Safety Guides for Solo Female Travelers: Essential Tips to Stay Safe Anywhere
Q: Are there actions that should be completely avoided when traveling alone?
A: ABSOLUTELY! Here are the behaviors to steer clear of in order to maintain safety while journeying alone!
What not to do: when traveling alone – The Short Answer ❗
When traveling alone as a woman, prioritize safety by not advertising that you’re solo, trusting your instincts (even if it means lying), avoiding risky budget choices, staying aware instead of glued to your phone, keeping loved ones informed, and behaving as cautiously as you would at home — because saving money or convenience is never worth compromising your safety.
Here are my essential safety recommendations for women traveling alone!
Don’t: Make it obvious that you’re by yourself
There are occasions when I feel secure sharing that I am a solo female traveler and times when I do not. For instance, I connected with several other American women at the fish market in Tokyo, forming instant friendships in our shared experience of solo traveling. Conversely, when I encountered an unfamiliar older man who asked probing questions during my road trip through Joshua Tree, I casually indicated that my boyfriend would return shortly. My approach to strangers still aligns with the advice my parents gave me about avoiding windowless vans with candy; trust your instincts and remove yourself from ANY situation that feels uncomfortable! There’s nothing wrong with telling a little white lie for the sake of your safety while traveling alone.
Don’t: Compromise safety for cost
This is a lesson I have learned through experience – don’t replicate my errors! Since you lack the benefit of sharing accommodations with a travel partner, solo travel CAN become pricey (I’ll be sharing tips on staying budget-friendly in an upcoming post!). While it might be alluring to select the least expensive hostel, I would strongly advise AGAINST that choice. Instead, look through past reviews, examine the specific neighborhood, and gain a general understanding of the usual guests. Saving money is never worth putting yourself in a potentially risky situation abroad.
Don’t: Get lost in your phone
To enhance your awareness, I strongly advocate keeping your eyes up while navigating a new city. This is particularly challenging for me because my natural instinct is to rely on the Google Maps application to track my location. Instead, familiarize yourself with the step-by-step directions before departing from your hotel and then put your phone away (unless you are thoroughly disoriented)! You will also project more authority and assurance, which can make you less appealing to pickpockets and similar threats.
Don’t: Lose contact with others
While exploring by oneself, having a greater number of individuals looking out for your safety is advantageous. Prior to embarking on a journey, I always inform a family member or a friend about my travel plans. It’s clear that plans can shift during the journey, which is why I ensure to stay connected regularly throughout my travels and inform my close ones about my updated arrangements. Furthermore, I prefer to share my real-time location using the “find my friends” application. It’s wise to prioritize safety and accountability.
Refrain from behaving differently than you would in your own surroundings.
As a basic guideline, avoid engaging in activities that you typically wouldn’t do at home, alright? Do I wander back to my place intoxicated and alone through dimly lit streets at 3 AM in River Seine in Paris, France? Absolutely not, so that’s also not behavior I would exhibit in an unfamiliar location.
If you are unsure, trust your instincts!! Looking for even MORE advice to get ready for your first solo journey?! Take a look at my comprehensive solo travel pre-departure guide!!
What are your personal guidelines for traveling alone as a woman? Interested in hearing more of mine? Subscribe to Interesting Adventuree to discover additional safety tips for solo travel!