Taking a trip can be an exciting experience, from the moment the tickets are booked to the whole time you spend developing an itinerary. Over the last few years, I was lucky enough to travel quite a lot and become familiar with different cultures, traditions, and places.
As a borderline germophobe, there are parts of travelling that I deeply despise. Having to pee in a public toilet is one of my biggest fears (I am serious), and I don’t always enjoy spending hours on end just sitting on a narrow seat in the middle of turbulence.
But what came as a realisation, mostly by travelling with a male companion, is that travelling can be more demanding for women than for men, and every woman who has been on her period during a trip can vouch for that. It’s not just periods, however. I’ve taken numerous solo trips, and I always feel even a little bit anxious about being alone in another country.
Understanding the struggles women face when travelling alone has led me to compile a small list with practical tips from women who travel a lot, and which will hopefully make your life easier.
1. Keep these seriously important things in your bag
I almost always carry a backpack with me while travelling, mostly in order to fit the things I want to keep inside: antibacterial wipes/gel, lip balm, hand cream, tampons, tissues, ibuprofen. These things have saved the day numerous times during difficult moments over the years, while travelling. What’s also great is that these are usually small objects, thus you avoid any unnecessary weight over your shoulders.
2. Airport toilets and which to avoid
After horrific experiences in various women’s toilets in airports, I decided to conduct an experiment to find out which are the cleanest the less disgusting airport toilets, having in mind their position in the airport and their size. My extremely small bladder in combination with my germophobic tendencies and my deep love for drinking water pushed me to the following conclusion: aim to always, always avoid the first toilet you see after you get off the plane. It’s usually where most people run after a long-hour flight where they could not bear the tiny aeroplane toilets (myself included). Thus, they’re usually the ones where the long queues and the many germs are. Going to the third or fourth toilet I see when I’m on my way out makes a huge difference in how much cleaner they are. You’re welcome.
3. Drink water – stay hydrated!
Although this suggestion is in conflict with the previous one, this is as crucial as it gets. Air travel causes some important physiological changes to travellers, mostly because of the high altitude and cabin pressure. This causes serious dryness on the skin and may cause some discomfort in your eyes and nose.
What I do to stay hydrated and avoid as much as possible any public toilets is that I usually drink lots of water when I am in my hotel room and I know I will not leave any time soon. I also make sure I drink water hours before I arrive to the airport for departure. Fruits and vegetables can also be a good source of minerals. Investing in a good quality water bottle is also of great importance. I carry my simple one with me while travelling in countries where the tap water is drinkable, and the one who filters the water in countries which I would not drink from the tap. (For reference, 24Bottles has very good quality water bottles, and LARQ bottles can filter your water and make it safe to drink).
4. Research your location
Before looking for accommodation, make a brief research about any dangerous neighbourhoods in the city you will be travelling. Prefer to stay at hotels that are in busy and well-lit streets so that you can easily access them using public transportation. Usually, accommodation in shady areas are cheaper, so when you see a deal that sounds too good to be true, then definitely look into it a bit more.
5. Study the map before you head out
My guilty pleasure is Google Maps; total disorientation without it. I have a serious issue with studying paper maps and if I did not have the thingy telling me where I’m heading while walking, I would end up lost.
However, I found that if I study the map before I set out to get to my destination, at least I will have an idea of the area around and a visual representation of what I am supposed to see in the correct route. For instance, if I’m supposed to pass from a park, then it will surely be hard to miss.
This can be helpful in the way others see you as well. When you look kind of disoriented, always looking at a map, then people can tell you’re a tourist and that makes you an easy target for pickpockets.
6. Choose your clothes wisely
Putting thought into which clothes you will bring to a trip can save up space in your luggage. In addition, choosing clothes that are not too formal or expensive does not make you an easy target for a potential robbery. I always estimate how many outfits I will need and for which occasion, and include two extra tops, throw in sweatpants and a t-shirt and I’m good to go!
7. Notice the people around you
Once, I had my wallet stolen from me on a tram in a city that I thought was quite safe (I love you nevertheless, Krakow ❤️). This incident taught me a lot of things, first and foremost to be extra careful when I carry a backpack in a packed means of public transport. I learned also that observing the people around me helps me read people better and thus avoid being close to ‘shady’ ones. The man who has been engaging in intense eye-contact with you throughout the whole subway route? Always seeing a specific person while you move who has probably been following you? Unexpectedly change the direction you’re heading to but always make sure that you still remain in busy spaces and that you know where you are going. The last thing you want is getting lost in a situation like this.
8. Take the road less travelled
While it’s easy to just head to that restaurant in the main square for a view of the center, it will probably be overpriced, full of tourists and noise, with mediocre food. Instead, make a brief research about traditional restaurants with good reviews and value-for-money food. The internet and the global community of travellers has allowed people around the world to find gems in huge cities, whether that’s restaurants, bars, cafes or attractions.
Because I’m a foodie and a curious person by nature, I always research where to eat and never just go in random places. I opt to visit restaurants and shops that are environmentally conscious (a restaurant that is not only interested in serving food and making money but also takes responsibility for its social impact, adopting measures to reduce the footprint of their activities and promote more sustainable consumption that is in harmony with nature; a cafe that serves fairtrade coffee; second-hand or vintage stores).
The small, hidden gems you discover in a place you visit can make your connection with the city even deeper and make you feel more familiar and welcome in an otherwise strange place.
9. Support the small businesses
This tip is related with the previous one, with an extra socially-responsible element. Instead of having your morning coffee from Starbucks, a multi-billion multinational company that will never run out of business (I am not judging; I, too, have had my share of Starbucks Frappuccinos while on a trip), opt to get your latte from the tiny coffee shop behind your hotel. Not only will you support the person who owns it, but you also have a good chance to start a friendly conversation with them! I always find that the discussions I have with locals, even if we are struggling with language (thank you, Google Translate), are the most genuine. You can feel closer with the community and get some tips that you will never find online.
Lately, I am interested in exploring social businesses (a business whose purpose is to address and solve social problems in a financially sustainable ways) and businesses owned by women. I’ve recently been to Palermo and visited Moltivolti, a restaurant with a Sicilian-ethnic and popular cuisine and a co-working space dedicated to the third sector. Moltivolti promotes ethnic diversity and the representation of a new society. I am always excited to see how such businesses work and I’m eager to support them in any way that I can.
10. Breathe and live in the moment
I guess my last tips are.. be confident when travelling alone, explore and discover, respect the culture, talk with locals, live in the moment, take care of yourself, allow yourself to rest but don’t spend too much time sleeping, be curious, stay safe and live in the moment.
“I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.” (Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar)
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