For Females going on Single/Solo Travel

Alaskie's Advice for Females doing Single/Solo Travel

1. Pack Light - Everything and anything in one pack bag. Try to keep at least one hand free. Keep your zippers on your bag under a little padlock.

2. To save time, don’t check in your luggage. Another reason for this is to always keep your belongings with you.

3. Make sure whatever you pack - they meet the 100ml per bottle for all liquids etc. Except for medication etc. Click here for details for Singapore Baggage Restrictions. (for carry-in luggage only)

4. Always have an additional sling bag that is always on/with you. - Passport and other important documents, writing pens, first aid.

5. Always keep your money (with different currencies in different purses) in different places. I had 3 different ones with me. Traveler cheques weren’t possible due to the places Im went to. They dun even accept cards!

6. Try not to wear skimpy clothes - wear berms not skirts for easy travel. Its fine if you are in a female group, but alone? - Do think twice.

7. When traveling alone, I wore a ring on my wedding finger. It works for me because it gives off a "signal". Picture this situation. You are sitting alone waiting for the bus or take a rest and a strange man comes up to you and starts to get cosy with you. And so you say “My husband’s coming back in minute.” Then flash your ring and stand up and walk into the crowds.

8. If you think its necessary, you can pack some sort of tools/weapons against strangers - Pepper spray etc. I didnt have this with me.

9. Make sure your bagpack is waterproof. At least have a HUGE plastic bag big enough to hold all your stuff in your bag. I had a umbrella with me as it was summer -frequent rains.

10. I’m actually quite a smiley person but when faced with a male-dominated society in China. I'd tone down my smiles for obvious reasons.

Keep and open mind and enjoy every minute you soak into the culture! =)

So it depends on where you are and do be sensitive to the culture when holding conversations. An example I can provide is when you are China – try not to shoot off verbally and think before you speak. The Chinese are a patriotic bunch and hence when dealing with international issues relating to their neighbouring country that starts with “T’ and ends with "N". Be sensitive. I'd divert away from politics in anyway I can.