Essential Safety Tips For Female Solo Travellers

Solo female travel is a transformative and empowering experience, offering an unparalleled opportunity for self-discovery and adventure, however, before venturing out on your own for the first time, it’s important to know all of the essential safety tips for female solo travellers.

While the world is filled with incredible destinations waiting to be explored, it’s crucial for women to prioritize their safety. In this blog post, I’ll dive into 25 essential safety tips every female solo traveller needs to know.

I won’t lie to you. The thought of travelling alone is scary, and actually travelling solo can be even scarier if you’ve never done it before. There are so many things that I wish I knew before my first solo trip, however, after travelling by myself for two decades, I’ve learned a thing or two which helps me conquer my nervousness when heading out on my own. There is an ugly side to solo travel, but in this post I’m going to share with you the top safety tips to keep in mind when heading out on your solo adventure. Let’s get started!

Research Your Destination

First and foremost, choosing the right destination is the number one safety tip for all female travellers who are travelling solo. It’s important to ensure your safety even before leaving home. Afterall, safety is never guaranteed however choosing a destination that’s known to be unsafe is completely irresponsible.

When doing the research and choosing a destination, it’s important to ask yourself these questions:

• Is it known to be generally a safe destination
• Does it offer accommodation close to amenities
• What transportation is available
• Are guided tours offered
• What language is spoken
• Does the destination have an abundance of crime
• What security measures does the destination have in place
• Does the destination have a general acceptance of females who travel alone
• What are the cultural differences

Utilize destination reviews, blogs, and and official government websites in order to tap into the knowledge and experiences of fellow travellers.

Flight Arrival Times

The time that you arrive at your destination is also extremely important when it comes to safety. This is especially true if you have never been to the destination before.

When booking your flight, ensure to book a flight that arrives at your destination during daylight hours. Arriving during the day will provide you with the opportunity to view your surroundings and get a feel for the destination.

Choose Accommodations Wisely

Every destination offers a variety of accommodations, from all-inclusive resorts, boutique inns, brand name hotels, Airbnbs and hostels. 

Choosing the right accommodation depends on your needs and wants, however, when women travel alone, there are considerations to keep in mind:

• is the location safe?
• is it close to amenities, such as coffee shops and restaurants?
• what amenities does the accommodation offer? Does it have a kitchener or restaurant on site?
• is it within walking distance to tourist attractions?

On my first solo trip, which was to St. Lucia, I rented a beautiful house overlooking the sea, with a pool. What I didn’t think about was if the location was safe? Guess what? It wasn’t! Not only that, it was nowhere near any amenities or attractions.

Now whenever I travel alone, I always look for a smaller boutique hotel or resort that is within walking distance to coffee shops, restaurants, and some tourist attractions.

Share Your Itinerary

It is always wise to share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. The itinerary should include:

• Destination. If multiple destinations, indicate what day you will be in each location
• Flight information, including flight number, departure, and arrival times
• Hotel information, including name, address, and telephone number. 
• Information for any tours you’ve booked, including name and telephone number of tour company

Photocopy Your Travel Documents

It’s important to make a photocopy of all of your travel documents, including:

• passport
• credit cards
• driver’s licence
• medical card
• flight information

Keep a copy of the documents in a separate location from the original when you are travelling. It’s also a good idea to email a copy to yourself so that you always have the information with you on your phone. 

Purchase Insurance

It is always wise to purchase travel and medical insurance before travelling far from home. I admit that this is an item that I would forego pre-covid, however, now I never leave home without it. It’s especially important for women who are travelling solo.

Download Apps

The first thing all solo travellers should do when reaching your destination is download any apps to your phone that will assist in the navigation specific to the destination. It’s especially important to have a navigation app to assist in navigating the destination. If you don’t understand the language, a translation app is also an invaluable tool. 

In addition to downloading the apps, it’s wise to carry the contact information for the local authorities and your Country’s Consulate in case of an emergency. This is one safety tip that you won’t want to miss doing!

Insert Emergency Contact Information In Each Suitcase, Backpack, And Purse

As a solo female traveller, we try to do everything in our power to ensure our safety, however, bad things can happen sometimes. 

Before leaving home, write your emergency contact name and telephone number on a piece of paper and put it in every suitcase, carry-on, backpack or purse that you are travelling with. It’s also a good idea to include your name, telephone number, and address in case you loose an item and a good samaritan wants to return it to you.

Stay Connected

When travelling solo, it’s important that you remain connected at all times. Carry a portable phone charger with you to ensure your phone is always charged. 

Just One Tip: If your place of residence doesn’t have a roam like home plan, it’s wise to purchase a local SIM card

It’s also extremely important what and how you post to social media. On one hand, you don’t want to broadcast your whereabouts, however, on the other hand, social media is a great way to let your loved ones at home know that you’re safe. Post wisely!

Take A Walking Tour On Your First Day

When a destination for the first time, I like to take a guided walking tour on the first day. This enables you to familiarize yourself with the destination, as well as meet new people, and potentially make new friends.

Join A Tour Group

If this is your first solo trip, or if you don’t feel comfortable exploring the sites on your own, there are many tour groups that you can join to see the tourist attractions. 

In the alternative, if you want to travel alone, but not be completely by yourself, contact a travel agency to enquire about guided tours to your destination of choice. You know what they say? There’s safety in numbers, and if you’re a solo female traveller, joining a tour group will provide the best of both worlds.

Make Friends With The Locals

When taking the time to talk with the locals, you can gain invaluable information about the destination. You’ll learn the best restaurants, off-the-beaten-path things to see, areas to avoid, etc.

Just One Tip: Avoid letting people know that you are travelling alone, or where you’re staying

Go Easy On The Alcohol

When woment travelsolo, it’s especially important to be in control and aware at all times. A drink or two is okay, however, avoid consuming too much alcohol. As a female solo traveller, it’s unsafe to consume an over-abundance of alcohol.

Dress Appropriately

I’ll admit that in this day and age, women shouldn’t be targeted because of how they dress, however, unfortunately they are. It’s important to dress conservatively and blend in with the locals in order to avoid unwanted attention.

Learn Basic Phrases

I feel that it’s always a courtesy to learn basic phrases if the people at the destination speak a different language. It is not only respectful, it can become a necessity if you require assistance.

Respect The Culture

It’s important to respect the culture of the host Country. Remember that you are a “guest”. Dress and act accordingly. You will have learned what is expected during the research phase of your trip.

Secure Your Belongings

Regardless of how safe the destination is, pick-pocketing is common everywhere. Ensure that your bags are secure. I recommend carrying a cross body purse so that it is in front of you at all times.

When leaving your hotel room, ensure that all valuables are locked in the safe.

Carry Extra Cash

It is wise to carry extra cash, as well as an extra credit card. Stash these in a separate area of your body from your bag. There are many items that can be purchased, such as scrunchies, bra’s, etc. where the extra cash can be stored.

Leave Valuables At Home

If you’re wearing glittery diamonds you definitely won’t blend in with the crowd. Avoid the glitzy jewellery and clothing. Leave them in the safe, or better yet, leave them at home.

Use Reliable Transportation

It’s inevitable that at some point during your trip, you’ll need some form of transportation. When travelling solo, I recommend taking a taxi or uber whenever possible. This is especially important after dark. 

Ensure that you’ve chosen a legitimate taxi service, and negotiate the price prior to getting in the vehicle.

Avoid Being Out After Dark

In order to ensure safety when travelling by solo, it’s advisable to avoid wandering alone after dark. Again, go back to the research stage of your trip to ensure that the location of your accommodations is close to restaurants and/or cafes.

Limit Distractions When Exploring

When out exploring on your own, it’s important to avoid distractions. Avoid wandering around with headphones on or talking on your phone. Always have a map on hand, or better yet, an app so that you know where you’re going.

Learn A Little Self Defense

It is said that self defense is common sense. This is very true. The first defense is always avoidance, however, you may find yourself in situations that can’t be avoided. In this case, it is wise to take a woman’s self defense class if you plan on travelling solo often. Women who travel solo state that they feel much safer knowing that they have a little self defense knowledge up their sleeve.

Exude Confidence

The key for a woman to travell solo safely is to blend in with the crowd. When out and about, it’s important that you feel confident, even if you don’t. Walk with your head high and prentend that you know where you’re going and what you’re doing.

Listen To Your Gut Instincts

Lastly, the biggest safety tip that I have for women who travel solo is to listen to your gut instinct. If you feel that something isn’t right, likely it isn’t. Remove yourself from the situation immediately.

Essential Tips For Staying Safe When Travelling Alone: In Conclusion

Solo female travel is a remarkable journey filled with discovery and personal growth. By prioritizing your safety and being mindful of your surroundings, you can fully embrace the freedom and empowerment that comes with exploring the world on your terms. I sincerely hope that the safety tips provided will help to make your solo journey more safe and enjoyable.

Safe travels! 🙂

PIN 25 SAFETY TIPS FOR FEMALE SOLO TRAVELLERS!