Traveling alone is one of those things that can be incredibly exciting. It can be empowering and culturally enriching, giving you plenty of opportunities to discover new cultures and meet new people. Yet, it can also be dangerous as there are plenty of things that can go wrong.
This is especially true for women traveling alone, as you may be more at risk. After all, where you’re traveling to may not have the same kind of police presence that you have back at home, and you may be susceptible to more dangers than you would be under normal circumstances.
The good news is that taking a few extra precautions can help preserve your safety and comfort when traveling. To help you, here are some of the most common mistakes that women make when traveling, and what you can do to avoid them.
Not Researching Your Destination
The first thing you should always make sure you do is research your destination ahead of time. You can find yourself in a place that’s much more dangerous than you imagine if you just do a little bit of homework ahead of time.
While spontaneity can be fun, knowing the culture and what to expect in it can help you avoid potential safety risks. Not to mention, it can avoid awkward or uncomfortable situations. Spend a little bit of time getting to know the local culture and customs and whether or not certain attire will create a problem.
Get to know the social norms and how to interact with locals, and learn a few basic phrases. The more you can prepare yourself for adjusting to the new culture you’re visiting, the less likely you’ll be to encounter uncomfortable situations.
Overpacking
While there’s something to be said about preparedness, and having everything you could ever possibly need with you, there’s a fine line between being prepared and just plain overpacking. Hauling around heavy bags can be burdensome, and can weigh you down metaphorically and quite literally.
It can be difficult to get from one place to the other hauling around multiple heavy bags, from navigating public transportation to getting through airport security. Do yourself a favor and pack lightly. Not only will it make your troubles much less burdensome, but it will also be safer. You’re much more likely to be robbed if you seem like you have a lot of belongings on you.
Not Trusting Your Gut
There’s definitely merit in trusting your instincts. If you ever sense that a situation feels off, it’s wise to heed those feelings. If your gut tells you that something might be dangerous, always act on that instinct.
