By Adria Saracino
If you are traveling on your own, it goes without saying that you are the adventurous type. And it is the adventurous type that lives without regrets, right?
Right. But being female, you have probably heard friends and family admonish you about the risks of traveling alone. You may even have reservations about it yourself, and that is ok!
With just a few precautions and some know-how, you will be able to stay safe and thrive as a solo female traveler. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Leave the bling behind.
While it might be hard to part with your favorite accessories, there is simply too much risk involved in hauling them all around the world.
Besides being eye candy for professional thieves, expensive rings or necklaces could be damaged during transit. To avoid these problems, just don’t bother bringing them. They will still be there when you get home.
The same rule applies for fancy clothes, gadgets, and other expensive items. And don’t flash your money or passport around. Hide them in your bra or shoes.
2. Avoid drinking to excess.
Let’s face it. Part of the fun in traveling is meeting up with other like-minded people on the backpacker circuit and enjoying the nightlife in an exotic locale.
While you shouldn’t abstain from a drink or two just because you are traveling alone, remember that being intoxicated makes you more vulnerable to theft and harm. Moderate your drinking, and you can still have a great time without putting yourself at risk.
3. Don’t go out alone at night.
You probably wouldn’t even do this at home, but just remember that it’s even more dangerous in places you don’t know very well.
4. Learn some phrases in the local language.
If you are traveling to a place where you don’t know the language, it pays to learn several phrases before you arrive. And the more you know, the easier you will be able to get around. For language learning aficionados, the following phrases will be helpful to remember no matter what the language:
- Do you speak English?
- I am staying at (Hotel Name).
- Help, I’m lost.
- Please call the police.
- Can you help me?
- I am in danger.
- How can I help you?
- Thank you.
For anyone traveling to, say, France, a pimsleur French lesson could be a good way to help you brush up. The same goes for other countries and languages.
5. Be confident.
When you walk into the street, you should look like you know what you are doing and where you are going. Hold your head high, and avoid looking lost or confused. Otherwise, you risk looking like an easy target for someone who might take advantage of you. Avoid pulling out maps in crowded, public spaces or making phone calls while looking around aimlessly.
Planning ahead and knowing your itinerary for the day will help you remain confident. And when you approach each day with a healthy dose of self-assurance, it’s bound to show on your face to anyone who crosses your path.
Adria Saracino is a blogger and travel enthusiast. She’s been to over 20 countries, her favorites being London, Morocco, Australia, and Greece. You can find her writing about style at her personal fashion blog, The Emerald Closet.
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