While we're long past the point of women needing a chaperone to travel, it doesn't hurt to be a little more savvy when you're backpacking through Vietnam. Here are our top tips for women to stay safe when travelling solo.
It once was that if a woman (from a very privileged, very white background) wanted to see the world, she could only do so through the lens of artistic education and studying, and while chaperoned by an older, typically female relative. This was called the Grand Tour, and for men especially it was marked as a rite of passage.
How far we, with our J1s to Vietnam and boys' weekends to Malaga, have fallen.
Traveling is much easier now, with budget airlines, high-quality hostels and better transportation meaning that more people can see more of the world for less.
But even with countless women trekking off to all corners of the earth, and armed with knowledge and the support of wide-ranging online networks, traveling alone is still something many women fear. Being in a foreign country, with social norms you may not know, is intimidating enough for many. Add in being a woman and the threats that they routinely encounter, and it becomes daunting.
Knowledge is power and Rachel Tracey from GoHop.ie has shared their tips for female solo travelers to stay safe and informed while on holiday.
1. Go with the crowd
Group trips are an excellent way to travel solo and stay safe. They allow you the freedom of the solo travel experience, but you have the expertise and safety of a local guide to hand, as well as guided excursions and secret trips that are off the beaten track – the best of both worlds!
2. Find a comfortable base of operations
Planning the first night well in a nice hotel, or pre-tour accommodation is a good idea as it allows you to get your bearings and relax into the trip and get used to being on your own, even if just for a meal in the restaurant of the hotel.
3. Educate yourself on norms and customs
Basic safety tips vary according to country but it’s always recommended to try to avoid walking alone at nighttime, dressing respectfully where required by local custom, and keeping money/valuables out of sight or at best, in the safe at your accommodation. Avoid wearing flashy jewellery and always be vague when people ask where you’re staying – never give your exact accommodation address to strangers, no matter how friendly!
4. Make a plan and share it with family
We always recommend that women travelling solo have a plan – however rough or detailed – for their trip and accommodation details that they can share with friends/family before leaving so if they lose their phones or internet access, there’s still a way for those at home to know where they are. Be adventurous but prepared – travel insurance, local emergency numbers etc. are essential.
5. Don't sacrifice opportunities to experience
And last but not least – use your solo travel experience as a time to enjoy yourself and step outside of your comfort zone. You’ll have once in a lifetime experiences when travelling solo that you will remember forever, and they will change the way you see the world. Good luck!
Paul Dawson of Dawson Travel also shared some general tips for safety while away, as you might be the most seasoned traveler but a little knowledge goes a long way.
- Do plenty of research on the areas you visit before you travel.
- Learn the do’s and don’ts in the culture you are visiting. For example, do not tip in Japan, it's considered an insult.
- Don’t buy any tours from the street merchants, use a booking office so you can revisit it if needed
- Learn to say "no thank you " in the local language.
- Stay and eat with locals and avoid the big chains. This ensures the money you spend stays in the country.
- Connect with other solo travelers on Twitter and swap notes over a local meal.
- Take loads of pictures along the way and share them privately with your friends and family at home so they know where you are and that you are safe.
- Check your visa requirements before planning to cross any borders. Some countries don’t always agree with other places you plan to visit or have been in the past.
- Always keep a hard copy of your passport and also a digital copy in case you lose it.
- Plan your itinerary so you arrive at each new destination during the daytime.
- Know where you are staying is before you arrive. Even if this means just booking the first night stay.
- Stay sober, enjoy a drink but don’t overdo it.
