Tips on Solo Traveling for Women

Tips on Solo Traveling for Women

It takes a lot to travel solo. Lot more than what you see in the glamorous selfies. It is even more difficult for women to travel solo. Lot of women are ambitious, but still hesitant to travel solo. Though I'm a solo traveler, I understand it is not everybody's cup of tea or choice to travel solo. I respect personal travel styles and choices. Thanks to all my friends and readers who can appreciate the courage and efforts I put in for my adventures and solo travels.
On request from lot of readers, I'm sharing tips on Solo Traveling for Women. This is not any bible, I'm only sharing what I've learnt through my experiences.

​1. Keep friends / family informed about your trip and locations

Always keep 2-3 friends and/or family members informed about your travel plans and locations.
Friends can be a moral support in case of misadventures. You still need to be alert at all the times and choose the destinations carefully.

RavenousLegs - Solo travel tips

​2. Interact with people to understand them before fixing them up for your travel logistics

Being a backpacker, I never book anything in advance except my flights. This might not suit everybody’s travel style. But if you are backpacking, just like me, have short and formal conversations with the property owners or care takers, guides, cab drivers whom you want to fix up for your travel logistics. Observe their body language and try to understand their intentions. If you feel something is wrong, trust your intuition and move on.
I remember an instance when i chose a taxi driver to show me around few places in Ladakh. We got so comfortable with each other on the trip, that he even invited me for lunch at his place on our way back. His wife had kept simple Ladakhi meal ready for us. She joined us for the rest of the trip and carefully dropped me back home.

RavenousLegs - Solo travel tips

​3. Learn about safety measures from the locals

Each place would require different kind of attention for safety measures. I always prefer interacting with decent locals (males and females both) to give me tips on the local culture and traditions.

RavenousLegs - Solo travel tips

4. Choose your invites very carefully

Never sound easy to people. Your attitude translates into the respect you command. There would be lot of people inviting you to different functions, festivals, parties, gatherings, events at new places. While you might be tempted to accept the invite and experience something new, just be very careful when you choose to say yes to those invites.

RavenousLegs - Solo travel tips

5. Carry a torch and pre-downloaded google maps

I never carry pepper sprays or knives or sticks during my travels. All I need is a torch and google maps to find my way back home. My brain is alert all the time! In foreign land, it is difficult to get help for directions from people on the road due to language barrier. 
Having said that, you might want to be equipped with whatever suits you, including the pepper spray. Whatever it takes!

RavenousLegs - Solo travel tips

6. Walk around the streets to feel the vibe

If you are a backpacker, just like me, and avoid booking accommodation in advance, I would advise you to keep updated about few areas frequented by travellers. Try reaching to any new destination in the day and walk around the shortlisted areas to get a vibe about the place. Follow your instincts and choose the right accommodation for you.
For travellers who prefer booking in advance, I am not the right person to advise on how to choose an accommodation online. Online reviews can give few insights about the place.
In any case, try and walk around the streets of any new destination, to feel the vibe of the place.

RavenousLegs - Solo travel tips

7. Enjoy your own company

Learn to enjoy your own company to keep away from the possibility of getting involved into unwanted company of strangers. Engage yourself in meaningful activities like photography, adventures, reading, interaction with interesting people in public places or just silent commune with the nature. Making new friends is always a pleasure, specially on travels, but a "forced" company is a "no-no".

RavenousLegs - Solo travel tips

​Also Read: 5 Tips for Creating Engaging Solo Travel Videos for YouTube.
Suggestions to add to this post are welcome in the comments!