The 21st century woman is fearless and many travel the world alone, especially female entrepreneurs and in this short article, we offer solo female travellers a few travel hacks.
- Choose your destination wisely – Obviously, some nations are safer than others and a few would present significant danger to a solo female traveller. Do a deep dive into the country and then you can make an informed decision; you could always ask one of your friends to accompany you if you are worried about travelling alone.
- Use an e-sim – We all know how expensive roaming services can be; charging high per-minute rates can make a sizeable hole in your budget. E-sims are relatively new and buying a local unlimited data package means you are connected 24/7. Google is your best friend and you can compare packages and prices; plus, you should find out about coverage, especially if you are planning to visit remote regions.
- Arrange pick-up at your destination – If you are staying at a hotel 5 star in Manila, you could request a limo pick-up, which means you arrive fresh and relaxed and you don’t have to negotiate in a strange country.
- Book for at least 2 nights – If you are planning to go with the flow and see where it takes you, we advise you to book 2 nights at your chosen hotel; that way, you have the following day to make a decision on your next move. You can do this via their website and many 5-star hotels have specials running, especially in the low season.
- Keep credit cards and cash in separate places – Imagine losing your purse to a pickpocket and it contained all your local cash, your dollars and your credit cards! This makes total sense; some girls wear a money belt around their waist, which contains their cash, passport and insurance documentation.
- Take photos of passport photo and visa pages – Stored in your smartphone, these images allow you to show ID without having to get your passport out and should the worst happen and you lose your passport, at least you have a record. This would save a lot of time when you get to your embassy for a replacement.
- Use ATMs that are located inside banks – ATM fraud is on the rise and with sophisticated digital devices, outdoor ATMs are susceptible for scan readers. This reduces the risk of being scammed and that has to be a good thing. If you are unsure about your next beach holiday destination, here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.
- Never leave drinks unattended – If you are sitting at a bar in the evening, don’t leave your spot until you have finished your drink. It is oh so easy for someone to put a drug into your drink and we all know where that can lead!
- Don’t get drunk alone – This one might be obvious, but it is especially pertinent for a solo female traveller; if you must sink a few, do it in the safety of your hotel room or in the hotel bar, which can be considered safer than an outside venue.
We hope the above hacks help you when you plan your next solo adventure and whether you are going to Manila or Bangkok, prepare well and enjoy the experience.
