Ten Commandments for Women Traveling Alone

Ten Commandments for Women Traveling Alone

By: Hilary Owens

Your bags are packed, you’ve said your goodbyes and you have your passport in hand.  Life couldn’t be any better.  You’re about to embark on one of life’s greatest adventures: traveling.

What better way to relieve some stress, forget an ex-boyfriend, or live your dreams than by swimming in the Mediterranean, walking the Wall of China or eating a famous crepe?   There is just one problem: your friends, your sister, and your ex-boyfriend are not going to be experiencing the world with you.  This time you are on your own. 

With your friends jealous, your mother and father proud, you board the plane, buckle your seat belt and take your first breath of freedom.

For women, traveling solo is an exhilarating experience, but it has challenges that many find daunting.  

To help you get the most out of your adventure, here are 10 tips from women who have experiences traveling alone – and who enjoyed it.

1.    Become Familiar

Before you leave for your trip, research the areas you are interested in visiting or staying. Know the names of nearby towns or cities, have a map of the area or the train schedule if you plan on using public transportation.  By becoming familiar with the area, you will feel more at ease upon arriving and won’t have your nose stuck in a map the entire time.  You can enjoy the journey and take pictures instead of looking for answers to questions that could have been answered before you left.

2.    When in Rome, do as the Romans do

It is wise to fit into the place you are visiting.  To avoid unwanted attention, dress as conservatively as the women you see around you.  Also, dress appropriately so you do not attract attention from men.  Your dress can still reveal who you are, but it should not shout “tourist” or give you away as a target.

When meeting new people, using public transportation or dining, watch what the natives do and then follow suit.  It is easier to take the time to observe than to look foolish.

3.    Travel during the day

It is always easier to find your way in the daylight when you can see your surroundings and ask for help from working individuals than at night.  If possible, book all transportation earlier than later and if walking to your hotel, leave before it gets dark so you can find your way.  Make notes of landmarks, businesses or signs on your route so you feel confident in your sense of direction.

When booking a hotel, find a hotel with good reviews in a safe and secure area.  When checking in, ask to have your room near an elevator so you do not have to walk down long, dim lit hallways.  Using the first initial of your name and writing your room number down instead of openly discussing your hotel arrangements with the clerk can prevent those around you from knowing personal information about you.

Be cautious of phone calls or unexpected knocking on your door you may mistake as room service. If in doubt of your safety for any reason, find a place where you do feel comfortable to stay. 

4.    Documents and Money management

Never carry large amounts of cash and never store it all in once place.  On the other hand, it is wise to carry a few different credit cards and ask for receipts to check expenses.  If for any reason you lost a credit card or cash you know you can report it immediately and still have access to necessary funding. 

Store important documents like your passport in a secure place close to your body such as a money belt. 

5.    Keep busy

Read a book, write a postcard or play a game on your phone so others do not see you as a potential conversation.  People are less likely to target you as a tourist if they see you are busy doing something that requires your full attention.  It also shows that you are at ease.  Gripping your backpack and sitting nervously with wide eyes spells trouble.

6.    Stay alert

While keeping busy is good, don’t forget to notice your surroundings.  Take note of the others around you and notice their body language, their proximity to you and their eye contact.  If you are worried about an uncomfortable situation, keep close to larger groups of people or try to find a seat next to a mother with small children or someone you feel is safe to buddy up with.  

7.    Don’t talk too much

While many are wondering what you are doing alone and excited to see a foreigner, it can be unsafe to share too much information.  Giving specific details about where you are staying, what your plans include or where you are going next may seem like innocent conversation, but you never know who is listening.  Instead, ask about the history of the area or interesting facts.  This kind of conversation is educational and also takes the attention off of you.

8.    Have confidence and common sense

The most important thing a woman should know about traveling alone is to exude confidence.  Walking tall with a sense of direction deters unwanted attention.  Looking around in confusion and unfolding your map in the middle of the street makes you vulnerable.  It is okay to ask for directions but try to do so in a shop or restaurant. Study your desired route before you leave your hotel or carry a small map that can easily be referred to discreetly.

Avoid dark streets, stranded areas, avoid late nights with strangers, dodgy hotel and transportation and make sure you know how to use a payphone.  While the odds of you being in danger may be slim, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

9.    Keep in touch

It is important to leave a general itinerary of your trip behind with family or friends.  Check in regularly so they know you are safe and where you are.  They will enjoy hearing of your experiences. Travel insurance and registering your trip with the Department of State online ensures that the embassy knows of your presence in a country and can be of assistance if necessary.

10.Have fun, learn to laugh

Remember the reason you are traveling in the first place. Don’t get caught up with what you may be missing at home or staying glued to your cell phone.  Look for the beauty around you and laugh at unplanned situations.  Remind yourself that you are a mature and able woman and you can handle anything.  Spend a little extra once in awhile and splurge on that delicacy or the silk scarf you adore.  Take photographs of everything so your inspiration can continue when you return home.  Take it all in – the sights, the smells, the foods and the language.  This trip is all about you.  Enjoy yourself!