Traveling solo, particularly as a woman, can be a bit intimidating. Throughout my years of independent travel, I’ve gathered several tips that have boosted my confidence before boarding a plane, train, car, or ship. Here’s what has worked for me so far.
Embrace Confidence
Walk with intention, and if necessary, adopt a slightly annoyed demeanor to deter unwanted attention. This technique is similar to the “act as if” approach: you embody the attitude you wish to project, and eventually, you’ll start to feel that way too. You don’t necessarily want to feel angry, but feeling empowered is a great goal!
Whenever I feel nervous or hesitant, I focus on standing tall, scanning my surroundings, and moving quickly and confidently, as if I know exactly where I’m going. Simply altering my body language tends to alleviate my fears.
Conceal Your Purse
Carry your purse across your body, and keep your wallet and passport zipped up and close to you in a secure compartment. If possible, wear your purse under your jacket or sweater for added discretion. I always ensure my wallet and passport are in the compartment closest to me and securely zipped.
Include Friends Virtually
When it comes to combating feelings of loneliness, I found that posting a daily summary of my solo adventures on Facebook made a huge impact. Sharing the most interesting moments and funny occurrences, along with my thoughts, allowed me to feel connected to my family and friends at home. Many appreciated the updates and enjoyed experiencing my travels vicariously.
Note: Always share such details with only trusted family members and friends. Avoid posting real-time information on public social media accounts to maintain your safety.
Additionally, I’ve had fun video calling friends while visiting notable sights or dining out together. Using earbuds, you can maintain a low volume while sharing experiences. During a recent solo trip to New York City, I showed my daughter and her roommate the breathtaking view from the top of the Empire State Building. I even arranged a “dinner date” where I introduced her to my waiter, making the meal feel more special when I was away for an extended period.
Enable Location Sharing
Utilize location tracking apps like Find My Friends and share your live location with trusted family members and friends. This can provide an extra layer of security while you travel.
Create a Safety Net
It’s perfectly acceptable to fabricate details about not being alone if it makes you feel more secure. For instance, get an extra key when checking in and say you’re waiting for friends or a partner to join you. I’ve done this before, and it provides a sense of safety against any potential eavesdroppers. You can also pretend not to understand the language if you want to avoid a conversation and wear an oversized ring to appear married.
Share Your Travel Plans
Ensure your family and friends have access to your travel itinerary. When I spent five weeks in New York City, I left my family the contact information for my rental apartment and for a high school friend I was scheduled to meet. This way, they could reach someone on-site if needed. Even if you don’t know anyone at your destination, it’s wise to share your accommodations and their contact information with someone at home.
Plan for the Worst
Before you embark, take the time to brainstorm potential worst-case scenarios. Create a list of possible mishaps and devise a plan for each situation. Once you’ve prepared, trust yourself and focus on dealing with what lies ahead. Here are some strategies to consider:
- If you’re an American traveling abroad, register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will offer you:
- Real-time updates about issues in your destination country. You can indicate your travel dates and receive email notifications regarding health, safety, or security matters.
- If a serious crisis occurs (e.g., war, natural disaster), registering ensures that the local US Embassy is aware of your presence.
- Look up the emergency contact numbers for your travel destination and save them in your phone beforehand.
- Ensure you have international medical insurance coverage. Check with your insurance provider or find out if your credit card includes such benefits, along with a number you can call for emergencies.
- Make photocopies of essential documents (passport, credit cards, driver’s license, insurance cards). Leave a copy with a trusted family member and keep another copy in your luggage in case any documents are lost or stolen.
- Bring an extra lock for your hotel room door, which can provide added peace of mind if the accommodation seems sketchy.
Stay Vigilant
It’s essential to be aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds, as they can distract you from your environment and make you more vulnerable.
Smartphone Tips
- When using your phone, make a habit of looking up frequently to stay aware of your surroundings.
- If you’re standing on a sidewalk using your phone, step aside to avoid blocking foot traffic and prevent becoming a target for thieves.
- Download a local map to your photos, so you can access it offline when needed.
- Utilize audio directions from your map application with a single earbud for navigation guidance while keeping your phone secured.
Channel Your Inner Helpers
Don’t hesitate to rely on the kindness of others! I believe most people are good at heart, and if you need assistance, help is likely to be at hand. However, trust your instincts and use common sense.
Whenever you enter a new space, take a moment to identify potential helpers and exits. Who looks like someone you can approach for help? (Perhaps a fellow woman or a family? Or a staff member?)
Ride Sharing Advice
When using Uber or Lyft, consider adopting a male-sounding name to protect your identity. Ensure the driver confirms your name before you get in. Take a photo of the car, including the license plate and driver’s details, and send it to a friend immediately. (The apps may have built-in features, but making a show of doing this can raise awareness with the driver.)
Always double-check that the license plate matches what the app indicates. I have narrowly avoided getting into the wrong car on several occasions!
I’d love to hear your tips in the comments! Thank you for reading this post!
Pin Me for Future Reference
