In 2012 an opportunity arose for me to join a walking tour of Sicily, but I had to travel there by myself. Not wanting to miss out, I did my homework before I left, and loved the freedom of travelling alone.
My motto is “Don’t be scared, just be prepared”. If you’re a solo traveller about to embark on a trip, then read on for my top tips for travelling alone overseas.
If you’re prepared for all situations, then you’ll be able to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Photo: Sea to Summit.
Here are my tips for any female taking on solo international travel
1. Do research before your trip
Check that your passport is current and valid for a minimum of 6 months after your trip end date, and if visa’s, injections are required. Organise these once your trip is booked.
2. Get travel insurance
This is a must for anyone going overseas, as it’s good to be prepared in case you need to visit a doctor on your trip.
3. Book before you go
Book at least your first nights accommodation before you depart, and know how to get there.
4. Make copies of important documents
Make 3 copies of all important documents – passport, visas, tickets, itinerary, travel insurance. Carry one in hand luggage, one in a suitcase and leave one at home with family/friend. I like to email myself a copy, just in case. One of the above copies could be on a USB, but make sure it is stored in a secure place.
5. Keep in regular contact
Arrange to keep in touch with at least one friend or family member while away.
6. Register before your trip
Register your travel plans with Smart Traveller and check current travel warnings. Info is also available on local laws, health risks etc.
There are heaps of steps you can take to make solo travel safer and less stressful. Photo: Sea to Summit
7. Write down important phone numbers
Add important phone numbers to your mobile phone contacts before leaving home such as family/friends, Australian consulate, police, emergency for the countries you are travelling, accommodation, and your bank card services.
8. Be aware of credit card and passport chip scanners
Keep chip credit cards, passport (the new ones all have chips) in RFID scanner blocker. There are a number of purses, wallets or sleeves on the market that can help block chip scanners.
9. Prepaid currency cards
Consider a ‘Travel Money Card’ or ‘Cash Passport’. These are prepaid currency cards available from foreign currency exchange booths, Australia Post and some banks.
10. Notify your bank
If taking a credit card for extra security notify your bank of your travel plans and contact details.
11. Have a backup
Have a backup plan for extra money – don’t rely entirely on the internet for money transfers.
12. Look up the health risks
Do some research before departure on health risks, animals, insects, public transport, protocol and culture. It can be an insult to do some things that we take for granted in Australia.
13. Learn the language
Learn some basic language for the country you are visiting. Simply knowing how to say ‘hello’ can break the ice.
14. Make sure you know the serial numbers of your phone and other devices
This way if it does get stolen, you will be able to identify your phone and it will help for insurance purposes as well.
15. Keep your wits about you
This is an obvious one, but highly populated tourist areas are a hotspot for thieves so try and find the happy medium between taking in the sights, and paying attention to what’s going on around you.
If you have any further advice for anyone who is preparing to travel alone? Let us know in the comments below.
As a keen traveller, bushwalker and birder I have a passion for the Australian bush, particularly the outback.
Hi Bea,
Your site is a great find. I’m not form Australia but migrated here 10 years ago. I’ve always been a camper and traveller but have never dared to do it alone. A recent break up here has liberated me somewhat and now i’m looking forward to a personal challenge.
Your tips on travelling alone is very informative and I will be starting a solo trip up the Stuart Highway, a journey i’ve always wanted to do!
Thank you.
Wow Interesting. I love to traveling & some tips I look for some tips & advice that i can use for my traveling. Thanks for sharing these useful tips I will keep in my all the above mentioned tips for my next trip. And will try to share with my other friends also.
I feel travelling is a true education, first hand but also a great way to lift your spirits and become energised. So enjoy your travels. As I write I am just unpacking after a trip to the bush. Not far from home but it was still inspiring and rejuvenating. Thanks for your comment.
My girl friend at the time has traveled solo to Japan, Australia, and numerous other countries. She has always been safe, but took many of the precautions listed in the article. Language was a problem in Japan, but sign language and gestures got her through (where’s the toilet?)
She’s also traveled some with another woman so they could have fun while watching each others back.
Hi,
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad to hear your friend stayed safe on her travels by being well prepared for her journey. I also found in my travels in Australia and overseas that it is easy to link with like minded people and found safety in numbers, even if only when required. It’s marvellous when language is a barrier how a few gestures, a nod of the head and a smile can help you find what you want.
Thanks again.