When we asked our members and followers, “What one piece of advice would you give to a female friend going on their first solo trip?” wise words of wisdom flooded in!
We thought it only fair to share some of these travel tips with you all. Some are thoughtful, some are practical, some are downright sassy. All are worth passing on to a friend you care about who’s about to embark on their first solo trip as a female traveller.
“Trust your instincts and treat yourself as kindly as you would a best friend.”
2. Put yourself in your photos!!!!! (AG)
3. Smile and be friendly but firm. Dangers are mostly the fruits of your imagination. Use your common sense as you would use it at home. Inform yourself of the place and culture of your host country. (GD)
4. Enjoy. Do your homework. Eat something you’ve never had before. Be as cautious as you would at home. (IM)
5. Always expect the best from people but be prepared for the worst. (CP)
6. Be confident, deep breaths, fake it if necessary but project it out there. People will respond positively to a smile and positive approach and it deters conmen who are looking for an easy insecure traveller. (AC)
8. Take two money belts. One thin one inside the front of your pants for passport, credit cards and most of the money, one on the outside for immediate cash for the today. If someone grabs the outer one you're still good. (JH)
9. Keep your phone charged! Buy a portable charger. Google Maps. Google translate. (KD)
10. Learn as much as you can of the language, consider enrolling in a language school to do that and meet other travelers. Take some walking tours in a town early on in your visit. Take public transportation (assuming it's a relatively safe place). (CJ)
“Learn as much as you can of the language, consider enrolling in a language school to do that and meet other travelers.”
11. Plan your routes. Make sure you know where you are going. Look confident and try not to look like a tourist, even if you are. Keep away from crowds in popular places. (FH)
12. Leave your itinerary with someone at home. (CP) … Along with copies of important cards - insurance and what not. (KMV)
13. Carry US dollars as emergency money. It is accepted in more countries than any other currency. (CB)
14. Always act confident and walk as if you know where you're going even when it's not true! If you need to check your phone for directions or information, don't do that in the middle of the sidewalk/road but try to find a less visible space (coffee shop, museum entrance, etc.). Wear dark sunglasses so people don't see where you're looking. (NT)
15. Find a place to spend the night, before darkness falls. (LM)
16. Listen to locals. If they tell you a certain area isn't safe then it's not safe. (KMV)
“Listen to locals. If they tell you a certain area isn't safe then it's not safe.”
17. If you’re flying, put everything that’s necessary in your carryon and personal item. As much as possible, that is. (MAA)
18. Go to places other than the main tourist locations and really explore the place.... But check the guides to make sure your buy tickets in advance for especially popular sites that sell out or have long lines. (CJ)
19. Research research research! Keep your phone active. And keep family or friends updated of your location at all points in time. (SCN)
20. Don't always go out to eat if you're staying at a YHA or backpackers etc. While cooking your meal in the kitchen is often when you meet other travelers.and strike up a conversation. You then may have someone to share some of the local sites or even travel with for a while with if you like. (JR)
21. Bonus tip from Thelma & Louise! If you want a travel buddy for all or part of your travel, add your trip plans to our site or start a new meet-up and find someone to travel with. Here’s everything you need to know to set up a trip idea.
“Woman have a secret sisterhood and can usually be trusted if you get in a bind.”
22. Your intuition is your best friend! And... Woman have a secret sisterhood and can usually be trusted if you get in a bind. You never have to be alone. (LR)
23. Be open-minded; Face your fears; Free yourself from expectations. (WP)
24. Don't get intimidated, you can do it! (KK)
25. Don't listen to the naysayers and fear feeders, use common sense and have a great holiday. (CR)
26. Trust no one but your gut! (WH)
27. Form your own opinions. Just because someone else didn’t like a place doesn’t mean it won’t be an amazing experience for you. (JM)
28. Eyes open and have fun (YSJ)
29. Relax, don’t rush and enjoy the freedom. Nap when you want! If you have a problem eating dinner alone go early. (SDS)
30. Eat alone and savour it. Treat yourself to all your favorite foods. (CJ)
31. Enjoy the little things, love and appreciate spending time with yourself and be open to new experiences! (NT)