Travelling solo can be one of the most enlightening and empowering things you will do. You will learn a lot about yourself, and the world around you. It offers you the opportunity to truly be yourself, or anyone you want to be. I am still learning more about myself with every trip; the way I act and react in certain situations shows me more about myself than if I were to never step out of my comfort zone. However, as with anything in life, solo travelling comes with its fair share of highs and lows. As a seasoned solo female traveller, I have made more mistakes and ended up in more sticky situations than I can count. Most of these have ended up many in hilarious stories (and a few that I would never tell my parents), but all have shaped me into a more resilient and knowledgable woman. I have collated the biggest mistakes I can think of for other wanderlust-driven women to learn from my experience. But don’t worry if you forget and make your own mistakes too; they are all part of the learning process that will ultimately help you grow and develop into another badass explorer.
- Not trusting locals
While it is natural to have doubts and worry about being tricked or conned, it’s important to remember that locals are often genuinely willing to help you. Of course, trust your instincts but also embrace a positive and friendly attitude towards the local people as it will prove to be incredibly useful. You may have the occasional person who is happy to trick a trusting tourist, but in general, locals appreciate your support, respect for their culture, and are more than happy to lend a helping hand. By developing these connections, I have discovered the best places to eat, hidden gems that are not overcrowded with tourists, and even received small gestures of generosity along the way.
2. Not researching the local culture
The easiest way to avoid unwanted attention or feeling unwelcome is to research the culture and etiquette of the local area. This is especially important when it comes to dressing appropriately, as many destinations have more conservative norms than what we may be accustomed to. By respecting their local culture, not only will you avoid discomfort, but you’ll also find that locals are more inclined to offer assistance and guidance, appreciating your cultural sensitivity.
3. Overpacking
My word when I look back on some of the stuff I have taken travelling I can’t help but laugh. When you’re at home and excited for your trip it is so easy to over-order crap online and pack your backpack perfectly to make it all fit. But you have to remember that when you are on the move, you will not be packing everything neatly before your 7am ferry. You will have dirty clothes, buy things, and generally won’t be bothered to rearrange everything everyday. Ultimately, you will end up wearing the same cycle of outfits from the top of your bag and the best thing is, no one judges because they are all doing the same thing too.
4. Looking lost
I quickly learnt the importance of always looking like I know what I’m doing, and where I am going. There are people who will take advantage if you are wondering around, stressing while looking at the map on your phone and generally looking vulnerable. By projecting an air of confidence, you not only deter potential opportunists, you cultivate self-confidence. This way, you navigate with a sense of purpose, knowing that you’re not entirely lost and can selectively seek assistance from those you trust, rather than panic and rely on unsolicited help.
5. Feeling like I have to be busy, all the time
When travelling you may feel like you have to constantly stay active. However, it’s important to remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to take some time for rest. If you want to spend an evening or a day in your room, watching a film or simply unwinding, then that is completely ok. If you don’t have the energy to socialise, take yourself to a quiet dinner and have an early night. Just because you are in a new place, doesn’t mean you have to exhaust yourself to feel like you are experiencing it to the fullest. Allow yourself the freedom to find the right balance and prioritise self-care during your journey.
6. Not doing what you want to do
Expanding on the above point, don’t feel guilty if you don’t feel like doing the top activity on Tripadvisor because it doesn’t align with your preferences. Spending time, money and energy on doing something just to tick it off a list will compromise your values and integrity. Of course, I want to encourage you to try as many new experiences as possible but if you are not interested in history, or long walks, you don’t have to spend your day on a historical walking tour of Rome. Remember that you have the freedom to shape your adventure according to your own interests.
7. Not trying local cuisine
Now, I am probably the worst person to give this advice. For the first 5 years of travel I actively avoided trying local foods. But I do regret all of the things I might’ve missed. Don’t get me wrong, I still won’t expand my palette to things that are truly far from my comfort zone, but I no longer look for Western food on the menu. Truthfully, the Western food is generally miles and miles worse than the local food as local people possess a wealth of experience and expertise in their own culinary traditions.
8. Not sharing my location and plans
It is important to disconnect while you are away but it is equally important for people to know where you are and what your plans are. Sharing your location through apps lie Find My Friends is a good way so you don’t have to keep people constantly updated, but they will know your general location and area. If you are venturing off the beaten track, you can also let people in your room, or those working at reception know where you are going and what time you plan on being back. It won’t take long, but it can make a massive difference in terms of your safety and peace of mind.
9. Being careless with belongings
Back home, I am generally not very diligent when it comes to taking care of my belongings. While I am generally more vigilant while travelling, you can never be too careful. I have been in a bar with friends where one of us had their phone on the table which got stolen. Make sure you keep an eye on your bag at all times, not even just for pick pocketers but you are generally travelling with a lot of stuff that can get misplaced or lost easily.
10. Not being confident and assertive
Even at home, if you are catcalled or approached, the best results often come from being nice, but assertive. Being rude or shouting can embarrass the person which may make the situation worse. Drawing attention by being loud enough, confident, but nice is generally the best way to turn down unwanted attention.
Conclusion
I would recommend that everyone embarks on a solo adventure at least once in their life. All of these mistakes can be avoided, but also can happen at home. Taking a trip by yourself, no matter how small, can be a transformative journey that can empower women to discover their own strength and independence. Embracing and sharing the mistakes we make along the way is part of the learning process. By learning from the errors of others, we can navigate through the world with more confidence, cultural sensitivity, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of travel.
Amiego 