Exploring the world on your own can feel incredibly exciting but also very daunting! As a woman, solo travel poses unique personal safety risks that men might simply never have to think about. According to one YouGov survey, more than a quarter of women say they ‘always’ feel unsafe walking alone at night. Disclaimer: This article contains spons0red content, meaning we may receive compensation from the products or services mentioned.)
Taking the plunge and booking the tickets can be hard, so how can women feel more comfortable and confident in their adventures? In this guide, we’ve explained some of the best tips to help women stay safe and in control on their travels.
- Research and prepare
Every holiday should start with some essential safety preparations – and solo travel as a woman is no different.
Depending on the country you’re visiting and the typical rates of crime in the area, you may choose to buy some personal safety devices like pepper spray or miniature alarms. Just check what’s legal before you pack, though.
When you’re passing through different continents, you may also need to sign certain paperwork and get covered with a travel insurance policy for the duration of your trip. Many women also choose to take part in some basic self-defence lessons before they travel for extra peace of mind.
- Book the right accommodation
Choosing the best possible accommodation will ultimately depend on your budget.
However, if you’ve saved for your travels, try to select the options that prioritise safety for women. Mixed dormitories in city centre hostels are not the safest option. They might be tempting with the lower price points, but nothing comes close to complete relaxation and being able to sleep without worrying about your personal safety.
You should also try to look for hotels that have a member of staff on the reception desk 24 hours – this can massively prevent theft and other issues.
- Connect with the locals
Engaging with the locals could give you more security and bring incredible opportunities while you’re away.
Fostering a small sense of community means that you’ll become a familiar face, and you’ll also have a few people you can rely on. This could be crucial in case you end up in any difficulty.
The friends you make on holiday shouldn’t be limited to other travellers – and you might even find more authentic experiences with the local community! We recommend taking a time to learn some of the language before you depart. This will make things easier if English isn’t widely spoken in the region you’re visiting.
- Keep yourself entertained
Finally, it’s inevitable that solo travel will involve plenty of time spent to yourself.
Whether it’s waiting in the departure lounge or sitting on a coach for hours, knowing how to occupy yourself during the quieter moments of your trip will keep loneliness at bay and give you something to focus on.
If you’re exploring in the UK, playing games in an online casino could keep you entertained while you wait to catch a ferry, for example. You could also use your phone to catch up with friends and family over video call or even tackle some remote working assignments.
The choice is yours, but just remember the best activity for your well-being at the time! With careful preparation and prudent choices, women can stay safe while travelling.
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