Whether an inconvenience or ruin, these are completely avoidable, so be prepared and aware!
1. Not Trusting Locals
If your natural instinct is to be warm and friendly with everyone you meet, then embrace it and feel free to get to know locals when the opportunity arises. While important to be cautious, it is also important to know that not all locals are looking to scam or bother you. They might be just as interested in your culture as you are in their own.
2. Not Being Assertive with Unwanted Attention
Nobody wants to be rude to friendly locals, but if you are getting unwanted attention from someone, it is important that you are confident and assertive in telling them that you are not interested.
In some cases not taking this step will make men bolder in talking to you and may act as an encouragement. I’ve found it’s best to remain friendly, rather than getting visually angry, and firmly ask to be left alone.
3. Not Researching Local Culture
A major mistake that travelers can make is not researching the common customs in the destination they are visiting. It is crucial to know the etiquette, especially when it comes to what to wear for solo female travelers, because the last thing you want to do is draw unwanted attention to yourself or come off as offensive to the local culture. Make sure to read up about the local customs and avoid those classic tourist errors.
4. Not Sharing Travel Plans
The freedom that comes with solo travel provides for an unparalleled experience, but it is essential to make sure that someone knows of your travel plans. Even if you are taking a day trip out into the city and have no one else to tell, let someone behind the front desk of your hostel or hotel know your plans. This will not only reassure your friends and family that they know where you are likely to be, but it can also be a vital lifeline if something goes wrong.
5. Being Careless with your Day Bag
When you are traveling solo, you lack an extra pair of eyes on your belongings, so it is important that you are well equipped to handle a day of wandering around unfamiliar streets. I recommend a cross body bag that zips or latches up, and that is not easily accessible to pickpockets.
6. Not Being Prepared for an Emergency
Not knowing what to do if you do find yourself in an emergency can be detrimental to yourself and your trip experience, so it is important to have local emergency numbers handy, and to know how to ask for help in the local language. Always have a translator app handy on your phone in case you need to get a local’s help or find the nearest police station in an emergency.
7. Not Getting Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most important things that you can purchase for any international trip and, especially if traveling solo, it is something that you should never leave home without.
Travel insurance can cover everything from cancellations or trip delays, to doctor visits and emergency medical procedures. World Nomads Insurance is good as it can be renewed online if an extension is needed.
8. Flashing Expensive Items
Theft happens around the world and even cities like Amsterdam and Paris have problems with pickpockets. You can reduce the risk of being a target by keeping your valuables concealed while out and about. Inside pockets sewn into all your pants are the best. Keeping expensive gadgets, like your smartphone or camera, concealed in a day bag is a great start, and not drawing attention with expensive or flashy clothing can help to reduce the chances of being a target.
9. Not Trying the Local Cuisine
This is a massive loss in many destinations, as the best food in every country comes from where the locals eat. !unfamiliar cuisine can be sometimes be intimidating. It gives a better insight into local culture and, while it may not always be your new favorite dish, you will hardly regret trying something new!
10. Not Packing Your Confidence
Friendliness and a smile can go a long way when exploring a new destination. Always be your most confident self and you’ll find that solo travel becomes an empowering and life-changing experience.