Our cities kind of deteriorated during the pandemic period and have never really come back to the level of safety that they were, he said. Remove all scary assumptions about a place from your head(& other people that have never been there) and trust the facts. Its filling, full of vitamins and protein, and it tastes great). Is the water safe to drink? I keep an eye on cars driving past me or anyone that slows their speed near me. Separate your valuables into a separate, smaller bag and keep it by your side. Venturing into unknown territory is one of the thrills of travel. Once you have decided that you are taking that vacation on your own, then there is a sense of relief that you experience. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Greet them when you walk inside of their businesses. Stay away from ground floors where window entry is possible. To be safe, make sure to plan to never let your gas tank get below full. Try to speak their language. Most of us plug our phones in at night so we start the day with a full charge. Everyone will tell you to travel safely, but what does that mean and how do you do it? Serve at room temperature. RELATED:Woman Tearfully Explains How She Was Followed By A Strange Man In A Car While Out Jogging 'I'm Just So Over Being A Woman'. Burnett swears by her Garmin inReach. Don't overshare with strangers 7. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Where is safe to go alone as a woman? These are incredibly small and can fit in your pocket or bag. Be sure to thoroughly explore the app to familiarize yourself with it before your trip and have family and friends do so as well! Will he be left alone in the vehicle? Currently the Foreign Office does not advise against travel to either Italy or Sicily, in spite of the wildfires and the extreme weather conditions. If you get into trouble, tap the app, and the contacts are alerted with your GPS coordinates. I advise going a step further and having specific daily check-ins or allowing some trusted people access to track your phones location. Get personalized recommendations, and learn where to watch across hundreds of streaming providers. ", "Women around the world really look out for each other, and it's heartwarming. Traveling solo? Find ratings and reviews for the newest movie and TV shows. We are so excited to be traveling and we often want to go go go. Invest your time now for less lawn work later. Here are a few things that can help make your trip a positive and stress-free vacation. Read more: 6-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary In-Depth Guide to Planning Your Trip. Politeness is never more important than safety. Want to know more? [1] Method 1. A flight attendant's video of a frightening experience while staying at a hotel alone has left many women wondering if they are safe anywhere. Follow her adventures on, What you need to know about copperhead snake bites, Inside the growing movement to breed healthier, friendlier dogs. If you properly equip yourself, youll return safely from your solo trip with enough memories to last a lifetime. If you look lost, disheveled, confused, or scared, you become an easy target for predators. 4 Best Tips for Solo Travelers. Keep your door locked, with the security chain fastened. What if I get lost and can never find my way back home? (This is a valid concern right? The US embassy in Dublin has advised visitors to Ireland to avoid walking alone and to keep a low profile after an attack on a tourist from New York. Are poisonous snakes or spiders a problem? Though many women traveled extensively in the 1920s, solo trips were more difficult to undertake, as married women were only issued passports in their husband's name.
, Kelly Barrett is a freelance writer, yoga teacher, and former senior producer for National Geographic whos currently exploring the landscapes around Tucson, Arizona. When sightseeing, carry only a copy of your passport's data page, keeping your passport locked in yourhotel safe. Store an electronic copy on Google Drive or Dropbox to access from any computer if those copies are lost/stolen. jsTikTok.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? Sign up to get insider tips and travel guides delivered right to your inbox. Trusting your intuition allows for better decision making. STEP stands for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. How to Travel Alone Download Article parts 1 Preparing to Leave 2 Traveling Safely 3 Getting the Most Out of Your Trip Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS Last Updated: February 3, 2023 References Follow these tips to stay safe and sound. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Ordinary Traveler! Now, a pink canister of pepper spray dangles from my keychain, as part of myand grandmassafety arsenal. window.addEventListener('scroll', function() { Avoid walking alone, if possible, especially during hours of darkness. jsTikTok.type = 'text/javascript'; Walk with your head up, shoulders back, and like you know where youre goingyou QUEEN! You ARE taking a risk by wandering the world alone, let alone as a woman. Staying Sharp users enrolled in AARP Rewards can earn double points through July 31. If you accept a ride in an Uber and something happens, your parents or friends can at least track that car, person, and their license plate in the app. My host sister said that the gate serves as a bridge from the human world to the spirit world, says Parker. How big will he be? I have to admit that I havent taken classes yet. The slew of women who often admit to feeling unsafe while out in public and traveling alone can be attributed to the high risk of experiencing gender-based violence. Its a thriving piece of world history, she says. "I do lots of research before I gocultural norms, customs, how to dress, scams, natural disasters, political climate, etc. When you become comfortable, then you can expand your road trips to include several days, locations, and terrains. When I tell people Im traveling solo, thats the most common response I get. If youre new to solo travel, it may be best to start small and ease your way into this style of travel. An obvious choice is a dog. An alignment refers to the angle of your tires and makes sure they are coming into contact with the road properly. A self-defense class increases self-esteem, empowers you, boosts confidence, teaches self-discipline, and has ample physical benefits. I can live my life according to my own plan or lack thereof. The second app I use is called ICE (In Case of Emergency). Diana is a senior editor who writes about sex and relationships, modern dating trends, and health and wellness. What is your insurance? It may feel more comforting to know that you can call or text your loved ones if you need to. Lugging around several bags gets old quick and like many of the other things on this list will make you a prime target for thieves. Here is the list. Try to snag a room close to where the action is near the concierge desk, say, or near elevators. Scan your surroundings. And, I dont blame you. Required fields are marked *. Learn how to stay safe & have fun on your first solo trip! Imagine how you can be taken advantage of if you don't understand the currency. Using Uber or a local app allows your. Sleep in the all-female train cart if youre going to Morocco or sit next to women on public transportation. It urges people to "exercise good personal security practices" and to avoid walking alone at . Traveling solo is not safe, especially for women. Scanning through Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards can make you long for and dream of traveling alone. During a solo trip, that is not a luxury that we have. 6. It controls noise, directs fumes, and handles the performance of the engine as well as improving fuel consumption. When traveling alone into parkland or wilderness, always let someone know when you expect to return as well as your exact route and then stick to it. Wandering and being lost are two completely different things. Im so glad that I never allowed my fears about solo travel to stop me from giving it a try. Take common sense with you, stay connected and make safety your first concern. So, I get it. Step inside a store if you need to take a look at your maps or use your phone quickly. Be sure to read reviews when staying at someones home(couch surfing), in hostels, Airbnb, and even hotels. IMDb is the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content. A woman speaks with a child at a summer cottage on Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. I happen to think that solo travel for women is one of THE most empowering ways to experience the world. ), Detailed Road Trip Packing List 2023 (Must-Have Essentials! Make a playlist of new songs and artists specifically for your trip. Coincidentally, the one time I got robbed was the first time Id ever purchased travel insurance for a trip. Tip: Most cities offer free or cheap walking tours, which are a great way to link up with like-minded visitors. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); You can also buy self-defense gadgets like a rape whistleor defense pen . In a TikTok video, Mimi Strickland revealed that she had been involved in an alarming incident while staying in a hotel by herself that had her questioning whether or not she was truly safe behind a locked door. Id also left the country before in group settings(EF College Break & Study Abroad), so I knew I wouldnt have to worry about culture shock. Don't try to drive overnight, there is always a risk of falling asleep at the wheel. All rights reserved. Taking a self-defense class is one of the best things a solo female traveler can do, and its benefits run much deeper than just tips and tricks to be safe. Im here to say that most people are good and helpful. Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: + Consider investing in a portable charger power bank as well. Unauthorized use is prohibited. ). Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. It can also alert the police. Email a copy to your parents/loved ones so they will have a copy they can send to you if all else fails. In the initial clip Strickland took of the attempted break-in, she caught a strange man standing outside the hotel door using a wire hanger and a shoestring to try and open the door to get inside. A local woman came to her rescue. Theres no need for you to take it to the beach or to the club at night! Ask them their name. Number two, just go!. Has someone been walking behind you for several blocks? Another Flight, There are children in room 1 without an adult, You didn't specify child's age for room 1, There are children in room 2 without an adult, There are children in room 3 without an adult, There are children in room 4 without an adult, There are children in room 5 without an adult, Please select a trip duration less than 28 days, There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap, Exclusive Walgreens Cash rewards for members, AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Vacation Packages, $50 gift card of your choice when booking any flight package, AARP Identity Theft Protection powered by Norton, Up to 53% off comprehensive protection plans, AARP Online Fitness powered by LIFT session, Customized workouts designed around your goals and schedule, SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS. It can be incredibly scary to travel alone as a woman. Be the traveler that you would want to meet on the road, recommends Aikens, whose open attitude helped her make a new close friend on her Botswana safari. Being confident shows that you can handle yourself and that you're not one to be swindled. Itd be unwise to befriend every passing traveler, but solo trips highlight how helpful and welcoming people can be all over the world, language barriers or not. She instantly called the front desk to report the incident as well as requesting a new room to stay in for the night since she didn't feel safe anymore. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. While the site may have been an Instagram op for some travelers, those details made it more profound for her. Some good things to get checked are: Your exhaust system has four main functions that are important to vehicle performance. Women also have to take precautions on their own to ensure that they are protecting themselves against gender-based violence, though it's definitely ashame that women have to be the ones to take these measures in the first place. Will he be walked regularly? Its better to look a bit paranoid than to be harassed, robbed, or worse. Be aware of safety concerns as well as of local customs and etiquette, especially with regard to dress. I hold my bags directly in front of me with my hand over the opening if I am in a crowded area to avoid pickpockets. Avoid walking around at nighttime. again. bSafe is a free app, in which you list all your emergency contacts. I listen to footsteps behind me & watch shadows. Print copies of your passport to carry along with you if your passport is lost/stolen. Never book a place that has no reviews. Thats a scary feeling. If someone asks about you being alone, feel free to lie and tell them that youre meeting up with friends or that youre bf/gf is back at the hotel waiting for you. You really never know. Carry a rubber doorstop to wedge from the inside of your room at night. General maintenance goes a long way. We've come up with a concise . It also signifies that you are a tourist and likely have other valuables(expensive camera, lots of cash, etc.) And, Its not just me. I am a part of a growing group of Black people traveling the world for leisure. My favorite road trip healthy snacks include: Oatmeal Topped With Super Seeds (No heating needed if you get the quick oats), LyfeFuel (This is good when I cant find anything else healthy. ", "I love Uber I think it's a bit safer than hopping into a random taxi abroad. Lock your most important travel document( ahempassport) in a safe & secure place to only carry with you when you need to use it. I specifically look for reviews written by women, and I'd never book a place that has no reviews. As a solo female traveler, its best to ask other solo female travelers about their experience visiting a country. Plan to do all your driving during the day. Kimberli Apr 01, 2023 8min Plan your trip Women traveling Traveling alone as a woman used to be a very controversial idea for me. Cash & credit cards 3. Those days of being without cellphone, smartphone and Skype seem almost quaint. This doesnt just apply to people who appear to be hitch-hiking. Keep in mind road signs that may show long lengths of road without gas stations available. I'll take an Emergen-C if I feel myself getting sick. If there is motion outside, my fake dog is set off. Menopause is rare among animals. Talk to locals instead of talking at them. Why birds are building fortresses from anti-bird spikes, How shark meat became a global phenomenon, This bird can predict the intensity of a hurricane season, Every drop counts in Americas waterways crisis, Climate change will shift the oceans colors, Here's why people are ditching their grass lawns for clover, Throwing soup at a Van Gogh? When meeting people out, avoid letting them know you are a solo traveler. You may want to change that, especially when traveling solo. It is enough for a standard emergency. 2023 Galvanized Media. Learn everything you can about a country before visiting. Its always great to save a buck, but not at the expense of your wellbeing. All rights reserved, Related: see how women traveled in the 1920s, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. I meet so many people who say that they dont actually look at/pay attention to the people around them when theyre walking. On the road you may see some people stopped because of vehicle trouble, a flat tire, or any other reason. They can hold quite a bit of charge and are great for when youre out exploring and do not have access to a standard charger. Prepare and Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time. In a perfect world, this would not be a necessary consideration; but our world is not that world, and safety precautions are essential. In this case, Ive just been able to show them the copy I have stored on my phone. # 1: Plan in advance I cannot stress the importance of making plans in advance enough. Sometimes people (especially women) let courtesy override our gut instincts because we don't want to be rude or be told we're "overreacting." We should always trust our intuition and stop worrying about what other people think. I know this because I tried it out at a park in Eugene, Oregon, where I enjoyed explaining to the police why I set off an air horn in the first place. You will also receive a FREE eBook on how to take the most beautiful travel photos! South Africa. My solo experiences abroad have changed my life. 1. I had the same doubts & concerns before I took my first solo trip too. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); It may seem smart to keep your passport on you at all times but what happens if you get robbed or pickpocketed? Both Uber Drivers and Taxi drivers are complete strangers, but you can view an Uber drivers information/ratings on the app before you get in the car. So many tourists pride themselves on wanting to interact with locals but instead, they blatantly keep them at an arms distance as if the locals are blind or stupid. I bought this one for my grandma, he said, and she loves it. How old does he think I am? After living on the road for over a year, I have learned a lot about myself and a big surprise has been how mechanically inclined I am. Research is important. To name a few Solo Female Traveler Network, Girls Love Travel, and Black Travel Movement. ), BEST Travel Camera 2023 (Top Cameras For Every Budget), Best Camera Lenses for Travel Photography (2023 Buying Guide), Safety Tips For Women Traveling Solo On A Road Trip, Take Your Car In For Service (Before You Leave), Its Worth It To Pay More To Stay In Safe Areas, Dont Stop For Someone Stranded On The Road, Dont Pack Too Much Driving Into Each Day, Dont Let Strangers Know You Are Traveling Alone, Detailed Road Trip Packing List (Must-Have Essentials! Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Dotdash Meredith Publishing Family. } Walk with intent and purpose, looking people directly in the eyes and being fully aware of your surroundings. I live on the road full-time and check in daily with a Memphis friend. The world would be a better place if everyone was thoughtful and kind. NewRT boss says HQ could be sold off as he plans overhaul after pay scandal, RT suspends director general over payments to presenter Ryan Tubridy, Ireland playing with fire for opening debate on military neutrality, says president, Refugees huddle together in Dublin camp as local tensions rise, Ireland to introduce world-first alcohol health labelling policy, Ancestors Irish famine role could merit compensation, says Laura Trevelyan, Trinity College Dublin to dename George Berkeley library over slavery links, JoeBiden ends Ireland tour with passionate address to thousands. Dont post in real time wait until youve left a certain location or attraction before posting a photo. Tip: Before you set out on your journey, consider some things youd like to do more or try if you had more time. I live as a single female, on a 19-foot Skoolie named Bubba; and have been living this way for over a year. On Traveling as a Single Woman Alone On the Safety of Taking Risks On the Actual Dangers of Solo Travel as a Single Woman On Overcoming Travel Safety Fears, Solo or Otherwise 11 Practical Tips for Solo Females Traveling The Reality of Solo Female Travel What Does Travel Safety Really Mean? What about grooming, food, exerciseand the list grows; hence, I do not have a dog. We've helped thousands of people plan their travels over the past 12 years. Photograph by CLIFTON R. ADAMS Nat Geo Image Collection. Driving long distances at night in areas you are not familiar with can be stressful and dangerous. Only bring the number of valuables you need or truly see yourself using. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Also, before any solo excursions, let the hotel staff know where you're headed and when you expect to return. For me, the last resort is weaponry of any sort, but it is a suggestion I hear often. Even though youll meet people on the road, as a solo traveler, youll spend lots of time on your own. I like to immerse myself in the places I visit, taking time to live, breathe, and absorb nature and traditions, says reader Ginny Greenwood. I walked in a stranger, but walked out to a chorus of byes.. Smile at them. Tip: If youre traveling on a backcountry trail or to an area without cellular service, a satellite GPS lets you keep in touch with friends and family and call for help if needed. So come armed with ways to occupy your free time (or stimulate your creativity) like reader Nanci Mansfield, who found that her sketchbook and pen broke the ice with a stranger in India. Potential threats to personal safety can assume different forms. Solo travel IS scary and your concerns are valid. Overpacking will only slow you down. One man, in Eugene, Oregon, felt so strongly about this that he gifted me a machete, which will come in handy the next time I am hiking in the Amazon Rainforest or need to open a coconut. Online hostel booking sites like Hosteling International and Hostelworld.com have reader-generated reviews that, while not foolproof, might offer female adventurers an idea of whether a spot is worth bunking at or not. I personally dont like to drive more than about 8 hours in a day and if Im traveling every day or every other day, I keep it under 5 hours. I went my first 4-5 trips without travel insurance and everything was perfectly fine. Women travelersshould know in advance if harassment is an issue and bothmenand women should get the safety lowdown on public transportation. In fact, when I take a trip by myself, my senses seem acutely tuned in to my environment, from the people I meet (or shy away from) to the streets I walk down (or skip). Try to find a group to join if you want to go out at night. With solo . Still, exercise good judgment and meet people only in public spaces. The Ultimate Packing List for Campers (Must-Have Essentials! Though it may look like they need assistance. var isYTTikTok = 1; Despite the fact that youre traveling alone, youll find yourself depending on strangers more than youd expect for directions or help. When traveling with someone, we often overlook many details of our surroundings. } else { As a solo backpacker, Burnett tries to remain calm and be aware of both her physical and mental limits. I'm not too embarrassed to be the last one on a hike if I feel like I'm getting altitude sickness. By Ali Pantony When travelling alone, it's common sense to make sure you're aware of how and where to get help if you need it, and arm yourself with knowledge about the local area. 1. When in doubt, opt for conservative. Talk to locals about neighborhoods to avoid, especially after dark. Choose your cab with care, and don't be afraid to end the ride if you feel uncomfortable - especially if you are traveling alone. Step into a store and see if they continue. Join today for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal, Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams. However, we all know that some people dont have the best intentions. on hand. Extracurricular activities. What a surprise! Not only should you pay attention to specific items but also how youre feeling. Try to snag a room close to where the action is near the concierge desk, say, or near elevators. Iceland. Add Instead of listening to people who've never visited these places before, I look for first hand knowledge from at least one other solo female traveler." Take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic and get a clean bill of health before you go: from nose to tail, including tires. Before I could process everything, all I saw was my deadbolt unlock and my door open. Ultimately, whether or not the man trying to break into Strickland's hotel room really was a maintenance worker or not, it still highlights that creating a safe environment for guests in hotels is a shared responsibility between the management and staff. Please consult your doctor before taking any action. 1 Research your destination. It allows me to have knowledge of trails and landmarks. She also warns solo trekkers to be ready for weather changes and to carry adequate water and a first-aid kit. Traveling alone actually causes you to depend on strangers for so many things, and the majority of the time things work out great. Traveling solo doesnt have to mean youre completely alone. Egg whites? This way, you will be comfortable and calm in case of an emergency. Readers reveal strategies for making pals, staying safe, and discovering local culture when traveling as a party of one. Have any pre-existing conditions? ", "When it comes to posting on social media, I never post in real time. And while 26 percent of millennial women have traveled by themselves, its a reality that women of all ages face certain vulnerabilities on the road. It controls noise, directs fumes, and handles the performance of the engine as well as improving fuel consumption. Tip: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language or download Google Translate before you leave. I still do at times and Im not sure if those fears will ever go away. Though the price of some hotels in the less-safe side of town may be tempting, it truly is worth it to spend the extra to stay somewhere you feel comfortable. Take a break and turn around if you need to. You can also be sure that theyve had a background check. I would not have discovered that, if not for the freedom of traveling by myself. I know some moves, but my goal is to take one very soon. The US Embassy has issued an alert to its citizens travelling in the Republic of Ireland. Yet as I read the stories women shared, their enthusiasm for adventure and transcendence of fear impressed me the most. Don't answer the door if you're not expecting anyone. Our website services, content and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. On the contrary, you cant even be sure that all taxis are official when you visit a new country. HERE ARE 25 TIPS TO STAY SAFE AS A SOLO FEMALE TRAVELER RESEARCH BEFORE YOU GO First and foremost, do your research. These are likely the questions circling through your head as you prepare or even consider to take a solo trip as a female traveler. if you are disabled or are a woman, be extremely cautious. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Feeling nostalgic? If you know that you are no good with directions, it may bring a sense of comfort and safety for you to use Google Maps. 2. How many Stephen King books have we read like this? To stay safe when traveling by taxi, you must secure and keep an eye on all of your belongings and maintain a high level of alertness. Traveling solo is undergoing a resurgence in this hyper connected world. Retail experts recommend these alternatives. Related: Women adventurers reveal the challenges and joys of solo travel. Share your plans and location with people at home 6. Read more: Detailed Road Trip Packing List (Must-Have Essentials!). It's better to look a little paranoid than be harassed, robbed, or worse." Keeping water and simple snacks such as nuts or granola bars are great options. She started this adventure travel blog in 2010 to provide trip ideas and helpful travel tips for people with limited vacation time. By Sharael Kolberg | Jan. 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.. You can even use bug spray as pepper spray replacement(since its illegal in most countries) or a tripod/selfie stick/keys as a makeshift weapon. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. The reason people carry bear spray is that its legal in places where pepper spray isnt. 1. Though many women traveled extensively in the 1920s, solo trips were more difficult to undertake, as married women were only issued passports in their husband's name. Carry plenty of supplies on hand in case there is nowhere to stop, or if you feel unsafe stopping in a certain area. How to Travel Alone Safely encierro/Shutterstock It's perhaps the. The Best Free Things You Can Do in London, Can You Take a Secret Trip Without Telling Your Boss? It typically includes a tune up, checking and replacing motor oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, wiper blades and brake pads. Regularly let people know where you're going including friends and family back home and your innkeeper or hotel concierge. 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