Compared to joining a tour group, traveling solo offers more flexibility and freedom, allowing you to control most of your itinerary and expenses. However, safety may be a crucial factor to consider, especially for women. In response to this, a seasoned traveler who has visited 195 countries around the world has shared her top safety advice.
According to a report from the American magazine “Travel + Leisure,” Jessica Nabongo, a Ugandan-American travel blogger and writer, has explored all 195 countries and regions globally. She has visited cities where languages differ and places most tourists wouldn’t dare to venture, accumulating a wealth of travel experience.
When asked to provide the most crucial advice for women traveling alone, Nabongo emphasized that it’s not about using a particular app or following a travel guide but rather “trust your instincts.”
While this advice may sound simple, Nabongo believes it holds deeper meaning. To her, intuition is not a vague feeling; it can serve as a survival mechanism, particularly for women taught to suppress their instincts to maintain politeness, compliance, or likability.
She stated, “Listening to your instincts is a significant part of ensuring safety. If your gut tells you to leave a certain situation, then leave. If a person, neighborhood, or plan gives you a bad feeling, take that feeling seriously.”
In addition to relying on intuition, Nabongo often seeks help from what she considers two valuable resources while traveling – local guides and the kindness of strangers. Although these cannot replace wise judgment, they can assist her when she is stranded.
She pointed out that good guides not only show you around but also provide background information, arrange itineraries, and serve as a social buffer on certain occasions to avoid unnecessary attention for solo female travelers.
After traveling to 195 countries, Nabongo found that most people are willing to offer assistance. She said, “Most people want to help.”
For solo female travelers, she also offered two tricks to avoid trouble, making it easier for them to explore new destinations.
The first trick is to carry a local newspaper in cities where language is a barrier. This tactic can make others believe you understand their language, reducing the visibility as a tourist.
Her second trick is to walk confidently, as self-assurance acts as a deterrent for potential criminals. She clarified that the purpose is not to attract attention but to hold a firm belief that “you have every right to be there,” as you navigate unfamiliar terrain.
In addition to the aforementioned advice, previous travel experts have provided suggestions on which flights solo female travelers should avoid, including steering clear of late-night flights.
Abi Hanks, an expert from the online travel and ticket booking platform “StudentUniverse,” mentioned that late-night flights often come with lower prices, appealing to budget-conscious travelers. However, arriving at an unfamiliar destination late at night or in the early hours is not a wise option for solo travel.
Maeve Hartney and Lisa Michele Burns, two travel experts, assisted “Travel + Leisure” in selecting the 15 most suitable destinations for women traveling alone, serving as references for those interested or currently embarking on solo journeys:
– Costa Rica
– Reykjavik, Iceland
– Bath, UK
– Quebec City, Canada
– South Island, New Zealand
– New York City, USA
– Provence, France
– Switzerland
– Tokyo, Japan
– Savannah, Georgia, USA
– Italy
– Edinburgh, UK
– Helsinki, Finland
– Vienna, Austria
– Dublin, Ireland
Hartney advised solo female travelers to inform their families of their travel itinerary, provide hotel contact details, and identify someone who can be contacted during the journey. She also suggested traveling light to maintain flexibility in movement, self-manage luggage, and stay alert to the surroundings.
Among the recommended destinations, Costa Rica earned the top spot in Hartney’s list, attributed to various factors. She noted that Costa Rican hotels offer more single rooms and solo-friendly pricing plans, making it ideal for solo travelers. Furthermore, the country boasts relatively low crime rates, sufficient police presence in tourist areas, and a friendly and peaceful social atmosphere.
When discussing the joys of solo travel, Burns expressed that once you embrace the freedom and beauty that solo travel brings, you can gain eye-opening experiences, deepen your understanding of the world around you, and significantly boost your confidence.
Burns recommended women traveling alone to Iceland, as it is one of the safest destinations globally, promising magnificent landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
She suggested staying in Reykjavik, then renting a car or joining tours to explore other regions, witnessing natural wonders like glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches. Despite being the capital, Reykjavik maintains low crime rates and offers numerous solo-friendly activities, such as relaxing in hot spring pools.
In conclusion, with the right mindset, preparation, and awareness, solo female travelers can embark on enriching journeys to different corners of the world, breaking free from societal norms and discovering the beauty of independent exploration.