When it concerns solo travel, particularly for the female demographic it is important to understand the specific needs and concerns of female solo travellers. Here, we will share some useful travel planning guidelines, so that as an ITA, you can curate unforgettable journeys that prioritize their safety and cultural immersion.
Key Considerations for Solo Female Traveler Planning:
a) Their Safety and Security:
>Research Destinations: Investigate online to learn what the best safe destinations are and make a list. Prioritize destinations and countries with low crime rates, progressive cultures, and strong law enforcement.
>Their Accommodations: You can recommend suitable accommodations in safe neighbourhoods, ideally with 24/7 reception or security. Solo travellers prefer hostels, BNBs, hotels and homestays in many instances.
>Their Transportation: as their travel planner you can help and suggest reliable public transportation or reputable private transfer services. Research some useful options for them to choose from.
>For Emergency Planning: make a clear list of your contact numbers and provide emergency contact information, travel insurance details, and a comprehensive itinerary.
b) Cultural Sensitivity and Etiquette:
>Local Customs: Suggest solo travellers do some due diligence to reach about local customs, dress codes, and cultural nuances for the destinations they are travelling to, to avoid misunderstandings, or even breaking the laws.
>Respectful Interactions: Advise all solo travellers clients to be mindful of local customs, especially when interacting with locals.
>Solo Dining: Solo travellers often prepare their own meals on camping trips or staying in hostels but for alternatives you can also recommend restaurants in safe areas, preferably with other diners.
c) Accommodations and Activities:
>Comfortable Stays: Investigate the options solo travellers prefer in accommodation choices. Suggest budget friendly accommodations that offer a sense of community, such as hostels with common areas or boutique hotels with friendly staff.
>Guided Tours: For solo female travellers you can plan group tours or guided activities for them to meet like-minded travellers and feel more secure.
>Solo-Friendly Activities: Plan their activities that resonate with them, and those that can be enjoyed alone, such as yoga classes, cooking workshops, or museum visits.
d) Technology and Connectivity:
>Stay Connected: With smart phones, staying connected is easy these days but you should encourage clients to download certain well known travel apps for safety, translation, and local information.
>Emergency Contacts: As mentioned above you should make a list of contact numbers to ensure clients have easy access to emergency contacts and local authorities.
>Mobile Devices: Advise solo travel clients to keep their devices charged and to have backup chargers, or even a spare phone in case theirs gets lost, stolen, or damaged.
d) Some Top Female-Friendly Destinations:
As we are focussing more on solo female travel in this article let us take a look at some of the popular choices in destinations currently, and some basic reasons why they suit this demographic.
- Iceland: A country well renowned for its stunning landscapes, low crime rate, wonderful adventures and activities, and the welcoming culture of locals.
- New Zealand: A country that offers breath-taking scenery, friendly locals, and a strong emphasis on safety, and no nonsense policy on crime.
- Japan: This country is a popular destination for all travellers, including solo travellers and Gap year students. It is well known for its efficient public transportation, polite culture, and a low crime rate.
- Canada: This is a diverse country with friendly locals, stunning natural beauty, and safe cities. A choice of many activities and adventures await any type of traveller at this destination
- Singapore: Another popular s destination for tourists, offering visitors to enjoy a modern city-state with a strong emphasis on safety, low crime, cleanliness, and efficiency.
- Personalized Itineraries: Just as for all traveller clients create customized itineraries that cater to the client's interests and comfort level.
- Flexible Booking Policies: Plan ahead and consider flexible booking policies to accommodate last-minute changes or unforeseen circumstances.
- Travel Insurance: Just as for all travellers this is not negotiable, so you should emphasize the importance of comprehensive travel insurance, including medical coverage and evacuation.
- Post-Trip Support: As their travel planners consider offering post-trip support, such as sharing travel tips and recommendations with other solo female travellers.
