5 SAFETY TIPS FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS

TRAVELLING solo is on the rise with more people opting to explore alone. The textbook definition of a solo traveller is an individual who visits any particular destination and enjoys the tour on his or her own.

They are commonly known as a backpacker, solivagant, and vagabond traveller. There’s just something about taking a bold step out of your comfort zone and setting yourself on the path to learn and experience a different place and culture.

Travelling makes you happier, lets you disconnect and recharge, and relieves stress and anxiety while also exposing you to new things or ways of thinking.

Here are five tips for women solo travellers to keep safe.

Plan and research

Before you get on a plane and explore, always do your due diligence and research on the place, you are going to. Read reviews and google the place to have a fair picture on the people, culture and the local cuisine.

That will lead you to make the necessary plans and travel arrangements. Also, a lot of fear and insecurity of travelling alone comes from not having an idea of what you are doing and where you are going.

Plan out your day, where you’re staying and how you will move around. Opt to land at a foreign place during the day and not late at night.

Remain inconspicuous

It’s important to try and remain as inconspicuous as possible. You don’t want to draw unnecessary attention or make yourself an easy target.

Read up on the country’s laws and regulations so you don’t find yourself in trouble or doing what is foreign to locals. If the country is conservative, respect the laws and cover up. The main point of this is to try and blend in with the locals.

Be vigilant

Successful solo travel hinges on common sense and trusting your gut or intuition. Stay vigilant, especially when out partying. Leave expensive jewellery at home and don’t flash your cash in the streets.

It’s also important to not trust strangers easily.

Don’t compromise your safety

Don’t compromise your safety trying to save a quick buck. An example of this is electing to walk a small distance at night instead of paying for a cab.

It’s also important to always be in a sober state so you’re aware and cognisant of your surroundings. This also means purchasing travel insurance because anything can happen.

Keep friends and family informed

It’s a good idea to keep your friends and family updated on your whereabouts. Send them your itinary, where you’ll be staying and important numbers on how they can contact you or trace your whereabouts.

Have the contact information of your embassy and how you can get a hold of it in case things don’t go according to plan. Also keep your passport, your cards and valuables safe.