Tripwolf Blog

For all of the advantages to traveling solo – dazzling independence, the freedom to do, eat, and spend whatever you want – your friends and family will quickly remind you of all the dangers. Suddenly, that fantastic one-woman holiday in Bangkok can seem like a brief pit-stop on the way to a Thai prison.

Relax. Your loved ones don’t mean to dampen your excitement – it is true that traveling alone can threaten your safety. But you knew that. You also already know how to take care of yourself. Be aware of your surroundings? Check. Keep your cash, gadgets and jewelry out of sight? Check. Don’t broadcast the fact that you’re alone? Check.

Taking care of yourself abroad builds upon your common sense. In new scenarios, knowledge is the ultimate weapon. Learning as much as you can about unfamiliar surroundings will help you stay calm and avoid unpleasant situations. A wealth of news articles, travel guides, message boards, and blogs exist to make your transition easier. Focus your research on these things:

Local dangers. Is kidnapping common? Where are the shadier parts of town? Is there racially-charged violence? Is terrorism a problem in certain parts of the country? Also, familiarize yourself with the drug and alcohol laws as well as the crime rate. For example, you’d do well to hide cash in your undergarments and wear unobtrusive clothing in some parts of Africa, but a money belt would be overkill in Japan.

Local culture. That beach in Indonesia is not the place to show off that thong bikini, ladies. The more sensitive you are to the locals, the less you’ll stand out as a bumbling tourist – a.k.a, potential mark.

Local scams. A friendly college girl wants to take you to a tea ceremony in Beijing? How nice! Everyone wants a piece of the tourist. Get in the know before you realize you’ve been scammed out of your daily budget by a pack of teenagers.

Helpful phrases in the local language. It’s respectful and will help you seem more seasoned.

Your next focus: safe, practical travel

Make your trip as hassle-free as possible. This reduces your reliance on strangers. Pack light. Bring a first aid kit. Carry a mixture of local currency and traveler’s checks. Forget the laptop – they add weight to your pack and advertising your gadgets in a developing country invites problems. Besides, internet cafes are just about everywhere these days.

Make pals. One of the best parts of traveling solo! Striking out on your own can do wonders for your social awkwardness, so befriend the owners of your hostel and try becoming friendly with fellow lodgers to help create a sense of security in numbers. As in all new friendships, though, trust your instincts.

Consider creating a backstory. It’s considered highly unusual for women to travel alone in some parts of the world. Non-local women are often perceived as being promiscuous so it will help to dress and behave conservatively. Think about wearing a wedding band. Ignore stares – remember, you’re just passing through.

Lest we start to sound like your friends and relatives, remember that traveling alone can be one of the most thrilling things you’ll ever do. Stay alert, not afraid – nothing ruins a once-in-a-lifetime adventure like paranoia.