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Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
I've been to 50 countries solo as a female. Here's what I've learnt
Spontaneous decisions have shaped some of my most memorable travel adventures, but I never leave home without a bit of careful planning. In a new city, I scour the internet for information about different neighbourhoods and work out which places to avoid. The comment sections on platforms like are also helpful. When were the most recent comments posted? Does the hotelier respond quickly? Have many people left positive feedback? These are all good indications of a safe and reliable space. Share your itinerary Sharing my whereabouts not only allows my mum to live vicariously through my travels – it also keeps me safe. Apps like TripIt can amalgamate confirmation emails into a detailed plan to be shared with friends and family, while TrackMyTour creates an interactive map of waypoints. If mobile roaming isn't an issue, switch on location services and share details with a select circle through the Life360 app or Find My on the iPhone. Where possible (and affordable), I always take an Uber rather than a taxi or local bus – largely because journeys are tracked and the trip status can easily be shared. But don't overshare Tempting as it might be to shout about adventures, avoid posting any geo-located material on social media in real time. Unless shared within a private group, never make public any information about travel plans and places where you intend to sleep. Either be vague about specific locations or post material a few days later. Making new friends is one of the great joys of travel, but I'm always hesitant to reveal too much personal information with strangers. If ever in doubt, it's fine to tell a few white lies and pretend you are travelling with somebody else or have plans to catch up with friends. When arranging to meet up with new acquaintances, always choose a busy place and share your plans with others at home. Carefully timetable Arriving anywhere after dark can be daunting – especially if you've never been there before. I always try to travel during daylight hours and avoid arriving at a hotel too late. If there's no other option – especially in the case of international flights – I pre-book transport through a reputable company or arrange to stay somewhere close to the airport. Connect with other women Sharing experiences with other female solo travellers can be both reassuring and helpful. Similar to a dating app, platforms like Tourlina, Bumble BFF and NomadHer can be used to find like-minded matches in different destinations. Users can create profiles, share ideas and even arrange meet-ups. On several occasions, I've also requested a female guide – partly to support greater gender equality but also to get a female perspective and inside knowledge. Another option is to join a specialist escorted tour. Companies like Intrepid, Trafalgar and The Adventure People arrange women-only tours – often providing access to activities that wouldn't be possible in a mixed gender group. Come prepared A lot of my travels are in developing countries so I'm always cognisant of the yawning inequality between (relatively) wealthy foreigners and local workers on a low wage. Unfortunately, I've occasionally had cash go missing – even in five-star hotels. To avoid any issues, I carry a padlock to put on my suitcase and keep any valuables inside – although I tend to leave any jewellery at home and prefer to travel light. I use a door latch, if there's one available, and stuff any visible peepholes with a piece of tissue. When entering a room, I check windows are lockable along with any interconnecting doors. Pack appropriate clothing I'm a big believer in clothes as a form of self-expression, but sometimes it's better not to shout about your presence too loudly. Preferring to blend into the background, I avoid wearing anything showy and opt for conservative clothing where culturally appropriate. In Muslim countries like Oman, for example, I would never bathe in a wadi wearing a skimpy bikini and would always opt for long skirts, trousers and T-shirts rather than hot pants and crop tops. Use your intuition Loading If a situation feels uncomfortable, there's no shame in walking away. Whether it's a guide, fellow traveller, bus driver or waiter – nobody has the right to invade your personal space. Either politely deflect any unwanted attention, or – in more serious cases – alert others to what is going on. Even if you are travelling solo, having a network of friends nearby or connected online means you will never be alone.
The Age
4 days ago
- The Age
I've been to 50 countries solo as a female. Here's what I've learnt
Spontaneous decisions have shaped some of my most memorable travel adventures, but I never leave home without a bit of careful planning. In a new city, I scour the internet for information about different neighbourhoods and work out which places to avoid. The comment sections on platforms like are also helpful. When were the most recent comments posted? Does the hotelier respond quickly? Have many people left positive feedback? These are all good indications of a safe and reliable space. Share your itinerary Sharing my whereabouts not only allows my mum to live vicariously through my travels – it also keeps me safe. Apps like TripIt can amalgamate confirmation emails into a detailed plan to be shared with friends and family, while TrackMyTour creates an interactive map of waypoints. If mobile roaming isn't an issue, switch on location services and share details with a select circle through the Life360 app or Find My on the iPhone. Where possible (and affordable), I always take an Uber rather than a taxi or local bus – largely because journeys are tracked and the trip status can easily be shared. But don't overshare Tempting as it might be to shout about adventures, avoid posting any geo-located material on social media in real time. Unless shared within a private group, never make public any information about travel plans and places where you intend to sleep. Either be vague about specific locations or post material a few days later. Making new friends is one of the great joys of travel, but I'm always hesitant to reveal too much personal information with strangers. If ever in doubt, it's fine to tell a few white lies and pretend you are travelling with somebody else or have plans to catch up with friends. When arranging to meet up with new acquaintances, always choose a busy place and share your plans with others at home. Carefully timetable Arriving anywhere after dark can be daunting – especially if you've never been there before. I always try to travel during daylight hours and avoid arriving at a hotel too late. If there's no other option – especially in the case of international flights – I pre-book transport through a reputable company or arrange to stay somewhere close to the airport. Connect with other women Sharing experiences with other female solo travellers can be both reassuring and helpful. Similar to a dating app, platforms like Tourlina, Bumble BFF and NomadHer can be used to find like-minded matches in different destinations. Users can create profiles, share ideas and even arrange meet-ups. On several occasions, I've also requested a female guide – partly to support greater gender equality but also to get a female perspective and inside knowledge. Another option is to join a specialist escorted tour. Companies like Intrepid, Trafalgar and The Adventure People arrange women-only tours – often providing access to activities that wouldn't be possible in a mixed gender group. Come prepared A lot of my travels are in developing countries so I'm always cognisant of the yawning inequality between (relatively) wealthy foreigners and local workers on a low wage. Unfortunately, I've occasionally had cash go missing – even in five-star hotels. To avoid any issues, I carry a padlock to put on my suitcase and keep any valuables inside – although I tend to leave any jewellery at home and prefer to travel light. I use a door latch, if there's one available, and stuff any visible peepholes with a piece of tissue. When entering a room, I check windows are lockable along with any interconnecting doors. Pack appropriate clothing I'm a big believer in clothes as a form of self-expression, but sometimes it's better not to shout about your presence too loudly. Preferring to blend into the background, I avoid wearing anything showy and opt for conservative clothing where culturally appropriate. In Muslim countries like Oman, for example, I would never bathe in a wadi wearing a skimpy bikini and would always opt for long skirts, trousers and T-shirts rather than hot pants and crop tops. Use your intuition Loading If a situation feels uncomfortable, there's no shame in walking away. Whether it's a guide, fellow traveller, bus driver or waiter – nobody has the right to invade your personal space. Either politely deflect any unwanted attention, or – in more serious cases – alert others to what is going on. Even if you are travelling solo, having a network of friends nearby or connected online means you will never be alone.
Mint
04-05-2025
- Mint
Planning your next holiday? These apps will make your life easier
When it comes to travel planning, while the big names like Airbnb, and dominate the landscape, there's a vibrant ecosystem of lesser-known apps that offer powerful, often more focused features for savvy travelers. Whether you're a foodie on a mission, a sustainability-conscious adventurer, or simply someone looking to streamline travel logistics, these underrated travel planning apps are worth adding to your digital toolkit. Rome free Planning how to get from Point A to Point B in an unfamiliar country can be tricky, especially when the route involves multiple modes of transport. Rome2Rio is a travel planner that shows you how to get anywhere by plane, train, bus, ferry, or car. Simply enter your origin and destination, and it maps out routes complete with estimated durations, prices, and booking links. Whether you're trying to reach a remote village in the Alps or figuring out the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Rome2Rio gives a comprehensive overview of your options. Yes, Rome2Rio works in India as well and can be used to plan journeys within the country. It provides travel options for various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, ferries, and planes, and includes operators like Indian Railways, FlixBus, and other local transportation companies. Not all who wander... If you're tired of juggling spreadsheets, notes, and email confirmations, Wanderlog is a godsend. It lets you build detailed itineraries with drag-and-drop ease, integrating reservations, flights, maps, and activity lists in one place. You can add restaurants, attractions, and custom notes, then view your plans by day, map, or timeline. Wanderlog is especially great for group trips—it offers collaborative planning, so everyone can pitch in and stay on the same page. And unlike some planners, it works offline too. TripIt shines in its simplicity: forward any confirmation email (flights, hotels, car rentals, etc.) to a designated address, and it automatically builds a master itinerary. You can access it anytime, even offline. For frequent travelers, the Pro version offers real-time flight alerts, gate changes, and reward point tracking. It may not be as flashy as some newer apps, but TripIt excels at consolidating scattered information into a single, stress-free view of your trip. Culture vulture The best app to discover authentic local experiences. While most travelers want to see the major attractions, if you are among those seeking authentic experiences—places locals go, hidden gems, and stories behind the destination—Culture Trip will curate content created by locals, blending destination guides with personal essays, offbeat tips, and neighborhood deep-dives—think of it as part travel planner, part magazine. The app has information and articles on trips within India as well. If you are one for always finding scenic routes and quirky stops, Roadtrippers is the app for you—especially if you are travelling to the USA and Canada. It helps plan car journeys with a focus on discovering unique roadside attractions, scenic points, diners, and offbeat museums. Simply enter your start and end points, and the app maps a route with interesting detours and must-see places. The app also calculates fuel costs and allows for collaboration, making it great for group road trips. The US and Canada have the best coverage, but it's expanding. Packing made easy Overpacking and underpacking are both travel woes that PackPoint helps solve. Input your destination, travel dates, type of trip (business, beach, hiking), and PackPoint generates a customized packing list that factors in weather forecasts and activities. You can tweak it manually and even share your list with others. It's a small but mighty tool that saves time, reduces stress, and ensures you don't forget essentials like chargers or umbrellas. Veg only For vegetarian and vegan travelers, finding food on the road can be a challenge—especially in places where plant-based diets are uncommon. Enter HappyCow, a crowd-sourced guide to vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and health food stores around the world. With listings in over 180 countries, HappyCow offers reviews, photos, and filters (like gluten-free or organic) to help you find the best plant-based meals wherever you go. It also lists places with veg-friendly options, so even omnivores traveling with vegans can benefit. There are over 2000 listings for India! Down the drain Flush does exactly what it promises: helps you locate the nearest public restroom, fast. With a clean interface and offline access, it's a life-saver during long days of sightseeing or transit. The database includes thousands of toilets around the world, with filters for disabled access and paid vs. free options. Not glamorous, but absolutely practical. Sources claim that the app lists over 13,000 toilets in 11 Indian cities, but we could not verify this. First Published: 4 May 2025, 09:00 AM IST
