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Independent Travel

Independent travel - tips for going solo - by Theresa Williams

I really wanted to go to New Zealand and started planning a trip to see both the North and South Island. I had the time off but none of my friends could go with me.

I finally determined that not having travel companions was not going to hold me back and decided to do it on my own. Someone recommended I go to Flight Centre to get some assistance because the consultants were well travelled and could help me plan my 'ideal holiday'. I went in a bit nervous and with some trepidation that travelling on my own might not be wise, but I came away reassured by my consultant that it was safe and an awesome idea.

My consultant suggested that I get on an organized tour so that my Accommodation, transport and some meals were sorted giving me independence but with a bit of structure. She also gave me a couple of tips for travelling easily as a woman in a foreign country. My fellow travellers on this trip also gave me some advice which really came in handy when planning this trip and all my subsequent trips.

Be aware - notice your surroundings and the people around you and if any look suspicious, report this to someone.
Trust your female instincts - you will know if someone means well or not. If you feel threatened, get out of there fast.
A guide book can be a life saver - it will help you with maps, hotels, restaurants, and locations of sites.
Busy places are best - don't go down any dark alleys or shops off the beaten path, try to stay in places that are busy so you are not a target.
Take some calculated risks - try not to arrive at night, have your first night hotel booked in a new city, enough money so you do not have to go to an ATM, and don't go off with new found friends without knowing how to get back to your hotel.
Dress appropriately - dress according to the culture and understand the customs of dress that may be different from Western culture.
Have fun but watch the drinks - not too many that you stagger home at the end of the evening and don't leave your drink alone so that it is safe from tampering.
Make sure to leave your valuables in the safe at the hotel - carry a copy of your passport if you need to, but keep the original safe.
Make friends with fellow travellers - that way you create an understanding that you will look after each other's back.

My New Zealand trip went very well and when I returned to Canada, I went back to my consultant and told her the tips were very helpful and added to my confidence in doing it alone. That trip was the first of many and I have since travelled to Southeast Asia, parts of Australia, parts of the USA and Europe on my own. Not the backpacking route but planning trips that are economical and safe for an independent woman meant to see the world.

Don't be scared, just be wise and use common sense so that you can enjoy your trips for years to come.

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