Get your solo travel right

Nobody starts out as a wonderfully confident solo traveler. This is something that comes over time as you become more comfortable finding your way by yourself and making your own choices.

However, solo women who look lost or confused can often attract the wrong kind of attention so, here are some safety advise for women:

♦    Do your homework: You can travel better simply by understanding why you want to go where you want to go. Dig down. The initial inspiration may come from a book you read or a movie you watched, but surely there's more to the story. Understand your intent, what's drawing you to the destination, and you'll have a more enriching travel experience.

♦    Book in Advance: While it's a good idea to keep your itinerary flexible, avoid the temptation to procrastinate until the last moment when it comes to booking flights and accommodation. Do your research and make the bookings ahead of time as it's more economical and convenient.

♦     Pack light: You're going to save money and be more mobile if you pack light. It requires a bit more planning to have a wardrobe that stretches from hiking boots to high heels, but it can be done. Choose a base colour (black, brown, beige, navy), a contrast colour (white, beige…) and a colour or two to accessorize and pull it all together.

♦    Share your itinerary with someone you trust: Always keep at least one trusted contact (a friend, family member or a colleague back home) in the loop when you're traveling alone, suggests Coyan. Keep them informed about your accommodation and flight details, full itinerary, credit card and travel insurance details, etc.

In addition, share the front desk number of your accommodation with them for emergency purposes. Staying in touch is a way to assuage the fears of your loved ones, but if you find yourself in trouble, they would also be able to locate you much more easily than if you had been vague about your whereabouts.

♦    Act like you know where you are and what you're doing: Try not to look scared, lost or confused when you're going somewhere as it makes you seem vulnerable.

If you think you've lost your way or feel uncertain, seek help from someone reliable. The key is confidence, especially when it comes to safety.

Even if you've no idea where you're going or feel unsure about the route, keep your head up and act like you know exactly where you are headed.

♦    Trust your instincts: When you're traveling alone, it's crucial to stay cautious and read situations in an instant. If something feels off, walk away from that place or person immediately.

♦    On your belongings: Keep your passport and other important documents secure. Have backup copies on you and at home with your trusted contact.Stay more vigilant in crowded spaces.

♦    Prioritise safety: If possible, opt for day tours. Even if you're exploring on your own, travel during daytime.

You should also have local emergency numbers and your accommodation details with you wherever you go (and never ever share the latter with anyone you meet).

♦    Don't get wasted: It might seem obvious but getting blitsed drunk while you're traveling alone is a big no-no.

v Spend extra money on staying safe: It's important to budget extra money toward staying safe. It means that if your flight is scheduled to land in a rough city late at night, you should spend more money on a guesthouse that will pick you up right from the airport instead of taking a bus into town and trying to find a guesthouse on foot.

♦    Meet other women travellers: You can build friendships with women around the world. My favorite way is by staying at hostels.

♦    Take a break from technology: Women lead busy lives. To really relax you may want to back off social media for a while. A break from screens and technology, both of which can be incredibly addictive, will help you discover yourself more fully.

♦    Stay local, buy local, meet locals: By planning well you will have a better understanding of how to be supportive of the local economy.

Buy local crafts, eat local food, stay in locally-owned accommodation so that the profits don't leave the country. And as you do all of this, connect with locals. This will give you much on which to reflect.