FIRST-TIME SOLO TRAVEL TIPS FOR FEMALES
With lack of a better place to post this, I’ll be writing this here in the rare event a young girl Googles for information and finds this handy little guide. If this post helps even one person, I’ll be very happy!
Just some background information: this is written by an 18 year-old female who similarly went on her first solo travel at 18.
#1 - DO YOUR RESEARCH FOR SAFETY CONCERNS.: I went to Japan and luckily, it’s also renowned for its safety, so I didn’t have to think as much about safety concerns. However when choosing a destination, always, always research on it and include keywords like ‘solo female’ to read on others’ experiences and see if the destination’s okay for you. Also, know yourself well! Some locations are touted as ‘safe’ – but for the average girl who’s dealt with catcalls and pickup lines and knows how to remain calm in such situations. Me, a relatively sheltered girl, has never had to dealt with this. Hence, the destination isn’t as ‘safe’ for me as for others. So know what you’re capable of in keeping yourself safe in this world, because sadly the world still hates women.
#2 - AIRPLANE TICKETS ARE KIND OF A LIE.: I was extensively researching before buying my tickets, reading many articles on when is the supposed ‘best’ period to get cheap tickets. And they all have wildly contrasting information. What I found worked best for me was in small part asking those around me who had travelled to the same location and how much they paid for it, using Skyscanner, and my own judgment.
When using Skyscanner, searching for ‘the whole month’ is useful because you get to see which dates flying in and out are the cheapest within that month. I had been pretty undecided on which part of Japan to visit, so what I did was compare prices of the month against all the airports in Japan to get a sense of what was the ‘average’ price of tickets to Japan. From there, I could calculate what was a good deal.
Also, not using Incognito isn’t always bad. While you want to hide your searches so that ticket prices won’t be inflated for you, helpful advertisements also pop up sometimes that offer a good deal when they ‘realise’ you’re trying to travel. I ended up getting my tickets from Expedia for less than $500.
It’s hard to say when’s a good time to get tickets. I’ve heard and read stories of cheap tickets from being booked 6 months prior to a trip, but also a mere 2-3 months before. Other sources cite 2-3 weeks. Hence, my tip is really to just start searching as soon as you’re committed to making a trip, but don’t be too hasty in sealing the deal.
#3 - YOUR AIRBNB SHOULD BE BOOKED PREFERABLY 3 MONTHS PRIOR.: I started booking mine 2 months before and was dismayed to find a number of Airbnbs already reserved during my trip - even though I thought booking 2 months in advance was already plenty of time.
Also, be careful about picking your Airbnb. I never booked a place that had no reviews. I prized those with reviews left by other female solo travellers.
#4 - LEARNING THE LOCAL LANGUAGE ISN’T ESSENTIAL, BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.: You don’t need to be fluent, but some basics are good. Basics include:
- Good morning/afternoon/night
- Hello/goodbye
- Thank you
- Please
- Excuse me (to get someone’s attention)
- Asking where a place is/directions
- ASKING FOR THE BILL (you’ll be dining alone a lot and need to know how to leave!)
- Help! and it’s variations like ‘Someone’s groping me’, ‘Thief!’, etc …While people can help even if you don’t know a lick of the language, it’s always easier. Plus, it’s more fun to be able to converse to locals. I’ve had very lovely conversations and met extremely kind people thanks to being able to somewhat converse in Japanese.
I think I’ve addressed most worries I had before I booked my trip, and that other solo female travellers (particularly young ones like myself) might have. Solo travelling is extremely fun; you get to work life at your own pace. :) While it’s nerve-wrecking just before leaving, know that it’s worthwhile!
