Expert advice for female solo travelers

It’s a sad reality that when arranging a solo trip, ladies have a lot to think about and worry about.

According to recent data, more than half of women report they are concerned about their safety when traveling alone, however there are numerous benefits to traveling alone. And women should not be left out.

Women should not have to do anything differently or take any additional safety precautions when traveling alone in an ideal world. However, we are where we are, and adopting extra precautions could mean the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime solo vacation and feeling unable to go.

From making sure you do your research on your trip to keeping your valuables and cash safe, Wizz Air’s travel experts have provided their top suggestions to assist solo travelers feel safe while abroad:

Pre-trip research

Before embarking on your first solo trip, it’s critical that you complete your homework.

‘Read reviews of hotels or BnBs you’re considering to make sure the area is safe and close to amenities like public transportation,’ advise Wizz Air’s travel specialists.

‘If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s tempting to dismiss reviews in order to save money, but you should make sure there are plenty of reviews available, since this will help you understand where you’ll be staying.’

They go on to say that if you’re a social person, staying in a hostel’s shared room is a fantastic chance to meet new people while still keeping your solo traveler liberty.

‘Many hostels provide female-only dorms, which are designed for solitary travelers and lady groups, so it’s a good idea to look for these.’

Lock up your valuables

Nothing ruins a vacation like having your belongings stolen, so be cautious to offer yourself the best chance of keeping your belongings safe.

‘If you are staying in a hotel room, keep your valuables locked in the safe, usually provided, to give you peace of mind,’ say the experts. ‘If you are staying in a shared room in a hostel then most will provide lockers, so ensure you travel with a lock and keep the key on you at all times.

‘Hotels are also not generally responsible for items in your room, so if you do have anything particularly valuable then it is advisable to leave them with the front desk.

‘A reputable hotel will give you a written receipt that you have left your goods with them, meaning if they do get lost then they will be liable for this.’

Purchase a local SIM card

The EU limits on roaming charges no longer apply in the UK as of December 31, 2020, which means the amount your phone operator can charge you to use your phone in EU nations is no longer capped – potentially causing your bills to spike.

‘Because each mobile operator charges differently for roaming, you should check ahead of time to see how much using your phone while on vacation could cost,’ warn the experts.

‘Being overly cautious about using your phone in case of high bill prices puts you in danger because you won’t be able to contact anyone if you feel threatened.’

‘When you first arrive, consider purchasing a local PAYG SIM card to use while traveling, and compile a list of loved ones’ phone numbers as well as your destination’s emergency numbers.

‘If you plan on traveling extensively this year, you should consider upgrading your existing phone rate to include data roaming, since this will save you money in the long run.’

Inform your loved ones of your plans

Let your friends, family, and loved ones know an approximate schedule of your vacation before you travel, so that if something happens to you, they’ll know who to contact.

‘If you intend to go with the flow and don’t have a detailed plan in place, at least give loved ones a basic notion of where you’ll be staying,’ the experts advise.

‘We’re all guilty of forgetting to send the required “I’m home” text, so don’t add to the stress by allowing a trusted family member to follow your location.‘

‘There are a variety of apps that let loved ones know what you’re up to, giving them peace of mind that you’re safe. If they can’t find you in an emergency, they’ll be able to contact the appropriate authorities.’

Notify your bank

If your bank discovers an apparently random payment from a local pub in Spain, it may flag the transaction as suspicious and freeze your card. This could result in some really awkward situations.

‘In an increasingly cashless environment, having your card and account stopped on the first day of your vacation is arguably the worst thing that can happen, and can put you in a vulnerable position,’ says the Wizz Air specialist.

‘With this in mind, bring enough cash to last you until your card is unfrozen, lost, or stolen, and keep the cash hidden to avoid losing it as well.‘

‘Inform your bank before you leave to avoid any misunderstandings and having to phone your bank while on vacation. You can do this by calling them, or you can create a holiday on your account online with many banks.’

Hide from prying eyes

‘Avoid wearing like a tourist and instead dress as casually as possible to avoid calling attention to the fact that you are a solitary traveller,’ experts advise.

‘In fact, you should observe how locals dress to aid in the selection of your attire. If you see locals, for example, covering specific parts of their bodies, you should do the same. This will not only help you fit in, but it will also ensure that you do not appear rude.’

Wizz Air’s specialists recommend avoiding flaunting your pricey valuables about to blend in.

‘A thief will see your expensive camera or new smartphone and immediately recognize you as a target,’ they add.

‘While carrying a phone or a camera is unavoidable when traveling, there are ways to conceal these high-value items. Instead of keeping your camera in a dedicated camera bag, store it in a modest and unobtrusive bag.’

Make a backup plan for yourself

If you be mugged while out and about, another expert advise is to bring a dummy wallet with you to hand over – and keep cash hidden on your person.

‘Flat money belts that are tied beneath your clothes can store cash, cards, and other valuables, or you can be creative for a budget way,’ they explain.

‘Use a tampon applicator as a makeshift wallet to hide cash – it’s quite unlikely that a robber will seek a tampon.’

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