
When I started traveling solo, some common fears filled my mind. This is something I had to battle before going on the first trip, and after that there was a whole new world, I got exposed to, and that is something I am not ready to give up now.
Apart from my fears, I heard many things that people often relate to solo travel for females. These solo female travel myths also scared me, but later, when I started traveling, I realized these were untrue.
These myths might just stop you from going on a solo trip. Let’s discuss what these myths are and debunk them.
Solo Female Travel Myths
Every woman should go on a solo trip once to explore themselves. It brings out an entirely new side that you have never met before. So, knowing that these sayings are just myths would give you that extra courage, which is precisely what you need to plan your solo trip.
Here are some of the solo female travel myths debunked.
Solo travel Is Lonely
People believe that traveling solo is lonely, but that is not at all true. You often connect with other travelers and locals on another level while traveling alone. It is about exploring yourself but also about making lifelong connections with people you never knew before.
One thing I like most about solo travel is that even if you are on your own, there are plenty of other people like you exploring the place. If you need any help, they can help you out. The theory that “stranger is danger” makes no sense in solo travel.
It Is For Single Women
When I was traveling solo, people often asked me why I was alone. Initially, I thought they asked me why I was traveling solo. But later on, realized that they were asking me why I was single. People believe that women who travel solo are single.
I am not denying that I am single, but I have met plenty of people on my solo trip who had a steady relationship and yet came on a solo trip. Some were even married. So, if you thought that because you have a significant other, you cannot go on a solo trip, now you know you can.
Women can have different interests. Solo travel could be one of them. It has nothing to do with whether a woman is single or in a relationship.
Traveling Solo Is Dangerous For Women
There is no denying that safety should be your top-most priority. However, it is also a fact that solo traveling is safe and can give you an amazing experience if you take some precautions.
Do some proper research before you travel, look for what are the best destinations for women traveling solo, what are the things you might possibly need, and keep a digital photocopy of all your important documents.
Rely on your instincts when you feel something is wrong and book well-reviewed accommodation. Various women choose to go on solo trips and come back with stories that inspire other women to start their journey as well.
You Have To Plan Everything Ahead Of Time
Well, this is something I believe in as well. I used to plan everything before I went on a trip. However, another fellow solo traveler, Sagnika Sinha, changed my entire perspective. I met her on my trip to North India.
She said, “A popular myth is women traveling solo should have a schedule and follow it to be safe and secure along with enjoying themselves. And yet, in my experience, going with the flow and not planning anything is equally fun amidst all the schedules.”
Sagnika said, “It gives you the freedom to explore and put your hair down. Overall, you get to taste the local culture and flaunt your style of living,” I couldn’t agree more.
Being an Introvert Will Not Work
People often told me since I am an introvert, solo travel was not really my thing. I will not be able to survive alone, where I have to communicate with strangers constantly. But it is quite the opposite.
You communicate with strangers smoothly when you are put in these situations. I, personally, have become more outgoing. Initially, it was difficult to start a conversation with people, but it got easier when we stayed in hotel rooms or shared a tent in an unknown place.
You Will Get Unwanted Attention All The Time
Catcalls are something you experience everywhere, no matter if you are with someone or traveling alone. But this is not always the case and does not have to stop you from experiencing this amazing thing.
What you can do is understand the culture where you are going and follow their kind of dress. Do not lose your calm, and be modest. Be respectful and assertive in every way possible.
However, some places are really safe, and you will meet some of the most helpful people when you are traveling solo. There is no need to panic and cancel a trip. If you are anxious, carry a Swiss knife and pepper spray with you.
You Need Experience To Travel Solo
Solo travel is like an open door for me. At one point, it was my first trip as well. You never need prior experience to go on a solo trip. However, if you are unsure, start with a destination you have heard of, where your other friends have traveled to at some point.
Also, there are a few destinations that are made for solo travel. Pick one from those locations if this is your first rodeo. After that, you can push through your boundaries and get into adventure travel.
Nightlife Exploration Is Not a Good Idea
I understand that safety is something that you have to prioritize when you are traveling solo. But that does not mean that you will not get out of your hotel room at night. Moreover, you should explore the nightlife as well. If necessary, consult with the people where you are staying, and they can guide you through it.
It is not possible to travel to a bustling city and not explore its nightlife. For instance, if you are visiting New Orleans, you will regret it if you do not explore it during the night. There are some specialized night tours that you can take, and this happens in various places. Just research well, and you will have something entirely else to experience.
So, Are You Prepared Now?
Well, these are some of the common solo female travel myths that I heard of, and which are not true at all. If these were some of the things that were stopping you from going on a solo trip, then I think I have solved the problem for you.
This is an amazing chance to explore yourself and get out of your comfort zone. There will be various obstacles and myths stopping you but get over everything and take your chance. At least once.
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