Sometimes the hardest part about a new travel adventure is the beginning. Before you can even get off the ground, the excuses come rolling in along with the fears and doubts. When you’re not getting enough of this from yourself, those around you keep telling why you shouldn’t go and how dangerous it is. Sure, it’s hard to block the haters out, so let’s clarify a few myths about travelling as a female that you’ve probably heard many times.

Myth #1: Travel is too expensive

Yes, travel costs you money. But not in the way the big companies advertise to us. If you want a fully-catered tour across Australia for two weeks, be prepared to shell out a few grand (yikes!). But travel doesn’t have to be like that. If you don’t have a manager or CEO’s salary yes, it could take you time to save up to begin the journey. But you want this, and saving just a $50 a month or cutting out your daily coffee can get you there.

When on your trip, hotels are certainly not the only option, and they’re definitely not the best one. Online resources like Couchsurfing and airbnb make your stay affordable. Staying away from tourist-y areas lessens your food costs, and finding inexpensive destinations means you can live luxuriously for even $15 USD a day.

Myth #2: Travelling alone isn’t safe

A common misconception is that anyone that would offer their home to you in a foreign country (and for free, no less!) is a serial killer. However, these people are just like you – looking to make new friends, get a new perspective from a different culture, and share theirs with you.

Sites like the ones mentioned in Myth #1 have extremely tight and strict policies on the authenticity of each home on their site. You can also look at reviews and see what other travellers are saying. If it still makes you a bit uncomfortable, stay with another woman, or bunk in a family home.

Another worry is that you’ll be mugged, or worse, in the dark streets of an unknown country. The crime rates in your own country are sometimes higher than the one you’re visiting, so why fear? It’s all about being smart, planning, and trusting your instinct. To read more about staying safe day-to-day, check out Safety Tips for Solo Female Travel.

Myth #3: You’ll get bored being alone all the time

Let me tell you straight away – you’ll almost never be alone on your solo trip.

Counter-intuitive? Maybe. But people you meet in different countries want to talk to you! So ask your homestay or hostel the best local bar, and just sit down at the counter. Locals are actually more likely to talk to you than if you were travelling with a buddy as you look approachable and not distracted. You may even meet a new travel companion for tomorrow and a friend for a lifetime.

Another thing you’ll realize when travelling alone is that you’ll begin to appreciate your own company, and there is no one else around to decide for you what you want out of your trip. Have no interest in the Eiffel Tower? Guess what, you can skip it.

The post Part One: 3 Common Myths About Female Travel appeared first on Walk In Health.

Solo female travel is an experience many young women crave, but are unsure because of the safety risks.

If you’re thinking of traveling solo, fear not! You are not by yourself, many women travel alone each year and end up staying safe and out of trouble.  This is because, like you are now, they decided to take the first step in the right direction – advice on how to stay safe and enjoy what may be the most amazing experience of your life.

Carry Safe

What you bring along with you day to day makes a huge difference for safety and preparedness.

Some travellers like to carry a “fake wallet” with a few cancelled credit cards and some petty cash while keeping the real valuables in a much safer spot.  If a thief did confront you, they think they’re getting something worthwhile and you have a greater chance of getting away unharmed by cooperating.

Another essential I always have close at hand is a whistle.  This helps to alert others to your location in the wilderness and can scare off wildlife or potential thieves. Most quality backpacks have these included.

Dress Smart

Along with what you carry, what you wear can keep you away from trouble. Blend in with the locals and keep your values out of reach.

Research the local standard of dress – this could be very different depending on what country you plan to visit – and dress accordingly. By not sticking out like a sore thumb, scammers and burglars are less likely to target you.

Get Advice from Locals

The absolute best way to be informed on what’s happening locally is to to speak to the people who live there.  Hostel workers are a great resource for the best places to eat, activities off the beaten path, and awesome local bars. More importantly, they can tell you what neighbourhoods to avoid and even local scams that are common in the area.

Trust Your Instincts

The single best piece of advice I can give is to trust yourself.  Your gut knows when something is not right – you know best when you’ve had enough to drink and when it’s time to leave a situation.  Trusting your instincts will both get you out of a tight spot when needed and lead you to new experiences, friends, and adventures.

This is your trip and belongs to no one else.  Stay safe and make it a memorable experience by keeping a good head on your shoulders and you’ll come home with stories and memories you won’t get anywhere else.

The post Safety Tips For Solo Female Travel appeared first on Walk In Health.