Have you been considering taking your first solo trip but wondering how to stay safe while traveling alone? If so, you’re not alone. Solo female travel is an empowering experience, but safety concerns can sometimes create doubt before your first big adventure.
Before my first solo trip, I was nervous—not necessarily because of my own fears, but because others worried for me. However, I quickly learned that traveling alone as a woman can be incredibly safe and rewarding. The key is to be prepared and trust your instincts.
To help you feel confident and excited for your journey, I’m sharing 11 must-know safety tips for solo female travelers. Whether you’re heading to Europe, Asia, or exploring destinations closer to home, these travel safety strategies will give you peace of mind.
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11 safety tips for traveling alone as a woman
1. Confidence is key
- Act confident
- No matter how you’re actually feeling, acting confident can help deter unwanted attention. You might be lost, confused or nervous but walking with a purpose and owning your space will help you appear self-assured and are less likely to be targeted by people.
- Don’t be too nice
- Women are often conditioned to be polite, even in uncomfortable situations. While traveling solo, give yourself permission to be assertive. If someone makes you feel uneasy, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from the situation without worrying about seeming rude.
- Be kind when it matters
- While you don’t have to be overly friendly with strangers on the street, being polite and approachable in safe settings—like hostels, cafes, or guided tours—can help you meet great people along the way.
2. Send your itinerary with loved ones
Before you set off on your solo adventure, share your travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. This will help ease your mind and those of your loved ones. Include details like hotel addresses, flight and train information, and any planned excursions. This ensures someone knows your whereabouts in case of an emergency.
3. Keep hostel/hotel contact info handy
Most accommodations will have a business card at their front desk. Grab one and keep it in your bag in case your phone dies or you don’t have internet access. This makes it easy to show a taxi driver or ask for directions if needed.
Related Post: Top Hostels in Paris for Solo Female Travelers, Best Hostels in Amsterdam for Solo Female Travelers
4. Carry a portable charger
Your phone will be your lifeline for navigation, capturing memories, communication, and emergencies. Bring a portable charger to keep your phone charged, especially on long travel days or when exploring remote areas without worrying.
5. Prioritize safe transportation
For the most part while traveling by yourself, using public transportation is easy, affordable and safe. There may be times when taking an Uber, Lyft, or taxi is the better option—especially at night or in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Trust your gut; if something feels off, no matter when – pay extra for safer transportation.
6. Trust your instincts
Traveling by yourself can bring a lot of unknowns, your intuition will be one of your best safety tools. If a situation doesn’t feel right, even if it doesn’t make sense, listen to your gut and remove yourself immediately. Trust yourself. And do what you need to do to feel peace.
7. Be aware of your surroundings
When traveling alone as a woman it’s important to stay alert and aware. For the most part, when I was traveling I found myself in beautiful places and felt completely safe but awareness can go a long way in preventing unwanted situations. Avoid distractions like using your phone a lot when walking alone.
8. Splurge when necessary
- Budget travel is amazing, but sometimes safety should come before savings. If you feel uneasy about a situation—whether it’s taking an early-morning train or walking home alone at night—pay extra for a safer alternative, like a hotel in a better neighborhood or a taxi/uber instead of public transit.
- Once in Barcelona I was planning on taking public transit to the airport early in the morning. I had just spent 3 days there using only public transit and was comfortable and felt safe most of the time. For some reason I was feeling nervous about taking it that morning so instead of ignoring those feelings, I booked an uber. Even though taking the train would have cost me like $5 instead of $40. It was worth it. I had instant peace of mind.
Related Post: Solo Travel with me by Train Through Europe
9. Carry a secure crossbody bag
Having a bag that you are comfortable using during the day has multiple purposes in feeling safe. You can keep your necessities close by and blend in more with locals.
10. Be mindful at night
I personally didn’t go out often on mine own at night while traveling alone. I would rather get up earlier, spend all day out and then spend my night at my hostel, watching a movie in bed or hanging out in the lobby or hostel bar or restaurant.
If you’re going out at night, follow these safety tips:
- Stick to well-lit, busy areas
- Go out with a group (hostel friends can be great for this!)
- Don’t drink too much
- Take safe transportation back to your accommodation
If you don’t feel comfortable being out late alone, opt for early mornings or daytime activities instead.
11. Get an eSim or international data plan
Staying connected is crucial for safety. Before your trip, set up an eSIM or international data plan so you always have access to maps, ride-sharing apps, and emergency contacts without having to find wifi. Reliable options include:
- Airalo – Use my link here for an additional 15% off eSims (already have an account? Use this link for 10% off!)
- Holafly
- Your mobile carrier’s international plan
Related Post: Best Travel Accessories on Amazon: For a Long Flight
Don’t worry and have fun!
Solo female travel can be an empowering and enriching experience. Safety should always be a priority, but don’t let fear hold you back from exploring the world! With the right precautions, you can travel with confidence and create unforgettable memories anywhere you go.
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