Travel tips for solo female travelers

Arriving at a strange train station alone in the middle of the night is a very different experience for a woman than a man.

Women travelers always have a few more concerns than male travelers. Ignoring catcalls, being extra careful when walking alone, and dressing modestly when necessary are all issues that women deal with daily while making their way through the world.

Being a lone female traveler also opens a world of opportunities and experiences that are inaccessible to male travelers. Women can socialize with local women and get an inside perspective on a culture that may not allow males and females to socialize openly. A solo traveler is far less intimidating than a group or a couple and is more likely to be invited to partake in family life.

Along with the standard safety tips, Transitions Abroad has articles and travel tips from female writers about how to travel safely and with cultural sensitivity in regions around the world.

There is advice for women planning solo journeys to India, including advice for women traveling India solo by train. There are also tips for women venturing to Europe , Asia and the Middle East.

The article on East Africa is especially useful including tips on ways to avoid becoming unknowingly (and unwantedly) involved in a romantic entanglement, including:

• In Tanzania, if you shake hands with a male and his finger rubs the palm of your hand mid-shake, he is very interested in you. This will feel a little strange at first, but rest assured that it is not a traditional tribal handshake and under no circumstances should you enthusiastically recreate it as you shake hands with this gentleman’s family.
• In your efforts to meet new people and learn about East African culture, what you deem friendly behavior may be interpreted as encouraging of a romantic relationship. Chatting to a newfound friend on a long bus journey may well pass the time but be aware of the impression you are giving to your fellow—no doubt single—passenger. Many a pen pal agreement has led to persistent postal marriage proposals.

Inspiration abounds on the site, including an article by a woman who tells of her two year adventure traveling solo by van through Europe.

There are also tips on finding “Freedom and Friendship” on the road for those nervous about meeting others as they travel.

A few minutes on this site can inspire any female traveler to venture beyond her boundaries and explore safely and confidently.