These essential tips for solo female travelers can help you have a safe and enjoyable trip, no matter where in the world you are.
Traveling solo as a woman gets a bad rep. Many assume it’s automatically scary, dangerous, and lonely, and that women should just avoid it altogether. But as someone who’s independently moved abroad to 4 different countries and been taking solo trips sporadically over the past decade, I’m here to dispel some myths.
But I’m not going to lie, traveling solo as a woman can be intimidating and stressful at times, especially if it’s your first time. And I’m not going to tell you that every single woman will love the experience of solo travel, because that’s also just not the case. And that’s ok!
What I will say, is that I do believe every woman should try it at least once. Because there are a lot of benefits of solo travel, and you may discover that all of the misconceptions you had about it were actually false.
And in a bid to help make your experience the best it can be, here are a few of my own personal tips for when I travel solo that keep me feeling safe, comfortable and having a good time!
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Is it safe to travel alone as a woman?
The thing about life is that it can be unsafe to be a woman anywhere. So the question of is it safe to travel alone as a woman is tricky. Sure, some destinations are considered safer than others based on political unrest, petty theft, gender norms, and overall crime and violence rates. These are certainly things that all travelers should look up and take into consideration when planning a trip.
But ultimately, solo travel is not inherently more dangerous compared to what women may face in their home countries. And solo female travel in general, is safe. However if you’re still worried, there are some things you can do to help minimize risk and feel more comfortable while traveling solo—many of which are things you may already do at home.
Safety Devices for Solo Travelers
One way to feel more comfortable while traveling solo, is to come prepared with some safety travel gear. I personally don’t travel with all of these items, but I think it’s worth sharing in case they may be of interest to you! But just know, that weapons like knives and are pepper spray are illegal to carry in many countries abroad.
Travel Essentials for Safety:
- Theft proof purse and theft proof travel bag
- RFID passport wallet
- Nightcap Drink Protector
- Portable Door Lock and portable door jam
- Security alarm keychain
- Self Defense Keychain
- Garmin InReach Mini Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
Safety Apps for Solo Travelers
These days, your smartphone can be one of the best safety items you can have! Here are some apps to download that can help you feel safer abroad.
- Life360: This app allows location sharing and alerts for when you’re traveling and want someone to keep an eye on you. The basic free option can be used in the U.S. and Canada, but for use abroad you can pay for their premium plan.
- AirAlo: An e-SIM that makes it easy to get data on your phone abroad so you can stay connected. Simply purchase your preferred plan and enjoy! Be sure to check that your phone model supports e-SIMs.
- Smart Traveler: The official State Department app for U.S. travelers, you can see current travel warnings in real time, easily find American embassies abroad, and more. Another good idea is to enroll in the STEP program.
- Emergency App: By the American Red Cross, this handy tool allows you access medical and emergencies procedures for whatever situation may arise.
- Sitata: This app offers a one-stop place to plan your travels, share them with others, and manage/stay up to date with travel disruption alerts.
- NordVPN: This app requires a paid subscription, but having a VPN while abroad can help protect your info from cyberattacks while traveling.
15 Essential Tips for Solo Female Travelers
1. Do your research.
You should always thoroughly read up on the places you’re visiting and staying so you know what to expect, how much it costs, and important things to watch out for. Before you use a service or stay somewhere, it’s also a good idea to check reviews to see if anyone’s had any bad experiences. And lastly, it’s important to research how and where to do certain activities to ensure you have the best and safest experience.
2. Learn the ins and outs of the local public transportation.
Public transportation is often the cheapest and sometimes most efficient way to get around. But the way public transportation works is different in every single place. If you’re nervous about traveling around a new place, it can be helpful to look up how to buy tickets, if tickets need to be validated, where bus/train stops are, etc. Having that info can help lower any stress and anxiety that comes with navigating a new and unknown place.
3. Sometimes you may receive unwanted attention if traveling somewhere different.
In some countries abroad that are largely homogenous, anyone who looks remotely different may stick out and receive unwanted attention. For the most part it’s innocent stares, in which case don’t let it get to you and just keep moving.
However, sometimes POC or folks with features that differ from the populace may experience locals trying to touch and take pictures. When it becomes too much or your gut is telling you it’s dangerous, find a safe space and get out of there. But know that it’s often harmless, although annoying.
4. Don’t be afraid to chat with the locals.
I’m a big believer that the majority of people are good at heart, so although you’re solo, please don’t be too scared to approach new people. Because no one knows the area better than the folks who live there! Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with any friendly soul you can to learn more about the culture, make new friends and even get recommendations only a local can share.
5. Try to avoid walking alone at night in sketchy areas.
This may be my number one rule. Try not to walk alone at night if you can help it, especially in areas that are particularly rough. You’re most vulnerable alone in the dark without many people around, and tourists are often an “easy” target for petty theft.
6. Dress (and do) as the local women do.
Depending where you are in the world, you may be visiting a place that’s more conservative than where you call home. In that situation, it’s better to fit in with their standards than to stand out. Research before you travel how to dress so you can better blend in with the crowd and travel inconspicuously. I also like to observe how the local women behave or act in certain situations to gauge my own behavior and dress. Monkey see, monkey do!
7. Learn the culture and social norms.
Mind your manners and be respectful when traveling to a new place. Take the time to look up social etiquette in the country you’re traveling in to help make your trip and interaction with others much smoother. For example, some things to consider in Asia; shoes on or off, chopsticks/eating etiquette, introductions, formality with elders, clothing for temples, behavior in temples etc. In prominent Catholic Churches, you may need to have your shoulders and knees covered. etc.
8. Tell everyone and anyone where you’re going.
When traveling solo, it’s always necessary to share with loved ones when and where exactly you’re traveling and what your plans are in case of any emergency. If you’re in trouble, you’ll want someone to know where to go looking for you if needed. One easy way to do this is to share your location with your family, significant other, or friends.
9. Get a SIM card.
This tip for solo traveling isn’t a must, but when I travel solo, a SIM card gives me a lot of peace of mind. With access to data, I can easily use maps when I’m lost, Google for questions, and phone services to keep in touch with people or contact emergency services, heaven forbid. Nowadays temporary SIMs with calling and data aren’t too hard to find and don’t cost too much money.
10. Be aware of your surroundings.
Keep a closer eye on where you are, where you’ve been and who is around. When you’re with another person, you don’t necessarily have to worry about being so alert, but when traveling solo it doesn’t hurt to do so.
11. Learn a bit of the language / survival phrases.
Knowing even just how to say something as simple as ‘where’s the bathroom?” can be so beneficial. I like to carry a little list on a note in my phone to keep handy and even show a local if my pronunciation is garbage!
12. Stay in a hostel to meet new people.
Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone the entire time! One of the best perks is meeting new people from all over the world in your hostel. You can’t make friends as easily staying in a private hotel room. Often the new friends you meet will also make great travel companions to spend the day with or check out a new place with.
13. Trust your gut.
Your basic instinct is usually pretty good at warning you if something doesn’t feel quite right. Listen to it and trust yourself.
14. Act confident.
Even if you don’t feel it, act confident and assertive to avoid being scammed. Stand your ground when it’s something you feel strongly about, and walk with your head held high. The more you act confident, the more you’ll actually feel it and others will believe it.
15. Do your thing.
If it’s what you want, you should do it regardless of what anyone else says. Traveling solo is no more dangerous than any other day to day activity if you’re smart about it. So just remember that you only live once, you can die any day, you’re tougher than you think, do what makes you happy and any other cheesy quote that’ll get you packing your bags and on your way!
If you’re still unsure about traveling solo as a woman and are in need of some inspiration, check out my 10 Amazing Side Effects of Solo Travel!