There’s something about travel—about going to places you’ve never been to before, trying out dishes you’re completely unfamiliar with and meeting a diverse group of people along the way—that can’t be beat. If you love traveling on your own, though, here are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid when you go on the road:
Not enough research
It’s easy to wing it, thinking everything will work out fine in the end. But that happy-go-lucky view of the world and of travel could land you in a lot of trouble. Never go somewhere without knowing as much as you can about the place. Whether you plan to go to anywhere in the world—Brazil, Egypt or Paris—be sure to do your research. Consult solo women’s travel guide books, for starters.
Not sharing your travel plans
Don’t go for to parts unknown without letting your family or friends know. Provide them with a copy of your travel plans. That way, they can reach you at any time. In case something happens, they’ll know where to start looking for you.
Not trusting your gut
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it, says Smarter Travel. The first rule to traveling smart is to never take unnecessary risks. Don’t feel like you need to do it simply because everybody else is doing it. Go with your gut. If it feels wrong, just say no and walk away.
Not following local customs
If you plan on visiting temples on your trip, make sure you read up on local customs and attires. Check solo women’s travel guide books so you have a clear idea of the kind of attire that’s going to work for you especially since many temples don’t allow sleeveless tops or short skirts and shorts. By reading up on these in advance, you can avoid possible problems on the road.
