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If you’ve been feeling uninspired, drained, or just over it (and everyone) in general, solo travel may be just what you need to recharge. The thought of going at it alone might seem scary – but the rewards are worth it.
Thanks to budget airlines, portable Wi-Fi devices and AirBnb, the world is more accessible than ever, so it’s no surprise that more and more women are travelling solo. Klook, a digital platform that curates and organises activities for travellers, is one of the many travel companies noticing this new trend. “The majority of our pre-booking enquiries are made by women,” says Singapore Manager Chuan Sheng, who cites Japan, Korea, and Thailand as being their top destinations of choice.
ALSO READ: 5 OF THE BEST HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS
Excited yet? Here are a few things to remember before going solo.
https://www.herworld.com/life/travel/solo-female-travel-guide-women-8-tips-tricks-safe-trip-must-read/
Travelling alone tips
1. Safety first, always
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Not having to constantly worry and look over your shoulder all the time is the easiest way to make sure you have a good time on your own. Japan and Switzerland are rated highly in terms of safety, which could be good places for your first solo trip.
Wherever you go, familiarise yourself with the attitudes and cultural nuances of your destination. Do the locals dress conservatively? Are any expressions or hand gestures considered taboo? Even if certain laws seem absurd to you, following the rules will lower your risk of getting in trouble.
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2. Getting around
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Figure out the safest way to get to your accommodation by planning in advance and considering the time you’ll be arriving. In some countries, it’s not advisable for women to take taxis alone, so choosing accommodation that’s easily accessed by public transporation will let you roam around more independently.
These days, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Grab have a handy “share your ride” feature that lets you share your journey with someone so they can track your route. Not all countries have Uber or Grab, of course, and even if they do, sometimes taxis are the safer option. In any case, snap a picture of the license plate and send it to someone before going on a long ride.
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3. Where to stay
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It’s important to see if a hotel’s offering matches what’s important to you. Qualities like convenience (are you near transport, food and stores?), cleanliness and safety are non-negotiable. Try to stay in town or near public transport stations so you don’t have to walk alone at night. If you’re staying in a hostel, ask for their all-female room options if that makes you feel safer. Look for a place which has a 24-hour manager on-site, in case you have any issues. It might cost you a bit more, but how you feel is more important.
If you can, try and fly budget and then put the money saved towards better accommodation. You’ll feel more reassured as you roam the city and less stressed about where you’re going to rest at night.
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4. Freedom to be alone
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When choosing a destination, look for places that have activities you’d be happy to do by yourself, such as visiting museums or walking through a city.
Hanging out where there are other solo travellers can be more enjoyable as well. You could even do some activities together – but don’t feel obliged to hang out after. It’s your trip after all.
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5. Carry copies of important documents
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Make copies of all your legal documents (passport, visas and driver’s licenses). Keep a set with you and send digital copies to your family in case of emergency.
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6. Spread the news
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Always tell someone where you’re going if you’re heading to a new city or remote destination. Not only is it good to have someone know roughly of your whereabouts; your family and friends may be concerned if they’re trying to contact you and you can’t be reached.
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7. Know where you're going
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Be sure to take a card from the hotel with its address and phone number. Don’t just write it down as the hotel’s card will have the information written in the country’s native language.
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8. Be smart with your valuables
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Rather than storing valuables in a safe, travel experts say to keep valuables in an inconspicuous location to avoid being targeted. Go one step further by splitting them up into several different hiding spots to minimise damage if you were to be robbed.
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This article was originally published in CLEO.
ALSO READ: 8 BEST AND SAFEST PLACES TO TRAVEL ALONE
