Stop telling women what not to do when traveling
Whether it’s headlines triggered by tragedy or finger-wagging tips on solo adventuring, women are constantly being told what to avoid when traveling.
We share our own alternative travel tips for women.
There are plenty of reasons to be tempted out of your hotel after sunset. Late night film showings in Art Deco cinemas, Taipei’s Ningxia Night Market, New York City’s neon skyline – to name a few. In fact, many hot countries just start to wake up after dark, so you’d miss half the fun if you battened down the hatches at night.
Obviously, there are exceptions to the rule. It’s best to check FCO advice. Officials might suggest avoiding using cash machines at night or driving in certain regions after dark.
Our trips are designed by people who know the safest spots for women travelers - and who are often female travelers themselves, keen to inspire others to experience the night markets and theatres of their home. They'll know all the tricks and tips for women traveling on their own in the evenings (as well honest advice on what is best to avoid).
Talk to strangers
Learn a few words of the local language. Say hello. Ask about the headlines in a newspaper a stranger’s reading – especially if it’s written in a language you can’t translate. It’s natural to be nervous to be the one to start a conversation. But once you take the first step, chances are you’ll find it hard to peel yourself away.
Unfortunately, unwanted attention from strangers is something that female travelers will experience more than men. If in doubt, small group tours or traveling with guides can be a great option for female solo travelers.
Hike solo
Join a tailored walking vacation. Local specialists will provide the most welcoming hotels for solo women and routes that are safe and that you're comfortable with, as well as emergency contacts in the off-chance they're needed.
Go home with people
It’s not unusual to get an invitation to dinner when traveling. It’s especially common in countries like Sri Lanka, where asking for recommendations of a good place to eat will land you with the obvious answer – an invite to your guide’s family home, because his mother makes the best lamprais in Bentota. If you’re unsure about saying yes, then feel free take the business card or phone number offered to you. You could always get back in contact when you’ve had a chance to consider.
There’s no quicker way to learn the rhythms of a country than traveling by public transport. School runs, commutes and weekends are all lived out across trains, buses and trams. It’s also one of the best ways to find your sea legs, giving you a good idea of city layouts, unfamiliar currencies and basic phrases. Our partners know which routes are safest for women traveling solo, so take their advice.
Stray off the path
Leave Red Riding Hood in the dust and take the road less travelled. We have a choice of off the beaten track tours that can be tailored to you in partnership with our experts, as well as small group trips that encourage you to get off the beaten track in great company.
We share our own alternative travel tips for women.
Photo by Luke Stackpoole
Stay out lateThere are plenty of reasons to be tempted out of your hotel after sunset. Late night film showings in Art Deco cinemas, Taipei’s Ningxia Night Market, New York City’s neon skyline – to name a few. In fact, many hot countries just start to wake up after dark, so you’d miss half the fun if you battened down the hatches at night.
Obviously, there are exceptions to the rule. It’s best to check FCO advice. Officials might suggest avoiding using cash machines at night or driving in certain regions after dark.
Our trips are designed by people who know the safest spots for women travelers - and who are often female travelers themselves, keen to inspire others to experience the night markets and theatres of their home. They'll know all the tricks and tips for women traveling on their own in the evenings (as well honest advice on what is best to avoid).
Talk to strangers
Learn a few words of the local language. Say hello. Ask about the headlines in a newspaper a stranger’s reading – especially if it’s written in a language you can’t translate. It’s natural to be nervous to be the one to start a conversation. But once you take the first step, chances are you’ll find it hard to peel yourself away.
Unfortunately, unwanted attention from strangers is something that female travelers will experience more than men. If in doubt, small group tours or traveling with guides can be a great option for female solo travelers.
Hike solo
Join a tailored walking vacation. Local specialists will provide the most welcoming hotels for solo women and routes that are safe and that you're comfortable with, as well as emergency contacts in the off-chance they're needed.
Go home with people
It’s not unusual to get an invitation to dinner when traveling. It’s especially common in countries like Sri Lanka, where asking for recommendations of a good place to eat will land you with the obvious answer – an invite to your guide’s family home, because his mother makes the best lamprais in Bentota. If you’re unsure about saying yes, then feel free take the business card or phone number offered to you. You could always get back in contact when you’ve had a chance to consider.
Photo by MOHAMED OSAMA
Use public transportThere’s no quicker way to learn the rhythms of a country than traveling by public transport. School runs, commutes and weekends are all lived out across trains, buses and trams. It’s also one of the best ways to find your sea legs, giving you a good idea of city layouts, unfamiliar currencies and basic phrases. Our partners know which routes are safest for women traveling solo, so take their advice.
Stray off the path
Leave Red Riding Hood in the dust and take the road less travelled. We have a choice of off the beaten track tours that can be tailored to you in partnership with our experts, as well as small group trips that encourage you to get off the beaten track in great company.
