19 Essential Travel Hacks Every Savvy Woman Should Know
Whether you're planning a solo backpacking trip around Europe or you're going on a tropical island bachelorette trip, it's important to know how to protect yourself from scams and stranger danger.
As someone who plans on solo traveling in the near future, I've scoured the edges of Reddit travel pages and consoled friends for the best travel advice for women. Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list, and every rule might not directly apply to you, but take this as a guide for your adventures.
Here are 19 helpful tips for your next travels:
1.Save copies of all your important documents on your phone.
Your passport, ID, plane tickets, hotel reservations, and any other important documents should be saved as PDFs on your phone, especially if you don't have a reliable wifi setup.
2.Don't pack more than you can lift and carry by yourself.
This might not apply to women traveling with other people, but solo travelers should definitely follow this rule.
3.Save important phone numbers ahead of time.
Be sure to save the local tourist hotline, local emergency services number, and your home country's embassy line.
4.Don't post social media pictures in real time.
Sadly, stalking is a very real thing that happens. Be sure to delay your posts at least until you've left the destination.
5.Pack period products and medication.
It may be wise to bring your own supplies. Some countries don't sell over-the-counter medications for certain conditions like yeast infections or UTI's, so always err on the side of caution.
6.Exchange money in the local currency ahead of your trip.
The last thing you need is to be exchanging money at a random ATM or currency exchange stand. They'll likely charge fees and may not give you the best exchange rate.
7.Wear a fake wedding ring.
The quickest way to get out of an awkward convo.
8.Research common scams in your travel destination.
Be sure to research these, as there seem to be many. Be weary of taxis that pretend their meters are broken, as well as overly friendly locals who offer to give you the "best" exchange rate for local currency.
9.Send your daily itinerary to someone you trust.
Do this especially if you'll be alone for the day. In the event that something happens, your trusted contact will know that you're in danger.
10.Bring an anti-theft purse.
11.Download an offline map.
They're always nice to have on hand, especially in areas without internet connection.
12.Always know how you're getting to your accomodation from the airport and vice versa.
Make sure to research how you'll be getting to and from your accommodation. Most cities offer reliable public transport or shuttles that'll get you where you need, but it's always good to confirm. The last thing you want is to arrive and see that taxis are charging hundreds to get to your destination.
13.Consider booking a flight that arrives in the morning or during the day.
To ensure your safety, you may want to think about planning things so you'll arrive when the sun's still shining. Plus, this will give you ample time to get situated in your accommodation, and still have the evening to explore the city.
14.Never leave food or drinks unattended.
This rule applies not just to travelers, but to anybody — you never know what might happen when you're not around.
15.Join female traveler Facebook groups.
Many of these groups offer meetups with locals or other solo travelers, making this a great way to meet people with similar interests and plans. Obviously, be sure to proceed safely and never give out all your personal information to someone who seems dangerous.
16.Enjoy group tours and guided activities.
Group tours are great ways to make friends and get an "expert" to guide you around the city. They're also nice because they usually require you to book them in advance and include tickets to an attraction, making that one less thing you have to stand in line for.
17.Always leave extra space in your budget for emergencies.
You never know when you might need to book a new hotel, or when your shoes get ruined. Depending on the length of your stay, it may be smart to leave a few hundred dollars available in your budget.
18.If you're going to a new country, watch travel vloggers who look like you to see what their experiences are like.
Every country has their own set of prejudices. When I went to Italy, I received some pretty openly racist comments about my "Asian eyes." I didn't take it too personally, but it was definitely a bit of a shock to experience this. (Also, despite these comments, I still had a great time in Italy, so don't worry.)
19.Leave the flashy jewelry at home.
This is pretty standard travel advice, but not only will you make yourself a target to pickpocketers and thieves, but there's a chance you can misplace these items.
What do you think? Leave your best piece of travel advice in the comments!
