Go Girls Travel Tips from Gael and Gay

This is the final installment of GO GIRLS Travel Tips and I’m so excited to share with you what The Pinay Solo Backpacker and Pinay Travel Junkie sent to me via Facebook message.

I want to thank them here because even with very busy schedules they managed to take time and write what they think would be of help to first-time solo female travelers. I feel so honored that they are the ones to close these series. Hope these tips would be passed on to newbie travelers. Please lend your ears (bookmark the blog post) on what they have to say:

Gael of The Pinay Solo Backapacker

1. I’m not a huge fan of pre-planning but I would highly recommend this to 1st time female solo travelers. and when you do your research, dont just get info on “how to get there“, “where to stay“,” how much to spend“, etc. But please do research about the basic law/rules and dress taboos of a certain country or community as well especially if you’re planning to visit a conservative one. Ask about scams in that place to avoid being a victim. Read stories of female solo travelers who have been to your next destination to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

“…please do research about the basic law/rules and dress taboos of a certain country or community.”

2. Bring your medicines and do not remove them from their original package to avoid being mistaken as prohibited drugs especially if you’re flying.

3. Be careful in taking photographs. What may seem to you as a simple tourist photo can be mistaken as a spy photo in some places. Avoid photographing anyone in an official uniform,military installations, border crossing points, train stations,and airports.

4. When registering in a hotel, use your last name and initial of your 1st name, avoid displaying your gender on the guestlist if you are alone. remember, your room number is listed there. Attackers can easily find your room.

5. Never agree to transport or deliver for anyone you’ve met on the road especially at the aiport even if they are your fellowmen. you’ll never know what is inside that package, it can put you into a big trouble.

6. Bring whistles, it can scare off attackers and assist you in getting aid.

7. Look and act confident; avoid looking like you’re a lost tourist to prevent being the possible target of attackers.

8. If you get arrested or questioned in a foreign country or you become a victim, get in touch with your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance.

9. When traveling long term or for weeks or months, it is advisable to get a travel insurance. 

10. Trust your instinct, wear a smile and bring an open mind!

These are just some basic, if you want to read more- you can check Gael’s series on Solo Female Travel 101 . But wait, there’s more! Gael is planning to travel around the Philippines soon! You can check out her plan of Making a Difference while Traveling

Gay of Pinay Travel Junkie

1. When doing your research about the destination, try to look for articles that are written by fellow solo female backpackers. 

Gay at Bulingan Falls, Basilan

2. When having a conversation with some random (suspicious looking) guy who suddenly asks you “Are you alone?“, the statement “I’m waiting for/meeting someone” could possibly shoo him away.

Or, “I used to be a man“.

3. When partying, don’t drink more than you can handle. Also, stay away from cocktails offered to you by strangers. Unless it’s a bottle of beer/wine opened in front of you. Or, he’s an extremely cute guy you just can’t resist.

>>I can imagine Gay saying #3 10years ago.hahaha At the time of this writing, Gay and family is now 187 days on the road- doing an epic round-the-world trip. Follow their cool journey at PinayTravelJunkie.com

Thank you so much dear reader for following the GO GIRLS Travel Series! Hope the posts would spur each one to travel solo.
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"Go girl! You can do solo travel..."

GO GIRLS TRAVEL TIPS SERIES is my way of saying “thanks” and  “go girl, you can do solo travel” to my female readers I hope you many will try and embrace the adventures of female solo traveling.

I asked 10 female travel bloggers for help on topics like safety, solo travel, outfit & fashion, staying pretty while on the road, travel secrets and more girls talk.

Nina & Paula / Chyng & Lisa Marie / Claire & Kaiz / Lois & Monette / Gael & Gay