Travel Advice for Women Travelling Alone

It was once (and perhaps still is) thought that women travelling alone, even within Europe was a complete no-no. Owing to the unregulated conditions, the cramped hostels and the comparably small numbers of fellow female travellers on the move, women were wary of solo travel.  With changing standards and expectations, it is no longer something to be scared of; a recent survey found that 74% of women consider themselves to be solo travellers, so there are plenty of you out there now!  

Travelling alone immediately increases the number of new and different people you will meet compared to if you go with a group and therefore offers a richer travel experience. Women on career breaks, those with slightly more money at their disposal and savvy singles have all joined the ranks of the ever increasing number of those exploring the world.  

Solo women travel destinations are far and wide reaching across the globe but the cities of Paris, Barcelona and London come in as the three favorites with single female travellers. Further flung popular destinations are also amongst the choices, with South Africa, America and Australia becoming hugely popular with the lone female traveller. 

Women’s adventure travel and the safety around it is a worrying aspect of what will otherwise be an amazing and challenging trip. Depending on where you are going, the length of your journey and how you have planned your trip, there are a few common safety tips which will fit any itinerary.  

In terms of the practical, you should avoid taking anything of personal value with you and restrain from taking expensive gadgets that will just weigh you down. Don’t go anywhere unfamiliar in the evening and always make sure you know a well-lit route back to your room. 

As the new waves of female travellers explore the globe, hostels have caught up with their expectations, providing boutique style and spa offerings. Many hostels have both mixed dorms and separate dorms for girls; however there are a steadily growing amount of women’s hostels which will often provide little extras for females travelling solo. The tips above can apply to males and females; however there are some which are just for the girls. In terms of makeup, no matter how hard it is, take a minimal amount! I would suggest waterproof mascara, perhaps some lip gloss and nothing else. Just having a shower will be all you need to feel like you have made an effort! Concentrate instead on small easy things to make yourself more girly, for example a pretty pair of flip flops or a flower in your hair.

Travelling to areas where the culture may be different in its attitudes towards women can be dealt with easily. Read up on the local customs and when in doubt take your lead from what you see other women doing, for example if they don’t make eye contact with men, do the same. If you feel uncomfortable by how a man is behaving towards you, it often pays off to draw more attention to yourself by raising your voice or pulling a face…sleazy men embarrass easily. 

Above all, make sure you enjoy the experience and remember to keep your wits about you at all times.