be to travel with your friends, family, or your significant other, there is something special about being on the road on your own. The adrenalin rush you get from being on your own can be intoxicating, and it doesn’t come as a surprise to see that more and more people, from Australia to the US, are packing their bags and going to adventures alone. It doesn’t matter if they’re going trekking, surfing, or traveling for business, girls traveling solo is a common occurrence, and if you’re planning on being one of them, here’s what you should keep in mind.
Take Precautions
Hopefully, nothing is going to go wrong when you’re away, but it’s best to take precautions. Make several copies of your passport and leave one at home with your family. The other one you can take with you but keep it hidden in your suitcase. It’s also a good idea to keep a digital copy of your ID and your passport with you in the cloud, or you can email it to yourself. In addition, make it a habit to get in touch with people back home on a regular basis, so they know you’re ok.
Don’t Overshare
In order to protect yourself, try keeping some important information secret. Never tell random strangers exactly at what hotel you’re staying and under no circumstances should you give them exact details of your intended itinerary. Try to be vague: in Sydney, your hotel is somewhere on Bondi Beach, you’ll be staying for a few days, in Auckland, you don’t have a favorite beach at the moment, but you’re looking for one, etc. For most parts, people are trying to be nice and friendly and won’t pry, but this is a good way to ensure that shady people can’t track you down easily.
Find Women-only Accommodation
With more and more female solo travelers, there are also more women-only accommodations, including hotels, hostels, as well as capsule rooms. This makes women feel safer, and there is usually all-women staff as well as some additional security. New Zealand has a particularly well-developed network of women homesharers, and it’s very easy to find accommodation for women everywhere.
Be Organized
Packing our bags and going on to an adventure without a plan might sound interesting, but in reality, it’s just risky. Try to organize a good portion of your trip in advance: book the ticket, book the accommodation, and rent a car. If you intend to spend the majority of your journey exploring the city and its surroundings, it would be a good idea to rent a car while you’re there. You can easily find car rental at Auckland airport when you arrive, but it would also be a good idea to book it in advance just to make sure. Otherwise, you risk showing up only to discover that there aren’t any cars available.
Do Your Research
If you’re traveling to a completely new country that has a different culture and that’s on a different continent, it’s wise to do some research first. Being a woman means that you have to follow some rules and traditions, and you don’t want to end up in an embarrassing situation. For example, there are countries where you can’t sit beside monks, enter temples if you’re on your period, or walk with certain parts of your body uncovered. You don’t want to attract negative attention in a foreign country, so find out about their customs and traditions before your visit.
Pack Light
When traveling alone, try to pack lightly because this will save you time, money, and energy. Packing cubes are a great way to store and organize your things and try to pack clothes that can be worn in multiple ways. Versatile dress shirts, long skirts, leggings, and flats are always a good idea, as are scarves. A smaller bag that you can put your passport, wallet, camera, and meds is also a good idea, and you should keep it with you at all times.
Stay Sober
Of course, you should enjoy a drink or two if you feel like it, but getting blitzed drunk is a terrible idea if you’re traveling alone. Limit your alcohol and make sure you get your drink directly from the bartender. It’s also wise to find a “partner” that you can go back to your accommodation with later in the evening, so you’re not alone in the streets.
Act Confident
Even if you get confused and aren’t sure where to go next, you should try to appear collected and calm and project an air of confidence. If you walk around looking lost and scared, it makes you seem vulnerable and marks you as an easy target. Always walk as if you know exactly where you’re going and seek help only from people who seem reliable: police officers or clerks in hotels.
Women all over the world are interested in traveling alone more than ever before, and it’s very important to prepare well for your solo travels regardless of what gender you might be. If you’re thinking about letting your adventurous and independent nature shine, embark on a solo journey and rest assured that it will change your life for the better.
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