Top hacks for solo female travellers

We don’t want to make you paranoid of travelling alone as a female but there are a few other things to consider when embarking on solo travels. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings so you’re less vulnerable to uncomfortable situations. Have you ever thought of travelling alone? Did you go? If not, what stopped you?

Take a look at these tips and tricks woman can and should adopt when travelling alone to ensure you’re as safe as possible. There is no reason you shouldn’t organise a trip and feel empowered with your decision to just go for it, whether your single, divorced or widowed. You might even just want to check an item off your bucket list and that may mean leaving your partner behind for a short time. Whatever the reason, women should be able to travel alone.

Here are a few steps to follow: 

1. Catching a taxi 

Choose a taxi that is properly marked as a legitimate vehicle. Remember, you’re getting in a complete stranger’s car.

Payment options

• Some vehicles may utilise a meter so you can track the cost of your journey as you go. Or, if it doesn’t have a meter, agree to a fixed price at the start of the journey to avoid being overcharged.

Record driver and vehicle information

• Though this can be difficult to always do, it is recommended that you make note of the registration and official document identifying the driver. To do this, we suggest taking a photo with it on your phone. This can be super helpful not only for your safety but also if you forget your belongings in the taxi.

Track journey 

• Using GPS mapping on your phone, you can track your journey and make sure you’re going to the right destination. If possible you can call a friend during your journey and tell them where you are going and other information about the taxi. If you don’t have international calling, you can always fake a call to inform a ‘friend’ where you are and when you will arrive.

Pre-book taxis

• Use your hotel or restaurant to book your taxi service. Ensure an official company is used.

2. At the hotel

Booking

• Typically, hotels seem safe and clean on their websites but it is easy to be fooled by these photos. It’s important to look at third party reviews of your desired hotel to see what other people say about the accommodation.

Location

• It’s a good idea to stay central. It may cost a bit extra but as a general rule of thumb, it’s safer being in more lively areas than a rural spot further out.

Room

• Try to book a private room that is not on the ground floor. Keep your values locked in the safe. You can also leave the “Do Not Disturb” sign up to deter thieves from entering or vocally announce your departure from your room, as if there was someone remaining behind and the room is not left unattended.
• Pack a doorstop and use it to prevent people from entering the room at night or from coming into the bathroom if you don’t trust the lock.

3. Renting a car

• Just because your belongings are locked in your car, does not mean they are absolutely safe. It is not uncommon for car break-ins so it’s important to hide your valuables in your car. You can also get creative, such as hiding items under car mats.

4. Other out and about tricks

• Do not drink too much alcohol. It’s easy to lose your judgment when you’re abroad and on holidays, to just let loose, but you don’t have your friends to look out for you and you might find yourself in risky situations.
• Some females will also opt to wear a cheap fake wedding ring to avoid unwanted advances. Also, in general, don’t wear expensive jewellery!
• Try to behave similar to locals, such as mannerism or dress code to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
• Join a tour group to experience the city with others. You’ll learn about the city from a local expert and meet other travellers.
• Check out travel networks online before arriving to see what other like-minded explorers have to say about the location. It might give you some helpful advice about what to do and what not to do.
• Don’t share too much with new ‘friends’. Keep your travel plans confidential.
• Disguise your valuables inside a local grocery bag. Thieves will be less likely to grab your bag of food than your purse.
• Consider creating a dummy wallet so if cornered and asked for your waller, you can hand this over without losing your vital information and money.

Tell us, have you ever travelled alone? How did it go? Or are you thinking of travelling alone anytime soon?