Understand and respect local female roles. Western women, accustomed to freedom and equality, often have trouble accepting the gender roles in foreign countries. Do a bit of research before you arrive, and act accordingly. Though it is tempting to show other cultures what a liberated woman looks like, it is important to realize that you will not affect change by flouting local conventions. If local people are distracted, or offended, by your dress or bearing, you will be less able to experience the personal side of the culture.
Pack only what you can easily carry. A traveler staggering under the weight of her bags is an easy target for pickpockets and scam artists. Carry a manageable backpack with room for purchases and a small day bag. Insist on carrying your belongings to reduce the risk of theft.
Bring a money belt. Travelers seem to be split on the money belt issue: Some swear by them, and others refuse to wear them. Bring one regardless so that you can use it in situations where there is a possibility of theft: Long overnight train rides; hostels without lockers and unsafe neighborhoods.
Be overly cautious. Fair or not, women need to exercise more caution when traveling alone than do their male counterparts. Do not go out alone after dark unless you can be sure that there will be many people around, or take a taxi. Beware of too-good-to-be-true offers, and always verify the credibility of tour operators and guides. Exercise common sense at all times and, when in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Learn to love your own company. Generally, you will be surrounded by other travelers and locals, but there will be times when you will be on your own by choice or circumstance. Keep a book or a notebook in your day-pack for quick entertainment. Find out what activities you are comfortable doing solo, and try new things to mix it up.
Take yourself out to dinner. Resist the temptation to hide in your hotel or hostel room, eating packaged food. Pick an intriguing restaurant, order a glass of wine, and watch the pace of life in your host country. If you're feeling particularly brave, find a restaurant with no westerners and a menu with no English and learn by trial and error. Locals will be helpful and friendly if you demonstrate a genuine willingness. When in doubt, remember that a smile is universal.
Seek out other women. Locals, travelers--it doesn't matter. Observe how women in your host culture interact, and determine a way to approach them. Ask for directions or ask about an item of clothing or piece of jewelry. Show pictures of family when language barriers prevent conversation. In cultures where men and women lead fairly separate lives, women travelers are often able to glimpse things that male travelers cannot.
Keep your money in order. Before you leave, be sure that any payments and other financial matters are in order. When traveling, be aware of international ATM fees and be careful about the amount of cash you carry. As a rule of thumb, carry only what you need for the day's activities in a purse or day-pack and store the rest in a money belt or hotel/hostel safe.
Keep a journal. Traveling alone allows you to experience a culture on a deeper level. Without the temptation to retreat into a familiar group, you have only your own impressions to consider. Observe and analyze situations, and write down details and impressions in a journal to keep the memories fresh. Write down first impressions, and see how they change over days or weeks. The journal will be an excellent reminder of your trip, and a way to re-experience your trip when you're back at home.
Relax. Warnings for women traveling alone are often dire: You'll never come home alive; you'll be kidnapped; raped; sold into slavery. If you exercise caution and common sense, you will have no troubles. A woman traveling solo does not generally pose a threat. Be flexible and enjoy the freedom of solo travel.
