Top 10 safety tips for solo female travelers
As a seasoned solo female traveler to over 40 countries, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges, setbacks and hurdles. While yes, it’s not always fun to run into issues, the good thing is that it's enabled me to learn valuable lessons along the way. Lessons that I can now share with you that will make your trips easier.
For me, traveling solo is an empowering and rewarding experience…something I will do for the rest of my life. Every time I travel I learn so much about myself and the world around me. One of the most important things I’ve learned is how to balance safety with fun. While it’s useless to worry about your entire trip (not to mention a huge energy waster), it’s still important to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
That’s why I created this list of the top 10 safety tips for solo female travelers. Tips that I use in every destination I’m at, whether national or international. Take notes and let me know if this was helpful to you in the comments. Also remember this list the next time you travel!
Top 10 safety tips for solo travel
Research your destination thoroughly:
Before embarking on your journey, do your research on the location you're visiting. Know the customs, laws, and social norms of the area. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings or unintentional offenses. It also helps you to connect better with the locals when they see you are taking the time to respect and abide by their customs.
Research the area you will be staying and download an offline map:
This will safeguard you from any cell phone drops or issues with international service. You do not want to be caught on an unfamiliar street at night without some sort of guide to get you to your destination!
Dress appropriately:
Dress modestly and in a way that blends in with locals. This will help you avoid unwanted attention and reduce the risk of harassment. This is especially important in more conservative countries and cultures. Plus, it is a form of respect to adopt the customs and culture of that area. I often look at photos of where I’m going to see what the dress style is in the area, and I try to abide by it.
Stay in safe accommodations:
Book your accommodations in safe and well-reviewed areas. Look for places with good security measures like a Superhost on Airbnb, or a hotel with good reviews or security cameras. Don’t skimp on price over safety! If money is an issue, then stay in a hostel or around other people where you will have assistance if needed .
Share your itinerary:
I’ve often traveled to another country, wandered unfamiliar streets then suddenly realized no one in the world knew where I was! Bad idea. Always share your travel plans with trusted friends and/or family members. Keep them updated on your whereabouts and any changes to your plans.
Trust your instincts:
I’ve been in questionable situations. And while sometimes it was a hassle for me to move, what would have been more of a hassle is if something happened to me! These days I ask myself, “would I rather spend an hour changing locations, or a year recovering from a bad experience?” If something doesn't feel right, trust your gut. Remove yourself from the situation and seek help if needed.
Stay connected but safe:
Thanks to social media, this is easier now than over. But this also goes both ways. Connect with your friends, but don’t share your immediate location online, you never know who is watching. Stay in touch with trusted friends and family back home. Check in with them regularly and only give your whereabouts to them privately.
Carry identification:
Always carry a form of identification with you, such as your passport or driver's license. If you don’t want to carry around your passport (I rarely do), most of the time a photo or printed copy of your passport works fine.
Learn basic self-defense:
Take a self-defense course or learn some basic techniques to defend yourself in case of an emergency. Carry mace or pepper spray with you. Other options is a loud whistle to draw attention to yourself, or a metal pen that can double as self defense tool if needed.
Avoid walking alone at night:
Stick to well-lit and busy areas, and avoid walking alone at night as much as possible. Consider taking a taxi or rideshare instead. Even on familiar streets, you never know who may be watching or following your habits.
BONUS tip:
Have travel insurance:
I don’t always use travel insurance. But this is what I choose for my travels and what works for me. Many times travel insurance provides you with financial protection in case of any unforeseen events, such as illness or theft. It’s a great fallback method for the more cautious traveler, and there are very affordable options out there. A quick search online will pull up the best options for you and your destination.
Well there you have it, top 10 tips plus a bonus #11. I hope these were helpful to you. Remember that you don’t have to be scared, turning your head at every corner, wondering who is lurking behind you. Fear will only stop you from adventuring and ruin your entire trip experience!
The main thing is to be aware of your surroundings, always know what’s in front, beside, and behind you. As my friend’s father always says, “keep your head on a swivel”. I’ve done that so far and it works! The above precautions are easy to implement and will save you a lot of hassle, making your trip not only enjoyable, but safe.
Did I miss anything? Or what has worked for you when you travel solo? Let me know in the comments below!