The Go-To Guide For Female Solo Travellers

#1 Start with nearby destinations

If you're new to solo travel, consider beginning with smaller ventures to gradually acclimate yourself to this mode of exploration. Choosing a destination that is relatively close to home, or where the predominant language aligns with your own can be advantageous for a start, before taking the plunge into solo international travel.

#2 Opt for the all-female transportation options when available

Several cities around the world have introduced all-female transportation options to enhance safety and comfort for women travellers such as:

• Pink Taxis in Cairo, Egypt: Cairo has introduced pink taxis, driven by female drivers, to offer a safer option for female passengers. 
• Women-Only Cars on Public Transport (Global): In various cities worldwide, certain public transportation systems have designated women-only cars during specific hours. This is common in countries like Japan, India, and Brazil.
• SheTaxis (SheRides) in New York, USA: An initiative in New York City, SheTaxis (also known as SheRides)
• Pink Taxi in Dubai, UAE: Dubai introduced a "Pink Taxi" service, driven by female drivers and exclusively serving female passengers and families. 
• Pink Rickshaws in Pakistan: In some cities in Pakistan, there are initiatives to introduce pink rickshaws driven by women to provide safer transportation options. 
• Taxis Rose in Paris, France: Taxis Rose is a service in Paris that provides female drivers for female passengers. It offers an alternative for women who prefer female chauffeurs. 
• Women-Only Buses in Mexico City, Mexico: Mexico City has implemented women-only buses on its public transportation system to address concerns about harassment.

#3 Seek directions from fellow women or mobile map apps

Getting directions from other women can offer a feeling of safety, as solo female travellers may find it more reassuring to communicate with someone of the same gender.

#4 Join all-female social groups

Engage with social media communities tailored for female travellers to connect with a supportive group in case you require assistance during your travels as a solo female traveller. Some examples include Solo Female Traveler Network and Girls Love Travel.

#5 Stay in exclusively female accommodations

Several accommodations around the world cater specifically to female solo travelers, examples include:

• Hotels or resorts which are completely for women or with women-only floors like Bliss Sanctuary for Women in Bali, Som Dona Hotel in Spain, Luthan Hotel and Spa in Saudi Arabia and Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya in Tokyo
• Female-only guesthouses cater exclusively to female travelers, offering shared or private accommodations. For instance, Akasaka No Sato Tokyo in Japan.
• Women-only Bed and Breakfasts like Duncot Bed and Breakfast in the UK, and Orsa Maggiore in Italy
• Women-only guest rooms in homestays which can be booked via specific female-only platforms like "GoWonder" or "Host a Sister"

#6 Tap on credit cards travel benefits which cater to women

Credit cards which cater specifically to women like the UOB Lady’s Card and DBS Woman’s Card provide benefits including reward points which can be converted to air miles, cash back benefits or other forms of rewards like grocery shopping vouchers and more.

Moreover, some premium credit cards provide access to airport lounges, and concierge services that can assist with travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, and other logistical details. These benefits can be valuable for solo female travelers who may appreciate additional support during their travel journeys.

#7 Use Multi-Currency Accounts (MCAs)

If you hold any of the renowned female-specific credit cards like UOB Lady’s Card or DBS Woman's Card, you may want to consider getting multi-currency wallets (MCAs) which are offered by your credit card issuing bank. DBS multi-currency debit card or UOB Mighty FX, for even greater convenience. Otherwise you can go for other MCAs like YouTrip, Revolut and Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) which are notable multi-currency account providers too.

Such MCAs have security features like encryption and two-factor authentication or even competitive exchange rates, potentially leading to savings on currency conversion fees. All these features give an additional layer of safeguarding for your funds, a critical aspect for solo female travellers, particularly in unfamiliar or crowded settings.

#8 Buy travel insurance

Travel insurance is extremely essential for you as a solo female traveller as it gives some form of emergency support and financial protection against unexpected emergencies, medical expenses, and trip cancellations, plus other important factors which include:

• Personal safety through liability coverage which safeguards solo female travellers in case they unintentionally cause harm to others or damage property. This aspect contributes to their personal safety during travel.

• Emergency evacuation coverage that is especially critical for solo female travellers, considering the absence of a companion to assist in emergencies. This insurance guarantees their transportation to an appropriate medical facility when needed.
• Coverage for unexpected medical expenses that can help to cover unforeseen medical costs, encompassing hospitalisation, doctor visits, and prescription medications. This is particularly crucial for solo female travellers seeking access to quality healthcare in foreign countries, ensuring they receive necessary medical attention without facing excessive expenses.
• Financial protection for trip interruption or cancellation: Travel insurance can offer reimbursement for expenses that are non-refundable and associated with trip interruption or cancellation. This provides financial security for solo female travellers who lack a travel companion to share unexpected costs.

#9 Stay connected with loved ones

Take photos subtly for security’s sake whenever needed. For instance, communicate your travel plans to a loved one or a close friend back home, providing details such as your Airbnb host's information or hotel phone numbers. Alternatively, share your location on your mobile phone every now and then. Also, prior to entering an Uber, taxi, or Lyft, take a photo of the vehicle's licence plate and share it with a loved one or a close friend.

#10 Pack light and bring portable security devices

Having fewer belongings minimises the risk of theft and reduces the need for constant vigilance over numerous possessions, it is also easier to navigate public transportation, walk longer distances when unburdened by excessive luggage. It is also great to travel with portable security devices such as a small wedge-shaped door alarm which can be placed a tiny bit away from the bottom of the door, so if someone tries to enter your room, this little device will give off a loud sound to alert you.