Western Union + Dear Alyne: Safety tips for solo female travelers

Getting Around By Dear Alyne May 29, 2018

Dear Alyne is a World Citizen and has been to 72 countries around over the Globe. She is a WU customer and guest blogger who we’ve teamed up with. Follow along with her adventures, here: https://www.instagram.com/dearalyne/ #Ad

More and more women are choosing to TRAVEL! But as we do so, it’s important to stay safe! I’ve traveled alone around the world multiple times and I promise you – you can do it! But for the best experience, it’s important to be prepared – so here are 5 tips to help you stay safe and get the most out of your solo trip.

1.) Choose the right destination

For first time solo travelers, some countries are “easier” than others. Choose places that are common destinations for backpackers so that you can more easily find friends along the way! Western Europe is a great first time destination as many locals speak multiple languages (usually including English), and cities are very tourist friendly with lots of security and streetlights in the evenings.

2.) Keep Your Valuables Safe

Even the safest travelers occasionally get robbed, but remember, it can happen anywhere in the world, even back home! Keep your passport in a safe place at all times and keep your money hidden in more than one place (my favorite hiding spots were in my socks and in an old empty cigarette case I found!). Just make sure it doesn’t slide out. I always travel with more than one credit card from 2 different banks, in case one gets frozen or stolen, you won’t have as much of a hassle! And on the few occasions I have lost money, it’s always nice to have Western Union to have family transfer you some money in a pinch.

3.)  Get a local SIM card.

Most people these days have smart phones which makes traveling a lot safer and easier. Even if you are traveling on a budget, I would ALWAYS advise to get a local SIM card with some data. That way when you take taxis, you can track their location and make sure the driver is taking you to the right place.

4.) Be Prepared for Taxis

Some of the most dangerous situations for solo female travelers are in Taxis. Avoid sitting in the front seat; if you get a taxi driver that asks you to sit in the front, don’t get in if you can, and get a new taxi. Ride sharing services are in most countries and many have technology enabled via an app so that you can track the driver if you leave something behind, or to see in which direction they are taking you. If you MUST get in a taxi, especially in countries where taxis are unregistered, take a photo of the license plate (and if necessary the driver and their registration card) and send it to a friend so that they can be tracked if anything happens.

5.) Stay in Hostels

When traveling solo, a great way to stay safe is travel with more people, and thus, make new friends! Many people travel alone, and when they do, they frequently stay at hostels. Hostel common and breakfast areas are a great way to meet other cool travelers and perhaps spend a day, or even a week with them! Many travelers take the same routes throughout countries, so if you’re really lucky, you’ll find a cool new friend that is traveling the same way as you!

There are many more tips to stay safe but these are a few to get started! Remember to always be aware of your surroundings, avoid going out alone at night, and have FUN!

Safe Tips for Solo Female Travelers: https://www.facebook.com/dearalyne/videos/141007473250016/