If you look around at your family and friends, you might notice an increasing trend: more and more people are choosing to stay single.
This is especially true for women. According to Yahoo Finance, “Nearly 118 million Americans, or about 46% of those over 18 years old, are single, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But that percent is actually much higher for women—a record-breaking 52% of them are unmarried or separated as of 2021.”
I’m seeing this in my own family. While I was the one who chose to marry later in life (and had plenty of time to experience the single life), my two sisters are now embarking on being single. It’s been exciting to watch them take charge of their lives and live on their own terms.
Part of being single is figuring out how to do things on your own so that you don’t have to wait for a friend or possible partner to live life to the fullest – and this includes travel.
One of my sisters bravely took to the open road recently to visit her grown son in another state and her plan was to camp along the way to her destination. Little did she know that she was about to get more “adventure” than she originally signed up for.
After experiencing car trouble in Utah while camping (five hours from home), she was forced to rent a car to drive back – only to have that car break down on a busy highway.
This got me thinking about how women can keep living independently and do what they want to do while also being safe and prepared (which can also save you some money when unexpected hiccups happen).
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Safety First
Make sure to do your research and investigate the safety of your destination. There are many forums and social media groups dedicated to solo travel for women. This can cut down on expenses like being forced to change accommodations at the last minute because your first choice feels unsafe.
Ask travel professionals about additional medical insurance if you’re traveling outside the United States. As for taking to the open road, look at your car insurance to make sure you’ve got good roadside assistance, and look into getting supplemental coverage (like AAA) if you don’t.
Also make sure you understand local customs, dress codes, and laws if you’re traveling internationally. The last thing you want to do is cause unwanted attention or legal fees because you didn’t know what was required.
Stay Connected
My sister was fortunate that her car trouble happened in an area that still had cell service. Since then, we’ve talked about getting a satellite phone that only charges you when you use it, just to be on the safe side.
At the very least, regularly update family or friends about your whereabouts. Share your itinerary and check in periodically.
Invest in the Right Gear
If you’re camping, make sure you understand the terrain and weather conditions. Being prepared can cut back on last-minute hotel accommodations because you got soaked on the trail.
When it comes to traveling in urban areas, look into purses and bags that deter theft. It’s amazing what’s out there these days! Purses with extra fortification so they can’t be cut, pockets that protect your credit cards from being scanned, bags that go across your body to make picking your pocket nearly impossible…these are things you’ll appreciate when you’re out on the town.
Smart Financial Practices
To expand on protecting your money, carry a mix of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and travel money cards. You can also let your bank know about your travel plans to avoid your cards being blocked for suspicious activity.
Being on your own doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun and adventure. In fact, traveling alone can be its own kind of fun! You meet new people, get to see new places, and spend your time as you want to.
Just make sure you’re as prepared as possible for the unexpected. As my sister found out, things can happen anywhere – and multiple times!
