A solo traveler has shared her essential advice for navigating solo trips, including which hotel floors to book and recounting some of her most frightening encounters.
From Croatia to Montenegro and the Dominican Republic, Sierra Belle has explored destinations worldwide.
The 26-year-old shares her insights on Instagram, where she has amassed over 22,300 followers.
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A recent video of hers has struck a chord, earning 17,000 likes.
“I think one of the best times to consider traveling alone is during those intimidating or unsettling life changes,” said Sierra, a creative account director from North Carolina, US, in an interview with Luxury Travel Daily.
“I hadn’t even thought about solo travel as a concept, let alone as an option for me.
“Many travelers you see online seem like fearless adventurers.
“Before I began, I sought out sources that resonated with me to build the confidence to try it.
“It’s difficult to articulate how transformative solo travel can be; there’s truly nothing else like it.
“Here are some crucial safety tips to maintain your privacy.”
IT’S OKAY TO BE RUDE
She advised: “The more confident you appear when exploring a new place, the less of a target you’ll become.
“Until you can gauge someone’s intentions, it’s essential to avoid sharing any information that could make you vulnerable.
“How much you disclose about yourself depends on your comfort level and gut feeling, which is crucial in these situations.
“As a woman, it’s easy to feel pressured to be polite and give people the benefit of the doubt.
“Often, it feels like a dance of ‘don’t be rude but don’t give the wrong idea.’
“You don’t owe anyone anything, and it’s important not to ignore your boundaries just to be pleasant.
“If you let a sense of obligation override your instincts, you can end up in tricky situations.
“You must get comfortable with confidently ignoring or shutting down people who make you uncomfortable.”
BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM WITH CARE
Another key safety tip is related to booking accommodations.
Sierra recommends avoiding rooms on the first floor or with doors directly on the street.
She recounted: “I learned this lesson the hard way in Mexico when I booked a charming Airbnb with a frosted glass door opening to a relatively quiet street.
“An hour after I arrived, while I was unpacking, a man stopped at my door and repeatedly tried to force it open in broad daylight.
“It was especially terrifying because, although the door had iron bars, I could see his silhouette through the frosted glass.
“Two days later, another man aggressively harassed me on the street, attempting to follow me and taking photos/videos from a distance.
“These experiences made me realize I never want to stay directly on the street again.
“These were two of the scariest experiences I’ve had while solo traveling, and it was just bad luck that they happened consecutively.
“If you ever feel uncomfortable, remember that you can always find a new place to stay.
“It might feel like an overreaction at the moment, but I’ve done this twice and have no regrets.”
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
Sierra noted: “Solo traveling offers an incredible sense of independence.
“It’s a wonderful feeling that boosts confidence.
“I’ve avoided asking for help at times, either out of embarrassment or hesitation to trust strangers.
“But realistically, you can’t figure out everything on your own!
“This was a pivotal lesson for me, realizing that it’s okay to seek assistance and that I don’t have to do everything alone.”
IGNORE OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINIONS
Sierra often faces comments about her travel rules being excessive, but she doesn’t let others’ opinions sway her.
She explained: “Most of the feedback online has been validating but also slightly frustrating.
“Overall, I feel very supported by the community I’ve built online.
“The fact that so many women relate is a sad reminder of the lengths we have to go to safely have the same experiences that men can pursue more easily.
“Finding the courage to travel solo is primarily an internal journey, but having a supportive community of women can make a significant difference.”
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