Solo travel is an amazing way to see the world and challenge yourself. It's an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and learn more about yourself and the world around you.
As a woman, solo travel can be especially empowering, and can play a big part in you to gaining more independence and self-confidence.
But if you're new to solo travel, it's understandable to have some concerns about safety and logistics that are involved. That's why it's always important to do your research and prepare ahead of time.
Choose your destination:
First, choose a destination that aligns with your interests and feels safe for solo travel. This may involve speaking with other travellers, (ask in the GAL travel community), consult with travel advisories, and stay in well-populated areas.
Documents:
Once you have a destination in mind, there are a few practical matters to take care of. Consider purchasing travel insurance - this will help cover any unexpected events, such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies. A good rule of thumb is to make copies of your important documents. Documents like your passport and insurance information, in case of loss or theft.
Safety:
As a solo traveller, it's important to be mindful of your personal safety. Trust your instincts, and if a situation or location doesn't feel right, move on. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep valuable items, like your phone and wallet, close to you.
It's also a good idea to inform friends and/or family member of your travel plans, including your itinerary and contact information.
Connect:
One of the best things about solo travel is the freedom it allows you to create your own schedule and do whatever you want, when you want.
Don't be afraid to strike up conversations with locals or other travellers - this is a great way of finding hidden gems only locals know of and often provide valuable insights and recommendations.
And if you're feeling a bit lonely, there are plenty of ways to connect with others, like joining a tour or finding a meet-up with other solo travellers.
In my own experience I've found walking tours a great way to connect with people. Often hostels, hotels, Air bnb experiences and a quick search on google all provide info on some great walking tours to try.
Enjoy!
Overall, solo travel can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience. It allows you to step outside your comfort zone and allows you to challenge yourself, and again gain independence and self-confidence.
So why wait? Start planning your solo adventure today!
And remember, always keep safety a top priority.
Follow these tips and use common sense to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.