tips for women travelling solo
Mood: happy and hungry
Listening to: ruth sahanaya's
Start Smart
Even if you want to be unstructured, book at least the first night's accommodation in advance. It may cost more than you want to spend the rest of the trip for lodging, but this makes it easier getting your bearings and ensures you don't start the trip fatigued trying to get it all together right when you step off the plane in a foreign country.
Avoid Power Plays and Unwanted Attention
Advances can be thwarted by silence, no eye contact and quickly moving away from the source of irritation. Always trust your instincts. If you are really being pestered, go into a store or hotel and explain that you are a tourist and there is a person annoying you, that you are afraid and don't know how to handle it. Can they help by calling the police or telling the obnoxious person to go away? Works every time! Dress conservatively so as not to draw attention to yourself and take clues from the way local women are dressed.
Do Talk To Strangers
Some of the most meaningful travel experiences come from spontaneous invitations to join a person, family or group for a dinner or activity. Communicate with women, children and elders. Even if you don't speak their language, a smile goes a long way.
Wine & Dine Yourself
Eating alone comfortably is a skill you will quickly develop. Choose a lively cafe or bistro with lots of people. Consider sitting at the counter and watch your food be prepared. Take along reading and writing material. Enjoy watching people and the fine art of eavesdropping. Again, use that smile to reach out and make contact with the diners around you. Your conversations with them may be the highlight of your evening.
Avoid Romantic Destinations
Ask yourself if a destination is perfect for a honeymooners. If it is, then avoid this location (unless you are a romance voyeur).
So be brave and take the plunge - try traveling solo, you may become a convert. Remember, it is better to BE alone than to wish you WERE alone.
