Research your destination: This goes without saying, though extensive research on your desired destination should give you a better idea of how to prepare for your next adventure. Read up on local laws, customs and safety concerns. My first rule of thumb is to use the Department of States travel advisory guidelines, though remember that these are just that, guidelines. Regions that are experiencing conflict (ie boarder disputes) can cause an advisory rating to go higher, so be mindful that the advisory may not be representative of the entire locality. I recommend looking up recent news articles an other sources of information to help you stay well informed on your destination.
Dress appropriately: Again, a little research goes a long way. Please dress appropriately for local culture, customs and activities. There is nothing worse than you or someone on your tour drawing unnecessary attention for wearing clothing unfit for a region or activity. A tragic example of this happened on an highly anticipated tour of a religious space in Budapest, only to be bared entry because our shoulders were uncovered. Another example happened during my time in Morocco; my tour had a few young women who wore revealing outfits in an open market, the stares we received deemed these outfits as unscrupulous behavior. We lived and learned, though its always better to air on the side of slightly more conservative.
Learn basic phrases: Devoting a few moments out of your day to learn key words or phrases on YouTube is always a good idea if you are unfamiliar with the native language! "Hello," "thank you," "my name is," are great starting places for respectful encounters. In Rwanda, I was excited to greet people in the native language of Kinyarwanda, and I received warm welcomes for my efforts.
Safe accommodation: Being a women solo traveling, you will undoubtedly have uncomfortable encounters. Therefore maximizing comfort is key. There is nothing worse than staying somewhere you feel unsafe. Research accommodation in safe areas -- choose places with good reviews and security features such as secure entrances and 24-hour reception. If you are staying in a hostel, I personally feel most comfortable booking all women's dormitries. Saving a couple extra dollars a night is not worth forgoing feeling uncomfortable and safe during the duration of your trip!
Share your itinerary: It's always an excellent idea to share your travel itinerary and details with trusted friends or family members. Include your flight details, accommodation, and contact information of tours and tour operators. For an added sense of security, I additionally recommend sharing your location with loved ones via your smart phone. If you are a U.S. National, always register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program or STEP. You are in essence sharing your itinerary with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to receive important information about safety conditions in your destination country, to help contact or evacuate you in an emergency -- whether it be a natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
Be aware of your surroundings: Use your best judgement! Always be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it's because it isn't. Don't feel afraid to step into an establishment or call for assistance if needed.
Stay sober: If you are solo traveling, it is best to avoid excessive alcohol consumption so that you can remain fully alert of your surroundings. There is nothing wrong with wining and dining yourself, but alcohol consumption can make you an easy target for theft or other unwanted behavior. My close friend had her phone stolen during her first night out on the town in Madrid!
Stay connected: Keep your phone charged and carry a portable charger. These are my favorite portable chargers for short term and long term trips:
Anker Portable Charger; Can charge my iPhone XR to 50% in just 30 minutes! Provides about 5 and a half charges for my XR and comes with a 18 month warranty. I love that its slim and can also fit perfectly into my fanny pack with my phone.
Solar Power Portable; My mom bought me this epic charger. Thx mom <3. It perfect for just about any summer adventure. You can clip it on the outside of your backpack and it literally charges as you go! I highly recommend this option as well! I travel with both ;)
Additionally, I suggest carrying your phone and other valuables (passport, wallet, etc.) on your chest via fanny pack! I personally love the Ultralight Patagonia Mini Hip Pack. The colors on this are fun, but not too flashy. There are a ton of other options via the internet to choose from, though this is my favorite and most comfortable!
Be confident: Now that you're on your trip, it time to walk, talk and shop with confidence. Avoid looking lost or vulnerable, and be polite but firm if someone approaches you and you are not feeling great about the conversation. Saying no and walking away is always a great skill to practice! Be the bad bitch that you know you are -- you are killing it!
Guided Walking Tours: This is my number one recommendation for solo traveling! Walking tours are a great way to meet solo travelers and people from around the world. Get to the meeting point early and strike up a conversation with fellow explores. I've met so many cool people on these city tours and have ended up making plans for other activities during our stay.
Enjoy yourself: The most important part of solo travel!! Solo travel is wonderful opportunity to explore new places, meet new people and learn about yourself. Embrace the experience, stay safe, and have fun!