10 Tips for Solo Female Travelers

If you're a woman who is thinking of traveling solo, you're in for a great adventure! Solo travel can be a rewarding and empowering experience, but it's essential to be prepared. Here are ten tips for solo female travelers that will help make your trip go smoothly.

Pack light and smart.

You don't want to be lugging around a heavy suitcase or backpack, and you'll want to be able to access your things easily. I am a big believer in less is more. Plus, having less to lug around will make it easy to get and go in a hurry.

Respect local customs

Even if you disagree with a country's cultural norms as far as women's clothes go, it is important to dress appropriately to avoid drawing attention to yourself. This will both show you are a respectful traveler and help to not advertise that you're alone and not a local. In some places, it may also be helpful to wear a fake wedding ring.

Trust your gut.

This is good advice for anyone traveling solo, but as a woman, you need to be especially aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the people around you and trust your gut if something doesn't feel right. As women, we don't owe anyone anything. If you don't feel safe talking to someone for any reason, you don't have to keep engaging.

Keep your map volume off

This is another tip that applies to all solo travelers but can be especially important for women. You don't want to advertise to the world that you're alone and not familiar with the area. This can be an invitation for trouble. Have a good idea of where you're going before you head out, and only take quick glances at your map rather than keeping your face in it.

Keep in touch with family and friends

Whenever I travel, I tell someone my general itinerary. Additionally, whenever I take any form of car services like a Taxi or Uber, I let someone know when I am getting into the vehicle and when I am at my destination. I'll often even share my location.

Take a photo of your passport

Ideally, make a copy, but who has a printer these days? At least take a photo of your passport.

Carry a business card form your hotel

This is a great idea to have on hand if your phone dies and you can't use a map to get back to your hotel. This way, you can easily share your hotel destination with a cab driver without having to worry about communication issues.

Learn to say "Hello" and "Thank You"

It's just polite. Plus, people will be more willing to help you out if you show you have made a simple effort to understand their language and culture.

Have a little local cash on you

It's always good to have cash on hand in case of an emergency. If you're traveling in Europe, you can mostly get around with just a card, but it is important to have a little on you just in case. If you're traveling somewhere like Egypt, you will absolutely want cash on you at all times.

Enjoy yourself!

Solo travel can be an amazing experience. Embrace the opportunity to meet new people and see new things. Be safe, but don't forget to have fun!