THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR FIRST TIME SOLO FEMALE TRAVELERS

People might tell you it’s dangerous to travel alone as a woman but despite what anyone says traveling solo is liberating! Throughout your travels remember to always have a positive attitude! It changes everything despite what's going on. Be there for yourself, be fearless, be confident! You got this girl! With that being said, let's get into these tips!

1. Trust your instincts

Trust your instincts, your intuition never lies! Keep that always in mind! This is the key to traveling solo. It has been a lifesaver for me! Your body can pick up on negative vibes so listen to the voice in the back of your head. if something feels off, it usually is.

"A woman Knows by intuition or instinct what is best for herself." -Marilyn Monroe

2. The first step is the hardest

The world is not as scary as the media portrays it to be and if you are constantly watching the news, you will get discouraged to travel. But let's be honest for a second, crimes happen. They are inevitable! However, that shouldn't discourage you from wanting to explore the world. Don't get me wrong, danger is real, fear isn't, so take the risk! Nevertheless, you should definitely stay updated with everything that is going on and whether it is safe for you to visit wherever you are going. Once you take the first step, everything afterwards is easy breezy! Just remember to stay vigilant and have fun.

3. You are a guest

No matter where you go never forget that you are a guest in that country, but you are also representing your own country. So respect local customs, don’t lose your manners, and always remember politeness and a smile go a long way.

4. Keep your family or friends updated on your whereabouts

It's crucial and for your own safety to let your family or friends or both know your whereabouts, no matter where in the world they may be. I like to send my flight information, my location, and everything to my best friend. We made it a routine for me to check in constantly, so if I go a day without responding she immediately knows something is up. When traveling, I always have my location on my phone turned on. That way if things do go wrong, it can easily be traced to my last or current location.

5. Get a visa or get deported

It's crucial to know which countries require a visa and which don't. For some countries you can obtain a visa on arrival versus for others not so much. So before planning a trip, always make sure to check the country's Embassy or Immigration & Customs website for more information.

6. Keep paper copies/pictures of your passport/important documents

You never know what can happen on the road, so it's better to be prepared. I like to keep pictures on my phone and several paper copies with me just in case. Make sure trusted people also have a copy or two of those documents. Preferably your parents or people you fully trust back home.

7. Culture shock: change the way you think

You will experience culture shock and instead of judging things you see that are different than what you are used too, think about how interesting they are and what you can learn from them. It’s all about perception.

8. Language

I believe this one is pretty self-explanatory. Simply Learn a few phrases in the local language to ease your experience even if it is only learning the basics like “Hello, thank you, bye, and etc. “ Trust me it makes a difference.

10. Pack light, pack feminine care

It's the easiest way to travel light as a solo traveler. If you can avoid carrying a luggage DO IT! You will save yourself from so much hustle. Always pack your feminine care products because you never know what can happen on the road.

11. Always carry cash

Your Credit Cards may not always work. I travel with both a visa and a mastercard and the only places that have taken my credit cards were tourist places in Thailand & Macau. Some countries such as China, have their own credit cards and don't accept foreign cards yet, so if you want to avoid many frustrating trips to the ATM’s, bring cash.

12. Dress like a local

One thing to keep in mind is that there is safety in blending in. You don't want to be an easy target so try to avoid dressing like a tourist. Dressing like a local isn't only safer but it also leads to better travel experience overall.

13. Catcalling

Unfortunately, this one is universal. It will happen. it's not about where, but a matter of when. And when it does, don’t be phased by it! Don't let being catcalled in a foreign country intimidate you. Give it no attention, ignore it, and keep being the fabulous amazing woman that you are!

14. Be prepared to see dress codes for women

Double standard is part of the culture for many countries. Some countries are very conservative so they tend to have a stricter dress code for women.That's just the way it is, so dress the part. Here is a shocker, in China, I saw majority of women in mini skirts. It really doesn't add up because China is such a conservative country.

15. Be open to meet new people - Unlearn Stranger Danger

Making new friends as a traveler is way easier than school. I know right, who would've thought? Many solo travelers are eager to meet other solo travelers which makes everything even way easier.

"Don't trust strangers" does not apply here anymore. Yupe, I said it! This goes back to what I was saying about instinct earlier. I learned how to read a situation, so if I don't get good vibes I leave.

One of my ultimate favorite part of traveling is when I meet and befriend other travelers and locals. I have spent a night with a local family, and it has been my absolute favorite experience by far. I have made friends for life. People are always curious so the stories you here and the conversations you will have will inspire you. It is totally normal and okay to not open up at the beginning. It always comes down to your instinct so trust it. Be open minded but also be cautious.

16. Try something new

Jump outta of a building, Play with wild animals, Eat weird-looking foods, learn new skills or whatever your heart desires. It's good for the soul and you will definitely meet a bunch of other travelers and make new friends easily doing different activities. Trying new things is the best way to bond with others and get in touch with your inner adventurous side. It's also the best confident booster.

17. You can't see everything, plan ahead, plan smart

No matter how hard you try to see everything, you will eventually realize that you cannot see everything! If you try too hard to experience it all, you will exhaust yourself, and you will not be enjoying your trip because you are too focused on trying everything. To avoid that from happening narrow down the main things you want to do, see, and experience first. Then, look up what else you can explore in that place, what's unique about this place - things you won't experience anywhere else. Figure that out first, and then plan accordingly.

18. Be prepared to Improvise

Sometimes plans don't go as planned. Whether it's flight delays, weather change, or whatever the circumstances might be, don't let that stress you nor ruin your travels. It's okay, take a deep breath. Not everything is supposed to go smoothly. We all been through it so don't let that stress you out. Stay Calm, stay positive, think and improvise.

19. Social Media is your best friend

Use hashtags and locations to find out where to go and what to do near your location or the places you want to check out. However, Be smart and never post your location until you have left. I also use Tripadvisor to help me with my itinerary but the best thing about social media is that even the local post pictures of hidden gems that can come in handy. Every time I plan on traveling somewhere I use Instagram as one of my main tools. Use your resources. You'd be surprised how much easier things can be.

20. Hostels aren't a must

Many travelers won't stop talking about hostels, but I hate the idea of sharing a room with complete strangers. I'm sorry but that is not for me. Besides, I am a light sleeper so hostels are a no go. That is why I always go for hotels that are within my budget range.I use Agoda most of the time to book my hotels. I personally don't feel like I am missing out on any special experience by avoiding the hostels. It's up to you whether you want to do Couchsurfing, hostels, Airbnb, or hotels. Do whatever fits you best.

21. Treat yourself

Never feel guilty for splurging on what is important to you whether it is going on a shopping spree, getting inked, dinner at a nice restaurant, an additional tour, a nice hotel, or a night out with new friends. Do it and enjoy it guilt free. You deserve it!

22. Respect the cultures & laws

This one is an obvious one but as much as we all want to be cultural respectable, that's not always the case. Sometimes you will find yourself disagreeing with certain cultures. At times, it gets hard to understand or respect other cultures when it interferes with your own beliefs. Certain behaviors you see or laws you come to learn about will piss you off. You may feel that they are inhumane or go against people's rights, but you need to keep in mind that people around the world don't follow and live by the same laws and not everyone's culture is as pretty as it seems. This lesson took me a while to learn, but remember you learn and you grow.

23. Learn how to take your own photos

I personally only use a tripod and my iPhone! Before my tripod, I did have to go through the whole

self-timer, run, pose struggle which was annoying. It can get hard to ask strangers to take a picture of you especially if it doesn't come out the way you want it, and that can get frustrating. So, to make your life easier I have narrowed it down to 3 type of strangers you should be asking to take your pictures. Check out my blog how to get strangers to take amazing pictures of you.

24. Walk Everywhere

I love walking! if I can avoid taxis I absolutely will! Taking public transportation can be problematic at times but cost efficient and fun if you know what you are doing. As much as I get lost walking, I always find new things to do and find places I didn't see online nor have heard off. Walking gives me a peace of mind. Besides, being able to wander freely does the body good.

25. Avoid tours

Avoid tours when possible. I hate the idea of being on a time limit, getting dragged with a group and just jumping from place to place. It's way more fun to explore on your own. And many times you will see more, do more than if you went on a tour. In some places you will need to book a tour and that's fine. My advice, do a private tour if your budget allows.

26. Keep a journal

This was an advice from my dad and it may sound ridiculous but hear me out. Keeping a journal is the best way to reflect on all the little things that you've experienced during your travels. Once in awhile, I like to read through my journal and I'm always remembered of the things that excited me, things I had forgotten about, places that took my breath away, stories I have heard, the people I've met, the culture shock I've encountered, and more. Looking back on these memories I see how I have grown over time and how much I have actually experienced. It makes me proud of myself, so thanks dad! Now you see why I love keeping a journal. If vlogging is your way, go for it. Anything counts.

27. Headphones on = World off

This is simple because we all do this. Best way to avoid people is to have your headphones on. But if you are trying to meet new people this is not the best way. You have to be approachable which means headphones off, phone away. Know when and when not shut the world off. It's good to enjoy your own time and get lost in your music but keep them headphones away when you are in unfamiliar places, hiking, walking during the night, and etc. Stay vigilant of your surroundings it's easy to get lost in your own world when you are so into your music.

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Let me end this blog by saying this, it's okay to be scared. If you are unsure of traveling but you really want to do it here is my advice, go to a place that calls to you, where you can experience everything you dreamed about. It doesn't necessarily have to be a foreign country it can be another city another state. It's all about baby steps. The more you experience the easier things get.

So these are my tips. Let me know below if you found my guide helpful or if you have any additional tips you. I'd love to read and learn more :)

Good luck!

#Guide