Traveling alone can be intimidating at first, especially if you’re traveling solo as a female —it’s even considered a taboo in many parts of the world. Aside from fears of feeling lonely or getting bored, safety remains the biggest concern. That’s why I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of safety tips that should help you on your first solo adventure.

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Top Safety Tips for Traveling Solo as a Female

Whether you’ve been solo traveling for a while or you’re a total newbie, another solo female traveler’s advice is never a waste. Sometimes common sense is not enough and you have to go through certain experiences or situations to learn a life-changing tip.

After more than 9 years of traveling solo as a female, and after many travel mishaps, I learned some great lessons that I’d like to share with you. Here are some tested safety tips from one solo female traveler to another:

#1 Read about local safety in advance

One of the most important safety tips, that goes without saying, is hands down RESEARCH. Most people tend to do their research before traveling for planning purposes, but safety needs to be considered as well.

Tourist scams are common— so, for instance, if you read about common scams in a certain destination before heading there, you’ll spare yourself a huge hassle. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with things like unsafe neighborhoods, foods to avoid, societal rules you should know, and so forth.

#2 Know where you’re going before leaving your location

Our actions can give away so much about us. If you look unsure about where you’re going, you automatically make yourself a target. Instead, make up your mind before moving on to your next destination, find out where it is exactly on your maps, and order your Uber, or take the most convenient transportation mode. And if you decide to walk, don’t keep your eyes glued to your phone—figure out your route, check your phone for reminders when needed, and stay vigilant.

Generally speaking, try as much as possible not to look like a tourist so you won’t look like easy prey to scammers.

#3 Start local or join a group trip

One of the safety tips I always recommend, especially to those traveling solo as a female for the first is to either travel locally or join a group trip with a trusted tour operator.

If you opt for a local destination for your first-ever solo trip, it’ll be much easier for you as there will be fewer things to stress about. You’ll be closer to family in case of emergencies, you’ll be somewhat more familiar with the local traditions, and the biggest advantage of all is that there will be no language barrier!

On the other hand, if you’d like to go on an epic adventure overseas, you can go with a tour operator or join a group trip for solo female travelers. You’d be traveling with a bunch of random strangers—who’ll turn into lifelong friends later— so you’ll still get to experience solo traveling but without having to worry about the logistical hassle. It’ll also help you ease into it as traveling in a group will give you a sense of safety. Plus, being with a group of other solo traveling women will allow you to connect with other like-minded travelers.

#4 Make wise choices when it comes to bags/purses

I had to learn this the hard way when some dude on a motorcycle tried snatching my bag in Bali. I fought back and pulled it so hard that I almost pulled him to the ground anyway—thankfully, it was a messenger bag, so he couldn’t just snatch it. The following day, I went on a fanny pack shopping spree—Bali has some great fashion options actually! Now, I always wear fanny packs or messenger bags, especially in destinations known for pickpocketing and petty theft. In fact, a really good idea would be to invest in an anti-theft bag.

P.S: I do wear tote bags or backpacks sometimes but only at local destinations where I feel comfortable or totes for shopping.

#5 Pickpocket-proof apparel

Speaking of anti-theft bags and petty theft, a lot of solo travelers also opt for money belts. I personally go for something a bit more nifty—the pickpocket-proof travel hoodie by Curls en Route — THE SHOP! The Travel Hoodie, created by yours truly, is designed with adventurers like you and me in mind. It comes with a hidden zipper pocket in the front pouch where you can hide valuables such as credit cards, cash, or phone. I also like to put my passport in there on travel days for easier access at the airport, so I don’t have to obsess over where I placed it.

#6 Place an AirTag in your bags

Investing in AirTags is probably one of the best decisions I ever made as a traveler. I don’t use it just to track my luggage, but I also place one in my purse/fanny pack when I’m out exploring. This way, in case it does get snatched or lost, I can easily track it.

#7 Don’t neglect travel insurance

Unfortunately, a lot of travelers tend to overlook travel insurance, thinking that they most probably won’t need it. Well, they’re wrong—travel mishaps happen all the time, and travel insurance will save the day when you least expect it.

Personally, I love SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance. It doubles as both travel and health insurance, and unlike many other companies, it covers electronics theft and adventure travel injuries. This guide walks you through everything you need to learn about it and its offerings.

If you’re ready, get insured right away!

#8 Take a self-defense class

The thought of traveling solo as a female can be scary to many women, mostly due to fear of harassment, which is sadly common all over the world. However, knowing how to throw a punch, or knowing that you can physically defend yourself can do wonders to your self-confidence. That’s why I highly recommend taking a self-defense class or learning a martial art. Personally, I take weekly kickboxing classes, and I love them. It’s fun, releases stress and negative energy, helps me stay active, and because I feel stronger, I feel more confident when traveling alone more than ever.

#9 Download an eSIM

Having an internet connection at all times when traveling solo as a female is non-negotiable. You won’t just need it for navigation, but you can also use the internet to fetch emergency contacts, call for help, or share your location when needed.

The best and most convenient way to have internet is by downloading an eSIM. I personally recommend Airalo and Jetpac—they’re both very easy to use and offer a strong connection at an affordable price.

If you opt for Airalo, make sure you use my promo code for a 10% discount.

#10 Bring extra padlocks

You can never have too many padlocks. In fact, the more the merrier! Whether you use it to secure your luggage or your drawer/locker at the hostel, a padlock will always come in handy.

#11 Carry a fake wallet

If you’re carrying a larger bag, bring along an empty wallet and place it on the top. This way, if you fall victim to a skilled pickpocket, they’d end up stealing your fake wallet instead. Scam them before they scam you!

#12 Divide your money and bring an emergency credit card

Speaking of wallets, don’t keep all your cash in one place. Keep an amount that is just enough for the day in your (real) wallet, and keep the rest of your cash locked in a safe back at your accommodation (if available).

Do the same with your credit/debit cards. Don’t carry them all in your wallet—maybe put a spare one in a hidden pocket, a money belt, or even your socks!

#13 Never post your itinerary in advance

If you intend to be active on social media and have strangers following you, never share your exact location in advance. Whether it’s sharing where you’ll be going during the day or your current location, it’s never a good idea.

This is probably one of the most important safety tips I have for you if you’re traveling solo as a female. Better be safe than sorry, ladies!

Given that I’m a travel blogger and I have to keep my followers up to date, I do share my whereabouts, but only AFTER I’m already gone. I take the content that I want, save it, and post it later. This way, I’d actually enjoy the moment AND feel safer.

I know what you might be thinking… “What’s the worst that could happen?” Or maybe you think I’m being paranoid! Well, here’s a not-so-funny story: Some random stranger once texted me, telling me that he “had a dream” I traveled to his hometown, knew where I was from my story, and came to offer me a photoshoot. Sure, there is a possibility this was genuine, but that still sounds creepy. And you don’t want creepy.

#14 Share your whereabouts with someone back home

Always share your itinerary with a trusted person back home, whether a family member or a friend, if you’re traveling solo as a female. This way, someone would know your whereabouts just in case you’re ever in danger or need any help. Personally, I share my location with one of my close friends using the FindMy app. This definitely helps me feel so much safer traveling solo as a female.

#15 Trust your intuition

Last but not least, trust your intuition! As cheesy or cliché as this might sound, your gut feeling is there for a reason. If you feel off about a certain plan, drop it. If you feel uncomfortable in a certain place or setting, leave. And if you’re getting a negative vibe from someone, avoid them. Most of the time, trusting your intuition will be the right choice and the right thing to do, and you’ll thank yourself for it later.

Now that I’ve shared with you all these tips, how do you feel about traveling solo as a female? If this advice makes you a bit more confident, let me know in the comments.

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Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

As much as solo traveling is a fun, life-changing experience, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. There’s always a possibility that you might fall ill or lose your luggage. That’s why it’s important to have your back covered with travel insurance.

BUY your Nomad Insurance from Safety Wing now!

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You might also like:

• How to Beat Solo Travel Boredom
• How to Make Travel Friends As a Solo Globetrotter
• Going to a Music Festival Alone – How to Make Friends, Stay Safe, & Have a Great Time

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