My prime security suggestions for girls travelling on their very own.

Those that know me effectively know that I’m captivated with solo feminine journey.  For that reason, I used to be thrilled when AIG Journey Guard requested me to not solely write about it on the weblog, but additionally to co-host a Twitter chat on solo journey and sustainable journey afterward this week!  Be part of the dialog on-line this Friday, June 16 at 2:00pm EDT– extra particulars on the finish of this submit!

Congrats! Uninterested in flaky family and friends who don’t have the time, funds, or inclination to journey, you’ve gone forward booked your first solo journey to a faraway land.

Solo trippin’ in Mongolia

Not solely is that this an enormous step as a lady (we’re usually advised solo journey is simply too harmful for us), it’s a golden alternative, as a result of travelling by your self shouldn’t be solely empowering, however vastly fulfilling.

In any case, the advantages to travelling solo dolo are manifold: amongst different issues, it’s liberating, builds self-confidence, and helps you turn into extra conscious of your self and your environment.  

What’s extra, you’ll by no means must compromise on the place to eat, sleep, or spend your time whereas on trip, which is without doubt one of the main disadvantages of travelling with a companion or a gaggle.

However earlier than you jet off in your journey of discovery and enlightenment, take into account the next suggestions meant to make sure your safety and well-being on the street. As a result of, whereas us women may need to have enjoyable once we journey (thanks Cyndi Lauper!), we have to ensure that we keep protected whereas we do!  So, with this in thoughts, listed below are my prime 6 security suggestions for girls travelling solo:

Analysis, analysis, analysis

Whereas advance planning will not be your sturdy go well with, it’s a needed evil while you’re travelling alone so as to keep protected and out of hurt’s manner.  My prime suggestion? Ebook at the least the primary two nights of lodging, ensuring that you just maintain a detailed eye on the kind of neighbourhood you’ll be in (protected space or one it’s best to keep away from?) Different questions to think about: How will you get to your lodging from the airport, practice station, or bus station?  How a lot native forex will you want, and is it higher to get it as soon as in your vacation spot or earlier than you permit house? Are there any potential dangers in sure locations or at sure occasions of the day for feminine travellers particularly?  These are all issues to ponder earlier than you begin your journey, so you’re adequately ready for all eventualities.  Google is your good friend!

PIN IT!

Attempt to stay as inconspicuous as doable

After I journey I attempt to keep “below the radar” — undue consideration (notably from lecherous locals of the alternative intercourse) may be unnerving for a girl travelling on her personal.  As such, I attempt to maintain a low profile by mixing in as a lot doable– now shouldn’t be the time to stunt! A part of this implies adhering to cultural norms, notably in relation to the way in which I gown. Ergo, I maintain my head, shoulders, and knees coated when it’s anticipated, realizing that not solely is it respectful of the native tradition but additionally may save me from destructive consideration or harrassment.  In any case, when in Rome, do because the Romans do, proper?  

Be vigilant, particularly while you celebration

Profitable solo journey as a lady hinges on widespread sense.  Maintain your wits about you and don’t make your self a goal: depart the costly jewelry at house, don’t flash your money on the street (it’s best to actually solely carry a minimal quantity in your individual), and don’t belief strangers too freely or willingly.  Going out to pattern the native nightlife?  Please do, however take into consideration limiting your alcohol consumption, in the event you should drink in any respect.  The rationale? Alcohol can impair your senses, response time, and depart you susceptible to others. With that stated, why not “flip up” with a tender drink “on the rocks” as an alternative? It’s manner cheaper and extra enjoyable!

Companion with different feminine solo travellers

Travelling solo doesn’t imply that you must be alone the entire time! The fantastic thing about travelling by yourself is that you just’re usually far more open to assembly new individuals– and may choose and select simply while you’d like firm. I’ve all the time discovered it useful to hyperlink up with different solo feminine travellers as a result of we perceive one another’s issues, triumphs, and challenges while on the street– and may commerce methods and suggestions for going it alone.  

Don’t compromise your security to show a degree (or save a greenback)

Chances are you’ll really feel invincible but it surely’s foolish to place your self in probably harmful conditions simply since you’re satisfied that you just’ll by no means be a statistic.  Likewise, it’s simply as foolish to compromise your security as a way to save a greenback (or twenty).  Your life is efficacious, so put money into your self.  This implies buying journey insurance coverage despite the fact that you’re positive you’ll by no means want it; this implies springing for that $15 taxi journey again to your resort after an evening out, despite the fact that you’re satisfied that strolling again at the hours of darkness is totally wonderful. Higher protected than sorry– now shouldn’t be the time to be low-cost or “fearless”!

Saving a buck right here and there simply ain’t value it!

Maintain household and mates knowledgeable about your whereabouts

That is maybe apparent, however it’s possible you’ll discover that you just’re having a lot enjoyable in your journey that you just neglect to maintain your nearest and dearest up to date about what you’re as much as! Take heed to the individuals again house who care about you and can fear in the event that they don’t obtain any indicators of life whilst you’re away.  Earlier than leaving, ship them a draft of your itinerary, and don’t overlook to incorporate the contact info for the lodging and excursions you’ve signed up for.  And, if sending particular person messages to them while on the journey proves to be too onerous, level them within the path of your social media channels, which you’ll after all replace with thrilling images and statuses out of your journey!

Be part of me and another enjoyable, fearless travellers for our Twitter chat this Friday afternoon!

Come one, come all! This Friday, June sixteenth at 2:00pm EDT I’ll be co-hosting a Twitter chat about solo and sustainable journey and I’d love so that you can be part of! Our featured visitor is adventurer Cassie DePecol, who holds the world file for being the youngest and quickest lady to journey to all 196 sovereign nations, and we’ll be utilizing the hashtag #WhereNext.

Nevertheless, if speaking journey isn’t sufficient for you, there are a couple of prizes obtainable to sweeten the deal! Three members will stroll away with a $100 VISA reward card and one fortunate grand prize winner will get a basket of journey gear curated by Cassie!

Make sure to RSVP to be eligible for prizes! See guidelines right here.

Right here’s some additional information:

Date and time: Friday, June 16; 2:00-3:00 PM EDT

The place: Twitter (use the hashtag #WhereNext)

Prizes: $100 reward card (three winners); plus a grand prize winner will obtain a basket of journey gear curated by Cassie

Be there or be sq.!

Women, what are your security hacks while you journey by yourself?