Spontaneity is the spice of life, and when adventure beckons, it can be difficult to resist the urge to pack your bags and explore the world.
If you are preparing for your first solo trip, excitement may outweigh your nerves – and that can be a good thing.
However, before throwing caution to the wind, a little preparation can go a long way towards making your journey safer, smoother and more enjoyable.
For many women, solo travel is about more than simply visiting a new destination. It can be an opportunity to claim your independence, build self-reliance and step outside the expectations of everyday life to discover who you are on your own terms.
Solo travel can also change your relationship with solitude. Being alone does not necessarily mean being lonely.
Quiet meals, long walks and time spent taking in a new destination can provide an opportunity for reflection and allow you to become more comfortable in your own company.
However, freedom and spontaneity should still be balanced with preparation, particularly when visiting an unfamiliar destination.
If you are a woman planning your first solo adventure, here are some important solo travel safety tips to keep in mind.
Trust your instincts
Never underestimate your intuition. If a person, place or situation makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself as soon as you safely can.
You do not have to remain in an uncomfortable situation simply because you are worried about appearing rude.
When travelling alone, your safety should take priority over politeness.
Share your itinerary with someone you trust
Before leaving, make sure a trusted friend or family member has important information about your trip, including your flight details, accommodation and general itinerary.
Consider sharing your live location with someone you trust while you are out exploring. Regular check-ins can also provide reassurance, particularly when travelling somewhere unfamiliar.
Pack light and smart
When you are travelling solo, you are responsible for your own luggage, so avoid packing more than you can comfortably manage.
A suitcase or backpack that you can carry or manoeuvre yourself makes navigating airports, train stations, public transport and busy streets considerably easier.
When sightseeing, consider using a secure crossbody bag that closes properly and can be worn close to the front of your body.
Keep your phone charged
Your mobile phone can be one of your most useful travel tools. From maps and translation apps to transport bookings, accommodation details and emergency calls, you may rely on it throughout your journey.
Carry a fully charged portable power bank and charging cable with you, particularly when heading out for a full day of exploring.
It is also useful to keep important addresses and emergency contact details somewhere other than your phone in case the device is lost, stolen or damaged.
Try to arrive during daylight hours
Where possible, book flights, trains and other transport so that you arrive at a new destination during daylight hours.
Finding your accommodation and familiarising yourself with an unfamiliar neighbourhood is generally easier when businesses are open, public transport is running frequently, and there are more people around.
If arriving after dark is unavoidable, arrange your transport to your accommodation in advance and research your route before travelling.
Secure your accommodation
Whether you are staying in a hotel, hostel or holiday rental, check the security of your room when you arrive.
Lock your door properly whenever you are inside and avoid giving strangers your room number or exact accommodation details.
Some solo travellers also choose to carry a portable doorstop or travel door alarm for an additional layer of security.
Research local customs and dress appropriately
Before travelling, familiarise yourself with the culture, customs and expectations of your destination, including any conventions around clothing.
Dressing appropriately is not only respectful to the local community but can also help you feel more comfortable and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself as a visitor.
Researching local etiquette, common tourist scams and areas travellers are advised to avoid can also help you navigate the destination with greater confidence.
Keep a low profile
Meeting new people is one of the joys of travelling, but you do not need to share every detail about your trip with everyone you meet.
Avoid telling strangers exactly where you are staying or giving them detailed information about your movements.
If someone you do not know asks whether you are travelling alone and the question makes you uncomfortable, you are under no obligation to disclose that information.
You should also be mindful about posting your exact location on social media in real time.
Consider sharing photographs and location tags after you have left a particular place.
Enjoy the freedom - but stay prepared
Your first solo trip can feel intimidating, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Travelling alone gives you the freedom to set your own pace, follow your interests and change your plans whenever you choose.
It can teach you to trust your judgement, solve problems independently and become comfortable navigating the world on your own.
Preparation does not mean travelling in fear. It simply means giving yourself the tools and information you need to make informed decisions along the way.
So pack your bags, do your research and embrace the adventure. The beauty of solo travel is that the journey – and every decision you make along the way – belongs entirely to you.