Travelling solo
What women travellers need to know
Male or female, there's nothing to beat the feeling of striking out on your own, exploring the world as you like without worrying about anyone else's likes and dislikes. Women travelling on their own can attract attention they'd rather not so Cheapflights' in-house travel experts have put together these tips to help keep female travellers safe and sound.
Attractive as the idea of going with the flow is make sure you build in enough plans and activities to give yourself a framework. Leave your itinerary with family and friends and set up regular check-ins - a call, email, tweet or blog update every few days.
Don't be flash, just bring as much as you need. A backpack full of gear - phones, camera, computer - will identify you as a, rightly or wrongly, rich tourist and may make you vulnerable to theft.
Always have accommodation booked for the first night of your stay in a new area and ensure that your room is safe, ie, locked from the inside with secure windows and balcony.
Make use of the hotel safe. When you leave your room ensure that valuable items too big for the safe are fastened securely in your backpack and then lock your backpack to something solid such as a railing or pipe. Some round-the-world travellers advise taking along two heavy-duty padlocks, one to wrap around your backpack and one to fasten it to the heaviest, most solid thing in your room.
When out and about be aware of your surroundings. And if you are meeting new friends or fellow travellers pick a public place and do so during daylight hours. Never leave a drink unattended and keep an eye on how much you consume especially when you are in a new location.
One way to feel comfortable when away is to seek out the company of other women. Markets can be wonderful, colourful places to take the pulse of a destination and are usually filled with women selling and shopping.
Don't assume that your destination will sell your can't-do-without items. Bring your favourite brands of pain killers and even feminine hygiene products.
Updated January 2012