BuzzFeed

19 Essential Travel Hacks Every Savvy Woman Should Know

By Jen Shiori Adams,

28 days ago

Whether you're planning a solo backpacking trip around Europe or you're going on a tropical island bachelorette trip, it's important to know how to protect yourself from scams and stranger danger.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1ngRaq_0vJ98ofA00 — Urbazon / Getty Images

As someone who plans on solo traveling in the near future, I've scoured the edges of Reddit travel pages and consoled friends for the best travel advice for women. Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list, and every rule might not directly apply to you, but take this as a guide for your adventures.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1qYO3q_0vJ98ofA00 — Eyeem Mobile Gmbh / Getty Images

Here are 19 helpful tips for your next travels:

1. Save copies of all your important documents on your phone.

2. Don't pack more than you can lift and carry by yourself.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0juNdz_0vJ98ofA00 — This might not apply to women traveling with other people, but solo travelers should definitely follow this rule.
Studio Ghibli / Via giphy.com

3. Save important phone numbers ahead of time.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1ArVFs_0vJ98ofA00 — Be sure to save the local tourist hotline, local emergency services number, and your home country's embassy line.
Gabrielpevide / Getty Images

4. Don't post social media pictures in real time.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2hwfeU_0vJ98ofA00 — Sadly, stalking is a very real thing that happens. Be sure to delay your posts at least until you've left the destination.
The BRIT Awards / Via giphy.com

5. Pack period products and medication.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4AFnBb_0vJ98ofA00 — It may be wise to bring your own supplies. Some countries don't sell over-the-counter medications for certain conditions like yeast infections or UTI's, so always err on the side of caution.
Manassanant Pamai / Getty Images

6. Exchange money in the local currency ahead of your trip.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=25oFMo_0vJ98ofA00 — The last thing you need is to be exchanging money at a random ATM or currency exchange stand. They'll likely charge fees and may not give you the best exchange rate.
Aleksandr Zubkov / Getty Images

7. Wear a fake wedding ring.

8. Research common scams in your travel destination .

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2a7x5z_0vJ98ofA00 — Be sure to research these, as there seem to be many . Be weary of taxis that pretend their meters are broken, as well as overly friendly locals who offer to give you the "best" exchange rate for local currency.
Prostock-studio / Getty Images

9. Send your daily itinerary to someone you trust.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2PSPtx_0vJ98ofA00 — Do this especially if you'll be alone for the day. In the event that something happens, your trusted contact will know that you're in danger.
Maksym Belchenko / Getty Images

10. Bring an anti-theft purse.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2hBy0n_0vJ98ofA00 — In busy areas, you'll want to have a zippered, cross-body bag that you can move to your frontside. Brands like BEIS and Madewell make great options.
Kseniia Kapris / Getty Images

11. Download an offline map.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3y7VtS_0vJ98ofA00 — They're always nice to have on hand, especially in areas without internet connection.
Oliver De La Haye / Getty Images/iStockphoto

12. Always know how you're getting to your accomodation from the airport and vice versa.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3OcIo1_0vJ98ofA00 — Make sure to research how you'll be getting to and from your accommodation. Most cities offer reliable public transport or shuttles that'll get you where you need, but it's always good to confirm. The last thing you want is to arrive and see that taxis are charging hundreds to get to your destination.
20th Century Fox / Via giphy.com

13. Consider booking a flight that arrives in the morning or during the day.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2oXmJI_0vJ98ofA00 — To ensure your safety, you may want to think about planning things so you'll arrive when the sun's still shining. Plus, this will give you ample time to get situated in your accommodation, and still have the evening to explore the city.
Mtcurado / Getty Images

14. Never leave food or drinks unattended.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=26jyjO_0vJ98ofA00 — This rule applies not just to travelers, but to anybody — you never know what might happen when you're not around.
Luiz Henrique Mendes / Getty Images

15. Join female traveler Facebook groups.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0m3dmO_0vJ98ofA00 — Many of these groups offer meetups with locals or other solo travelers, making this a great way to meet people with similar interests and plans. Obviously, be sure to proceed safely and never give out all your personal information to someone who seems dangerous.
Kar-tr / Getty Images

16. Enjoy group tours and guided activities.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=41RaxF_0vJ98ofA00 — Group tours are great ways to make friends and get an "expert" to guide you around the city. They're also nice because they usually require you to book them in advance and include tickets to an attraction, making that one less thing you have to stand in line for.
Fox / Via giphy.com

17. Always leave extra space in your budget for emergencies.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4eTOMJ_0vJ98ofA00 — You never know when you might need to book a new hotel, or when your shoes get ruined. Depending on the length of your stay, it may be smart to leave a few hundred dollars available in your budget.
Monthirayodtiwong / Getty Images

18. If you're going to a new country, watch travel vloggers who look like you to see what their experiences are like.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Q8Z2f_0vJ98ofA00 — Every country has their own set of prejudices. When I went to Italy, I received some pretty openly racist comments about my "Asian eyes." I didn't take it too personally, but it was definitely a bit of a shock to experience this. (Also, despite these comments, I still had a great time in Italy, so don't worry.)
Eval / Getty Images

19. Leave the flashy jewelry at home.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0chaS8_0vJ98ofA00 — This is pretty standard travel advice, but not only will you make yourself a target to pickpocketers and thieves, but there's a chance you can misplace these items.
E! Online / Via giphy.com

What do you think? Leave your best piece of travel advice in the comments!

Expand All

Read in NewsBreak

Comments / 8

Add a Comment

Mary Shrestha

25d ago

Sounds like good common sense advise that parallels with everyday living when going out in public regardless.

Ageekymom

27d ago

#2.. definitely only pack what you can carry. EVEN if you are not alone. No one else wants to carry your heavy bag.

View all comments

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Local News

Did Beyoncé file for divorce from Jay-Z over his alleged ties to Diddy?

Town Talks2 days ago

55 People Who Just Straight Up Had A Way, Way, Way, Way, Way, Way, Way, Way, Way, Way, Way, Way Worse September Than You

BuzzFeed20 hours ago

"I Know You Aren’t Trying To Hurt Me." Doctors, Nurses, And First Responders Are Revealing The Most "Haunting" Last Words They've Heard From A Patient

BuzzFeed1 day ago

Experts Are Finally Telling Us If Cutting Off The Mold From Cheese Makes It Safe To Eat

BuzzFeed2 days ago

3 Zodiac Signs Who Make The Best Husbands

Total Apex Sports & Entertainment13 days ago

24 People Who Confidently Posted Something Very, Very, Very, Very Very, Very, Very, Very Dumb Online This Year

BuzzFeed3 days ago

People Are Sharing Their "I Can't Believe Other People Don't Do This" Life Hacks, And I Can't Wait To Use These In My Own Day-To-Day

BuzzFeed3 days ago

3 Zodiac Signs Who Hate Children

Total Apex Sports & Entertainment3 days ago

3 Zodiac Signs Who Never Get Enough Sleep

Total Apex Sports & Entertainment13 days ago

Order Free COVID-19 Tests at the End of September

Alameda Post6 days ago

An Annular Solar Eclipse Happens October 2, 2024

M Hendersonlast hour

My Husband Demanded I Take His Name. 20 Years Later, I Made A Move To Reclaim Myself.

BuzzFeed3 days ago

21 Awful, Cheap, And Entitled Customers Who Should Be Banned From All Restaurants IMMEDIATELY

BuzzFeed3 days ago

3 Zodiac Signs Who Don’t Want to Get Married

Total Apex Sports & Entertainment18 days ago

14 Eye-Opening Confessions From A Woman Who Was Raised By A Throuple

BuzzFeed2 days ago

19 Iconic Superhero And Villian Costumes That Looked Incredible Onscreen, But Were Actually Pretty Miserable To Wear IRL

BuzzFeed1 day ago

12 Best Beaches in the World, According to Tripadvisor

mindfullyamerican.com29 days ago

Weekend Brunch at Home: Bloody Mary

M Henderson3 days ago

43 Absolutely Hilarious Tweets From The Week Because I'm Convinced 2024 Isn't Real, And I Need A Hefty Laugh

BuzzFeed23 hours ago

21 Of The Funniest Tweets That Went Viral This Weekend

BuzzFeed2 days ago

Festivals & Events Happening this Weekend: October 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

M Hendersonlast hour

15 Times Singers And Bands Revealed Their Backstage Demands

BuzzFeed2 days ago

Corporate landlord with 12,000 homes in CA agrees to $48 million settlement for deceiving renters

The HD Post6 days ago

One Of Thailand's Best-Ranked Beaches Is A Slice Of Uncrowded Paradise Amongst Phuket's Big Crowds

islands.com29 days ago

An American Mom Shared The Biggest Differences Between Raising Kids In The U.S. Vs France, And Yep, It Sure Is Different

BuzzFeed3 days ago

Sorry, Millennials — These Fall Fashion Trends Are Dating You, So Here’s What To Wear Instead

BuzzFeed13 hours ago

Prince Harry Forgiven, But Meghan Markle Left Out: A Birthday Snub Sparks Tension

André Emilio6 days ago

Chattel Slavery in the Appalachians of North Carolina

Town Talks15 days ago

Brown bananas, crowded ports, empty shelves: What to expect if there’s a big dockworkers strike in the US

The Current GA3 days ago

This Weekend’s Family Friendly Festivals and 21+ Beer Parties

Maria Shimizu Christensen19 days ago

It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:

Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.

Comments / 0

Community Policy