There’s no reason you should avoid working remotely or traveling alone just because of your gender. While it can seem overwhelming to consider all the things that could go wrong, just think about how the positives of a new adventure outweigh the negatives.
You’ll have experiences to last you a lifetime. Not only that, but you’ll further your creativity as you broaden your horizons. Check out several tips to help you jumpstart independently traveleling abroad:
- Join a community: Joining a community of like-minded people combats loneliness while simultaneously promoting productivity. With regard to your living situation, coliving spaces like Outsite are perfect for professionals on the move. I’ve experienced staying at the Northshore Oahu and Lisbon location, and can personally attest to how comfortable it feels to stay at an apartment filled with other solo travelers who are also working remotely.
- Stay organized: When it comes to packing, avoid messes and stressful situations by using an organizational system that works for you. I always use packing cubes to allow for my suitcase and backpack to be easily rummaged through without everything popping out of place. These are especially useful if you’re packing light. Additionally, make sure to keep a designated location for your valuables and stow back up money in second location.
- Read a book: Ironically, it’s easy to feel lonely and anxious when alone in a crowded place. Avoid being glued to your phone even if you’re alone at dinner by reading a book. I enjoy reading books that are related to travel or to the place I am working from. I’m currently reading Land of Lost Borders, which is inspiring as a fellow solo traveler (read explanation here). Reading also boosts creativity in a way that Instagram can’t.
- Look for inspiration: If you’re ever doubting yourself and in need of some inspiration, check out CarRentals’ visual, which features seven women that pioneered travel for females. They made impressive journeys and record-breaking trips that rivaled those of most men. In fact, Jeanne Baret had to disguise herself as a man in order to be the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. If they can do it, you can most certainly do it too — but don’t worry about a disguise.
- Prioritize your safety: I don’t recommend telling anyone that you are alone or disclose where you are staying. This can easily be overlooked if you’ve met someone who seems trustworthy, but you want to put your safety over openness at times. Additionally, if you’re with a friend, be careful what you say as people can easily overhear conversations. You might be surprised how easy it is for strangers to gather second-hand information that way.
- Wake up early: Take advantage of the daylight hours. If you have to work, try to explore a new neighborhood or a landmark before you start your workday. It’s also a good idea to explore the local eats for an immersive experience. When it comes to jet lag, power through it if you can! Taking long naps and giving in to your fatigue makes it last longer.
- Learn the basics of the local language: Even learning simple greetings or phrases can make a difference. A simple “Hello”, “Goodbye” or “Where is the bathroom?” won’t be hard to learn and remember. When it comes to printed materials, use the camera function in Google Translate to translate something in real time.
Traveling alone, especially to another country, can seem like a daunting task. As long as you make good decisions and are wary of your surroundings, you’ll have an experience that you’ll always remember!
