Nowadays, more and more single women are opting to travel alone. There’s something exotic and exciting about the endless possibilities which may come out of a trip to a foreign land. Other than the opportunity to “find yourself†as Joplin would remind, it’s also a fantastic chance to be totally free, and perhaps discover a side which you had never known existed. As much as there are fruitful experiences to be had, single women who travel alone are also exposed to some rather unique dangers. Here are some tips, in addition to travel insurance for single women, to help you along:
Planning Ahead: Whether you are a student or a senior citizen, careful planning of your trip is most important. Now, you may want to just go for it and go on an unplanned vacation, in pursuit of the adventure of chance. While the excitement level of this approach is certainly higher, it also carries with it added risk. Imagine landing in a foreign country, especially one which is rather different from your country of origin, and having a bunch of people hawking their services from hotels to tours to car rentals- all in a language that you don’t understand. Who are you going to believe? Before you go on your tour, it’s advisable to make all the necessary bookings. Try to stay as close to the city center as possible. Plan your itinerary well and make copies of all your IDs as well as other important documents.
Bring Loads of Common Sense: Women who travel alone are susceptible to some specific types of risk. Try not to draw unnecessary attention to yourself by wearing too much expensive (even expensive-looking) jewelry and wear clothing that blends in with the locals. When a man sizes you up or offers some drink or food, firmly decline. In the event that you are totally smitten, and you smell the possibility of romance, take some time to know the person, but whenever you feel uncomfortable, withdraw. Instead of carrying a wallet, use a cute waist pouch, and always keep your valuable in separate places, even your undergarments! In countries where the culture is rather strange, learn to respect the local laws and customs.
Travel Insurance: To cover yourself in case of emergencies, get travel insurance or travel medical insurance. Be sure to inform the insurance company about the country of your destination so your policy is applicable.
Communication and Important Numbers: Always carry your mobile phone wherever you go, and make a list of all the contact information which may be useful to you, such as the phone numbers of your embassy or consulate, transportation services, local police stations, and hospitals.
Packing: Only pack things that you absolutely need. If you are going to be spending the majority of your vacation in a remote region where there’s no electricity, it makes little sense to haul your laptop along. Instead, you may need a pair of good walking shoes, and the appropriate clothing. Make a checklist to see if you have everything covered. As a rule, try to travel as light as possible.
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/artsyt/
