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So you’re a woman and looking for some solo female travel safety tips and want to take that leap of faith. Traveling alone as a woman. But you’re worried sick about what could happen.
Sometimes fear can be so over powering, it causes women to not book that trip! As someone who started solo traveling at the age of 18, I’ve been there and know how it feels.
I’m here to say that just because you’re scared does NOT mean you shouldn’t do it. Imagine how many successful business were created while the owners where scared sh*tless!
Travel alone is one of the most freeing decisions I have made. I’ve grown so much as a person and encountered countless opportunities.
I can say I’ve made my mistakes when traveling along that were questionable, but we all learn and grow. Now that I’m twenty something and have been to over 17 countries by myself, I feel so much more confident! Let’s explore my top rules and solo female travel safety tips.
Never Tell People You’re Alone- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
Like… ever. I made this mistake my very first solo female international trip and needless to say I never did it again. Telling people you’re alone simply makes you a target. I always make up a whole other persona when people ask.
Some common stories I have on backup are “I’m traveling with my family, they’re at the hotel”. “I’m here with my brother, I just needed some time to myself”. Or even, “I’m on a girls trip and wanted some me time”. Unless it is another solo female traveler you met at the hostel, no one needs to know your backstory.
Stay in Hostels Versus Hotel/Airbnb
I know that staying in a big fancy resort is very appealing, especially those who plan on having a luxurious trip. However, staying in a hotel or remote airbnb makes a solo female traveler more of a target.
I feel the safest staying in hostels when I travel alone as a woman. I meet so many cool people, save tons of money, and have access to great wifi. Staying in hostels are overall a W for solo female travellers! Plus if you’re not a bunk bed person, you can book a private room.
If deciding to stay in an airbnb, make sure the host lives on site so there is someone to call in case of emergency. Also, the neighbours will know not to mess with you since you’re not totally alone.
Text Family your Itinerary- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
For your safety and the sanity of your loved ones, be sure to let family and friends know what you’re doing/location. This solo female travel safety tip is one of the most important.
It’s always good to have one person in the country and one person out of the country (back home) know what you’re doing and you whereabouts.
Use a Theft Proof Purse- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
I know that colourful tote bag is super cute, but it may not be the best to travel with. Open bags (that don’t zip or close) are pick pocketers paradise.
When walking, it’s best to track light and have your money, phone, etc in a money belt. This helps to keep your valuable safe so you can explore the city without constant worry.
Travel with Portable Chargers
A must, must, must! Exploring as a solo female traveler is great and inspiring but it’s important to be responsible at the same time.
Walking around with a dead phone is not cute (or safe). Go ahead and get yourself a reliable portable charger and 2 (or more) chords. Head back to accommodation if/when your phone reaches around 20% and there is no available charging station.
Dress/Look like a Local- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
A major solo female travel tip is not to draw extra attention to yourself. Wearing designer dresses and a 14k karat diamond crusted necklace to a local market is probably not the best idea. Okay, maybe I’m being dramatic but you get the point!
On everyday adventures, especially for third world countries, wear regular clothes. It’ll help you blend into the crowd and no one will question you. Of course, if you’re going to a special event or dinner, feel free to dress up then.
Dress Modestly- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
On top of dressing in simple, plain clothes, it’s best to dress modestly. Especially in religious or conservative countries. If you have shorts and a tank top on and all the other woman have on long dresses you will surely stick out.
Research the “dress code” and cultural aspect of clothes before packing crop tops and skirts. This will let you know if you need to get some modest clothes before embarking on your journey.
Fake Confidence
If you’re traveling somewhere for the first time, act like you’ve been living there all your life! As a Black woman, most of the places I’ve been to I could fit in as a local, especially if I knew a bit of the language.
Even if you’re lost, never show it on your face. As they say, fake it till you make it and pretend like you’re the most confident, assured woman on earth. No one messes with a. woman that looks like she owns the street.
Don’t be Too Nice
Women typically tend to be very kind to people, especially strangers. Hate to break it to you but being too kind during solo female travel has the potential to be dangerous.
It’s best to trust your gut and read situations and people well. And if someone feels off-putting, don’t be afraid to walk away to safety.
Use a VPN- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
This is an especially important solo female travel safety tip for my ladies who work online/remotely. Logging onto public wifi at the airport or even a hostel can open way for hackers.
Protect your digital information by using a VPN and have a piece of mind while traveling.
Don’t look at Your Phone While Walking
When we’re in a city we know, this becomes almost an everyday thing. However it’s not that safe, even in our home towns. When our attention is put on our phones, we lose surrounding awareness.
Always have one earbud in, and if you need to look at your phone stop at a coffee shop or safe place to sit. That tip Tok video can wait, it’s not worth risking safety.
Learn the Local Language- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
If you’re going to a country with language different from your native tongue, it’s important to learn a couple of phrases. Something simple like counting to twenty and greetings can make the world of a difference.
Plus, if you’re a bargainer like me, its best to use those bilingual skills to get the best price of an item. As soon as vendors hear an accent, the item immediately jumps two or three times the price. (I’ve experienced it, trust me).
Don’t go out at night
I know it may seem tempting to explore night life in a new area. This is fine if you have another person or a group to chill with. But going out alone at night is a huge no no. This is a huge solo female travel safety tip. When you’re a woman traveling alone, you are the only one in charge of keeping you safe. No one else.
I also make sure to have my activities end before sun down. And if there is anything that’ll keep me out late, there’s no chance I’m walking. I know we all want to save money on taxi or uber costs. But if its dark outside, go ahead and book that car. You’ll thank you.
Have a Travel Emergency Fund- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
Emergency funds are necessary for every day life, a boujee 2 week vacation, or a 3 month backpacking trip. Set a couple hundred aside just incase something drastic happens and you need to access this money.
A flight could be cancelled, you could need to switch airbnb’s last minute, life happens. A travel emergency fund of at least $200 can seriously help if needed. So put it into a separate account and don’t touch unless it’s absolutely necessary!
Carry Two Debit/Credit Cards
When I was in Thailand, I forgot my debit card in an ATM and it was sucked up. I went into instant panic mode because I only had one card and my access to my money suddenly disappeared.
Thankfully that was my first trip with a travel buddy and she was able to take out cash for me. But when I got home I immediately got two debit cards. You never know what could happen with money when traveling abroad, especially if you’re alone as a woman. It’s best to have 2 debit cards and 2 credit cards to be safe.
Get Travel Insurance- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
When everything is booked and ready to go, we often cringe at the thought of travel insurance. It’s extra money and 90% of the time doesn’t even end up being used. However, there’s always a 10% chance you will need it!
Travel insurance covers lost bags, stolen materials, hospital visits, and canceled/delayed flights. No one ever knows when an emergency will take place. It’s best to be covered just in case. When my flight was cancelled last minute, I suddenly had to book another night of accommodation, food, and transportation. Thankfully I had travel insurance to offset those costs!
Have Copies of ID’s
This is important for travellers for all walks of life, not just solo female travellers. I always walk around with photo copies of my passport and drivers license. Since those are difficult to replace when abroad, its best to leave them at the accommodation.
Create a Budget and Stick to it- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
If you plan on spending $2,000 for a backpacking trip, stay true to that. I’ve heard too many stories of travellers being irresponsible with spending and have to scrape up money for a ticket back home.
Head to google sheets and create a free spreadsheet to properly manage your money. Of course, if there’s a once in a lifetime opportunity then do it! But just remember when you’re a solo female traveller, you’ve only got you to depend on (and your wallet).
Research Destination
This may seem like obvious information but it’s essential to research your destination before you arrive. Are they solo female friendly? Will there be other solo travellers in your age range? What type of plugs do they use and will you have to purchase a new one?
Doing research on everything about your trip will help ease any nerves for yourself or loved ones back home.
Try a World Packers Opportunity- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
My very first solo international trip to Jamaica took place with Worldpackers. They’re a travel company that connects hosts with travellers, solo, couples, sometimes even groups!
You get free accommodation in exchange for a couple of hours of work per week. That work may be reception work, social media, bartending, or leading cool tours! It’s great to put on your resume and I’ve been able to save thousands on accommodation over the years. I feel beyond safe with this company as I was linked with other solo travellers and apart of a community.
If you’re a solo female traveler that is concerned about safety or even funds, I would highly suggest doing an opportunity with Worldpackers! They have opportunities all over the world and allow ambitious travellers to save so much money while having amazing experiences. Sign up and use my code THANKSTIFFANY for $10 off your first year membership!
Don’t Overshare Information- Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
Similar to not telling people you’re traveling alone. Keep conversations light. Don’t tell people sensitive information (like accommodation location or travel plans) that could jeopardise your safety.
Journal All the Time
I’m a woman on a healing journey, and each time I travel alone there’s always a lot going on internally! Journaling can help to get your feelings out as well as provide free therapy. Writing down your day can also help to provide more gratitude for traveling alone.
While this is completely optional, I love recording my location and writing down how I felt that day.
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