5 Survival Secrets For Single Female Travellers In Australia

When Jodie,25, separated from her partner, she visited her doctor suffering from depression. The thought of a long cold Chicago winter didn’t help either.

She had always wanted to visit Australia and her doctor’s advice to “go somewhere warm and sunny” was just the impetus she needed. But as Jodi discovered there are hazards for women travelling alone.

Here are 5 hints for savvy, solo singles.

Jodi had done her homework and she knew there were things solo women travellers should do and things they should never do. If you are a single traveller, these tips for visitors to Australia described by her as a “singles and backpackers paradise”, will help make your trip of a lifetime, happy, safe and memorable.

If you are visiting in the Aussie Summer, you might even get a Valentine’s Day surprise!

1.Travel light.

On a recent trip to Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory, I met a girl from Austria carrying a backpack that would have challenged a weightlifter. She was complaining of back pains and looked miserable. She had received no advice about what to take and included many clothing items because “they might come in handy”.

Remember, Australia is a warm country and you won’t need heavy, bulky clothing. Two items you should not take are bulky winter pyjamas and towels. Most hotels and hostels are air conditioned and towels are cheap and easy to hire.

2. Healthy travel.

If you are visiting Australia from the Northern Hemisphere, chances are your flight could be up to 24 hours or even longer. Regardless of destination, airline or aircraft, the smart travel advice is the same: Plenty of water, no alcohol, walk around the cabin a lot and no sleeping tablets.

3. Arrival times.

Try to organise you airline schedule so that you arrive in Australia between 9am and 3pm. Night time arrivals can be hazardous for single females arriving in a strange city in the darkness, particularly if you are tired.

Most large cities have an efficient transport network between the terminal and city centre.  Your problem then is finding your accommodation when you arrive in the city.

Sydney for example has a train service that will take you direct from the International Terminal to the heart of the city. But Sydney can be unsafe at night and taxis from the terminal are expensive.

If you are being met by friends, arrival times are not so critical.

4. Stay at Youth hostels or backpacker accommodation.

For single women, hotels can be cold and lonely places. That is why backpacker hostels are so popular. They are great places to meet people and to share travel ideas and experiences in a safe, comfortable environment.

Gone are the days when backpacker hostels were dirty, grotty places. Savvy guests these days are looking for places that are clean, safe and comfortable with great facilities (including swimming pools), group travel opportunities and healthy, budget meals.

They also look for hostels that are conveniently located close to transport.

When I travel around Australia, I always select and stay at hostels that have these facilities and I have a huge choice. Some of those in capital cities are brilliant. A recently opened Youth Hostel in Sydney has panoramic views of Sydney Harbour! Many are close to beaches and some are on tropical islands just a short walk from pristine, near deserted beaches.

How good is that?

5. Unwanted attention from men.

Australia is a great place to meet other singles and there are many opportunities including hostels, backpacker accommodation, football matches, beaches and pubs. If you are visiting in February, you might even enjoy a happy Valentine’s Day.

But what if you are not ready for a relationship?

Lonely Planet, an Australian based travel publication, offers these suggestions:

If you get unwanted attention from men, don’t say you’ll meet them later and try to get rid of them. They will turn up. Say “no” firmly and politely.

Wear a wedding ring and say you’ve got four kids, if anyone asks. Yes, you shouldn’t have to, but sometimes it’s the easiest way to fend off advances.

(Note from Graeme: If you’re only 23, make it 2 kids, but the message is the same!)

About the Author

Discover more secrets for savvy, single, female travellers in Australian travel specialist Graeme Lanham’s new e-book. It offers advice on the best beaches, best budget accommodation and the most spine tingling adventures, plus much more. Claim your copy by clicking here now: http://www.australia4backpackers.com and receive 3 bonus FREE reports. They are essential reading for ALL visitors to Australia and might even save your life.

For  fresh, FREE articles and more travel tips, click here now: http://traveltipsaustralia.com/travelblog/

 

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