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Traveling alone as a woman is so challenging, and even considered an unaccepted and controversial idea in many cultures and communities. When a woman begins planning her trip, she will probably face many negative reasons why she shouldn’t do this alone. This makes many women begin to question whether traveling alone was a good idea! That’s why in March, the month of women we are sharing with you some guidance and tips to encourage and empower you if you are considering traveling solo and above all keep you safe.
Staying in hostels may be a little scary idea for some of us, but you will absolutely love the atmosphere in hostels, they are usually very social making them the perfect place to meet other women who are traveling alone, find out about local events, and help relieve any loneliness you may be experiencing. Also, it is a great way to make new friends and gain insights from other people’s experiences.
Many women declared that the loneliest part of traveling alone is eating alone. However, there is no reason why you should eat every meal alone while traveling alone. Attend any group breakfasts or dinners hosted by your hostel! If not, invite other hostel guests to join you at a restaurant. Food always brings people together across cultures.
Aside from the fact that this will be a good idea cost-wise, also you’re less likely to lose something if there are fewer things for you to keep up with. You can even try using a backpack instead of a suitcase to be able to move easily.
Make the balance, take it easy, and don’t schedule every minute of every day. Set the headlines of your day, but leave room in your daily schedule for spontaneity without taking hideous risks. Stay flexible in your schedule, and don’t say NO to unexpected adventures.
Before visiting a place, it's important to understand its culture and history basics. We should all respect the diverse customs of the places we visit, and to do so, you must first understand the local culture to some extent. Should you leave a tip? If so, how much is it? Is haggling with shopkeepers expected or considered impolite? Is it expected of you, particularly as a woman, to dress a certain way in certain places? All of these questions should be answered before you arrive.
Keep a travel journal and take as many pictures as you can. These two things are a wonderful way to preserve your memories, besides, they’ll give you something to do during your long road trips, flights, and train rides. Journals with pockets will be more convenient to store ticket stubs, postcards, and other small souvenirs you collect while traveling.
Locals are a wealth of information. They can advise you on which areas are safe for a solo traveler and which restaurants are worth visiting. Talk to the people who work at your hostel or hotel, the shopkeepers, and the people you ride the bus with. You never know what they'll tell you! Talking to locals will help you meet new people, and make new friends while traveling. However, as a woman traveling alone, you must keep yourself safe. Don't tell anyone where you'll be staying. And, when deciding how much to share with strangers, always trust your instincts. If someone is bothering you with a lot of questions, remember that you do not owe them information about yourself. You should also avoid posting your every move on social media. When you get home or have moved on from a location, there will be time to share all of those Insta-worthy photos.
Maintain constant awareness of your surroundings. Take note of the people walking behind you. Learn some of the common phrases in local languages before you go if you can, so you can understand what's being said around you. Keep up to date on local events and weather forecasts that may have an impact on your safety.
Put down your device and take in all the new sights, sounds, and smells this new place offers. Take note of how people interact with one another. Pay attention, and live the moment fully. You'll be glad you did when you get back home.
Travel can be exciting and enjoyable, but it can also be stressful. Whatever experience you have as a woman traveling alone, something can always go wrong. You must be able to go with the flow, deal with issues as they arise, and then let go of the stress and return to enjoying your vacation. Keep an open mind, and don't let a bad interaction with a local ruin your trip.