5 Things Girls Should Know Before Going On A Solo Drinking Holiday

Traveling solo is surely one of the most amazing and liberating experiences. Adding a social or nightlife element to it simply doubles the fun. But as a woman, hitting a place alone might require a set of distinct instincts. Well, by this we don’t mean that you let your fear dictate your trip, but instead it means setting certain boundaries that will help you focus on having an unforgettable time on your solo trip. So here are the five important things that girls should know before going on a solo drinking holiday. 

What Should Girls Know Before Going On A Solo Drinking Holiday? 

1. Stay Away From Unwanted Attention

• Vacation flirtations can totally be fun, but relying on strangers (men) completely for directions, recommendations, and things like that might lead to jeopardizing your own safety. 
• Try to buy your own drinks. While you may accept a “can I buy you a drink” from someone, make sure you keep an eye on the drink while it is made. If someone denies that access, make sure you do not accept the drink. 
• Make sure you do not reveal the fact that you are traveling solo. While talking to someone, like a group or so, make sure you establish a lie saying your group is resting in the hostel and you came here to explore. This will keep you off the target that is set on solo female travelers. 
• If any conversation is making you uncomfortable or you feel someone is overstepping, make sure you clear it out politely. You can always say that you are looking to spend some alone time or simply walk to a different side of the room. 

2. Watch Your Drink

• One of the biggest risks that women generally face when they visit a drinking place is drink tampering. This calls for you maintaining strict awareness of your glass from the very moment you order it till you receive it. In bar culture, this is known as “chain of custody”. 
• Make sure you order your drink from a place where you can see the bartender preparing it. Generally, in larger venues, drinks are prepared at the central bar as the waiters bring them to you. It is better to avoid this and go and order, as well as receive your drink directly. 
• You must also master handling techniques because your awareness is not limited to the moment your glass is handed to you. Distractions can happen anywhere, anytime, so better be prepared. 
• Use your palm as a shield by holding the glass in a way that your palm covers the mouth of the glass. This will keep anyone from adding any substance to your drink. You can also place a paper coaster on your drink to keep it covered. 
• If at all you lose sight of your drink, even for some time, make sure you abandon it immediately. 

Also Read: 5 Things Women Should Know Before Ordering Drinks At A New Bar

3. Sort Your Travel

• Alcohol generally leads to lower risk perception and impairs your navigation skills at times. This is surely the worst combination to have in an unfamiliar city. 
• Make sure you figure out how you will come back to your hotel or hostel. 
• Download your map from the place you are planning to visit to your hotel or hostel on Google Maps or a local maps application. 
• You must also write your address or route on a piece of paper and keep it with you to know the route if your battery dies. 
• Research and know when and how you can travel late at night. Do prepaid taxis work, and are they safe options to use? You can also check if you can rely on public transit options. If yes, check the timings of the last train or bus that can take you home and leave from the place accordingly.
• Make sure you carry some amount of backup cash in case your phone’s battery dies. This will make sure that you will still have money to take a ride home safely. 

4. Pace Yourself

• Pacing yourself while drinking with your friends is very different from doing that when you are alone. Remember, you do not have a trusted friend to help you if you get drunk or if someone has tampered with your drink. You are your guardian angel. 
• Know your limits and pace yourself in a way that you stop yourself well before reaching those limits. One golden rule to follow while drinking alone is to drink half your capacity. 
• You can also drink a glass of chilled water after every drink so that you can stay aware of yourself and your surroundings. 
• These days, people opt for low-ABV cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks without cutting out the fun of the night. 
• Be cautious with regional specialities and know the measurements of ingredients well beforehand. 

5. Safety Mesh Systems

• Traveling solo does not mean you stay completely out of contact with your loved ones. You can always set a social and digital safety net before heading out that keeps functioning in the background. 
• Send your live location to any of your trusted friends or family members right before you set out. Make sure you set the location sharing time for long hours. This is one of the best ways to keep you, your friends, or your family aware of where you are. Establish a simple safety contact emoji, like sending a thumbs-up when you reach the spot and another when you leave. 
• You can also take the contact details of your hotel or hostel reception. It is better to let them know that you are leaving and when you will be getting back. If you are at a hostel, you can also invite other female roommates. 

Also Read: Why Do We Label Drinks as “For Men” or “For Women”? Let’s Break It Down

Author’s Note

On my solo travel, I made sure that I kept my best friend updated about my whereabouts. It did not mean sharing huge paragraphs in detail, but just the key points so that I was not busy texting all the time. We had coded some emojis which, when I used them, he knew what I meant. 

Summing Up

Solo travel is surely one of the best ways of empowering yourself to see the world on your terms. By incorporating some habits and setting some boundaries, you can make this trip safer and unforgettable for yourself.