Guest post by Alexandra Karsonn
When it comes to deciding to go to a completely new place, planning a trip will be an extremely important step. No matter how fit you are, how well you know karate techniques or how used you are to being alone, if the trip is not thoroughly planned, it is unlikely that something will work out.
The main thing for a girl traveling alone: is safety must remain in the first place. It is always difficult for solo travelers, but it is certainly interesting.
Here are some examples of actions that will save a little nerve for girls traveling alone, help them prepare for the trip, and enjoy adventures without any serious problems.
How to make travel safe and comfortable
1. Carefully pack your suitcase
A properly assembled suitcase or backpack on a solo trip is the key to autonomy. Since there is no company, it will not work to borrow a forgotten thing from another person. So that you are fully armed on the trip, we have compiled a checklist:
- Passport: be sure to check the passport duration, as different countries have different requirements and visa necessity. In case you need it, certain companies, such as PhotoGov, ensure that your photographs for your visa application match the standards specified by each country’s immigration authorities in terms of size, backdrop color, and other variables.
- Chargers – for all the gadgets you take with you;
- First aid kit: put in it analgesic, antidiarrheal, antiviral and antipyretic;
- Deodorant. If you are flying by plane and only with hand luggage, do not choose a deodorant spray – it will not be allowed on board;
- Toothbrush and toothpaste;
- Shower gel and shampoo;
- Face and body cream;
- Sun protection cream;
- Hairbrush;
- Several sets of clothes: things shouldn’t crumple and do not take up half a bag, so a dress with a full skirt is not the best option;
- Comfortable shoes.
2. Do not take extra things
Give up a kilogram cosmetic bag, heavy tools for hair styling, and other weighty things. They will make your luggage unaffordable, and you will have to carry it yourself. In addition, you will need to take a backpack or suitcase with you everywhere at the airport or train station: even to go to the toilet.
3. Make copies of the documents
Copies of your passport and insurance policy will be very useful if you accidentally lose the originals (or they are stolen). Do not carry them with you, let them lie “at home”. Do not keep copies together with the original documents – otherwise the meaning is lost. Send copies to your email, just in case.
4. Write down important contacts in your notebook
It will come in handy if the phone breaks down, runs out of battery, or you lose it. Among the contact phone numbers should be the numbers of close relatives, for example, mom and dad, friends who can help, the number of the hotel or the owner of the apartment in which you live: suddenly the keys to the apartment will be lost.
5. Adaptation to the local culture of behavior
Try to fit into the local culture both for your safety and for your mental health. Do not travel like a tourist – it is better to explore a new place, as a local would do. Adapt to the culture, and traditions, adopt the necessary rules of behavior, and be calm: your travels will become easier and more enjoyable.
“When you are in Rome, act like the Romans,” says a wise proverb. Traveling alone, it is better not to get too naked, not to sparkle with expensive jewelry, and not to expose yourself as an attractive target for thieves and scammers.
6. Take cash
Various troubles can happen with a plastic card. For example, the bank will consider that you spend too much in a non-standard place, that is, behave strangely, and will block it.
Take at least some money in cash for moving around the city and food.
7. Do not keep money in one place
And do not carry the whole amount with you. Otherwise, if you become a victim of thieves, you will lose all the money at once.
You can hide banknotes in the hotel in a secret compartment of a suitcase or backpack, in a first aid kit (in a medicine box), or a pocket of spare trousers. Make several caches and, most importantly, do not forget about them.
While walking, leave some of the money in your wallet, put the rest in different pockets, put it under the smartphone case, or hide it in some unexpected place, for example in a cosmetic bag or a package with dry paper handkerchiefs.
8. Find out everything about the place where you will live
Before the trip, study the city you are going to remotely. Check it out:
- public transport. What is there, how much does the ticket cost, is it possible to get from the airport to the center by it;
- attractions. Not only those included in the guidebooks but also the places that the locals advise;
- dangerous areas. In most cities, some places are better to avoid. Especially at night. Especially for girls.
9. Remember about control
Do not forget to monitor your safety: you are alone on this journey, if anything, you will have to get out of difficult situations on your own. To further protect yourself:
- apply for an insurance policy;
- avoid unofficial taxis, hitchhiking, and give up hitchhiking;
- do not leave your drinks unattended: it is easy to put sleeping pills, and drugs in them;
- drink only from those bottles that you have opened yourself;
- do not visit new acquaintances if you are not sure of their intentions;
- leave your route to someone close to you, and periodically inform them about how the trip is going.
10. Choose a safe accommodation
Be sure to read reviews about the hotel, hostel, or apartment where you are going to stay. Pay attention to the description of the booked accommodation, there may be a lot of surprises. For example, the room may be windowless or a deposit may be required.
Hemingway wrote that geography is a bad remedy for what is gnawing at you. Your solo trip, your escape from the mundane will not solve the problems that you leave at home. But every trip fills you with new knowledge, and therefore when you return, you will be able to look at everything differently.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the information up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the article or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the article for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. We do not endorse any specific products or services that may be mentioned in the article, including “PhotoGov,” and we recommend that readers conduct their own research and exercise due diligence before using any third-party services. The travel tips and advice contained in this article are not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with travel professionals or authorities regarding the latest travel guidelines and safety measures. Cultural sensitivity and respect for local customs and laws are encouraged, and the suggestions herein are not intended to undermine any such customs or laws. By reading this article, you acknowledge that the safety measures and travel preparations mentioned are recommendations only and that you are responsible for your own safety and travel arrangements. Always stay informed and mindful of the conditions and requirements of your particular travel destinations!
