TOP 10 TIPS FOR FEMALE SOLO TRAVELLERS

More and more people are travelling solo as a way for self-discovery and character development. It's fantastic to explore and see what the World has to offer, but its important to stay safe out there. We know that for some of you, this may be your first time travelling to another country alone. Just to help you out, here are our top 10 tips for female solo travellers. Enjoy! :-)

(1) Only use Official Taxis

Check with the information point, the airport officials or hotel information point and find out where the official taxis are. Do not go into a taxi that you have not called for.

(2) Arrive in the daytime

Arrive in the daytime; there will be a lot more people walking around that can help you.  Also, trying to find your way around a city you have never been to is a lot less scary in the daytime.

(3) Learn the places to avoid

Research the city or country you will be visiting in advance. Find out which parts of the city are safe to stay in. Do not compromise your safety just to save money. Make sure you have travel insurance, take the taxi instead of walking at night. Be very vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

(4) Photocopy your travel documents

Losing your passport or flight tickets is a common problem and can ruin your vacation. To avoid this, make sure to have photocopies of your passport, flight tickets and any other important documentation. Put a copy, in your bag, in your purse, in your hotel room or have it saved in your phone. You never know when you might need it.

(5) Avoid giving away personal information

While travelling solo, you will meet a lot of interesting people. Remember to be vigilant and do not let strangers know what hotel you are staying in. Also, do not tell the person you are alone.

(6) Check out travel alerts

Check for any travel alerts in the country you will be visiting and look out for any alerts on wars or any other state of emergency situations. In addition, research the common crimes and scams in the country so you are well prepared and watchful.

(7) Dressing Requirements

Some countries are a lot stricter than others in terms of dressing. Before you travel check on the dressing requirements for that country or city and dress accordingly.

(8) Listen to the Locals

If locals or hotel staff tells you to not go to a certain area because it is dangerous. Do not go. In more nuanced situations, always follow your gut.

(9) Act Confident

Even though you may be unsure of yourself at times. Always act confident and assertive, it will make you less of a target.

(10) Let people know where you are

Visiting a new country or city is very exciting and you can get so caught up in the fun that you forget to update your

TOP 5 TRAVEL HACKS FOR LONG HAUL FLIGHTS

(1) Good Seating

When it comes to good seating. You cannot leave it to chance. When booking your flights see if there is a way to select your seats beforehand. The exit aisle on the plane usually has more space. On the day of your flight don’t be shy to ask at the check-in if exit aisle seats are free. Also another hack is that if there are 3 or 5 seats in a row that are free, you pretty much have a bed.  

(2) Exercise

To avoid getting cramp while on your flight it is important to take a stroll down the aisle in order to get blood flowing through your body. You can do other light exercises such as knee ups and shoulder rolls to loosen your body up. You can do these light exercises in between films and game sessions to create a bit of routine.

(3) Entertainment

Remember to preload your tablet or smartphone with some movies or TV shows to watch. Create a flight playlist and download a few games that you know you can play for hours. Remember to ask the airline if they will have WiFi or USB outlets on the plane. It is also important to have noise cancelling headphones to get you in the zone and fully relaxed for your flight. Also, remember to carry a high capacity charging battery for your devices.

(4) Pack smart

When everything important is in your backpack you will sleep so much better on the plane knowing all your stuff is with you. 

So much time is wasted waiting to collect your luggage from the carousel. When you have your backpack with you it’s nice to be able to get off the plane and head out the airport and begin enjoying your trip.

(5) Catch up on stuff

A long flight is the perfect opportunity to finish editing those images, organise your photos and finish that blog entry you never had the time to get round to. It’s also a great time to think of all of the things you aim to do and the places you want to see once you get to your destination.