Solo traveling can be intimidating at first, especially to women, and it’s even taboo in many parts of the world. Aside from fears of feeling lonely or getting bored, safety remains the main 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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Safety Tips for Female Solo Travelers

Whether you’ve been solo traveling for a while or you’re a total newbie, another 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 5 years of solo travel, and some things going wrong, I learned some great lessons that I’d like to share with you. Here are some tested safety tips from one solo 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 some research before traveling for planning purposes, but safety needs to be considered too.

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. That in addition to familiarizing yourself with things like unsafe neighborhoods, foods to avoid, 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.

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

DON’T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD AN ESIM!

#3 Start local or go on a tour

One of the safety tips I always recommend to those attempting solo travel for the first time is to either travel locally or travel 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 more familiar with the traditions and the rules, 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. You’ll be with a solo female travel group, so you’ll be connecting with other like-minded travelers.

This way, you’ll experience traveling alone but within a group. After all, you’d be traveling with a bunch of random strangers (who’ll be lifelong friends afterwards). The point is, you’ll be getting a sense of safety by being in a tribe.

I highly recommend traveling with Solo Female Travelers – the 90,000+ member community offers women-only trips all around the world. Their travel destinations include Tanzania, Iceland, Mongolia, and even Antarctica!

Book your trip here and don’t forget to mention me as your referral.

#4 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.

DON’T FORGET TO GET INSURED

#5 Carry a fake wallet

If you’re carrying a backpack or a large purse, bring along an empty wallet and place it on the top. This way, if you fall victim to a really skilled pickpocket, they’d end up stealing your fake wallet instead.

Scam them before they scam you!

#6 Divide your money and have 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 even put a spare one in a hidden pocket or a money belt.

#7 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 messenger bag in Bali. I fought back and pulled it so hard that I almost pulled him to the ground anyway. The following day, I went on a fanny pack shopping spree – Bali has some great fashion options actually!

A really good investment would definitely be an anti-theft bag. Check out my picks below!

#8 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 not a good idea.

This is probably one of the most important safety tips. Better be safe than sorry, girls!

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 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 that!

#9 Tell someone back home your whereabouts

Instead, give your itinerary to a trusted person back home, whether a family member or a friend. This way, someone would know your whereabouts just in case you’re ever in danger or need any help.

#10 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, you trusting your intuition will be the right choice and the right thing to do, and you’ll thank yourself for it later.

Looking for More Than Safety Tips?

Have you been traveling alone for a while now and you’re looking for something beyond just tips? Solo Female Travelers has exactly what you need for the next level – Empowerful!

Empowerful is an online festival, featuring 50 hours of content on solo female travel safety, wellness, and sexual wellbeing. So, things like managing anxiety, traveling as a woman of color, and self-defense are all covered.

UPDATE: The Empowerful course is currently on hiatus.

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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