Introduction
I decided to write this article because many female friends have asked me questions about it, and this is going to be like a guide and an encouragement.
I want to start with a premise that concerns the vision of women in society, we have always been seen as the weaker sex, and this has influenced our way of behaving.
I remember taking an Uber at night in Colombia after a night out. The taxi driver started asking me strange questions, I didn’t panic and I answered with a lot of confidence and made him understand that someone was waiting for me, even if it wasn’t true.
I want you to answer this question: do you think if it had been a man in the taxi he wouldn’t have received strange questions? Do you think only bad things can happen to women? Do you believe that your behaviour can influence people’s reactions around you?
Obviously, depending on different conditions, each woman will respond differently, but the point is that certainly as a woman there is a predisposition to think that we are more vulnerable.
The concept is that many of our thoughts, insecurities and prejudices result in a different response to how we behave and how other people behave towards us, it is not just a physical and social condition.
The secret to solo travel:
1.Finding self-confidence
The basis of everything is knowing that we can do, something we must do to not feel weak is work on our self-esteem, many of our problems are linked to our personal insecurities and consequently we set limits on ourselves.
Travelling or doing solo activities are a way to get to know ourselves better, it is the first step to eliminating insecurities and knowing what they are. To then move on to how to overcome them.
So start with those small activities that you think you can do on your own, analyse your feelings, try to open yourself up to new experiences.
2. Learn about your destination
If you decide to visit a place alone, it is important to know:
- how to get around, and therefore the type of transport you will use, which are the most suitable rate companies, possibly ask at the hotel for reliability.
- where to stay, large cities have more dangerous neighbourhoods than others. You should always look for places surrounded by shops that are also open in the evening, such as bars and restaurants.
- Maps, get an idea of the city map and try to ask the locals which area to avoid. Pin on your map places that you think are useful.
- Learn the local habits, opening and closing times of shops, type of religion and traditions.
3. Behave appropriately
It means understanding the context where you are and adapting to it. This is a vast topic, first of all you need to show confidence, as if you were walking near your home.
wear clothes that do not attract attention, not only to avoid sexual harassment but also dressing simply to avoid attracting thieves. I’d like to emphasize that we are entitled to wear whatever we decide, but keep in mind that if you’re alone in a strange nation, you don’t have to wear their costumes; just try to be less extravagant.
For example, if you are in Thailand, a firmly Buddhist country, wear cloths with long sleeves and remove your shoes before entering any place; these are measures of showing respect to their culture and avoiding being treated unkindly.This is true for many countries, particularly Muslim countries.
On the other hand, if you are in a Latin American country with a high incidence of crime, it is good practice not to wear expensive clothes or clothes that identify you as a tourist to avoid bad intentions.
How to make new friends
The beautiful thing about travelling alone is you get to know many people along your way. As human beings we tend to find companionship, and this is something that would happen even more when you feel alone. I leave here some tips to meet people:
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- Sleep in a hostel, if you are a girl choose female rooms if it is possible or just go to the hall and speak with people there. They would be happy to do so.
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- Use meetup, it is a website where local people post events. This works very well in big cities.
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- Use Couchsurfing app, people post events or they just are available to meet people.
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- Tours, free walking tours or any other kind of tours.
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- Speak with everyone, on the bus or in a bar. Mainly, don’t be shy!
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- Could be tricky going out alone, but if you open yourself to a group of girls they would accept you!
Safe hostel
There is no specific rule for choosing a safe hostel; I have stayed in a number of them and have never had a negative experience. As said before, I believe that reading reviews is essential. Determine which areas of the structure are the safest.
The Benefits of Travelling Alone
Travelling alone has a favourable impact on you; empowerment and independence are two of the most essential reasons why everyone should do it.
You can learn to push your limits, identify your favourite interests, and step outside of your comfort zone.
Other key benefits include time and freedom; you can accomplish whatever you want, choose your own route, and set your own budget.
We sometimes wait for our friends, partners, or relatives to participate in activities, but if you believe in yourself, you may just travel and meet other people who share your interests.
My experience as a solo female traveller
It’s always been positive; I’ve developed my personality, discovered the activities I prefer, and refined my social skills. My confidence and understanding in this subject allow me to travel anywhere safely.
Now is your chance to shine; just try and have fun!
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Your 3 points for solo travel actually apply to many other aspects of life! Over the years of interacting with strangers (and not necessarily through travelling) I have also realised that if you do your homework, act “normal” and project confidence, you are more likely to end up ok. I love that you challenge women to look at things differently and dare take the power back!
Love this article. It gives me the right view and energy to start thinking as a solo female woman traveller. Thanks a lot for all these suggestions!