[Part 3] 15 Common Mistakes Solo Female Travelers Make (And How to Travel Like a Pro)

Here's part 3 of our 3-part series on the 15 common mistakes solo female travelers make. Here are final 5 more mistakes for today.

Welcome Back, Solo Female Traveler!

Welcome back to part 3 of our 3-part series on the common mistakes solo female travelers make (and how to avoid them)! If you're reading this for the first time, you can catch up on part 1 here and here on part 2, where we dove into the first 10 mistakes that can turn your dream trip into a nightmare.

If you are you ready to learn from my mistakes and become a more savvy, confident solo female traveler, then keep reading.

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11. Not Backing Up Important Documents 

Imagine this scenario: you're on a plane to Tokyo, and as you're settling into your seat, you realize you've left your passport on the kitchen counter back home. Or, worse still, your bag gets stolen at the airport, and your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents are gone.

Instant panic attack, amiright?

Now, I know what you're thinking: "But Dr. CK, I'm a responsible adult, I would never do that!"

And I'm sure you wouldn't... until it happens to you.

Believe me, it's easier than you think to misplace or lose important documents, especially when you're in a foreign country and your mind is preoccupied with navigating unfamiliar streets and trying new foods.

So, what's the solution? It's simple: email copies of your passport and important documents to yourself! Yes, you read that right - email them to yourself. This way, you'll have digital copies of your documents safely stored in your email account, accessible from anywhere in the world.

Pro Tip: Take a clear, high-quality photo of your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents, and email them to yourself with a clear subject line, like "Important Travel Documents." This way, you can easily find them in your inbox if you need to.

I know it sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many solo female travelers overlook this crucial step. And let me tell you, it's not just about having a digital copy of your passport. Think about all the other important documents you might need while traveling, like your travel insurance policy, health insurance card, or even a copy of your driver's license.

By emailing these documents to yourself, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you can access them from anywhere, at any time. And, let's be real, it's not just about the documents themselves - it's about the stress and anxiety that comes with losing them.

Pro Tip, Again: take a few minutes to email those documents to yourself. It’s free and the future you will thank present you!

12. Skipping Solo Dining Experiences 

Dining alone can be intimidating, especially in a foreign land where you're already navigating unfamiliar streets and customs.

But, my dear solo traveler, let me tell you, you're missing out on a golden opportunity to observe the locals in action (i.e., people-watching), reflect on your journey, and even discover new aspects of yourself.

Dining alone isn't just about sustenance; it is an open invite to soak up local atmospheres, make authentic connections with locals and other travelers, and savor nuanced flavors that tell stories of the land’s history and traditions.

Don’t be afraid of feeling awkward or conspicuous eating alone. I gladly embrace this practice because it often transforms meals into meaningful moments of cross-cultural exchange.

Think about it, when was the last time you had a meal without the distraction of conversation or the pressure of making small talk?

Solo dining allows you to tune in to your surroundings, observe the locals, and soak up the atmosphere. I recall a particularly memorable solo dinner I had at a Korean BBQ restaurant in Cebu, Philippines (above video). As I savored each bite of meat, I watched a group of locals laughing and chatting over their meal, and I felt like I was getting a glimpse into their daily lives.

The hosts and servers that came to my table would make small talk and ask me where I’m from. They complimented my style and thought it was interesting that I was there, dining alone. We sparked up a great conversation and then I continued my meal. It was a moment of pure cultural immersion, and it's a memory that still makes me smile.

What truly sets solo dining apart in the realm of travel is its capacity to build your cultural intelligence organically. Each bite becomes a lesson in local customs and ways of life. Conversations sparked over shared appreciation for food often lead to deeper understandings, revealing landmarks off the beaten path or helping navigate cultural subtleties you wouldn’t find in guidebooks.

So, don't be afraid to take a seat at that cozy café or restaurant, even if it means dining alone. Trust me, the benefits far outweigh any initial discomfort. You might just discover that solo dining becomes one of your favorite travel experiences!

13. Neglecting to Connect with Other Travelers 

Not only does connecting with other travelers enhance your travel experience, but it also provides a sense of community and belonging, which can be especially important for solo female travelers.

So, have you tried using apps like Meetup, Expat Group Chats on the country's most popular communication apps, or InterNations to connect with like-minded travelers?

I absolutely love meeting and connecting with new people. Some of their stories are just as incredible as they are. (Pictured in Spain, China and the Philippines)

These platforms can help you find people who share your interests, values, and travel style. Imagine exploring a new city with a group of fellow solo female travelers who understand your passions and concerns.

It's a whole different ball game, isn't it? (My proof is shown in the pictures above 😏)

By connecting with others, you'll not only gain new perspectives and insights but also create meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime.

14. Forgetting to Stay Hydrated 😣

As you explore and absorb various vibrant local cultures and navigate unfamiliar terrains, it's surprisingly easy to forget this essential health habit - staying hydrated.

Sometimes, the excitement of discovering hidden gems can overshadow basic needs, leading to potential dehydration that impacts both your energy levels and cognitive functions – something you can't afford to happen while exploring solo.

Hydration isn't just about drinking water; it's also about knowing how different climates and cultural practices affect your body's requirements.

It’s quite embarrassing to get light-headed and feel faint on top of Table Mountain in Capetown because you’re too busy taking in the breathtaking views to remember to drink water (been there, done that, got the t-shirt!).

But trust me, it's a rookie mistake that can be easily avoided.

That's a true story. I forgot to hydrate after trekking all day long and ended up feeling faint (because the heat was a beast and I was up at an extremely high altitude).

In any case, understanding cultural nuances around drinking water can be enlightening; some communities may offer natural hydration solutions such as coconut water or herbal teas that double up as authentic travel experiences. Cultivating these small habits nurtures not only your physical well-being but also deepens your connection to the places you visit – a hallmark of culturally intelligent travel.

15. Not Budgeting for Unexpected Expenses 

Traveling alone as a woman, many of us often forget to budget for unexpected expenses. In our quest for adventure and cultural experiences, we sometimes focus more on the immediate experiences than on financial planning. When you travel alone, you have a lot of responsibilities like finding your way around unfamiliar places & dealing with language barriers. The last thing you want is to run out of money when unexpected expenses come up. And take it from me - unexpected expenses will happen.

It could be a medical emergency, a lost or stolen phone, or just a spontaneous decision to do something fun like a hot air balloon ride. Having extra money in your budget can be a lifesaver.

So, take my advice: always add some extra cash to your budget. It's like having a safety net that’s always there for when you’ll need it most. And who knows, you might find yourself enjoying that perfect artisan market without any guilt or stress.

While these surprise events are part of the charm of travel, their unpredictability means you need extra money set aside to ensure they enhance your journey, rather than derail it.

It's also important to consider cultural differences when planning your finances. Unexpected costs are often linked to cultural nuances—like tipping practices that vary from place to place or sudden public holidays that affect transportation costs—which can catch even experienced travelers off guard.

Another embarrassing moment - it was my first week of being in China and my colleague and I went to lunch at a nearby restaurant. At the end of our meal, the server came over to collect our dirty dishes and I offered a tip. In the United States, tipping is normal – it shows appreciation for good service. However, my colleague quickly explained that tipping is not customary in China and can even be seen as an insult or a misunderstanding of their hospitality traditions.

This moment showed me the importance of understanding different cultures, especially because traveling solo helps you become independent and resilient, but it's also vital to respect & adapt to different customs.

Engaging with local practices not only makes your travel experience better but also helps you become more globally aware. Learning from mistakes like this deepens your connection with the culture and people around you – it adds an enriching layer to your global journey.

Quick Quiz! How many of these mistakes have you made? Give yourself a point for each one you've avoided. Share your score in the comments below!

Final Thoughts

Well, we've covered a lot of ground in this series on common solo female travel mistakes. From overpacking to underplanning, we've seen it all. But here's the thing: every single one of those mistakes is a golden opportunity to learn and grow.

Remember, every mistake is a learning opportunity. As someone who's navigated the ups and downs of solo female travel, I can assure you that each misstep only adds to the richness of your journey.

Now, I'd love to hear from you!

What's been your biggest travel mistake, and what did you learn from it? Share your story in the comments, or better yet, why not join our exclusive travel chat where we can share tips, tricks, and tales from the road?

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 book a flight, 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!