If you’re female and antsy to go travel but you don’t have anyone to go with, that’s not a good enough reason not to do it. Solo travel is a great way to see the places you want to see — thousands of women are doing it right now all over the planet. Some might say that you take extra risks as a female travelling alone, but as a female who has travelled alone extensively and for long periods, I’m not totally convinced. Sure, there are always risks taken when you travel, and women are still more vulnerable, in many parts of the world. But even with things how they are, the world can be explored, and enjoyed as long as you take some precautions.
By and large, people on this planet are kind, welcoming and more than willing to help a fellow human out. But you’d be kidding yourself to set out to travel the world with absolute trust of everyone and all situations. Trust is a wonderful thing, and you should always travel with a lot of it, but it works best alongside vigilance, confidence and due diligence.
To pass along what I’ve learned in my travels, I’ve pulled together a few of my own tips to help your solo trip go smoothly. And hey, there’s no saying men can’t use most of these tips as well. Got your own tips? Share ’em!
For the guys: Things to consider as a male solo traveller
Look Confident
The best thing you can do at any point in your travels is to carry yourself confidently, even if you’re not. If you’re setting out alone, you should be packing a high dose of confidence from the get-go, but there will always be moments where you’re not quite sure where you’re going or what’s going on. Especially in those moments, take a deep breath and act like you know what you’re doing. A couple of years ago I had to walk through downtown Nairobi at dusk to get to a bus station. I knew the city didn’t have the best reputation for safety, but I figured out my route before I set out, made eye contact with the people I passed, stood tall and knew exactly where I was going.
Dress Appropriately
As much as this little piece of advice is sprinkled throughout guidebooks, it still surprises me to see women ignoring it all over the world. There are plenty of times and places for a tank top and short shorts, but there are also many places in the world where that outfit just won’t fly. Travelling to other countries is like visiting someone else’s house. If they want you to take your shoes off at the door, take your shoes off at the door. Bring a scarf or sarong along with some shorts or a skirt that covers your knees, and be aware of local customs. Pay respect to others and you’ll get it back.
Ignore Catcalls
Speaking of respect… sometimes you’re the one who doesn’t get any. If you’re travelling alone or with other females, it’s an unfortunate reality that unwelcome leers and jeers aren’t out of the question in some places. Your best bet is to just ignore them and keep moving. This means avoiding polite smiles or acknowledgements (even if you’d do that at home), as much as it means refraining from flipping the bird (even if you’d do that at home). Don’t waste any time on it and move on.
Do As the Romans
If your guidebook says don’t go into a particular neighbourhood at night, don’t. At a hostel I stayed at in South Africa there was a sign recommending visitors not wander the streets at night. I wandered the streets during the day, and never felt unsafe at any point, but I wasn’t about to tempt fate and see what happens after dark. Very likely nothing, but no one knows the ins and outs of a place like the locals, so if you’re unsure of the customs and necessary cautions, ask — better yet, ask another woman.
Avoid Purses and Jewellery
Just as you should never wave wads of cash around anywhere, don’t get showy with jewellery if you’re in a place where that would stand out. You don’t need to blend in, but attracting attention to yourself because of items that may indicate wealth is unnecessary. You’re there to experience the place, not to look good doing it.
Train Travel
Trains are a fantastic way to travel and you shouldn’t avoid them just because you’re on your own. If it’s an overnight train, you can spend a bit of extra money and get a cabin to yourself. Many train companies can also designate female-only cabins by request, if you’re hesitant.
Neither Single Nor Ready to Mingle
More than once I’ve read that women should wear a fake wedding band to deter potential ‘suitors’ or explain that their ‘boyfriend’ is on his way if they’re met with unwelcomed male attention. I’ve never tried it in a foreign country but if the ol’ “my boyfriend will be back any second” routine works as well as it does at bars in Canada, it should be a good bet overseas.
Tap into the Solo Female Community
This is just the beginning. There’s an entire network of solo female travellers ready to share tips and ideas. Here are a few to check out:
Journeywoman: Endless tips and stories from real women travellers
Wanderlust and Lipstick: Stories, tips, gear and books about female travel
Lonely Planet’s Thorntree: A very active message board where all of the questions you can dream of will be answered. Try the ‘Women Travellers’ board
Her Own Way: A booklet put out by the Government of Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade especially for female travellers.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Don’t Forget All the Perks of Travelling Solo
While there are always going to be precautions to take any time you leave your house, regardless of how far you go, they shouldn’t overshadow the potential for amazing experiences. Travelling alone is a great way to realize those time and time again. Not only is travelling solo a confidence-boosting and soul-rewarding experience, it opens the door to many opportunities that you wouldn’t get if you were travelling with other people. Keep your head on straight, but keep your eyes open, and most importantly: just go.
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