Scared to Travel Alone? Read This! (Solo Woman’s Travel Tips)

“I don’t know how you do it”, my friend Erin said to me the other day, “I could never travel alone all over Europe like that! All the different road signs, laws, it all just seems too overwhelming.” If you want solo woman’s travel tips, you’ve come to the right place!

Whether Europe seems intimidating, or remote parts of Asia are what make you question yourself, this travel guide will help you. As a female traveler who has been around the world, alone, 6 times, I’ve experienced so many countries alone that doing it is almost automatic. But if you’ve never travelled alone it can be scary.

Reports of Violence

In the era of #metoo, the occurrence of women report violence is increasing – but does that mean the violence itself is actually increasing? Yes, and no.

While there is no way to determine the number of undocumented cases from decades past, the overall trend for crime in the world is that it is going down. That is good news whether you’re staying at home or exploring new countries. If trends of crime are going down, then safety is, by extension, going up.

Harassment

I found this video interesting. They followed a beautiful, sexy woman around Auckland, and she was treated with respect and kindness. But, go to New York City, Orlando, or Madrid, and the reaction may be different.

As women we are told how to dress or not to dress. Even in the era of #metoo, victim shaming is common. That means that it is natural to be cautious to want to protect yourself from unnecessary harassment, stress, and emotional distress. Whether it is unwanted catcalls, or far more serious harassment, here is how to keep yourself safe – physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Relevant factors

WIth solo woman’s travel tips, or any type of safety considerations, there are so many factors that go into an accident or attack. I believe there are factors that we can control directly, decision like where you stay, and factors that we can control indirectly, like luck, karma, or chance.

As someone who has had some uncomfortable, #metoo experiences with men, I still believe that you can set the intention and make the decision that will lead you to a better outcome. That is not to say it is someone’s fault if something bad happens, but it is to say that with awareness, intention, and clarity of vision, you can prevent something worse from happening to you now. Here are the key factors for successful travel as a woman traveling alone:

Where you are

Of course, where you go plays a factor. If your odds are 1 in 100 versus 1 in 100,000, it is better to play it safe in the 1 in 100 scenario. This article rates countries on safety. While I would recommend even the “worst” countries on the list, it is interesting to note that the USA ranks worst of western “developed” countries for women travelers!

If you are traveling alone for the first time, or feeling nervous, choose a country that is ranked near the best on the list. Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are some of the best safe, reliable options that also have interesting culture, great food, and incredible natural beauty.

When you are there

Being in a dark alley at 2 am in Jamaica is more likely to invite an attack than being on a crowded beach in Spain at 2 pm. Being in that same alley in Jamaica at 2 pm on  a Sunday may be totally safe. Ask the locals, do your research, follow your gut, and play it safe. 

How you are acting

This one is tough, because it invites a host of victim shaming, which is absolutely not my intention. It is not a fail-safe and it is not an absolute rule, but generally if you are aware of your surroundings, and moving clearly with confidence you will be less of a target.

Wearing headphone (guilty!), looking lost, and wandering aimlessly can all make you a target, especially at night or when there are few people around.

Your energy

While this may seem spiritual or escoteric, the vibe you give off can be felt like others. Ever walked past someone with a chip on their shoulder? Or who looked scared? We can definitely pick up on other peoples’ vibe or energy.

Your energy is as real as where you go and when you go there. Not only do you put out energy, but your energy or inner voice is also guiding you.

You know that knot you get in the pit of your stomach when something doesn’t feel right? Or that voice in your head saying “don’t do it!” even while your mind comes up with 10 reasons why it is a great idea?

Listen to that voice; honor that feeling; believe your intuition and your energy. People don’t only get hurt in dangerous places. It can happen anywhere, for any reason. Often your subconscious, your intuition, or some higher power is guiding you. Listen.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve –NOT- listened to that inner voice and later regretted it. Whether it is helping you avoid a minor inconvenience or a major injury, it is worth listening.

Solo woman’s travel doesn’t mean you are alone. You have your own inner guide. Imagine how empowered you will feel listening to that inner voice and finding – incredibly – that you are right!

Your karma

What about what is coming back to you from the universe? Maybe it was the waiter you forgot to tip last week, or something far further back. However you look at it, there is a law of action and reaction in the universe.

This is an important field of consideration for the spiritual traveler or spiritual seeker. You can check astrology, a palmist, signs in nature, or your own inner intuition.

Jyotish and Astrology

I use an ancient system of astrology, called Jyotish, to look into what might be coming in my life. You can also use western astrology. Or even just look at trends in your life. The point is that there are patterns in nature, and those patterns can play out in human life as well.

Is everything going well or does everything seem to be falling apart? How about accidents? Your health? Knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you can prevent.

What is especially powerful about Jyotish, the ancient Vedic system of astrology, is the principle of “avert the danger before it arises”. This means that if something bad is supposed to come your way – illness, business problems, partner problems, or anything else, there are specific performances that can help to neutralize those influences.

While skeptical by nature, but I have seen the powerful effect of Jyotish in the lives of family members and friends at critical moments – during and before surgery, when an infant was in the NICU, to conceive when conception was medically “impossible” and more. If you want to see more about Jyotish and averting the danger before it arises, you can click here.

Knowledge is power. If you know your karma is good for travel at a specific time, then you can plan your trip for that time. If you have to travel in a time that you know is not good, then you can avert the danger before it arises. Jyotish is simple, ancient, and yet highly effective in connecting to our spiritual essence.

What more you can do (Solo woman’s travel tips)

While all of these are practical tips for planning your trip and managing your intentions while you are traveling, there are many practical tips to stay safe.

1. If your budget allows, stay in an all womens’ hostel room, your own mid-range or higher hotel room, or an airbnb with exceptional ratings.
2. Avoid being alone late at night, or with someone you just met. A group of people is better. If lots of families are around, that is even better.
3. Be alert of your surroundings. If you notice anything suspicious or uncomfortable, find a safe place to wait. Good options can be a coffee shop, a restaurant, a hotel lobby, or a store. 
4. Keep your phone with you, loaded with a data plan, so you can easily call someone for help and you can be tracked. 
5. Practice common safety: carry a whistle, put a doorstop under your door at night, don’t leave your drink unattended or take food offered by unfamiliar people, don’t post where you’re staying on social media, tell your family or close friends where you will be, dress appropriately, follow local customs, be respectful but stand up for yourself, and don’t wear headphones while walking around.

Summary of best practices and tips for solo woman’s travel

In summary, while staying safe can seem daunting, you have the power to protect yourself. That is always the first step: believe you will be ok, and you will be ok.

Then make a list of the practical tips in this article. You can research your destination, research accommodation options, research Jyotish or other means of managing your karma, and even practicing managing your energy.

A good first step to feeling more confident traveling solo is to start listening daily to your inner voice. This along with walking with purpose and confidence, will empower you to be ready for your first solo journey.

You action points for travel freedom start with this roadmap. You can achieve all your travel dreams and more, on your own, and have an amazing experience in the process.

Here are some of my favorite solo travel posts to get you started:

To your safe travels, cheers!

Kimberly  

Want to remember this? Post these Solo Woman’s Travel Tips to your favorite Pinterest board!

Thank you for reading Pannali Travels. If you enjoyed this post, please share, comment, and subscribe! I love hearing from you!