Lone Female Traveller Tips!

By now, both internet and facebook newsfeeds should be filled with articles encouraging young people to go out there and experience the world, spurring them to travel alone and discover themselves in a foreign environment. 

I have to say, most of the things in these articles are true. I've been toying the idea for years, weighing my options and of course, assuring my loved ones I am streetsmart enough to handle out of the ordinary situations. It took me a while to muster enough courage (and ALOT of research) to leave home for 10 days and embark on a journey, just for myself.

(First day in Sydney, May 2015)

I would say it's a lot easier for the guys. For the female travellers (especially first timers), there's tonnes of things to take note of when you make this step. So here are a few tips I find relatively useful before and during your journey! 

LOCATION

THIS IS KEY! To your safety that is. I'd love to go backpacking in places like Cambodia or Indonesia but for first timers, it's just not wise.

Go for places that are recommended for the ladies, I personally feel Australia is fantastic to experience both city and suburban lifestyle. Japan, Canada and Norway are all pretty awesome for female travellers (on my list too!). If you a little extremist and all about that quirk, totally into shying away from city life, Bhutan will be my top choice. 

You can also refer to many sites appointing lists of safe cities and countries to go for solo travelers! Here's one for 2015: http://www.internationalwomenstravelcenter.com/content/2015-list-safest-countries-world-women-travelers

Remember, your safety is key! 

ACCOMMODATION

First of all, do extensive research. When I booked mine to Sydney, I chose to divide my 10 days up to Airbnb (obviously in the suburbs) and a hotel in the city.

If you are garang enough, you can choose to save tonnes of money by going to backpackers hostel and lodgings, but be prepared to meet many strange/fun people from all walks of life and make sure you secure your belongings! 

It took me awhile to decide on my Airbnb lodging, with obvious reasons. Recently there's been news circulating on how unsafe it can be when you make your reservations through them but so far with 3 different trips, all my hosts were wonderful/helpful people with really awesome homes. 

(My beautiful 4 days stay in Randwick)

Just ensure that you read the reviews carefully and ALWAYS contact the host first to make sure that you feel comfortable with him/her! Bear in mind to also share your accomodation details with your loved ones, like location, contact person, etc. With enough research, I'm sure that you will enjoy some of the accomodation that Airbnb provides! (#notsponsoredpost)

(The other 5 nights in 57, Surry Hills)

I settled with 57 instead of a hostel due to my nitpicking hygiene habits. I did the same research even when it comes to hotels, don't slack when it comes to things that might compromise your safety. 

BLENDING & BELONGINGS

Blend in well with the people, which means no flashy clothes and belongings. You don't want to be eyed for that super mini skirt you are wearing or that $10,000 bag you are carrying.

It sucks I know, to not be able to be yourself and wear whatever that you want but hey, dressing down and not fussing about make up or what to pair what with can be quite therapeutic. Bring along a backpack or a small sling bag to put your essentials (cash, cards, phone, passports) and leave that baggy Prada, YSL, etc wallets back at home. Try to refrain from bringing valuables onto your trip!

Stay simple, be among the crowd and don't risk yourself being too eye-catching on certain unwanted attention.

STREET SMART

Be prepared for unique situations to arise, like harassment/touting or even worse off. Always know what and who you might be dealing with. You don't have to be a karate black belt to fence off situations like this but know where you are heading and what's in store for you. If you can't, stay off areas that are well known to have these happenings. 

(King's Cross with the famous Coca Cola billboard)

During my trip to Sydney, visiting King's Cross was on my list as I heard about the the notorious night life. Unfortunately, there were also many articles and advices from friends that this place should be avoided (even with the 3am lockdown) if you are not in a group as the whole street is well known to have fights, brawls and all the happenings that a lone female traveller should avoid. 

So always know the numbers to call during an emergency and if you are out in the streets late at night, stay with the main road when you can and always keep a lookout for suspicious characters looming around. Need be, SCREAMMMM! 

MAKE FRIENDS!

This might sound a little grey as you might not know who you are dealing with but what's a trip like without knowing a friend or two? 

I was lucky to have met Mai, on the plane! I noticed her sitting by herself and a friendship blossomed from a pen. Needed one for the immigration form and she was nice to have loan me hers, in which we started chatting and eventually exchanged contacts. Like me, she was on her own solo adventure and eventually visiting her boyf in Perth! 

Having Mai around in Sydney (though we don't meet everyday) also gave me a small sense of security as I know we have each other to fall back on should there be any hiccups during our trip.

(My adventures down south!)

This was the best decision I have made in 2015 and also one of the best adventures I've ever had. I had a lot of time to myself, setting my own directions, creating new adventures and re-look into my life again. I came home feeling rejuvenated, empowered and injected with fresh new perspectives. The only regret was not giving sky-diving a shot due to lack of funds! 

So if you are thinking about it, don't hesitate, do it.