Best safety practices for solo female travelers

Traveling alone can be a life-changing experience, particularly for women.  You can interact with strangers, and discover about other cultures with this freedom. However, while trying to make the journey enjoyable and relaxed, women need to be conscious of the particular risks of safety that come with traveling alone. Whether it’s a quick weekend trip or a long-term adventure, staying safe should be a priority. Below are some practical tips to help solo female travelers stay safe and have an unforgettable journey.

Pick safe accommodations

Safety begins with where you stay. Always do thorough research on accommodations before booking. Choose highly recommended places to stay such as hostels, motels, or Airbnbs, particularly those with high safety reviews. Additional comfort comes in the form of female-only hostels, which are provided by many hotels and hostels. 

Be careful when using Google Maps to ensure that your hotel is located in a brightly lighted, safe neighborhood near businesses and public transportation. If you’re arriving late at night, it’s a good idea to inform the accommodation to ensure smooth check-in.

Stay connected with loved ones

It is important to keep in touch with friends and family when traveling alone. Providing regular updates helps you and your family to be more relaxed. Give information about your overall trip plan, accommodation, and your daily routine. You may share your current location with your dear ones using apps like WhatsApp, which makes it simple for someone to locate you in an emergency.

Trust your gut

Your intuition is your best friend while traveling. If something doesn’t feel right—a place, a person, or a situation—trust your gut and remove yourself. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in busy spots like airports, train stations, and crowded markets. A heightened sense of awareness can help you avoid risky situations.

Blend in with the local culture

The more you blend in, the less you’ll stand out as a tourist, reducing your chances of being targeted for scams or harassment. By doing some research before to your trip, learn about the regional traditions and clothing, particularly those related to women. Wearing sensible clothes can help minimize unwanted attention when visiting some places. When you need privacy, a lightweight scarf will be helpful additionally.

Plan your transport carefully

It can be difficult to get into a new city. You must verify the services you choose are trustworthy, whether it's public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing applications like Uber. You should always be careful to check the details of the driver and license plate before entering a car.

Try to avoid reaching the destination late at night. If you have to travel after dark, plan bookings for your means of transport in advance. There are even some places that provide travel choices just for women, which can give an additional level of security.

Limit sharing on social media

Posting travel experiences on the internet is fun, but you need to be cautious regarding what you share and when you post. Revealing your travel plans or where you are online leaves you at risk. You should better use private messaging to update your loved ones and share your experiences on social media once you've moved on from where you were.

Carry personal safety gear

Packing some personal safety items can provide extra reassurance while traveling. Items such as a personal alarm, whistle, and pepper spray (if legal in the country) can save lives under dangerous situations. You can even improve safety in your hotel or Airbnb by attaching a portable door lock or a basic doorstop.

It is important to clarify with the local authorities to check the laws in your destination about what items are legal to carry for self-defense.

Be wary of common scams

Tourist-targeted scams are, unfortunately, common in many places. Educating yourself about popular scams in your destination can help you avoid falling victim. Scams can range from taxi drivers overcharging to fake guides or pickpockets in crowded areas.

When withdrawing cash, use ATMs located inside banks or in busy, well-lit areas. Politely decline offers of unsolicited help, especially if it involves your luggage or money. And always keep copies of your important documents like your passport in a separate, secure place.