10 tips for newbie female solo travellers

Travelling solo for the first time? Have friends and family concerned, especially because you’re a ‘woman’? What are the dos and don’ts for female solo-travellers?

Solo-travelling is now all the rage. I love it. Travelling with companions has its own joys and advantages. But, solo-traveling can be so much fun and adventurous. Here’s a fun story.

Some years ago on one my solo trips, I was on a bus from Vietnam to Cambodia. At the border, they took the passports of all passengers so our visas could be issued (you can get visa on arrival in Cambodia). Three of us (a couple and I) were asked to step down from the bus to be interviewed by the immigration officers. The couple went before me and were done in a few minutes. The officers then asked me the usual questions – where was I from, why was I travelling, proof of my return ticket, proof of hotel, proof that I had money, etc. I finally got my visa stamped and started walking towards the bus. And here’s where the story gets entertaining. Imagine the scene:

It’s a typical border landscape. Huge empty space, gates and fences separating the two countries. I see the bus parked in the distance. As I walk towards the bus, it starts to move. I think they’re coming

The rest of my Cambodia trip was drama-free. This is at Angkor Thom, Siem Reap.

to pick me up. But no, the bus moves towards me and then unexpectedly takes a U-turn and leaves. For a few seconds I don’t move, unsure what’s happening. Did the bus just leave me behind? I furiously start running, waving my hands and generally screaming ‘wait’. But they don’t see me. I stop chasing the bus and watch helplessly as it leaves. My backpack is on the bus. I only have a satchel with my money, phone and passport. I don’t even have my mobile charger. And since this was a bus that I boarded without pre-reservation, I don’t know the name or details of the bus. Which means I can’t even track it down. I look around and suddenly spot some moto taxis (motorcycles where you can pay to ride pillion). This is all happening slow motion. I call out to one of them. I climb behind him and tell him that we have to catch up with the bus that just left. He had seen the whole thing happening, so I don’t waste much time in explaining my strange request. What ensues is a full blown chase sequence, straight out of a movie. It probably just lasted a few minutes, but it all happened so fast. We did finally catch up with the bus, and all ended well which is why this story is now ‘fun’ to narrate.

While this story ended well, it could as well have ended badly with me stuck in a foreign country without any anything. This incident and some other ones taught me valuable lessons which would be useful for all solo female (and male) travelers, especially those who are planning trips for the first time.

So, here are my top 10 tips for newbie solo travellers:

1. Plan well
While I have sometimes travelled without a fixed plan, I’ve experienced that pre-booking travel and accommodation can reduce the risk. Nowadays, I also spend a lot of time checking reviews as I have become more particular about my accommodation than I used to be in my younger days. Planning would have definitely reduced my panic in the Vietnam-Cambodia bus incident. I would have had a proper ticket and could have located my luggage in case I hadn’t caught up with the bus.

2. Take the bus/ train/ flights
Hitch-hiking sounds super exciting and I have met many solo female travellers who swear by it. But I would not recommend it, especially for a newbie. And as mentioned in the first point, pre-book as much as possible; at least the main journeys.

3. Stay in central locations
This does mean that you pay more for accommodation but it is worth the money. Staying close to the centre implies that it is better connected, there are more restaurants and is generally more tourists friendly. It also means there might be pick-pockets which brings me to the next point.

4. Take care of your belongings
Keep your wallet and passport safe. If you prefer keeping the passport in a safe in your hotel/ hostel (as I usually do) then don’t forget to carry a photocopy of your passport and another original identity proof. Also, avoid carrying expensive stuff, accessories, jewellery and too much cash or unnecessary cards.

5. Travel light
Don’t carry unnecessary stuff. Clean out your wallet as mentioned in the above point. But also, are you really going to change your shirt twice in a day? Certainly, don’t compromise on your fashion sensibilities but try to keep it light. I for one, being an independent woman who likes carrying my own bags, prefer not carrying any extra weight.

6. Dress appropriately
This is a fairly standard rule for any traveller, solo or otherwise. Dress as per the local customs, or what is acceptable in the city/ country. It makes you blend better and draws less attention to yourself. Read up on the local customs and attire before travelling to a place.

7. Anchor yourself
What this means is that it’s important for someone to know you’re there (in that place, at that time). When I was in the bus in Vietnam I didn’t talk to anyone. So when the bus left no one noticed I was missing. Befriend some on the bus/ train/ plane, and speak to people. You don’t have to be very chatty, just enough to be missed. It is also helpful for solo travellers to find trustworthy people who you can leave your luggage with if you want to go to the bathroom. Obviously don’t trust everybody, but trust your instincts. (And now, I smoothly segue to my next point.)

8. Trust your instincts
I really believe in woman’s instinct. Many years ago, my friend and I were back-packing through Europe. We were couch-surfing, which was still a very new concept (especially for two young Indian girls). We were to spend one night in Venice. We had connected with a local guy who lived with his mother. He seemed really nice and polite when we’d chatted over email. But something seemed really off when we met him. My friend and I discussed that we were both not comfortable, and decided to trust our instincts. We instead left that night, booked an overnight train and headed to Vienna. Maybe we weren’t right about the guy. Maybe he is a genuinely nice guy. But I still prefer to trust my instinct. Never take unnecessary chances.

9. Be safe
Have fun, meet new people, try new things but don’t take unnecessary chances. Don’t walk back alone too late in the night. Avoid partying all night with people you’ve just met (and if you have to, then try and stick to a mixed group of other travellers). Watch your food and drinks when you’re out. Be alert at all times.

New people I met in Czech Republic, and I’m still in touch with one of them.

10. Have an exigency plan
Before your trip, you should have searched for and noted emergency contacts, Embassy addresses and phone numbers, local contacts (if any). Also keep a bit of extra cash and a second card that you don’t carry around all the time in the locker in your hotel/ accommodation.

Lastly and importantly, have fun. Meet new people. I have made friends for life in my travels. It’s a lovely feeling to bring back souvenirs, memories and new friends.