22 safety tips for solo female travel

Traveling alone as a woman is exciting and empowering, but prioritizing safety should always be of the utmost importance. That doesn’t mean solo female travelers have to miss out on all the fun though, with these safety tips for women, solo trips can be both adventurous and safe! Whether you're a seasoned solo female traveler or a first-timer, these women safety tips will help you navigate all the twists and turns of your journey with a confident spring in your step. Are you ready to make memories that are unforgettable for all the right reasons?! Read on to find out how to travel safely as a woman! 

22 female solo travel safety tips

1. Do your research
2. Choose your accommodation wisely
3. Look the part 
4. Choose the right mode of transport
5. Be careful with your valuables 
6. Trust your gut
7. Stay in touch
8. Keep your wits about you
9. Plan your arrival
10. Pack a first-aid kit
11. Copy important documents 
12. Separate your money and cards
13. Learn a few basic phrases
14. Use offline maps 
15. Connect with other travelers
16. Know your limits
17. Save emergency contacts
18. Stay informed
19. Spend on the important things 
20. Get travel insurance 
21. Buy a local sim card
22. Carry yourself with confidence 

1. Do your research

First on our list of safety tips for traveling alone, it’s essential to research your destination thoroughly. Read up on the local customs, dress codes, and any potential safety concerns. Doing your research will not only help you stay safe while traveling, but it will also get you even more excited to jet off! 

2. Choose your accommodation wisely

Book reputable accommodations in safe neighborhoods and check for safety-focused amenities such as lockers and 24-hour receptions. Whether you’re staying in a 16-bed dorm or house sitting in a luxurious villa, always read the reviews carefully and keep a special eye out for comments left by fellow solo female travelers. 

3. Look the part

Dress modestly and respect local customs to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Even if you don’t look like a local, you’re less likely to be a target if you do your best to dress like the residents; this may mean covering up and leaving flashy jewelry at home. 

4. Choose the right mode of transport

Avoid walking alone where possible, but if you do have to, try tagging along with a group of people. Public transportation is a cheap, busy alternative to venturing out on your own, but in situations where taking a taxi is preferable, always go with an official service and never accept a ride from a stranger.

5. Be careful with your valuables

Only bring essential valuables on your solo trip - that means leaving expensive jewelry and unnecessary gadgets at home. The valuables you do take with you should be kept on you at all times when traveling - small day bags, money belts, and hidden pouches are useful for keeping valuables close to hand. Once you’ve reached your destination, store valuables you don’t need day-to-day in a locker or a safe. 

6. Trust your gut

If a person or situation feels off, chances are, it is. Remove yourself from uncomfortable scenarios as quickly as possible, and don’t be afraid to come across as rude to keep yourself safe. 

7. Stay in touch

This doesn’t mean posting your location all over social media, but keeping friends and family members updated with your travel plans and checking in with them when you can. 

8. Keep your wits about you

Be observant and aware of the people and places surrounding you. It’s best to avoid walking down the street wearing headphones unless you’re familiar with your surroundings and stick to busy, well-lit routes where possible.  

9. Plan your arrival

Arriving at an unknown destination in the dead of night not only feels uncomfortable but can also be quite unsafe, especially if you’re carrying everything you need for your trip. Try to get to grips with the area you’re staying in during daylight hours and find out what time it gets dark so you don’t get caught out. 

10. Pack a first-aid kit

Include basic medical supplies for minor injuries and illnesses as well as extra supplies of any prescription medication you might need.  

11. Copy important documents

Keep paper copies of your passport, ID, and other essential documents in case you lose them. Store backup copies online or email them to friends and family so you can still access them if your bag goes missing. 

12. Separate your money and cards

Store your cash and cards in different compartments in your bag to reduce the chance of everything going missing all at once. It’s always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash, often in US dollars, and a couple of cards (at least one credit card) tucked away deep in your bag in case of emergencies. 

13. Learn a few basic phrases

Learn a few common phrases in the local language to have a better chance of communicating with locals. 

14. Use offline maps

Download offline maps like Google maps or Maps.me to navigate without depending on data. Pin key locations such as accommodation and your favorite coffee shop (for next time!). 

15. Connect with other travelers

You know what they say about safety in numbers - traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time! Get to know other fellow travelers by joining in with group tours and activities, or meet people in the communal areas at your accommodation.  

15. Know your limits

If you decide to drink alcohol, exercise caution and avoid getting overly intoxicated in unfamiliar surroundings.

16. Save emergency contacts

Save local emergency numbers and contact information for the nearest embassy or consulate - you never know when these could come in handy!

18. Stay informed

Make it a point to stay updated on local news and developments that could impact your safety.

19. Spend on the important things

Getting a taxi at night, opting for centrally located accommodation, and choosing reputable adventure excursions over the cheap and cheerful can make all the difference for women traveling alone. 

20. Get travel insurance

You never know what’s going to happen while you’re away, and travel insurance can be a great help if worst-case scenarios actually happen. Whether you lose your belongings or have a medical emergency abroad, having insurance can make all the difference.

21. Buy a local sim card

This makes staying in touch with loved ones a whole lot easier, plus it means you can use the internet to search for destinations and book last-minute activities without racking up a huge bill.

22. Carry yourself with confidence

Even if you don’t feel it, giving the impression you feel confident and know where you’re going can do a lot to deter thieves and scammers. If they think you’re a local, you’re less likely to be harassed. 

Solo traveling as a woman can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but prioritizing safety is extra crucial when traveling alone. By following these safety tips for women, you’ll be better prepared to navigate unfamiliar territories with your head held high. Remember, being cautious doesn't mean you can't have fun!