[Part 2] 15 Common Mistakes Solo Female Travelers Make (And How to Travel Like a Pro)
I'm back for part 2 of our 3-part series on the 15 common mistakes solo female travelers make. Here are 5 more mistakes for today.
Welcome Back, Solo Female Traveler!
Welcome back to part 2 of our 3-part series on the common mistakes solo female travelers make (and how to avoid them)! If you're just joining us, you can catch up on part 1 here, where we dove into the first 5 mistakes that can turn your dream trip into a nightmare.
As a fellow solo female traveler, I know how exhilarating it is to explore new destinations on your own terms. But let's be real – it can also be intimidating, especially when you're navigating unfamiliar places and cultures alone.
I've been there, done that, and learned from my mistakes (the hard way, of course!).
That's why I'm passionate about sharing my experiences with you, so you can avoid the same pitfalls and make the most of your solo travel adventures. In this newsletter, we'll tackle another 5 common mistakes that can sabotage your trip – and provide you with practical tips to overcome them.
So, are you ready to learn from my mistakes and become a more savvy, confident solo female traveler?
Let's dig in!
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6. Ignoring Cultural Norms and Dress Codes
My fellow travel enthusiast, I'm so glad we're having this conversation! As a seasoned solo female traveler, you know that exploring new cultures and experiencing the world's beauty is a thrilling adventure. However, I want to share with you a crucial aspect of cultural intelligence that can make or break your travel experience: respecting cultural norms and dress codes.
That cute sundress might be perfect for brunch in New York, but maybe not so much for visiting temples in Bali. You see, in many cultures, dress codes are not just about fashion; they're about respect, modesty, and avoiding unintended offense. Ignoring these norms can lead to uncomfortable situations, unwanted attention, or even being denied entry to sacred sites.
For instance, in some Muslim countries, covering your shoulders and knees is a sign of respect, while in India, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering temples or homes. By doing your research and adapting to local dress codes, you'll not only avoid this mistake but also show appreciation for the culture you're visiting.
Now, let's talk about behavioral etiquette. Imagine you're attending a dinner meeting in Japan, and you're not sure how to use chopsticks. Do you try to wing it, or do you take a few minutes to learn the basics beforehand?
In many Asian cultures, table manners are an essential aspect of social etiquette, and using chopsticks correctly can make a significant difference in how you're perceived. Similarly, in some European countries, it's customary to greet with a kiss on each cheek, while in others, a firm handshake is the norm. By understanding these nuances, you'll be able to navigate social situations with confidence and build meaningful connections with the people you meet.
Networking and communication are also important aspects of cultural intelligence. When interacting with locals, it's essential to be mindful of nonverbal cues, such as body language and eye contact, which can vary greatly across cultures. For example, in some cultures, direct eye contact is seen as a sign of respect, while in others, it's considered impolite. By being aware of these differences, you'll be able to communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships with the people you meet.
Remember, having cultural intelligence means being mindful of both visible and invisible cues within any setting you're exploring as a solo female traveler. Making an effort goes beyond avoiding this faux pas; it enriches your travel experience by fostering genuine interactions based on mutual respect.
7. Failing to Research Local Scams
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to avoiding any kind of tourist trap.
I will never forget the time I had arrived in Budapest. I was so excited to be in Hungary and really at awe about how beautiful Budapest was. As I was on my way to the hostel (which had the tiniest elevator I’d ever been in! It was seriously scary!), I stopped by the ATM to withdraw the local currency, Hungarian Forint, from my American bank account. I only had Euros on me and the hostel only took local currency.
Well, while at the ATM, there was a very nice man who said he was trying to withdraw money but would allow me to go first.
Yeah. I know. In hindsight, I should’ve seen the red flags but I was exhausted, a bit overwhelmed by everything written in Hungarian and really wanted to shower and take a nap.
As I was using the ATM, the man told me that if I wanted to save money, I could simply withdraw USD and exchange the amount for what he had in Hungarian Forint. I thought, What an angel!
Thankfully, I only withdrew $40USD and gave it to him and in return, he gave me several foreign bills. Happy with my exchange, I returned to the hostel and gave the money to the host.
“Um, what is this?” He asked with a wrinkled forehead.
“It’s Hungarian currency.” I responded.
“What? No, it’s not.” He said.
“Yes, it is. The man at the ATM said —-” I said before he interjected.
“THE MAN AT THE ATM?!?!” He burst into laughter.
He had no idea what the currency was so he contacted a friend who identified the foreign bills as Belarusian Ruble.
Not only had I been conned out of my money, but the bills the man gave me ended up being less than $2USD in Belarusian Ruble!
I was PISSED. HOT. ANGRY. READY. TO. FIGHT.
Thankfully, he was a fellow millennial that understood my situation and gave me an extension to pay for my stay before I left.
And let me tell you, he told EVERYONE that story - friends and family on the phone, other hostel guests that came to stay…it was a hilarious nightmare that taught me a valuable lesson.
Not researching my destination thoroughly costs me time, money and a bit of dignity but I never let another “nice person” - let anyone ANY kind of person - help me at an ATM again!
Which brings us to the 8th common mistake solo female travelers make.
8. Not Trusting Your Intuition
Remember, your gut feeling is often your best travel companion.
Maybe it's a dodgy-looking alleyway or a stranger who's being a bit too friendly. Whatever it is, your gut is screaming at you to turn around and walk away. But, we often talk ourselves out of it, don't we? We think, “Oh, I'm being paranoid,” or “I don't want to be rude.”
But, let me tell you, your intuition is there for a reason. It's your body's way of warning you of potential danger.
I remember when I was living in Johannesburg, and I met a guy who seemed really nice, but something just didn't sit right with me.
I ended up trusting my instincts and politely declining his invitation to meet up later. It turned out, he had some not-so-nice intentions. So, take it from me: if something feels off, it's better to err on the side of caution.
Trust your intuition, and don't be afraid to prioritize your safety above all else. Your life is worth it, girl!
9. Overplanning and Not Leaving Room for Spontaneity
Oh, the perils of overplanning!
Isten, I've fallen victim to this common mistake more times than I care to admit. You see, when we're traveling alone, it's natural to want to feel in control of our itinerary, to know exactly what we're doing and when.
But, my friend, this can lead to a rigid plan that leaves no room for spontaneity - and that's where the magic happens!
I remember one time I went on a visa run in Taiwan, and I had every single moment of my day planned out. I was determined to see every shop, try every food stall, and visit every trendy neighborhood.
But, as I was rushing from one place to another, I stumbled upon a tiny alleyway that wasn't on my list. It was filled with the most adorable vintage shops and quirky cafes, and I ended up spending hours exploring it…in the rain!
If I had stuck to my original plan, I would have missed out on that incredible experience.
So, my advice to you is this: leave some whitespace in your itinerary, my friend. Don't be afraid to take a detour or try something new on a whim. Remember, the best travel stories often come from the unexpected moments, not the ones we've carefully scripted out.
10. Forgetting Self-Care
Traveling can be exhausting. When was the last time you scheduled a spa day during your trips?
I mean, think about it - we're so focused on planning the perfect itinerary, researching the best restaurants, and booking those Instagram-worthy accommodations that we often forget to prioritize our own well-being. I've been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (or rather, the exhaustion-induced migraine).
We get so caught up in the excitement of exploring new destinations that we neglect our own needs, whether it's getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, or simply taking a moment to breathe.
But here's the thing: self-care isn't selfish, it's essential.
When we prioritize our own well-being, we're better equipped to handle the inevitable travel mishaps, cultural differences, and solo travel jitters.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of this 3-part guide as I share the last 5 common mistakes that solo female travelers make.
The world is waiting for you, and I can't wait to hear all about your adventures.
And if you’re still on the fence about how to plan your dream trip, I got you.
Before you pack your bags (and your newfound knowledge), let me help you get ready for an adventure that's uniquely yours.
We will brainstorm your perfect adventure.
No travel agents. Just two passionate explorers planning your next big move.
In this free 30-minute call, we'll:
- Uncover your dream destinations (hidden gems included!)
- Align your travel goals with your professional aspirations
- Tackle any solo travel jitters with pro tips and tricks
- Sketch out a rough itinerary that'll make you ready to leave like yesterday
Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? Click here to schedule your free "Design Your Dream Trip" call.
With these strategies in your travel toolkit, you're well on your way to a safe, enriching, and unforgettable experience.
Safe travels, and don't forget to send a postcard (or at least a DM) from your next destination!
🌹🌻🌸💐💚💜❤️🌼😍🥰
I'm the queen of overplanning :-)