Iga Motyiska, who has collected passport stamps from 47 countries, shares 11 tips about travelling with confidence as an independent woman.
Before I left for my first solo trip to Asia in my early twenties, my over-protective parents planned a movie night. But instead of a coming-of-age flick, it was Liam Neeson playing Bryan Mills with his ‘particular set of skills’ in Taken. While that didn’t calm my nerves, it did help me become a badass in my own right. I empowered myself with ninja-level preparedness and a ‘What would Bryan Mills have me do?’ mantra to deter opportunists looking for an easy target.
1. Knowledge is your superpower
Before jetting off, research your destination thoroughly. Learn how local customs, religion and laws influence what is expected of women, especially in conservative countries or at religious sites. Understanding the way of life helps you to blend in and avoid unwanted attention. Travel forums highlight common tourist scams, unsafe neighbourhoods and high-risk activities, based on other travellers’ experiences.
2. Never leave home without a few copies
I keep certified photocopies of my passport and visa, emergency cash and a spare credit card separate from my cross-body bag, which holds my medical and travel insurance as well as emergency contacts. My travel documents, including my itinerary and confirmations (accommodation, activities and tickets) are uploaded to the cloud and shared with my family. It’s easier to edit or print on the go, while keeping everyone up to date.
3. Pack a punch
Boost your confidence and situational awareness with a self-defence class and pack a personal safety device (whistle, flashlight, alarm, knuckle duster, seatbelt cutter, window breaker and pepper spray) into your checked-in luggage for extra peace of mind. Always have it within easy access.
4. Stay online
I buy a local data SIM card (roaming or an E-sim work too) so I’m always online. This allows me to enable location-sharing apps or features on WhatsApp (up to 8 hours), Google Maps (up to 24 hours), “Find My Phone” for Apple or “Find My Device” on Android, as well as navigation apps.
5. Digital Lifeline
Pin a ‘travel group’ or broadcast list of trusted contacts to the top of your WhatsApp chats to easily call, message or voice-note numerous people in an emergency. Agree on covert distress code words ahead of time. If you need to be subtle, use conversational language to discreetly convey important details as if you were catching up. Finally, save your emergency contact information and medical details on your phone’s lock screen. Also, be sure to inform the South African embassy/ consulate in your destination about your trip via DIRCO.
6. Make connections
Unless you want to spend 6 time alone, ask friends to connect you with their network in your destination. Use the ‘Girls Love Travel’ Facebook group for advice, or to meet other travellers or locals (in a busy public place after ‘stalking’ them online). You can overcome loneliness by joining verified group or day tours (based on online reviews). Luckily, many travel companies are eliminating single supplements to make solo travel more affordable.
7. Be vigilant
Keep your valuables hidden and leave flashy jewellery at home. Even if you’re single, wear a cheap dummy wedding band on both hands. Be mindful of what and how much you share with strangers, even if they seem harmless. Make up a believable story about your travel companion/s and always mention that someone’s expecting me.
8. Learn the lingo
Learning key phrases in the local language goes a long way, as well as “help me”, “no”, “I don’t know you”, “call the police”. Use Google Translate to write these phonetically in your notebook, too. Master the universal hand signal for help: hold your hand up with your thumb tucked into your palm, then repeatedly fold your fingers down as if trapping your thumb.
9. Ride smart
E-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, Grab, Cabify) allow you to share your trip details. If an unregistered taxi is your only choice, photograph the vehicle, license plate, driver’s ID and car registration documents. Snap a selfie with the driver and send it all with your live location to your WhatsApp group. Keep essentials on you at all times, in case you have to leave the car unexpectedly.
10. Trust your instincts
My golden rule is to always trust your instincts. If a situation feels dangerous, don’t worry about being polite or disturbing the peace. Be deliberate with your boundaries – your safety always comes first.
11. Safest countries
Peaceful, low-crime countries that advocate for gender equality – such as those in Scandinavia and particularly Iceland – top the list for best places for solo female travellers. My subjective list includes Austria, Canada, Japan, Loas, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Poland, Seychelles and South Korea. While these precautions may seem like a Bryan Mills-level of pedantic, they will help you discover your inner strength. Trust your instincts when you explore the world with a bold sense of confidence as you create life-long memories.
By Shai Rama
Photographs: Getty, Pexels, Unsplash
Also read: Our top 3 budget-friendly travel tips
