SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL GUIDE
Dangerous!
Yes. But so is eating in the dark. Or worse, going to the toilet when in the dark, anything could be in there lurking to jump at you at any time!!
Risky!
Yes. But so is moving out of your parent’s home. And having kids. I had a kid at 24, still in Uni, no job, dumped, broke, alone … okay, this isn’t about me dumping my trauma on you …
It is a Brave New World out there. Especially for females. Our body mass is smaller. Our muscles are less strong. Our gaits and heights are shorter. Even our lung capacity is lesser.
Of course, I am setting aside Sifan Hassan and the other female Olympians from Kenya.
The point is ever since we were toddlers reaching out to touch that blazing and fiery thing called a fire we always knew danger and thrill were side by side.
So, instead of focusing on the negatives of why doing a solo female travel guide, why not look at the advantages and good side to trying out a solo female travel? I mean, just off the top of my head I can say the liberty to move at your own pace is a plus. You keep to your own schedule, can make the decision to go off on a side-mission at the drop of a hat…
Most importantly, you get to discover yourself in ways you cannot imagine unless you put everything down right now and just go out alone.
One thing is for sure, trust me, when you go solo you don’t want it any other way.
Why You Should Consider a Solo Female Trip Around the World Some Time in Your Life
1. Personal Freedom
Like I said, just the ability to decide on your own and by yourself exactly what you want to do or not is a huge plus. Don’t have to compromise on routes or decisions; simply point at a map, take three steps forward, then throw the map away and head off into the unknown.
2. Self-Discovery
Traveling solo is about learning more about yourself and what you are made of. You get to spend time alone with your thoughts and run over things buried deep within your memory. Like personally, I always defer to the person I am with to take charge, do the conversations, make the choices etc. Traveling solo made me realize that hey, I didn’t mind doing the conversations with strangers.
3. It’s all about Empowerment
Like your first week in boarding school, moving out of your parent’s house, delivering your C.V. at a counter…solo female traveling is all about navigating the unfamiliar and overcoming challenges you usually let others work out for you. It can be a great confidence booster, and will definitely nurture your sense of independence.
4. Diving into Cultures
Just as with self-discovery, traveling solo is about getting into the dirt with bare feet and hands. Enough with reading blog posts or watching travel videos posted by others. A solo travel, especially for females, can be about seeing the world through the lens of being a woman. How do they treat you, seeing as you are by your lonesome? Is that chivalry or chauvinism? Wait…why do they feel the same?
5. Meet New People
There are times beyond count where I saw someone or something interesting, wanted to get closer, but ultimately shied away because there was someone close by. Sometimes its not even that you are shy; you approaching might be intruding on a personal moment, spoiling it for others. Or they are planning a bank robbery and now they need to consider whether to add you or delete your life account.
Traveling solo can be the opportunity you need to let someone else approach you. Like you, they too are burdened by the same thoughts and considerations. Or not. Whatever your situation or theirs, being solo means the change to create new connections.
6. Reflection
Companions are distracting. Even if it is the love of your life, they are taking you away from the moment. Traveling solo lets you not just dive in to the experience, but to also capture it all in one shot. Its like sitting in a movie theatre only for someone in the seat to your side getting up and crossing infront of you. Eh? How did the MC just die? Were they the MC? Is this an M. Night Shyamalan film?
7. Conquering your Fears…or overcoming them anyway
As a female, there is much about the world to fear. And I am not taking about a female in Afghanistan…from childhood, we are made to realize that evolution was really selective in handing out the perks of being a person. Solo female traveling can be a way for you to simply both challenge yourself and make yourself realize the world is not as barbaric and fearsome as you fear…unless you are in the previously named country. The transition from being wary about sitting next to a totally strange guy to instead telling them to scoot over and made room can only be translated in one sentence: solo female traveling makes you badass!
8. Tailoring your Own Experiences
Yes, you can throw away your carefully planned solo female travel guide and go off on a side mission. But that in itself is what it means to travel solo. Traveling solo as a female is all about being able to work out – in advance or on the fly – exactly what you want your experience to be all about. It is the most personal thing I can imagine really, being able to not only work out what I want to see and do a month before I set off, but also being able to cut the trip short, extend it, or even decide to apply for citizenship right there and then!
9. Improving Your Ability to Make Decisions
When you are alone, you are making decisions for that one person. Sure, sounds less challenging than making decisions for a group or your family. But, coming back around to that bit about self-discovery? When you are by yourself and have to make decisions, that is when you truly know what you are capable of. There is no one to detract from your opinions, give input, or make the decision altogether. It is when you know you CAN make a decision and live by it. As a woman, again, that’s not just empowering, its bad-ass!
10. Budget Control
Sounds selfish, but this ties into many of the points above and below. For one, you get to do you as you by you. Those flip flops look good on you? Buy it! Lovely necklace? Buy it! Eat in a Michelin Star Restaurant? I think I’ll try out that osteria at the corner and still feel good. Your are making decisions based on your priorities and for a woman, just taking control of something as mundane as your spending can be empowering.
11. Becoming Resilient
Solo female travel comes with the challenge of meeting obstacles and barriers most others rarely encounter. Still, I always take myself back to when I was in labor…then when I found out I was pregnant…then back to that first time…then back to the first time I bled…then back to when I realized boys were built differently from us…
I got through all that and worse. I adapted and made the world my own. Why should a solo female travel be any different just because I am a woman?
12. Spontaneity
Flexible.
Spontaneous.
I look into these two and I realize they mean the same when you are solo female traveling. Whether you are a guy or a chick, just the ability to decide to stay at a place longer, or cut the trip short and move on, can do something for your mental state. I think spontaneity is the closest to being a guy that a woman can get. I mean, as a female just about to walk out the door, just how many thoughts rush through the mind?
13. Get Away from the Routine!
When I hear routine, I think drudgery. Doing a solo female travel means a lot to me. I get to take a break from the world and its obligations. Not that they are a burden, but because I get to grasp a piece of the world all to myself with nothing looming over me right that moment.
14. Challenge the Stereotype
Finally, traveling solo as a female is about creating awareness about female strength. Its about telling my daughter and every other little girl out there that they can do it too and do not need a male champion around all the time. It is bad-ass enough just traveling alone, but taking the step to do it as a woman will do wonders for your mind and mental strength.
Lucia’s Hacks to Enjoying your Solo Female Travel
- Choose Scenic Routes: Whenever possible, go for scenic train or bus routes instead of flights. You save more and see more this way.
- If you feel scared to do it all alone and probably it’s your first time to travel solo, start with closer places near you to get that confidence then advance further away … trust me, when you go solo you don’t want it any other way.
- Pack Light: Travel with a lightweight, versatile wardrobe to make moving around easier. Gets you room to pack all those souvenirs and stuff you buy.
- Stay in Hostels or Shared Accommodation: Hostels, guesthouses, or homestays are great places to meet fellow travelers. I found there are many places where they offer female-only accommodations.
- Join Local Tours or Activities: Sign up for local group tours, cooking classes, or workshops.
- Keep a Travel Journal: Document your experiences, thoughts, and feelings in a travel journal.
- Learn Basic Local Language Skills: Knowing a few key phrases in the local language can also be a fun way to engage with locals, smoothen your interactions, and demonstrate respect for the local culture.
- Use Travel Apps: Make use of travel apps for navigation (like Google Maps), language translation (such as Google Translate), and finding local attractions or restaurants (like TripAdvisor).
- Eat Like a Local: Explore local markets, street food, and eateries. They can be cheaper than formal hotels or restaurants I have found.
- Ask Loads of Questions: Its all about interactions and expanding you communication skills. At the very least, you can find out about the best osterias and best rooftop bars with a single ask.
- Plan Flexible Itineraries: Give yourself the freedom to change plans as you go.
- Stay Connected with Other Travelers: Use platforms like Meetup, Couchsurfing, or travel forums to connect with other travelers and locals. They can be a gold mine of information at critical times.
- Embrace Public Transport: Use local public transport like buses, trams, or trains. It’s definitely cheaper than taxis, and gives you a more authentic feel of the place you’re visiting.
- Choose Your Accommodation Wisely: Select accommodations that offer great amenities for solo travelers, such as communal kitchens, lounges, or organized activities.
- Enjoy “Me Time”: Don’t be afraid to dine alone or spend time exploring on your own. Bring a book or journal to a café, or enjoy a peaceful walk. It is SOLO travel so YOLO the experience.
- Take Advantage of Solo Travel Discounts: Some places offer discounts or packages specifically for solo travelers. Research in advance and take advantage of these deals to save money.
- Curate Your Travel Playlist: Create a playlist of your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks.
- Always Try New Things: Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone by trying new activities, foods, or experiences.
- Stay Open-Minded and Positive: Keep an open mind and be ready for unexpected experiences. Embrace the spontaneity of solo travel and try to look at challenges as opportunities for growth and adventure.
- Use a Portable Wi-Fi Device: Consider carrying a portable Wi-Fi device or SIM card for easy internet access. Sometimes the free or public Wi-Fi is not so “free”.
- Pace Yourself: While it’s exciting to explore, make sure to balance your days with downtime. Take care of yourself by resting when needed…better yet, pamper yourself at a spa.
- Take Classes: A cooking class, crafting lessons, and other handsy experiences are what traveling is all about.
- Capture Your Memories: Take photos and videos to document your journey. Follow my adventures on my YouTube channel
Lucia’s Solo Female Travel Guide Safety Tips
- Research Your Destination: Before arriving, familiarize yourself with the local customs, laws, areas to avoid, and the overall safety situation. Understanding cultural norms can also help you blend in and avoid unwanted attention.
- Know Emergency Numbers: Memorize or have a list of local emergency numbers, such as the police, ambulance, and fire services. In some countries, these numbers differ from what you may be used to (e.g., 911 in the U.S. versus 112 in Europe).
- Learn Key Local Phrases: Learn essential phrases in the local language, especially those related to emergencies, such as “help,” “police,” and “hospital.”
- Stay Connected: Keep your phone charged and always have it with you. Make sure you have local SIM cards or an international phone plan so you can make calls and use data when you have to.
- Use Registered Taxis or Ride Apps: Use official taxis or trusted ride-sharing apps like Uber, Bolt, or Lyft. Before getting into a car, check the driver’s details and license plate, and share this information with someone you trust. Also, try be obvious about it so they know you want them to know they know you are in the know!
- Share Your Itinerary: Let a family member or friend know your travel plans, including hotel details, daily itineraries, and any changes you make along the way. It’s spontaneity, not stupidity.
- Activate Location Sharing: Use location-sharing apps like Google Maps or Apple’s Find My Friends to let trusted people know where you are at all times.
- Stay in Public Places: When exploring new areas, stick to well-lit, populated places, especially at night. Definitely avoid deserted streets or poorly lit paths.
- Be Cautious with Strangers: Be friendly but cautious when interacting with strangers. Trust your instincts; if someone makes you uncomfortable, distance yourself or leave the situation IMMEDIATELY.
- Secure Your Valuables: Use a money belt or hidden pouch to keep your passport, credit cards, and cash close to your body. Also, keep copies of important documents in a separate, secure location.
- Choose Safe Accommodation: Opt for accommodations with good reviews, particularly regarding safety. Look for hotels or hostels in safe neighborhoods and with 24-hour front desk service. Cheap is expensive.
- Avoid Sharing Too Much Information: Be mindful about sharing your personal information or travel plans with strangers, especially your accommodation details or travel route. Seen the film “Hotel”?
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation. Do not be afraid of causing a scene if you feel trapped.
- Dress Appropriately: Dress in a way that respects the local culture to avoid drawing unwanted attention. In some countries, conservative dress can help you blend in and avoid harassment…unless its Afghanistan…
- Don’t Accept Drinks from Strangers: Never accept drinks or food from strangers, as it could be spiked. Always watch your drink being prepared and keep it within your sight. Better yet, order beers and listen for the pop or fizz when you open it.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like markets, public transport, and tourist attractions, where pickpockets are common.
- Keep Copies of Important Documents: Make digital and physical copies of your passport, travel insurance, visas, and other important documents. Store them separately from the originals.
- Carry a Personal Safety Device: Carry a whistle, pepper spray, or personal alarm that can be used to attract attention if you feel threatened. Be ruthless and use it IMMEDIATELY even if you feel you can salvage the situation before escalating matters.
- Be Savvy About the Way You Carry Yourself: Know your routes in advance and have a map or navigation app available. Avoid showing that you’re lost; instead, step into a shop or café to check your map discreetly.
- Blend In: Try to blend in with the local crowd by avoiding flashy jewelry, loud clothing, or anything that could mark you as a tourist. The less you stand out, the less likely you are to be targeted.
- Avoid Late-Night Arrivals: If possible, schedule your arrival in a new city or accommodation during the daytime when it’s safer and easier to navigate. If it can’t be helped, board an Uber direct from the station and head for a hotel if you had not booked accommodations in advance. You can go looking for cheaper accommodations in the day.
- Check In Regularly: Regularly check in with friends or family back home to let them know you’re safe and remember to also keep to a routine communication pattern. Even 007 only has the license to kill, not break safety rules.
- Keep Emergency Cash: Always have some local currency and emergency cash hidden in different places on your person or luggage in case you lose your wallet or need immediate funds. If nothing else, keep a few dollars around in small change.
- Know Your Limits: Be cautious about drinking alcohol.
- Keep an Eye on the News: Stay informed about any local news that could affect your safety, such as protests, natural disasters, mass murderers out on the loose, the world ending, or other emergencies.
I document all my travels on my YouTube Channel while also giving Travel Tips and Guides on the places that I visit. Check out my YouTube Channel and I’d love you to SUBSCRIBE to it (it’s Free).
I have been living in Italy for 5+ years now, I’ve literally visited every corner of Italy, I could hold your hand blindfolded through Italy so check out my articles if you are visiting Italy.
Xoxo
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