Travel should be fun, relaxing, and carefree. But nothing’s fun about being sick, in danger, or a victim of theft- so I put together some solo travel safety tips for women that might help you enjoy your vacation a little more. This way, you can relax and have fun- instead of spending your vacay worrying.
I have essential safety tips for solo women travelers (or anyone really), learned from my travel to 26 countries on 4 continents. These tips have kept me safe for 30 years of travel and they can do the same for you. Don’t let worry keep you back- get out there and explore the world!
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>> If you’re looking for trip insurance, Insure My Trip works with many different companies to find you the perfect plan.
How to Keep Yourself Safe While Traveling
Research Your Destination Thoroughly
Check travel advisories (look HERE for travel info from the U.S. gov) and read up on common scams. Knowing what to expect can help keep you from falling prey to a group of pickpockets or rogue taxi driver.
Before you arrive, research local customs, laws, and any safety concerns. Some cultures have different expectations regarding women and respecting these norms can help you blend in and avoid unwanted attention.
Dress to Blend In
While you should always feel free to express yourself, in some destinations, dressing conservatively can help you avoid unwanted attention. Observe what local women wear and consider adjusting your outfit choices accordingly. A scarf or shawl can be a versatile piece for covering up when needed- especially in churches, mosques, and temples.
Try to blend in if you can. I dress differently in England that I do in Kazakhstan so that it’s not immediately obvious that I’m a tourist. And quite often I even have people speak to me in the local language- I guess I blend pretty well.
And no matter what- don’t wear leggings. They scream American tourist! 🎯
Use a Translation App
If you’ll be traveling to a place where you don’t speak the language, make sure you download and know how to use the translate app on your phone before you leave. The Apple Translate app has lots of languages, but when I went to Albania, I had to use the Google Translate app instead.
You can even download some of the languages in case you don’t have cell service where you’re going (which I didn’t in the mountains of Albania).
Stay in Safe Accommodations
Book accommodations in safe areas with good reviews from other women travelers. Opt for hotels or hostels that have secure locks, 24-hour front desk service, and well-lit surroundings.
If doing a short-term rental like VRBO, be sure to read reviews before booking and ensure the host has a verified profile.
Book accommodation near where you’ll be at night for dinner or activities. Then you won’t be making yourself a target by walking home a long way in the dark.
🏨 Looking for a place to stay? Booking.com has hotels, apartments, and more at all price points to plan your perfect trip.
Be Cautious with Transportation
Always use official taxis, reputable ride-sharing apps, or pre-arranged transportation. Avoid unmarked vehicles and always agree on a fare before getting in if you’re using a taxi in a city where meters aren’t used.
When traveling alone, I tend to stay in hotels rather than rentals so the front desk can grab a taxi for me- I know they won’t put me in one that’s not reputable.
If using a ride-hailing service, double-check the driver’s details and share your trip with a friend before you get in.
And if taking public transport, try to sit near other women or families and avoid empty compartments on a train.
Stay Safe with Others
If you’re a woman, I know you know this already but it’s worth repeating- never leave your drink unattended!!!! And be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers- even if they seem nice.
If you’re out at a bar or restaurant, order directly from the bartender and watch your drink being made. And if ever you’re feeling like something is off and you might have been drugged, let someone know or call emergency services immediately. Don’t be afraid to make a scene.
If traveling alone, you can wear a fake wedding ring and refer to the husband (or friends) you need to meet in a bit. You can also sign up for tours so you aren’t alone- and you might even meet someone to hang out with! 👯
Trust Your Instincts and Set Boundaries
I feel like this is the most important rule- and the one that we’re least likely to follow.
If a situation feels off, don’t hesitate to remove yourself. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for declining an invitation or avoiding a conversation that makes you uncomfortable. I give you permission to be firm and even rude if necessary. Safety first!
Or maybe you’re exploring and find yourself in an area that makes you feel uneasy. Don’t freak out and pull out your phone. Instead, keep confidently walking (around the block if you need to) until you can figure out how to get somewhere safe. 🦺
Maybe duck into a nearby store and get your bearings. I always feel better with a shop keeper nearby. And it’s better to check your map out of prying eyes than out on the street where some “helpful” stranger might take advantage.
Your intuition is a powerful tool. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation.
Carry Personal Safety Items
Consider carrying a small safety tool such as a personal alarm or an emergency whistle. A doorstop alarm can also be useful for securing your hotel room at night.
Use Your Phone to Stay Safe
You’ll need your phone to access maps so you don’t get lost. Be sure you charge it up when you can and bring a portable battery when you’re out and about. This one’s my favorite- Anker makes great stuff.
And make sure you have charging cables and a plug adapter for the country you’ll be visiting to keep it topped up.
If you need your phone for directions, a great idea is to put one (not both) earbuds in and have it tell you where to go rather than looking at the map on your phone. This way, you can pay attention and not walk into traffic by mistake or have anyone tag you as a clueless tourist.
Download Offline Maps
Sometimes cell service can be spotty, so I always download offline maps from Google Maps onto my phone for places I’ll be traveling. That way, I can always find my way around without having a cell phone signal.
To do this, all you do is search for the city where you’ll be traveling, then scroll right of the “Directions” button and you’ll see another button saying “Download offline maps”, then click download. Easy peasy.
To access that map, all you do is click on your Profile picture and pick “Offline maps” in the dropdown menu to edit it if needed. Then use it your phone as usual.
Share Your Location
Keep a trusted friend back home informed about your travel plans, especially if you’re venturing to remote locations. Regularly check in with family or friends, and consider using location-sharing apps for added security.
Apps like Find My (on iPhone), Google Maps, and Find My Friends can allow someone to track your location and locate you in an emergency.
Additionally, be sure to inform your government of your plans to go overseas. In the U.S. we have the STEP program that will let you know about any emergencies in the location you’re going. When I was in Spain, I was notified about horrible flooding a couple hours away which I was thankful to know about.
Have Emergency Contacts Handy
Print out important numbers like local emergency services, your country’s embassy, and your hotel’s phone number and address. After hopping from hotel to hotel I sometimes forget where I’m supposed to be going. 🤦♀️
I also have phone numbers for my family and friends on my list- because no one knows anyone’s number anymore. And who’s the first person you want to call when something goes wrong? Be sure you know how to get in touch!
Give people back home a copy of your credit card info in case your cards get stolen or compromised in some way. And don’t forget about a copy of your passport and visa to help in an emergency.
You can put a lot of this information into a locked note on your phone but I like to stash a few printed out copies of these details in my handbag, backpack, and suitcase
in case my phone is lost or runs out of battery. It’s old school but it works!
Avoid Over-Sharing on Social Media
As tempting as it is to post real-time updates, wait until your vacation is over before sharing your about it online. Posting your exact whereabouts can make you an easy target. And you don’t want people to know your house is empty! I can’t think of anything worse than coming home from a fabulous vacation to a house that’s been robbed.
Stay Healthy
Make sure you’re up to date on any vaccinations and ask about any ones you might need for the specific location where you’ll be traveling.
Be sure you have enough prescription medication for the length of your trip and bring a copy of the prescription if you’ll be bringing a lot.
Make sure you have everything for your specific issues whether you have a finicky stomach or can’t sleep. I personally, always bring sleep medications, waterproof tape for blisters (so much better than Band-Aids), and compression socks for the plane.
Purchase Travel Insurance for the Unexpected
I hope you never have to use it, but travel insurance can be a lifesaver (literally). Unexpected medical emergencies, lost belongings, or trip cancellations can happen. A good travel insurance policy provides financial protection and access to necessary assistance in case of an emergency.
>> If you’re looking for trip insurance, Insure My Trip works with many different companies to find you the perfect plan.
How to Keep Your Things Safe While Traveling
Don’t Pack the Flashy Stuff
It’s fine to wear small jewelry, but unless you want to make yourself a target of theft (or worse) don’t bring the flashy stuff. In addition, I don’t travel with Gucci bags or other things that would identify me as someone who might be worth stealing from.
Keep Your Valuables Secure
Pickpocketing and theft are concerns in tourist-heavy areas but as long as you stay aware and take precautions you should be fine.
Use anti-theft bags like PacSafe (people love the backpack), Travelon, or Sherpani to keep your things close. A lot of them have features like locking zippers or slash-proof materials. A crossbody bag or belt bag that you is best in my opinion. Be sure you keep it in front of you rather than on your back where it’s easier to get to.
Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for larger amounts of cash and important documents that you don’t need constant access to. You can also put your credit cards and passport into an RFID sleeve or pouch so they can’t be scanned.
I also like to deter thieves with locks and cables. At a hotel or rental with no lockbox, I put my valuables in my suitcase, lock it closed, and secure it around the bed frame or plumbing just in case. I can also use them to lock my handbag to my chair at dinner or a lounge chair at the beach.
If you’re worried about your phone getting snatched (or just misplacing it), you can use a phone lanyard so it’s still accessible but won’t go astray.
Divide Up the Important Stuff
On the plane ride over, ✈️ make sure you have all your cash, credit cards, valuables, and papers in your personal bag (NOT your carry-on which could get checked). Once you get to your destination, however, you should divide it all up into multiple places.
Put things into your handbag, backpack, and carry-on. This way, if one of them gets stolen, you’ll still have access to the others. I divide up cash, credit cards, passport/copy of it, contact info, etc.
I even bring my iPad on trips with me partly because I know that even if my phone gets stolen, it’s all in the Cloud so I’ll have access to everything on my iPad.
Use Airtags to Keep Track
If the worst happens and your bag gets stolen, it’s a good idea to be able to track it down with an Airtag (or the equivalent). A lot of times the thief will just grab the cash or credit cards then dump it nearby and you can easily track it down with an Airtag- just don’t follow it into a dangerous area.
I keep an AirTag in each of my bags- handbag, backpack, and carry-on- just for peace of mind. I like items that do my worrying for me.
>> Looking for somewhere fun to go? Check out my DESTINATIONS PAGE for great ideas of where to go next! 🌍
My Favorite Travel Websites
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Ready to plan your trip?
Here are my favorite travel websites to get you started.
✈️ Flights 🏨 Hotels 🚃 Trains
🚗 Car Rental 🤞 Insurance 🏰 Activities
Questions about How to Stay Safe While Traveling
What do I do with my phone at the beach?
I put my stuff into a small bag and lock it to the lounge chair using locks and cables then put my beach towel on top. Alternatively, you could put it into a waterproof pouch that you take in the water with you. I’ve also heard of people digging a hole in the sand- just be sure you remember where you did it!
By using these tips, you can focus on making the most of your travel experience while also staying safe. Enjoy your journey and explore the world with confidence. You deserve it!
Happy travels… ✈️ 💪
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