20 Safety Tips For Solo Female Travelers

The world is big and is waiting to be explored! Travel should be a fun and exhilarating experience, but it can be overwhelming at times for even the most seasoned travelers. Many people travel with family, friends, or tour groups but I have always preferred to travel alone. In fact, much of the travel I have done over the past ten years have been solo! I have explored numerous states and even backpacked Europe for two months by myself. I like that I can create my agenda and work on my time versus having to work around the schedule of others.

When traveling alone, whether it is a trip across the state, across the country, or half-way around the world, safety is always at the forefront of my mind. Over the years, I have learned and picked up many safety tips that have become second habit and part of my subconscious. I have compiled my top 20 for remaining safe as a solo female traveler. Some of these tips are unique to my backpacking trip but are still applicable no matter the trip. These tips are not just limited to women as well and are good reminders for any traveler of any age.

#1: Let trusted family and friends know where you are and check-in frequently

Be sure to tell a few trusted family or friends where you are and where you are headed. I recommend forwarding any important travel documents such as flight/ train/ bus information, hotel/ hostel/ Airbnb addresses, arrival times, etc. to these individuals so they are aware of where to find you. Also, be sure to text, call or use messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Zello to communicate with loved ones back home.

#2: Always carry cash

I will admit, when I’m in the states, I am not the best at carrying cash all the time, but when I was abroad, I always made sure to have at least $20 in local currency on me. Some places do not accept card payment, or you may be caught in a heightened situation where you need cash handy.

#3: Learn the basics of the local language

This is applicable for going abroad, but make sure to learn a couple of phrases in the local language. While it is true that some countries have a high number of English speakers, many countries do not. Learning a couple of phrases (or writing them down) can help tremendously.

#4: Don’t wander after dark/late at night

This is obvious, but still a good reminder. While I will admit, I did walk around after dark when I was backpacking in Europe, I never wandered alone after 10PM. When I was in Europe, it would get dark as early as 3:45 in the afternoon, but because it was still the middle of the day, I felt more comfortable walking around, even when it was dark. However, once it got late, I made sure I was inside!

#5: Carry an external phone battery

You never know when your phone may die! External batteries can be fairly cheap and take up minimal space/weight in a bag.

#6: Download offline Google Maps and carry a paper backup

It is easy to get lost, especially in foreign countries! Downloading an offline version of the city on Google Maps can help you navigate back to your hostel without using data. I also would carry a paper map as a backup just in case (you can find area maps at tourist centers in many major cities).

#7: Be mindful of the bag you carry

Personally, when I travel, I often feel more comfortable with a crossbody bag versus a backpack as my day bag. I feel that I have more control over it, and it can deter pickpockets. I elected for this crossbody bag from Travelon which worked well for me and is travel approved with slash-resistant material and straps.

#8: Trust. Your. Gut.

It goes without saying but always trust your gut. If you feel that something is off, remove yourself from the situation and get away as fast as you can. Sometimes the subconscious mind “sees things” before the conscious mind.

#9: Do not carry or wear anything flashy

Again, an obvious tip, but one to remember. I am normally not one to wear anything flashy and when I was in Europe, I simplified my wardrobe even more so. Apparently, I did an effective job of blending in because I was asked multiple times for directions or recommendations in most of the countries I went to.

#10: Distribute cash and IDs

Distribute valuables and forms of ID in case something happens. If you are traveling during cooler months, I highly recommend the SholdIt scarf. I received this as a gift from my mom before my trip to Europe and I used it nearly every day. It has a hidden zipper pocket where you can store money, cards, etc. Also, make copies of your passport and keep a copy in your bag and a copy back home with loved ones. I also left my credit card numbers with my parents just in case something happened, and I needed to cancel one of my cards.

#11: Read reviews

Stay in well-rated hotels, hostels, and Airbnb’s! It is better to pay a little more for a better rated and safer accommodation. I also would not stay at any location if it did not have any reviews.

#12: Try to arrive during daylight hours

This is not always possible but try to arrive in cities when it is still daylight. It is safer and helps you to orient yourself quicker.

#13: Purchase travel insurance

When traveling abroad, purchase travel insurance. Your insurance plan may not cover you when you are abroad or may not cover certain events. I purchased a plan through World Nomads which was less than $200 for my entire two-month trip. While I never needed it, it was good to have just in case.

#14: Be mindful of where you withdraw cash

Withdraw cash at ATMs from major banks and look for locations where the ATM is in the bank lobby. Also, try to withdraw cash during daylight hours and stowaway cash quickly.

#15: Carry a lock

Many hostels provide lockers where you can store your personal items so be sure to carry a lock (or two). Lock size can vary depending on the locker type, so I suggest a normal combo lock and a skinny TSA bag-like lock.

#16: Identify an exit route

No matter where I am, I always make sure to identify an exit route in case of an emergency.

#17: Know basic self-defense

This might be frightening to consider but consider taking a self-defense class. Knowing how to protect yourself if someone attacks you is invaluable and could save your life.

#18: Be aware of your surroundings in hotels

This also is applicable for any accommodation type, but always be aware of those around you. Whenever I stay in a hotel alone, I always make sure no one is following me as I go to my room. I will not enter my room until the hallway is clear to reduce the chance of someone entering my room behind me. If someone is following me, I have oftentimes walked past my room (or turned around) and said “oops… wrong floor!”

#19: Practice caution when using ride-share apps

Recent news has put this into the forefront but always exercise caution when using Uber, Lyft, or other ride-share apps. I have gotten into the practice of, before entering the car, first checking the car make/ model and the license plate number. Then I walk up to the driver and ask for their name and who they are picking up. If they fail any of these tests, do not get in the car.

#20: Exude confidence

Be confident and intentional with where you are going. I find that when I look like I am confident, I am less bothered by people trying to scam or interact negatively with me. Be confident (even if you have to fake it a little!)

I hope these tips help and are a good reminder of how to remain safe while traveling and have fun. Traveling solo can seem daunting, but some of the best travel experiences I have had have been while solo. Solo travel is not scary and is completely 100% worth it!

Do you have any safety tips to add? I would love to hear them down below!

*This post was originally posted on April 4, 2019 on www.katysputo.com. It has been updated and republished on Katy Does Travel.*