Going solo: Travel tips for the lesbian adventurer
After enduring strict lockdowns at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and toughing out one of the harshest winters in recent memory, most of us are more than ready to hop on a plane or make other travel plans this year. Some of us- whether by choice or circumstance- will be going on solo trips.
We already know female travelers have bigger safety concerns than men, but the potential dangers that a straight, cisgender woman might experience on the road are often considerably different than the risks associated with being lesbian, transgender, and/or non-binary.
Here are a few suggestions on how to stay safe- and have a blast- on your solo adventure.
Domestic vs. international travel
If this is your first, you might want to start with a domestic trip. You won’t have to deal with language barriers and unfamiliar traditions, and you can utilize apps you already know well (maps and more) without having to rely on WiFi access or buying an international data plan.
For international travel, always check out the laws and regulations of a destination country before planning your lesbian solo travel trip. Russia and Brunei are just a couple of examples where one can be punished for either promoting the LGBT lifestyle or publicly displaying signs of affection.
Creating trusted online contacts ahead of time and meeting other lesbian travelers or local lesbians can add to the fun. For example, you can search for “lesbian events” plus your destination on Google or Facebook. Dating apps are also the quickest way to connect.
Practical advice from lesbian travel bloggers
“Plan ahead for safety,” travel blogger Amanda Kendle said in an interview with Babbel Magazine. Aside from doing a bit of research to find out if a destination might be risky, she explained that being prepared for illness should be part of your checklist.
Taylan Stulting added that you must also learn how public transportation works in your destination city/country. “A memorable mistake would easily be taking taxis/Uber when I was by myself because they are typically SO expensive if you aren’t splitting it with someone.”
Other bloggers also shared their advice:
“Make sure you’re well-equipped. Have a working SIM card so you can reach someone in case of emergency, and enough cash in the destination’s currency so you don’t find yourself desperate at an ATM at night or in a shady place.” – Francesca Murray
“Give a copy of your itinerary to your friends/family and let someone at home know if you change anything. Always keep a copy of your passport with you in a separate place from your actual passport, in case of theft or damage.” – Tara Povey
Finally, although it’s prudent to research your destination thoroughly and understand the associated risks, it’s equally important not to let fear guide your decisions.
Asked to share a memorable mistake regarding solo travel, blogger Jessica O’Reilly said: “Letting nerves and unfair suspicion stop me from interacting with locals and keeping me inside when I should have been exploring.”