Pandemic turned our normality upside down and, from what I learned, people are simply afraid to travel. I totally get it. I was myself bailing on trips for quite a long time – around six months to be exact.
However, my wanderlust hit really hard at the end of 2020 and I booked myself a solo holiday. To Egypt. Yes, I know – not the number 1. choice for solo travels but I went for an all-inclusive trip with a travel agent, just to feel safer.
First of all, let me put that thing clear – I will never try to convince anyone to travel to this part of the world. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it still remains a dangerous area with a HUGE possibility of terrorist attacks. Please be aware.
Nevertheless, travelling solo is possible, even in the shadiest areas – only if you follow a few rules.
- Stay Aware and Be Less of a Target
Meaning: don’t attract too much attention. It might seem like cheesy and obvious advice but it is really true. Pack light in general and try to choose toned colours that would pretty much make you blend in. I packed my linen dresses, black capes and plain swimwear as I really didn’t want to attract any sort of attention – nor female or male. Not even comments and compliments. Simply blend in – it is the safest way.
- Don’t drink alcohol or…
Drink only the bottled alcohol you got yourself in a store. The majority of creepy and horrifying stories started with ‘(…) after a sip of an alcoholic beverage (…..)’. I am sorry but it’s true. Besides – what is the point? Get yourself a bottle of wine and consume it on your own private balcony. Unless you have met new people, whom you trust. Yet still, I would be extremely careful with alcohol.
- Educate yourself about the area
Plan your first night well. I mean, read about the etiquette, learn about the attractions in the area, local prices – what you SHOULD pay as, let’s make this thing clear, solo female travellers are a perfect opportunity to earn some more cash. Keep your accommodation to yourself if you can and study all the reviews – has something bad happened there? If so – why, whose fault was it.
- Go to beach clubs
This is where you were most likely meet other travelling ladies. By beach clubs I don’t mean party places but private and close beach areas, where you can spend your day without being interrupted. Beach Clubs are usually well taken care of. Most of such places have an entrance fee.
- Your safety comes first
Always! Let your family know where you are and for how long (with details). If you use social media – try not to tag the exact location and if you do – delay your content for at least one day. Please, be aware of that. Make sure you have all your documents on you and protect them. Going to have a swim? Ask the bartender to keep them safe for you.
It is so very important to trust your instincts. Don’t try to prove something, give up when needed and remember (!) politeness is never more important than safety. While the world would be a better place if everyone was thoughtful and kind, sometimes people – especially women – let courtesy override our gut instincts because we don’t want to be rude or be told we’re “overreacting.” ‘(…) But we should always trust our intuition, stop worrying about what other people think, be nice when it’s warranted, and choose safety when it’s not.’
