Tips for Women Travelling Alone
Research with Intention
When travelling alone, be mindful & choose a location that actually grasps your interest. When you’re interested, you plan more strategically. There’s no such thing as researching too much… search everything from the weather, sunrise/sunset times, daily tourist arrivals, busiest airport days, crime rates to Uber alerts (if you aren't renting a vehicle). You want to live the city/county you choose before you even arrive!
2. Arrival & Departure Days
Plan to arrive & depart on slower airport days—this is usually Tuesdays & Wednesdays but still double-check. It'll be easier to take note of your surroundings, i.e.: landmarks, people, signs & red flags. If travelling mid-week isn’t an option, book an early flight & beat everyone else’s day. I recently travelled at night, it wasn’t horrible but I definitely prefer an early morning flight.
3. Hotel Requests
Choose a well known hotel that you know you can’t go wrong with—they’re popular for a reason! Before you book, call ahead & confirm your requests can be accommodated. Request a room close to the elevator (or emergency exit if you prefer) so you can be in & out in a breeze. I honestly hate inside hallways, they freak me oowwttt but that’s what I get for watching so many scary movies as a kid!!
4. Daily To-Do Lists
I'm not a fan of following a schedule during vacation simply because I’m always on a schedule but it's extrememly neccessary when travelling alone. The goal is to not look like you're a tourist, especially not one who is alone. Plan EVERYTHING: your rising, where to eat & when, tours, adventures & etc... plan everything so you don't look lost or indecisive at any point throughout your visit. Also! Always leave your hotel at different times—you don't want to be predictable.
5. Book in Advance
Along with planning, book everything in advance: tours, sitings, restaurants, massages, Ubers... everything. Give yourself zero reasons to wait alone.
6. Read Maps in Hotel Room
Come on, what screams “Hey! I’m not from here!” more than a map?! I understand we’re obsessed with phones but maps are still common & extremely helpful. My advice is to carefully study a tourist map in your room & take pictures with your phone. If you prefer to not use a map at all, become familiar with the area on your phone so you aren’t glued to the GPS the entire time.
7. Never Return to the Same Area
Make sure you experience as much as you need/want at each location because there's no returning. I’m not insinuating that you’ll be stalked & preyed upon by every person who sees you. But when returning to the same area within a short span of time, you’re allowing the chance of another to become familiar with you. Remember, groups of people are heard & individuals are remembered—especially women.
8. Protection
It's needed & trust me, it'll make you feel more relaxed. If you're a carry-on traveler like myself, taking protection can be a bit difficult. I advise you to mail your protection directly to the hotel so it'll be waiting for your arrival. If you don't have protection already, search on Amazon babbyyy! If you aren’t comfortable having a weapon, at least have an item with you that can be used as one: a tripod, tools, sporting equipment, bottles, pens & etc… anything that you know you can use for protection.
9. Pack lightly
Be hassle free—one carry-on & a personal item is all you need. I used to pack my life away in my younger days but now I pack as little as I possibly can! Lugging a bag around is a distraction, you want to travel effortlessly & be as attentive as possible. You also want to make sure you have quick & easy access to your cell phone & weapon if needed…hopefully it won’t be needed but be prepared.
10. Keep Your Eyes Open
If you have the slightest feeling someone may be watching you, leave. Make a phone call & laugh obnoxiously while saying, "OMG I can't wait. I’ll see you in a few!” then jet. Do whatever to casually remove yourself but keep your eyes open.
11. Lie
Whether you're a good liar or not, always practice your travel lie so your story stays in order: name, hometown, hotel, destination, plans & etc. You're always heading/waiting to meet a friend in 15 minutes. Even in your Uber, you're never alone. Fake phone calls are always a good idea. Never tell anyone you’re alone.
12. Talk to People but Don't Overshare
When you travel alone, it doesn’t mean be the awkward person running from every other human! Get familiar with your surroundings, get to know locals & other tourists but don't overshare. No matter how powerful social media has become, nothing tops recommendations/warnings via word-of-mouth. It’s all about being in the know & helping others who may possibly be travelling alone as well…but remember, never tell anyone you’re alone.
13. Uber rides
When taking an Uber, share your trips with family & friends—click here to learn how! I did this accidentally on my recent trip but quickly realized how smart it was! I actually had no idea the ride was shared until my friend Justin texted, “That’s a far trip.” Also! Search your destination via Maps or Waze, so you know if the driver isn’t going in the correct direction. It’s easy to know this when you’re riding locally, but being out of town, you wouldn’t have the slightest clue if the driver was going in the wrong direction.
14. Documents
Don’t keep everything in your purse, have back-up document copies & more than one way to access your finances. Always keep your back-ups in a separate area.
15. Provide Details to Your Family/Friends
This is when you overshare, make sure your family & friends know all details of your trip. Send your flight itinerary, hotel & daily to-do lists to those back home so they won’t be clueless. For those with iPhones, share your locations with each other. When taking an Uber, share your trip details.
Happy Traveling!!
