If you follow my blog, you may already know that I am currently travelling alone across South East Asia.
I started off my trip with a visit to Malaysia; and am now based in Bali. Soon I will be heading to Vietnam for a month to do my visa run and have a look around.
All. On. My. Own.
Travelling solo has been an amazing experience, and one that I will always treasure. In our ‘normal’ lives people tend to have expectations of us. In turn; we naturally slip into these ‘roles’ when we are in certain environments.
When you are travelling alone you’re not locked into any expectations. It gives you the freedom to explore, and to discover who you are when no-one else is looking.
While I am on this solo getaway, everything runs on ‘my time’. I wake up on my own schedule, pace each day according to my mood; and stay at each place for as long as I want. I absolutely love it! There’s literally no one else to wait around for or take into consideration; so I get to shape each moment exactly the way I want to. This can be rare in a woman’s life! Can I get an amen? It’s a truly refreshing feeling.
I literally meet new people everywhere, so there is no way I can
possibly get lonely. But if I feel like I need time out, I just chill by myself in my own space. If I want to scrimp money from other areas
so that I can splash out on a pampering session, I do.
It’s the ultimate feeling of independence.
The thing I am loving most about travelling solo is that I tend to try more new things. Difficult and challenging things, that I maybe wouldn’t try if I had company. It’s a huge growth period for me.
If you’re thinking about travelling solo, but are worried because you are a woman; let me ease your worries…
Here are 10 tips to guide you on your own solo getaway:
1. Do Your Research
Do as much advance research as you can on the places that you want to go. There are loads of awesome websites which show ratings of how safe certain countries or areas are for female travellers, so check them out. Read other womens reviews and travel advice. Take all of this knowledge and then choose your destinations wisely. It’s just a fact that some places are safer than others. Pick locations that you think you will love, and that will be safe for you to explore on your own.
2. Pack Light
I can’t stress this enough. If you’re travelling alone; you’re in charge of your luggage, sister! So don’t be lugging around heaps of crap. The less baggage you have; the easier and faster you can move around. You can buy most things you need cheaply in local stores; so buy toiletries and necessities once you arrive, to save having to pack them. I have culled all of my items down with each move I have made; and I can tell you that it relieves a lot of stress to not have to do a massive repack each time you move on.
3. Support the Locals
You can do this in so many different ways. Buy local by enjoying authentic neighbourhood food and purchasing locally made items and handicrafts. Stay in local homesteads or accommodation. Your experience will be all the more richer for doing so. Not only will you be supporting the community that you are visiting; but you will get to meet wonderful local people and connect on a deeper level and have an experience unlike any other. These are once in a lifetime opportunities, so make the most of them.
4. Be Mysterious
Don’t tell people where you are staying; or plaster your accommodation or where-abouts across social media (until you have already left - then post away!). Where you are staying is your safe haven, so keep it private. This may sound paranoid, but your safety is paramount. If people ask where you are staying, just give a vague answer. Be friendly and open with people, but know your limits. Take your time. Listen to your instinct. Which brings me to number 5…
5. Invent a Man
If you need to, you can always invent a ‘husband’ or ‘boyfriend’. Casually refer to them as ‘waiting for you’ or ‘being 5 minutes away’ if you need to. Use this as a crafty little way to make boundaries clear in certain situations. Again; this may sound paranoid, but it’s just another tool that you can use to keep yourself safe. As a traveller you speak with a lot of new and different people; and sometimes you just need to keep your personal situation ‘incognito’ until you have established trust. Your ‘imaginary man’ can be just the fall back you need!
6. Be Gentle With Yourself
You will get homesick. It can be difficult. You will sometimes feel jet lagged, exhausted and emotional - or even just overwhelmed by how different everything is. Take it easy. Don’t stress. Do familiar things like watch Netflix or eat Maccas; if that’s what feels like a slice of home to you. Don’t feel guilty about it. Phone and video chat all your loved ones back home, and once the feeling starts to ebb a little bit - get out there again. You will quickly appreciate coming so far to experience all the new sights and wonders that surround you.
7. Choose a Safe Bag
Before I flew out from New Zealand, I bought myself the cutest boho handbag. As soon as I arrived in Kuala Lumpur I was warned by my first driver to never wear it facing the road; as scooter-bandits could easily cruise past and snatch it off me. I have been reminded of this constantly by everyone I meet ever since. Consequently, the hot bag has been shelved, and I have invested in a over the shoulder backpack that can’t be torn off me. Doesn’t look as good, but it keeps all my documents, cards and cash safe.
8. Take Care of Your Feet
I had to learn this the hard way. Make sure you pack the right shoes for your trip. You’ll be walking and exploring most of the time; so good, broken-in shoes are a must. Running shoes, sandals - what ever you find comfortable. Nothing will put a dampener on your travels faster than blisters. Depending on where you are travelling; pedicures and foot spas are very affordable; so pamper those peepers every once in a while. Which reminds me, always have some spare sticking plasters floating around in your bag for emergencies.
9. Treat Yourself
I’m travelling on a tight budget; but I still give myself the occasional treat if I need it. A night in a nice hotel or a spa session can recharge your batteries and do wonders for your mental health. Your wellbeing is paramount, and as long as you stick to your budget most of the time, it will be ok to splash out every now and again. It’s natural to have times where you will feel unsure of yourself when you are travelling alone. So manicures, pedicures and massages are all good ways to get a little human touch, and replenish your wairua.
10. Travel Your Own Way
Remember that you are completely in control of the way you travel. This is your trip. So do things exactly the way you want to do them. Don’t be influenced by any outside ideas of how things ‘should’ be rolling out. Just do you. Try new and outrageous things. Relish the amazing experiences you will have; and enjoy your newfound feelings of courage and independence. You will discover just what you are capable of; and learn new things about yourself as you find your feet in the big wide world!
Do any of you out there have other tips for female solo travellers? Feel free to share by popping them in the comments box below if you do!
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