Don't Put Off Your Trip Out of Fear - Tips for Women to Travel Safely

The world offers endless places to explore with new sights to see, foods to try, and cultures to experience. You may be wary of taking a trip as a solo female traveler, but there are many ways to ensure that you can travel in a safe way, explore independently, and have a blast doing it. Following are five tips to ensure a safe and smooth journey, wherever you may go.

1. Do Your Research

Before going anywhere, whether for a couple days or a long period, conduct some research on the city, country, place you will be staying, activities, how you will get around, restaurants, and more. This will ensure that you know what to expect about the safety of an area. It also helps you know the quality you will be receiving when staying or eating at various locations. It will help prevent you from falling victim to scams, food poisoning, and other similar frustrating situations.

Another nice thing about research ahead of time, is it helps you understand customs. This can help you blend in and appear as a well-informed traveler.

2. Plan Out Your Timing and Activities

Though it may seem tempting to just wing it when you get somewhere, having tickets, transport, reservations, and other variables figured out will make sure that you know where you are going and make you less of a target for unwanted attention and problems. Keep an itinerary of your schedule and invest in a travel alarm clock. A travel alarm clock can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss out on the amazing things you have planned.

3. Invest in Travel Insurance

Though many opt out of travel insurance, it is smart to have it. It can provide you with solutions if you lose your bags, you find yourself in the midst of political tensions, your plane is cancelled, or you are injured. There are many options available, so make sure the option you pick is tailored to your needs and travel plans.

4. Carry Only the Essentials

When you leave for the trip, try to avoid bringing all your valuables. When on your trip, don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry excessive amounts of cash. If you are carrying a purse or camera, keep them on you in a position that is out of reach of cunning pickpockets. Keep and carry copies of passports, visas, and cards, and only bring these out with you if necessary.

Instead of taking these items out with you, plan your excursions and only take what you need. Many hotels have safes and hostels offer lockers that you can put your own lock on.

5. Let People Know Where You Are

If anything happens, it never hurts to have somebody know where you are and what your plans are. Check in with friends or family often, and also use other resources, such as a local embassy, tour providers, and even local staff. This way, you can be reached and helped if a situation takes a turn for the worse.