I would love to say you can wonder the world carelessly but that is not really the situation for women. Even though it is completely possible for women to travel by themselves that does not mean we don't have to take extra precautions. Traveling on your own has to be the most rewarding experience you will ever have in life, I would even dare to say everyone should do it at least once in their lifetime. You learn a lot of things about yourself and even find out how you function by being alone. Here are the 5 most important things I figured out while traveling by myself through Italy.
Don't be afraid to talk to people and make friends.
I am an introvert. I am not used to making conversations with random people or making friends all together. I tend to overthink what people will think of me, so it was very hard for me reach out especially when I needed help. Fortunately, I did not let that stop me from learning about other people and culture. People are like books they all have a story to tell and by secluding yourself you are losing on an opportunity to learn something.
Always look like you know where you're going.
Looking like you don't belong or like you don't know where you are, makes you more vulnerable for pickpockets or even worse. My suggestion would be: if you're near a hotel, ask the front desk people. They are usually very nice and would be happy to help, or even call you a cab. If you are not, go into a coffee shop or store until you are able to set up your GPS or even ask a worker.
Airbnb the hell out of your trip.
I have such a hard time putting into words how amazing Airbnb's are. I did not only meet so many wonderful and helpful people, I made lifelong friends. At the end of the day, there is no better way to learn the culture but also get to know a city than by being guided by locals. The people I met changed my life and there are places I would have never gone if I had not met them. Airbnb facilitates making those kinds of connections and to be honest I prefer that more than hostels.
Do not let homesickness ruin your trip.
Being homesick can be extremely hard and will make you want to buy the next ticket home. Please don't. Even though being away from family and friends can be hard you have to remember why you are taking your trip, who you were when you started, and who you are now. My best suggestion if you're homesick would be to cook yourself a familiar meal or go to a restaurant from your country of origin. For example, I would be going to a Mexican restaurant every time I would feel homesick, or I would make myself tacos or enchiladas. It is not always easy to be alone, but don't let the nostalgia ruin what you worked so hard for.
Be smart.
Using your common sense can help you in sticky situations. I had lost my backpack with all my gadgets when I got to Milano Centrale. I forgot it on the train and was hoping that it would still be there. While I was waiting on the train to come in, a handsome Italian guy approached me telling me I was beautiful and asked me where I was from and several other things. I thought he was friendly, but then he started asking me to go out with him. The more I said no, the more he insisted. He noticed I was alone and offered to take me to my house. I started getting very annoyed and scared, so I threatened to call the police unless he left. This guy went from nice and somewhat charming to creepy and abusively scary. I also noticed he went out to talk to another girl while I was still in the station. I told the authorities and took a taxi home because I was afraid to even take the metro. This is not a story to scare you but there are a lot of horrible people out there who are just looking to do harm to others and I would hate for anyone to be in this kind of situation. Us women can't take our common sense for granted, given our unfortunate vulnerability. Be smart and be safe ladies.
Now that you went through this whole article I hope you ladies have the time of your lives. Travel is a beautiful thing which everyone should enjoy at least once.
"I'm a big believer in winging it. I'm a big believer that you're never going to find perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one. Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I'm always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary." - Anthony Bourdain
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