Tips for Solo Female Travellers Visiting Sri Lanka
Are you a solo female traveller considering a visit to Sri Lanka? Going it alone here is not complicated, the people are lovely and getting around is pretty simple. That said, there are still plenty of things you can do to make your trip safer and more comfortable.
To get the most out of Sri Lanka, book an exclusive 12-day experience with Culture Trip making the most of the country’s ancient temples and exotic wildlife.
What to pack
When going solo in Sri Lanka you should always have: baby wipes and toilet paper, for when there’s nothing more than a hand shower or bucket; a sarong or long skirt for visiting temples; a reusable water bottle, which you can refill at your hotel; and cash in small bills for tuk tuks and buses.
The best way to really get to know a country is to make friends with the locals. As a female, you are better off making friends with women first and foremost. Sri Lankan women are some of the friendliest in the world and will happily offer you a seat at their dinner table. A lot of people will be surprised that you are travelling on your own but will also offer you advice on the best places to visit and where to stay.
Visit the Barefoot Garden Cafe in Colombo
The Barefoot Garden Cafe is great for many reasons. The shopping is wonderful, with many beautiful things to buy for yourself or friends back home, and the cafe area on the garden patio is perfect for sending emails from your laptop. It’s also a great place for meeting other travellers.
Dress modestly
You will need to dress modestly when visiting temples; legs and shoulders must always be covered. You will not be able to go inside otherwise.
Know when not to be alone
When the sun goes down, the city, and the towns especially, become very quiet. Avoid going out alone after dark. If you plan to go out on the town for a drink and a good time, best to find someone to go with.
Mind the staring
If you’re a female travelling solo through Sri Lanka, there’s a good chance that someone will stare at you. It’s not something you can necessarily avoid, but if you feel particularly uncomfortable being in a group may help. And, as always, follow your gut – if a situation feels risky, get to somewhere you feel safe as soon as possible.
Keep your eyes open and your head up
As a solo female traveller you probably already have your wits about you. Either way, it’s not overkill to mention that you need to keep your eyes open and follow your gut. Keep your head up, be confident and have the time of your life in Sri Lanka.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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