Whether you’re preparing for your first solo travel this 2017 or your first ever solo adventure into new lands and cultures, traveling alone can be daunting and exciting at the same time. More on the daunting part if you’re a female.

We can’t turn a blind eye with regards to safety and security among female solo travelers. Harassment and theft are two of the huge concerns among female travelers. Albeit your family and friends may nag you to postpone the trip or ask someone to go with you for safety purposes, traveling exclusively on your own and exploring this scary, beautiful world is one of the pleasures in life you’ll experience.

Don’t let the naysayers and fear keep you from going on a self-journey. Here are some tips to keep you safe from harm while traveling solo:

Blend with the locals. Tourists are hot in the eyes of thieves and scammers. They look for those who are easy to prey on. If you don’t want to be a victim of any scams and modus, know how to dress, think, and act like a local. A sort of “fake it til you make it” notion. Don’t be a tourist target and blend in with the local crowd.

Always trust your instinct. It’s going to be scary, that’s a fact. But another fact is, your intuition will become sharper hence, you’ll improve your self-awareness and alertness when in unfamiliar surroundings. This will help you stay safe.

If your gut tells you to get off a bus halfway through your destination because you feel something’s off, get off and don’t play the ‘what if’ card if you feel something’s off. If it tells you to skip a drinking invitation from a person you just met, don’t force yourself to and think you could be wrong. Take as much time to build that trust.

Be street-smart. Since you’ll be relying heavenly on nobody but your own intuition and preparedness. You won’t have anyone to pay for your lunch when you left your wallet back at the hostel or bring you back to the hostel when you forget where it’s located.

Carry anything you need with your when you go out. Of course, with caution. With regards to money, leave a credit card or cash in the hotel safe where it’s secure. Bring enough cash with you, a map, your itinerary for the day and the details on how to get there, IDs, your hotel accommodation address, and the works.

Be careful when withdrawing from ATMs and just wandering in the streets. Keep your alert level on high at all times and observe the surroundings. Self- and general awareness of your surroundings will stir you away from trouble and misfortunes.

Don’t get hammered. This is a no-brainer but we strongly feel the need to remind you: don’t go out and have drinks all willy nilly by yourself. As a solo female traveler, know that the risks are higher when you’re out to party, let alone in a foreign city.

If you got to meet a new group of friends, by all means, have fun but with caution. If you do get out for a night of drinking, make sure you keep your eyes on your drink and you drink moderately. By moderate, we mean enough amount to keep your senses high and get yourself home safe.

Have a backup plan. Having a plan B, C, D, or 23 more is a life-saver in case of unforeseen circumstances. Research about the destination you’re going to as well as the places and activities on your itinerary. You’ll thank you preparedness and critical thinking for listing down other possible hotels when the hotel you intend to stay at seems sketchy.

What are your memorable experiences as a solo female traveler? Any other additional tips you’d like to share with our readers? Leave your thoughts below!

About Chie Suarez

Chie Suarez sails from the PH. She spends her downtime writing for Holiday Inn Parramatta, the perfect hotel choice to stay in for both business or leisure.