5 Practical Tips For Solo Female Travel Safety
Introduction
As a solo female traveller the main question I’m asked is: how to stay safe while travelling alone? Many women have fears and concerns about travelling alone. Which is pretty understandable because as women we have more fears and concerns in our day to day lives than men. Being a woman in the world comes with challenges especially when we travel to foreign countries all on our own. However, there are actionable steps we can take and these travel safety tips for women will make you feel more safe, prepared, and confident as a solo woman traveller.
1. Do Your Research Before You Go
As with anything being prepared and knowing what to expect will help you navigate safely. Research safe neighbourhoods in the city, the best areas to stay and explore, and the ones you should avoid, if any.
You should know about the cultural norms of the place you will be visiting. It is incredibly important not only to be respectful of the country and culture but, it also keeps you safe by knowing what to expect and how you should act. This includes following local dress codes and maybe dressing more modestly than you typically would at home. Dressing this way will help you stick out less and can help you avoid unwanted attention.
I always make sure to research local scams in the place I’m travelling to so I know what to look out for. Be aware if things like pick-pocketing are prevalent there. Keep valuables out if sight and be smart about your surroundings.
Read blogs, watch videos and listen to what other women have experienced in each country. We’re lucky we live in an age where information is readily available so be sure to do loads of research on how to stay safe travelling alone in each place you travel because everywhere is different.
2. Trust Your Gut—It’s a Real Safety Tool
The simplest and most common advice I give for solo female travel safety: TRUST YOUR GUT. Trusting your gut and own intuition is so powerful and is one of the best ways to stay safe. Learning to trust yourself and your instincts is a priceless safety tool.
If you have an off feeling about a person, place or situation you’re in, get out. We so often second-guess ourselves but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I understand wanting to give people the benefit of the doubt but know that your safety is your number one priority. Don’t ever feel bad for doing what’s best for your safety and listening to your intuition. You don’t need to explain yourself to anybody! Just do what you feel is right. Being a solo female traveller can feel scary at times but knowing you can trust your own judgement and gut in tricky situations will make you feel safer and more confident.
3. Stay Connected and Share Your Location
I love using Find My Friends on my IPhone or sharing my location via Whatapp. I feel safer knowing that other’s know where I am even if I’m across the globe. This gives my friends and family a way to keep up to date with where I am. I always work off a loose itinerary and sometimes wake up without knowing where I’m headed next. But I always tell my friends and family where I’m staying once I’ve booked it, what flights/buses/trains I’m taking with approximate times. This way people know my plans and where I’ll be. Staying in contact with family and friends keeps me well connected to my support system which ultimately makes me feel safer when travelling on my own.
4. Choose the Right Accommodation
Some things to look for when booking hostels are a 24 hour reception desk, good location and lockers. A 24 hour reception desk is great because if you have an issue at any time of day there will be somebody on-site to help you out. A good location in a safe neighbourhood is ideal. So, do research on the best places to stay in the city. Also, be sure there are secure lockers you can keep your belongings in.
I book all my hostels through hostelworld and usually read lots of reviews, and try to make sure they have these three things. Most hostels I’ve stayed in have been quite enjoyable but I have gone for super cheap ones (I’m talking $2 CAD a night cheap) which didn’t feel safe at all. If the price difference in hostels aren’t too drastic in the location you’re booking then try to go for a good one instead of the cheapest because the amenities, location and safety will reflect the price. I promise you a few dollars more really makes a huge difference!
If you are new to hostel life or a bit anxious about the feeling of a mixed dorm (mixed gender dorm) you can always book a female-only dorm. I’ve never had any problems staying in mixed dorms but female-dorms do give a certain comfort and at times just feel best for me. Read reviews left by female solo travelers to hear their opinions on the places they stayed to get a better feel for each hostel individually.
5. Avoid Over-Drinking & Watch Your Drink
I am a sober solo traveller now but I haven’t always been. If you are planning on drinking while travelling please be responsible and in control. I know it’s easier said than done (hence why I don’t drink at all anymore). And I know a lot of people just associate travel with partying but staying sober and in control helps you stay aware and avoid dangerous situations. If you are planning on drinking do it safety with a trusted group of people and watch your drinks. It’s also important to be aware that some big party spots come with added safety risks. For example, Ko Pha Ngam in Thailand is known for their crazy Full Moon Parties. But, I’ve heard tons of stories of people getting drugged and robbed at these parties. Please proceed with caution and be smart wherever you go (not trying to sound like your parent I just want you to be safe).
If you’re interested on skipping the booze for your next trip or sober curious check out my blog post From FOMO to Freedom: How Sobriety Transformed My Solo Travel Experience.
Last Pieces of Advice
-I recommend carrying a personal alarm personal alarm or whistle
-Never feel bad for lying in a situation (Don’t say you’re alone, but meeting people, have family in the city, travelling with a boyfriend/husband/fiancee etc.)
-Know local emergency numbers and the number for the Tourist Police
-Have an E-Sim so you’re always connected and can navigate/communicate even in a new country. I usually use JetPac or Airalo.
-Avoid walking alone late at night when possible
Conclusion
Solo Female Travel is the best thing I’ve ever done and it’s incredibly empowering. These 5 tips should be practiced so you can be prepared, confident and safe. Remember that anxiety and fear is normal especially if you are new to being on your own but it shouldn’t stop you. Most people are harmless and don’t have ill intentions but always be prepared, be smart and trust your gut! I hope this post helps keep you safe, prepared and more confident for your adventure. If you have any other solo travel safety tips for women I would love to hear them and share them to inspire more women to go explore the world solo!