“I’m a firm believer in the benefits of solo travel, especially for women, and I have personally traveled alone to many countries including Hungary and Egypt,” says Jess Watts, global Brand Director for Expedia, who has 13 years of travel, tourism and hospitality experience, having worked for brands like Southwest Airlines, Universal Studios Hollywood and MGM Hotels. “It’s not always easy being a female solo traveler, but it is endlessly rewarding!”
Watts recommends the following four tips for solo female travelers.
1. “I recommend checking out apps like Greether, that pair you up with verified local, female guides,” says Watts. They are in over 100+ countries, and can tailor your experience to what’s important to you, as well as providing valuable insight on customs, safety, and areas to see or avoid.
2. A great tool for solo travelers is booking organized tours or experiences. “Cooking classes, for example, are a great venue for solo travelers to meet other people with similar interests from all over the world,” says Watts.
3. A good habit for anyone, but women traveling alone in particular, is to make sure someone knows your itinerary, and that you check-in with them every day.
4. “Sites like Expedia will let you sort reviews by those of solo travelers, which is great way to get a sense of if the property and amenities are solo friendly,” says Watts. Keep an eye out for things like the attentiveness of the staff, safety of the location, and whether properties take measures like keycards for the elevator or security personnel.
Growth in Solo Female Travel
“We’re seeing substantial growth in solo female travel and our research shows that the number of American women who are taking solo trips has risen dramatically,” says Giacomo Piva, a travel industry analyst and co-founder of Radical Storage, a global luggage storage company. “This trend is an indication of the increasing desire of women to travel the world on their own.”
Piva suggests thoroughly researching your destination including local customs and safe areas to boost confidence. Share your itinerary with trusted contacts and use apps that allow a real time sharing of your location. Be aware, and trust your instincts; particularly when you’re in an unfamiliar place. He also notes that some women prefer to stay at women only accommodations.
Doni Belau, a travel expert and founder of Girls’ Guide to the World (GG2W), has over 15 years of experience in the travel industry and is an intrepid traveler who has explored over 80 countries. “The most common issue people have is passport theft, so keep yours in a safe place while traveling,” says Belau. “Wear a cross-body bag and stay alert and aware in crowded places.” She also suggests staying in a central hotel that keeps their reception open 24/7.
Safety Tips
Julie Waite, Co-Founder, Streetwise Defence, a UK-based company that provides street safety and self-defense workshops shares these trips for solo female travelers.
- Memorize a phone number of someone back home who you could call if you were robbed (or simply lost your phone). These days, most people don’t have phone numbers memorized, so it’s a good tip to execute.
- Email to yourself all your travel documents, a copy of your passport, plus other essential information and a way to access your bank account.
- Plan ahead and build safety into your travel itinerary. Don’t just research the fun stuff to do – research the culture and any dangerous areas so you know how to fit in and what areas to avoid.
- Request a room on the second or third floor. Stay in a room low enough to get out of in the event of a fire and high enough to avoid intruders through the window.
- Keep your key card separate from its envelope so if someone gets hold of it they won’t know your room number.
- Always trust your gut instinct. “Don’t give your trust away easily and do not feel obliged to talk to anyone – just shake your head and walk away,” says Waite.
- Look confident, even if you are not, most attackers are opportunists and are looking for an easy target. If you are lost go into a café or somewhere safe and plan your next steps, don’t stand around on the street looking at your phone, guide book or map.
