Women’s guide to Solo Travel

So you’re single and planning to fly solo for a vacation? Traveling alone can sometimes be lonely and expensive, travel prices are cheaper for couples or people traveling with a group. But traveling solo can also be rewarding and enjoyable with adequate planning, in-depth research, and sensible precautions. It is your chance for self-indulgence, to reconnect with yourself after so many daily details of living, working, managing family responsibilities, friends’ expectations, and so on. You also interact with different people from different walks of life, some of these meetings may lead to delightful, life-long friendships.

Here are a few travel-tested tips that will make your travel more exciting and easier.

1. See guidebooks for single traveler, the accommodations, hang-outs and restaurants listed there will also be full of independent travelers like you. Going to spots where solo travelers meet can gain you new friends and companion. Research your destination and book your hotels in advance.

2. Pack light as you will have to carry it all yourself. Also secure your travel documents and keep them in order. Safe guard your money, keep it in a secure and hidden waist-pouch.

3. Be cautious with what you wear. Dress conservatively so as not to draw unwanted attention to yourself, take clues from the way local women are dressed. Leave your jewelries at home, they glitter in a thief’s eyes. If you are being annoyed, go into a store or hotel and explain that you are a tourist and tell them that a person is pestering you, they can help by calling the police or telling the obnoxious person to go away.

4. Keep someone regularly informed about your whereabouts, and also keep a mobile phone with you, along with the phone numbers of local police-stations, hospitals, railway and bus services and your embassy.

5. Don’t hesitate when invited by a person, family or a group for a dinner or some fun activities. Seat next to another woman while traveling on public transport, ask directions or communicate with a women, a man with kids or the elders. Trust your intuition about people and it’s wiser not to tell strangers you’re alone or divulge travel plans or personal information.

Traveling is fun and a growing experience but traveling solo is more exciting as you discover your self and the world. Take the plunge yet be vigilant and have a wonderful time traveling solo.