How to Travel Safely if You’re a Woman: 6 Essential Solo Travel Tips

Traveling solo as a woman is an empowering and liberating experience, but safety should always be a top priority. While I have personally not ventured on solo adventures, a few of my clients are solo female travelers and ensuring they have a worry-free experience is always my number one goal.

If you’re thinking of setting out on your first solo travel adventure as a woman, chances are, you’re feeling a bit apprehensive. It can be a scary plunge, and that’s completely normal. That’s why I’d like to share just a few safety tips to consider (or refresh) before you head out on your solo trip.

Research, Research, Research

I honestly can’t stress this one enough.

Every destination is its own unique blend of history, culture, cuisine, and customs. The allure of travel lies in discovering these intricacies, but as a smart solo female traveler, it's crucial to do your homework. Beyond the must-see attractions, you should delve into the less glamorous aspects of your chosen location. Even if you’re working with a travel agent (hi, that’s me!), it’s incredibly important to familiarize yourself with the cultural nuances of a destination so you’re not going in completely blind.

Investigate what to wear, places to avoid, common theft tactics, attitudes towards women, crime statistics, and any other details that might impact your safety. Being well-informed will help you navigate the terrain with confidence, avoid potential conflicts, and show respect for the local culture. That last one is especially important.

Know Your Surroundings (or pretend like you do)

One of my proudest moments as a traveler in an unfamiliar city was being asked directions by a fellow traveler who took me for a local. This was on our second trip to London in 2018. The fellow American was surprised by my obviously non-British accent, but delighted that I could answer his question because I have the uncanny ability to memorize metro maps within just a few days of constant usage.

Not that I’m telling you to memorize a city map, by any means. But walking around with your nose in a map, eyes glued to your phone, or appearing lost can definitely make you an easy target. This is especially important in a large city. To maintain a confident and secure aura, do your research before leaving your hotel. Familiarize yourself with the destination, create a mental map of your route, or have clear, easy-to-follow directions on hand.

If you do get lost, maintain your composure and try not to display it. Walk with confidence, as if you're a local who knows the area. When you need to recalibrate, pop into a nearby shop or café, consult your map, and regain your bearings. When taking a taxi or rideshare at night, order your ride from indoors and only step out once it arrives to minimize exposure in unfamiliar surroundings.

Book the First Night (at least)

I’m a planner, it’s in my blood. But I do wholeheartedly understand the appeal of spontaneity. There’s something undeniably enticing about deciding what to do when you’re on location, packing up and going elsewhere if you’re not vibing with a particular city, or staying put for longer than originally anticipated because there’s so much more to see.

However, arriving in a foreign city or country without any accommodations booked can be risky. Particularly if your travel plans run late and suddenly the sun is down and you have nowhere to crash for the night. To ensure a safe and stress-free start to your journey, always book your first night's stay in advance. This way, even if you encounter travel hiccups, you'll have a secure place to land. Not to mention, you’ll have somewhere safe to unwind and plan out the rest of your trip, if complete spontaneity is your thing.

Knowing where you're heading from the moment you arrive is one of the most valuable safety tips for solo female travelers.

Keep Your Private Info Close

While traveling, you'll encounter a diverse array of people, most of whom are friendly and honest. However, it's best to exercise caution, even if it sounds paranoid, with your personal information. Think about the most suspicious person you've met and what you wouldn't want them to know about you. I’m willing to bet you wouldn’t tell that person your full name, or where you’re staying—by yourself—for the night. The same can be applied to total strangers you’ve just met on a tropical beach halfway around the world.

Details like your full name, hometown, hotel info, or detailed travel plans should be kept private. You don't know the intentions of strangers, so avoid giving potential threats an invitation to exploit your personal information and put you at danger. There’s been far too many horror stories, and sadly, far too many statistics. Have fun, but play it safe.

Know Your Limits

Knowing your limits is crucial as a traveler, and more so as a solo female traveler. These limits can be both physical and emotional. Physically, understand your endurance—how far you can walk in a day, the level of physical exertion you can handle, and when to take breaks. For example, if you’re not much of a hiker at home, don’t set out on a strenuous mountain hike and risk the possibility of injury with no one on hand to help you out.

If you choose to consume alcohol or use substances, be aware of your tolerance levels and when it's time to stop. Overindulgence can lead to dangerous situations, which we want to avoid at all costs. And of course, this is important at home too, but don’t take your eyes off your drink at any time. And if you do, get another one.

Emotionally, recognize your travel limits. How frequently can you change destinations or interact with others before feeling drained? Be sure to schedule 'me time' or rest days in your itinerary to prevent stress and burnout. Scheduling every walking or foodie tour in a city is a great way to know your way around or meet new people, but it can also become too much. It’s just as important to slot in some laid back beach time, or a relaxing spa treatment in order to unwind and reconnect.

Have a Back Up Plan

Experienced travelers understand that things can go awry, so having a contingency plan is essential. The most important take away is: don’t panic! Whether you miss a flight, face theft, or find yourself completely lost, being prepared is key.

Ahead of your trip, sit down and brainstorm potential travel mishaps. For each scenario, create a back-up plan. This proactive approach ensures that you won't be caught off guard, and you'll know exactly how to handle unexpected situations. When it comes to solo female traveler safety, being over-prepared is always better than being underprepared.

I hope these tips are helpful!

In need of some inspiration for your next solo trip? Check out my Guide to the Best Travel Spots as a Solo Female Traveler

Happy travels!