Okay, so I’ve been doing a lot of solo travel lately, and as a woman, I’ve had to really up my safety game. It’s not about being paranoid, it’s about being prepared, you know? So, I started by making a list, a physical, pen-and-paper list, of things I needed to consider before and during my trips.
Research, Research, Research
First thing I did? Research. I mean, really digging into the places I was going. Not just the fun touristy stuff, but also the local customs, the areas to avoid, the common scams. I looked at travel blogs, forums, even news articles to get a feel for the place.
- Checked out what other women travelers were saying. Their experiences are gold.
- Looked for patterns in reported incidents. Are there specific areas or times that are more risky?
Sharing My Itinerary (But Not Publicly!)
Next, I shared my itinerary with someone I trust. My sister, in this case. She got a detailed copy of my flights, accommodation addresses, and even the tours I planned to take. The key here is “someone I trust.” I didn’t blast it all over social media, obviously. That’s just asking for trouble.
Getting My Tech in Order
Then, I turned my attention to my phone.
I downloaded offline maps, so I wouldn’t be lost even without Wi-Fi.
I also got a translation app, it is really super helpful!
And, the big one: I set up a way to share my live location with my sister. There are a bunch of apps for this, and it gives both of us peace of mind.
Packing Smart
Packing was next. Besides the usual stuff, I made sure to include a few safety essentials:
- A doorstop alarm. Seriously, it’s a cheap and easy way to feel more secure in your hotel room or Airbnb.
- A personal safety alarm. It’s small, loud, and can scare off potential attackers.
- Copies of important documents. Passport, visa, insurance info – kept separate from the originals, just in case.
Staying Alert on the Ground
Once I actually hit the road, it was all about staying aware of my surroundings.
- I avoided walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Common sense, but it’s worth repeating.
- I tried to blend in as much as possible. This doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself, but it does mean being mindful of local dress codes and customs.
- I trusted my gut. If a situation felt off, I got out of there. No second-guessing.
- I learned,and remembered basic emergency phrases in the local language.
Checking In Regularly
Finally, I made sure to check in regularly with my sister, even if it was just a quick text to say “I’m okay.” It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference.
All this might sound like a lot, but honestly, it became second nature after a while. It’s not about living in fear, it’s about empowering yourself to travel confidently and safely. And that’s totally worth it.
