7 Smart Solo Female Traveler Safety Tips

October 19, 2020

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Are you ready to head out to travel solo but are nervous about your safety? That is totally normal and is something that you should take into account before you set out. Today, I will share my top seven smart solo female traveler safety tips with you so that you can get prepared and kick your fears to the curb! 

Research in Advance

Each and every place in the world is unique with its own history, culture, cuisine, customs, and so much more. It is what makes traveling incredibly enticing and memorable because every location is a new adventure. Before you embark on your trip, be sure to research the location in advance. 

Of course, you should learn about all the fantastic parts of the destination, but you should also inquire as to the darker sides as a smart solo female traveler. Investigate what you should/shouldn’t wear, locations to avoid, common methods for thievery, attitudes toward women, statistics on crime, and anything else that could affect your safety as you travel. 

Being aware of these facts could help you to avoid conflict, not offend the locals, and keep yourself safe no matter where you go. 

Book the First Night

I know that it can be fun to embrace the spur of the moment attitude that comes with solo female travel, yet no one wants to be wandering around a foreign city in the middle of the night because they arrived later than they planned. No matter where you go, you should always book the first night’s accommodation. This way, you can arrive safe and sound, even if you have travel complications. 

Know Where You Are Going

Walking around with your head buried in a map, your face pressed against your phone, or with a lost look paints a “victim” sign on your back. Looking lost makes you an easy target, and we certainly don’t want that! You should always know where you are going. Make sure to research a destination before you leave. Have a mental image of where you need to go or easy to follow notes. 

If you do end up getting lost, try not to show it. Walk confidently, as though you were just another local knowing exactly where you are going. Then, I recommend popping into a local shop or café to gather your bearings and look at your map. Shopkeepers won’t mind, and it will keep you out of public view. 

P.S. If you are taking a taxi/Uber/etc. anywhere at night, make sure to order the ride while you are still inside, and only exit the building once they have arrived. This will prevent you from standing on a street corner for 10 minutes with nowhere to go. 

Have a Back-Up Plan

Any experienced traveler will be the first to admit that something will always go wrong on a trip; it is just the severity of the issue that differs. When that happens, we don’t want to panic! Whether we missed a flight, our backpack got stolen, or we ended up completely lost, it is crucial to have a back-up plan. 

Take a moment (actually, take a few) to think of ALL the things that could go wrong on your trip. For whatever pops into your head, make a back-up plan. That way, if it happens, you know exactly what to do. It is better to be over-prepared than underprepared when being a smart solo female traveler. 

Keep Your Private Info Private

As we travel, we meet a variety of new people, which is fantastic! While most people are kind and honest, you will eventually encounter a bad apple. Sadly, those bad apples don’t come with a warning label. As a smart solo female traveler, you need to be cautious at all times, especially when it comes to your private information. 

Think of the creepiest person you ever met. What wouldn’t you want to tell them about yourself? Your full name, hometown, hotel address, weekend plans, and more are probably all on that list! The same should apply to new people. You don’t know their intentions, so don’t give a possible “bad guy” an invitation to take advantage of your personal information. 

Understand Your Limits

As a smart solo female traveler, it is vital to understand your limits. Understanding your limitations can be both physical and emotional. Physically, it would be best if you understood how far you can walk in a day or what level of exertion your body can withstand so that you don’t physically strain yourself during activities. If you participate in alcohol or drug use, you should understand your tolerance levels and when it is time to stop. Overindulging in any kind of substance can lead to disastrous consequences that are nightmare fuel for any woman. 

Emotionally, it would help if you understood your travel limits. How frequently can you switch destinations or interact with others before you feel drained? You need to make sure to schedule “me time” or rest days so that you don’t become stressed or overwhelmed. 

Find a Buddy

Finding a buddy is an excellent choice for keeping yourself safe, especially if they are other smart solo female travelers. It is a known fact that people who travel in pairs or groups are safer from attackers. Plus, when someone is watching your back, they can point out things you have yet to notice or advise you against a reckless action. Not only will finding a buddy keep you safer, but it could also lead to you making a lifelong friend and creating valuable memories. 

I first met one of my favorite travel buddies on a sailing trip in Mallorca, and since then we have spent 3 days in Porto and traveled through Bali on a budget, among other trips.

Do you have other concerns about being a solo female traveler? Hit me up in the comments or shoot me a message, and I will be happy to chat with you about your concerns. You deserve to be safe wherever you are, and I want to help you do that. 

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