Just a mere two generations ago, the notion of females embarking on solo journeys was considered unconventional. Fast forward to today, with a lot of hard work, this has changed dramatically, and we live in an era where women confidently travel the globe with friends, partners, family, strangers or solo.
This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the power of investing in women by not only empowering solo female travel but also encouraging a deeper understanding of women in diverse cultures.
One thing I adore about travel is that we not only invest in ourselves but contribute to the growth and support of women worldwide.
Inspiring Women in Travel
One of the most powerful memories I have of an inspiring woman I met during my travels was perhaps at the least expected moment. A local woman we met on the beach in Sri Lanka asked us to skip dinner at our resort and eat at her restaurant. By ‘restaurant’ it was a table in her front yard. The food was absolutely delicious, fresh fish, dhal curry, homemade pappadums, rice and salad- all for $10 each. We asked her to sit with us instead of waiting on us and her sons also joined us for a short time. The young mother told us her story and details of the tsunami in 2004 which hit the coast of Sri Lanka very hard. She was heavily pregnant with her first son at the time, and they lost their house and only a few years later while still rebuilding she lost her fisherman husband at sea. She was working full time and supplying tourists with dinners to be able to afford for her sons to have English lessons and hoped this would mean they wouldn’t have to work out at sea like her late husband. It was our final evening in Sri Lanka, so we gave the majority of our Sri Lankan Rupee for the meal, she cried and promised to give half of it to the boys’ school so families experiencing a difficult time could receive help. I very much believed her. The strength, determination and resilience she had will stay with me forever.
Cultural Learnings
During my extended stay in Dubai, I had the opportunity to learn a great deal about their customs and compare them to our way of life back home. One day, while at a women‘s-only salon getting my nails done, I realised that my preconceptions about how different we are were completely off the mark. A group of my colleagues were chatting about boys and opposite us, local women were doing the exact same. The room was downstairs in a ladies-only room, so they felt comfortable removing their hijab and underneath had newly dyed hair, impeccable makeup and branded clothes I could certainly not afford. Giggling with their friends and soon with us, I learnt so much more in the one hour than I had in three years of working there. Beyond the superficial differences, we discovered shared joys, fears, and the universal language of female camaraderie.
How can we say no to experiences like these? Travelling as a female can be daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s explore how it can be a positive and safe experience below.
Safety for Female Solo Travellers
Understandably, safety is one of the biggest drawbacks for females travelling alone. However, there are many tips to increase your safety, so you can enjoy a safe and positive experience.
- Smartraveller is a useful resource for travellers to prepare for upcoming trips and stay informed about health and safety information for their destinations.
- Researching your destination so you understand the local customs and culture will not only increase your safety but will help you to remain respectful to the locals also. For example, if travelling to the UAE you should cover up when in public areas such as local markets or shopping centres.
- Don’t wear an abundance of jewellery or expensive items that could make you a target for pickpocketers.
- Stay connected with family and friends at home and update them on where you are (e.g., accommodation details). Give your travel agent permission to speak with them or share your itinerary if needed.
- Stay in busy and safe areas, particularly if you plan to go out during the evenings.
- Use reputable transportation services. For example, I often used the Ladies Taxi service in Dubai, driven by women drivers and distinguished by pink roofs. Also, many rideshare apps can send their tracking to other contacts, so they know where you are.
Ladies Taxi service in Dubai
Countries to Begin Your Solo Journey With
Travelling to countries declared the safest due to various reasons, can be a good start for women starting their solo travel adventures. According to the
Norway has one of the lowest crime rates. Image Credit: Visit Norway
Women-Only Tour Groups
If you are apprehensive about travelling solo, tour groups are a great way to visit amazing destinations, while having the safety of other like-minded people and travel professionals with you.
Many reputable tour companies host women
Many groups will often have meetings or the ability to virtually connect before your departure so you can meet some of your new travel companions, making your trip seem less daunting. Embarking on these group tours can also enrich your travel experience with expert guidance, time efficiency, stress-free planning, cost-effectiveness and access to exclusive sites.
Alternatively, many people want the security of a tour, but not the inflexibility of having a set schedule. Consider doing several short tours broken up with solo days or select tours with some downtime where you can select your activities during your leisure periods.
Adventures in Good Company
As we continue to celebrate the evolution of female travel, let’s commit to a culture of learning, understanding and supporting women across the globe. Despite some apparent dissimilarities in our lives, let’s recognise and cherish those universal threads that connect us. For even if we travel solo, our journey is never truly a lone adventure, it’s a collective adventure and an investment in womanhood across the globe.
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