I’ve been solo travelling for the last couple years and I love it. For me, it’s the freedom to do whatever you like, whenever you want that I love the most. There’s no need to accommodate other peoples’ schedules, interests, and preferences, no compromising so “everyone is happy” or skipping on the things you want to do that no one else does … this level of freedom and independence while traveling is intoxicating.
I also value the way solo travel has shaped me. It’s cliche to say that “travel changes you”, but this is especially true when you travel solo. It’s an amazing experience that will push you out of your comfort zone, teach you invaluable life lessons, increase your confidence, and make you more comfortable with yourself (and being by yourself). Even if you only try it once, at least try it once.
But a major issue for many women (and their family/friends) while traveling solo is that of staying safe.
In this post I’ve shared some tips for staying safe, planning your travels efficiently, and enjoying your time while traveling solo. The reality is that many of these recommendations are standard procedures women use everyday to stay safe where they live and work. So from that perspective, staying safe while traveling solo isn’t much different from staying safe as a woman – anywhere.
However, being on your own and not knowing anyone who could be there to help you in a few minutes’ time adds an uncertainty factor that can be intimidating. The following suggestions may help alleviate the stress from this uncertainty and make your solo travel adventures more enjoyable.
Tips for staying safe:
Below are some hacks, products, and procedures that will help you stay and feel safe while venturing solo, but I want to emphasize the two cardinal rules of traveling solo: use common sense and trust your gut. Relying on these two instincts will go farther at keeping you safe than a suitcase full of safety devices.
Use your common sense – a lot of safety comes down to doing the sensible thing. Don’t walk down alleys or narrow, closed-in areas, especially at night. Know where the sketchy areas of town are and avoid going or staying there. Stay aware of your surroundings, and the people there. If someone offers you an item or help unsolicited, reject it. I’m not opposed to walking outside at night (depending on the city), but if you do, stay where there are lots of people and in areas that are spacious and well-lit.
Go with your gut – if something feels off or wrong, take whatever measure you believe is necessary to get out of that situation. Cross to the other side of the street, duck into a cafe, or take a different route if anyone in the area makes you feel uncomfortable. You don’t need to justify your actions, you don’t need to clearly explain why, even to yourself. Assess the scenario later, in a safe place, to figure out (if possible) what bothered you or made you feel unsafe so that you can learn from the experience. Maybe you were overreacting or struggling with culture shock, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Besides using common sense and trusting your gut, safety measures may include the following –
Share your itinerary & location: Someone (family, friends, both) should know the details of your trip, especially the address you’re staying at, flight departures/arrivals, planned outings, and a general gist of what you are expecting to do in a day. Obviously you can be spontaneous within this itinerary, but it’s a good idea to have people you trust knowing where you are supposed to be in case something happens (i.e., natural disaster, terrorism, illness, etc.) and you’re unable to contact anyone or get to your embassy. It also helps reassure those at home worrying about your safety. Be sure to regularly contact people, too, particularly if your itinerary or plans change and so that they know you are alive and well.
Build a safety kit: Bring items to make your hotel and time alone more secure. Use a money belt or secret inner pockets to secure your ID, money, and other important items. Carry a personal alarm, like the Birdie alarm, whistle, and/or pepper spray (if legal). Pack a first aid kit and a small flashlight. Bring a door stop or lock for your hotel room. Install phone apps like Life360 or bSafe to share your location or an emergency with family and friends. Research the security risks of your destination to know how to prepare accordingly.
Know emergency numbers & contacts: Emergency numbers often differ in each country, so find out what the 9-1-1 equivalent is before you arrive. Have your travel insurance info printed or written out and located somewhere easily accessible; know where your embassy is located in case of natural disasters, a lost passport, etc.
Travel light: There’s a less-stress aspect to this, which I explain further below, but traveling light is a simple way to stay safer. The less you have to carry, the less you have to keep track of and the less that is slowing you down. You can move more quickly and discretely when you travel carry-on-only, and you’re less susceptible to being robbed, assaulted, or taken advantage of.
Check your hotel room: Before you settle in, make sure there is no one else in the room (check under the bed(s), in the closets, in the shower and cupboards, etc.). Check for two-way mirrors and hidden devices. Check your mattress and other fabric surfaces for bed bugs.
Decline house cleaning: Use the “do not disturb” sign or request no house cleaning at reception if a door hanger is not available. This will help prevent someone from entering your room or placing something within your room while the room is being cleaned.
Opt for women-only accommodations: If the idea of staying in a hotel room alone or sharing spaces with male travelers makes you feel uncomfortable, book women-only rooms within hostels or tours with separate gender accommodations. Book an airbnb or BnB with female hosts – they may also become a local contact and someone watching out for you.
Respect the local customs & cultural expectations: Dress appropriately – dress conservatively; err on the side of modesty; avoid designer items, flashy pieces, and expensive jewelry; cover up, especially when entering religious buildings. How you dress can go a long way in making you stand out or blend in. Research how women are typically treated where you are going, so you know what is considered normal or abnormal behaviour, specifically from men. Know how and how not to respond to various situations you may encounter. You may not agree with the cultural norms but you are not there to make a political or moral statement.
Find “safe” groups to hang out with: This may be as simple as staying near a family while waiting at the train station or walking near to a guided group if you start to feel uncomfortable in your environment. You can also make other female friends with your hostel mates or tourists you connect with on your travels who would be willing to hang out or visit some sites together. Listen to your gut when it comes to people you meet, but keep in mind that most people are not out to get you.
You’re allowed to lie: No one needs to know you’re on your alone. If someone is getting invasive with questioning, tell them you’re on your way to see friends or going to meet up with your partner at a nearby cafe. Wear a fake wedding ring. Say what you need to, give whatever impression is necessary to keep from being followed or harrassed.
Tips for less-stress travels:
Let’s be real – travel inherently comes with a side of stress. Often it’s the good kind that pushes us out of our comfort zone and forces us to be fully present, but sometimes there are stresses that have us questioning our sanity.
My top tip for easing travel stress, regardless of whether you’re going solo or in a group is to book in advance and go having everything planned out. As exciting as a last-minute, spontaneous sort of trip sounds, giving yourself time to plan, research, and prep for a solo trip reduces a lot of stress. Booking early gives you lots of time to research and prepare. It tends to be more cost-effective as you can monitor your expenses and keep an eye out for good travel deals or sales. You have time to source guides and tours that are highly reviewed (particularly by female travelers). Advance planning stokes the “anticipation factor” as you plan tentative itineraries and day trips and familiarize yourself with the culture, history, events, and sites you expect to experience.
Personally, I plan everything out, booking all my accommodations and as much transportation, activities, and sites/attractions as possible before I leave. This makes travel less stressful for me and makes it easier to leave my itinerary with family. The internet is an amazing tool for travel prep!
Do your research: This encompasses more than just where to go and what to do. As a solo female traveler, you want to know what the cultural norms are not just from a safety perspective but also to reduce culture shock and help you understand the culture you’re experiencing. Read about the experiences of other female solo travelers who have been to where you’re planning on going. Some places are more challenging to do solo as a woman than others but these places can often turn into the most rewarding and valuable travel experiences. Know what you’re heading into, know how you’re going to deal with likely situations, and keep an open mind.
Know your limits: Do what you’re comfortable with. If you’re just starting solo travel, do a weekend in a nearby city or your hometown and work on slowly expanding your experiences. You don’t need to do a 3-month backpacking trip around Asia for your first gig; no matter how small, each trip teaches you something new and builds on the lessons from previous trips. If you’ve traveled extensively, you’ll know what you can tackle and where you may need to draw the line for your own safety or sanity.
Plan in detail: Booking your trip in detail cuts down on a lot of uncertainty. Know where you’ll stay, places you’d like to eat, what you want to see, and how to get around. Consider details like: will you get a local SIM or use an e-SIM to stay connected; where can you do laundry, if needed; are there any sites or attractions that need to be booked in advance; what is the local currency and what is the preference for cash vs credit card? The more you know in advance, the less like a tourist and more like a local you will feel.
Have travel insurance: Whether you purchase this from a travel insurance company or have coverage through your travel credit card, be sure to have travel insurance, know the details, and have the contact information easily accessible.
Travel light: I’ve been part of the carry-on only club for most of my solo travels and I can’t recommend this approach enough. Traveling light saves you money on checked bag fees (and the time waiting at the baggage carousel). There’s less to pack before an early morning flight or train, and you wont have as much weight to drag around. If you aren’t used to traveling this way it will take getting used to. But once you figure out what and how much you need to travel carry-on only you’ll find yourself enjoying this minimalistic approach to traveling.
Learn as much of the local language as possible: Translation apps are a huge blessing, but it’s good to know a few words in the local language. Being able to express your thanks or ask for help goes a long way with locals who generally appreciate the effort.
Travel somewhere “safe”: A simple way to ease the stress of traveling solo, particularly if you’re still getting the hang of it, is to travel to countries that are considered safe for female solo travelers. Countries like Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Iceland have low crime rates and an open-minded attitude toward women traveling solo. It can also help to go to a place where you already know someone (an expat family member, long-distance friend, etc.), or to a destination you’ve previously visited with family or friends and are already somewhat familiar with.
Other Thoughts:
I’m often told that I’m brave for traveling solo. I don’t see it that way.
It’s scarier to stay put, to not try, to not take the opportunity.
In my experience, the reward is worth the extra effort to travel safely and sanely. If you’re on the fence about traveling solo, I can tell you that it is one of the most worthwhile and exciting experiences you can choose. You’re not alone. There are other women traveling solo.
While there are negative aspects to consider, I’ve found that the people I meet are much more likely to be kind and friendly, helpful if I’m needing it, and trustworthy. This tendency will differ depending on the country you visit, but I usually feel just as safe or safer abroad than I do at home.
Use common sense, trust you gut instinct, and go at it with an open mind. Like with anything, it will become easier and smoother the more you do it. And, you may just discover your favourite method of travel – alone.