My top safety tips for women travelling on their own.

Not only is this a huge step as a woman (we’re often told solo travel is too dangerous for us), it’s a golden opportunity, because travelling by yourself is not only empowering, but hugely fulfilling.

After all, the benefits to travelling solo dolo are manifold: among other things, it’s freeing, builds self-confidence, and helps you become more aware of yourself and your surroundings.

What’s more, you’ll never have to compromise on where to eat, sleep, or spend your time while on vacation, which is one of the major disadvantages of travelling with a partner or a group.

But before you jet off on your journey of discovery and enlightenment, consider the following tips meant to ensure your security and well-being on the road. Because, while us girls may just want to have fun when we travel (thanks Cyndi Lauper!), we need to make sure that we stay safe while we do! So, with this in mind, here are my top 6 safety tips for women travelling solo:

Research, research, research

While advance planning may not be your strong suit, it’s a necessary evil when you’re travelling alone so that you can stay safe and out of harm’s way. My top recommendation? Book at least the first two nights of accommodation, making sure that you keep a close eye on the type of neighbourhood you’ll be in (safe area or one you should avoid?) Other questions to consider: How will you get to your accommodation from the airport, train station, or bus station? How much local currency will you need, and is it better to get it once in your destination or before you leave home? Are there any potential risks in certain places or at certain times of the day for female travellers specifically? These are all things to ponder before you start your trip, so you are adequately prepared for all eventualities. Google is your friend!

Try to remain as inconspicuous as possible

When I travel I try to stay “under the radar” — undue attention (particularly from lecherous locals of the opposite sex) can be unnerving for a woman travelling on her own. As such, I try to keep a low profile by blending in as much possible– now is not the time to stunt! Part of this means adhering to cultural norms, particularly when it comes to the way I dress. Ergo, I keep my head, shoulders, and knees covered when it is expected, realizing that not only is it respectful of the local culture but also might save me from negative attention or harrassment. After all, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?

Be vigilant, especially when you party

Successful solo travel as a woman hinges on common sense. Keep your wits about you and don’t make yourself a target: leave the expensive jewellery at home, don’t flash your cash in the street (you should really only carry a minimum amount on your person), and don’t trust strangers too freely or willingly. Going out to sample the local nightlife? Please do, but think about limiting your alcohol intake, if you must drink at all. The reason? Alcohol can impair your senses, reaction time, and leave you vulnerable to others. With that said, why not “turn up” with a soft drink “on the rocks” instead? It’s way cheaper and more fun!

Partner with other female solo travellers

Travelling solo doesn’t mean that you have to be alone all of the time! The beauty of travelling on your own is that you’re often way more open to meeting new people– and can pick and choose just when you’d like company. I’ve always found it helpful to link up with other solo female travellers because we understand each other’s concerns, triumphs, and challenges whilst on the road– and can trade tricks and tips for going it alone.

Don’t compromise your safety to prove a point (or save a dollar)

You may feel invincible but it’s silly to put yourself in potentially dangerous situations just because you’re convinced that you’ll never be a statistic. Likewise, it’s just as silly to compromise your safety in order to save a dollar (or twenty). Your life is valuable, so invest in yourself. This means purchasing travel insurance even though you’re sure you’ll never need it; this means springing for that $15 taxi ride back to your hotel after a night out, even though you’re convinced that walking back in the dark is completely fine. Better safe than sorry– now is not the time to be cheap or “fearless”!

Keep family and friends informed about your whereabouts

This is perhaps obvious, but you may find that you’re having so much fun on your trip that you neglect to keep your nearest and dearest updated about what you’re up to! Be conscious of the people back home who care about you and will worry if they don’t receive any signs of life while you’re away. Before leaving, send them a draft of your itinerary, and don’t forget to include the contact information for the accommodation and tours you’ve signed up for. And, if sending individual messages to them whilst on the trip proves to be too onerous, point them in the direction of your social media channels, which you’ll of course update with exciting photos and statuses from your journey!

Lauren Pope