Alright, let’s talk about traveling alone as a woman. People always ask me if it’s scary or dangerous. Honestly? Sometimes it feels a bit dicey, but over the years, I figured out some things that really help me feel safer. It wasn’t like I read a manual; it was more learning on the go, sometimes the hard way.
Before I Even Pack My Bags
So, the first thing I started doing, like really doing, was digging deep into where I was going. Not just the cool spots, you know? I started looking up stuff like which neighborhoods are kinda sketchy, especially after dark. I remember planning a trip to Italy once, found this super cheap room online. Looked fine. But then I spent maybe an hour on some travel forums, just reading what people said. Turns out, that specific street had a bad rep for muggings at night. Dodged a bullet there. So now, I always spend time on this research part. It’s not the fun part, but it feels necessary.
- Checking local news sites for recent issues.
- Reading reviews of areas, not just hotels.
- Looking at maps to understand the layout.
Booking a Place to Crash
Accommodation used to be just about finding the cheapest bed. Shared dorms, whatever. But then I had a few experiences… nothing major, but enough to make me rethink. Like stuff going missing, or just feeling uncomfortable with the vibe. Now, I actually spend more money on where I stay. I look for places that other solo women reviewed well. That feels like a good sign. Reviews are everything. I also check for things like: Is there a 24-hour front desk? Do they have lockers? Is it in a well-lit area close to transport? These small things make a big difference when you arrive late or leave early.
Getting Around Safely
Okay, arriving somewhere new. Used to just walk out of the airport and grab the first taxi. Stopped doing that after one kinda creepy ride where the driver kept asking way too many personal questions. Felt trapped. So now, I try to book airport transfer through my hotel if possible. Or I use a ride-sharing app I know and trust. If I’m using public transport, I figure out the route before I leave home. I mean, I write it down, screenshot maps, the whole deal. Because relying just on your phone? Bad idea. Phones die. Happened to me once in Bangkok. Total panic. Now I have backups.
Walking Around Town
When I’m out exploring, I try hard to look like I know what I’m doing. Head up, walk with purpose. Even if I’m totally lost, I pretend I’m not. I duck into a shop to check my map instead of standing confused on a corner. And my stuff? Keep it simple. Don’t flash expensive jewelry or wave my phone around constantly. I switched to using a cross-body bag years ago after someone tried to grab my shoulder bag in Barcelona. Didn’t get it, but it scared me. Now, bag stays in front of me, zipped up tight.
I also started paying more attention to blending in, kinda. Not like wearing costumes, but just noticing what local women wear. If everyone’s in long skirts, maybe it’s not the day for my shortest shorts. Seems to help avoid extra stares sometimes. Just being respectful of the local vibe, you know?
Night Time Smarts
Going out at night alone… I’m way more careful now. If a place feels off, or too empty, I just don’t go. Simple as that. If I do go out for dinner or something, I stick to busy, bright streets. I usually tell a friend back home where I’m roughly headed, just a quick message. And the whole watching your drink thing? Yeah, I actually do that. Sounds cliché, but I saw some weird stuff happen to others. Never leave your drink unattended. Seriously.
That Gut Feeling Thing
This sounds vague, but it’s probably the most important thing I learned. Trusting my gut. If a person, a street, a situation just feels wrong, I get out of there. No questions asked. Don’t worry about being polite. I’ve literally turned around mid-street, walked out of cafes, dodged conversations because something felt off. Better safe than sorry, right? That feeling is usually right.
Sharing Info… Or Not
I do share my basic itinerary – flight numbers, hotel names – with my sister back home. So someone knows my general whereabouts. But when I’m actually there? I stopped telling random people I meet exactly where I’m staying or my detailed plans for the next day. Keep it general. “Oh, I’m staying near the city center,” or “I might check out the museum tomorrow.” No need to give strangers your whole life story. Found that out after someone got a bit too friendly and clingy after I overshared.
So yeah, that’s basically what I do. It’s not rocket science. Just being aware, planning a bit more, and trusting yourself. It let me have some incredible solo adventures. Wouldn’t trade them. You just gotta be smart about it.
