Solo Female Travel Safety: Practical Tips for Traveling Alone

Disclaimer: This post is meant to inspire and share ideas for informational purposes only, based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not intended as legal, medical, financial, tax, safety, immigration, insurance, travel, or other professional advice. For more details, please see our Disclaimer

Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding, satisfying, and empowering things a woman can do. It can be an opportunity to explore the world on her own terms without waiting for someone else to travel with her. Solo female travel can also involve additional safety and security considerations. Taking practical precautions and preparing before your trip can help you make informed decisions while traveling.

The basics:

Consider using a bag that fully zips and can be worn securely across your body rather than one with open pockets or an unsecured closure. Keep compartments closed when you're moving through crowded areas.

Consider leaving expensive or sentimental jewelry at home and being discreet with valuable electronics. Depending on your destination, visibly carrying expensive items may attract unwanted attention.

Stay aware of your surroundings when using your phone in public. If you need to check directions or other information, consider stepping into a safe location rather than becoming distracted while walking. Be especially mindful when displaying your phone or camera in unfamiliar or crowded areas.

Avoid sharing your hotel, room number, Airbnb address, or other accommodation details with people you don't know or trust.

When you arrive at your accommodation, check that doors and accessible windows lock properly. If your room has a peephole without an interior cover, you may choose to cover it for additional privacy.

Consider carrying only the amount of cash you expect to need and keep it stored discreetly. Research common payment methods at your destination before traveling, as card acceptance and cash usage vary by location.

When exploring an unfamiliar area, be mindful of isolated streets or places where few other people are present. Pay attention to your surroundings, and if a situation or location makes you uncomfortable, consider moving to a busier or more familiar area.

When using a rideshare service, verify that the license plate, vehicle, and driver match the information shown in the app before entering the vehicle. Use any available in-app safety and trip-sharing features.

Consider learning a few useful words and phrases in the language commonly spoken at your destination. This can be helpful when navigating everyday situations while traveling.

Before Your Trip: Safety Preparation:

Consider sharing your itinerary and accommodation information with a trusted contact who is not traveling with you, and let them know about significant changes to your plans.

If you're a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, consider enrolling your trip in the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The free service provides destination-specific embassy and consulate alerts and can help officials contact you or your emergency contact during an emergency.

If you're comfortable doing so, consider sharing your real-time location with a trusted contact while traveling.

Save the contact information and location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and know how to access that information if you need assistance.

Review the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories for your destination before your trip and check for updates as your departure approaches.

Where available, add a trusted emergency contact to your airline, travel, or transportation apps and keep important emergency contact information accessible during your trip.

Consider keeping a secure copy of your passport and identification separate from the originals. If you provide a copy to a trusted contact, make sure it is stored securely.

Prepping for safe travels and following safe travel guidelines can seem daunting, but preparing before you leave and staying aware while traveling can help you make more informed decisions throughout your trip.

For women who enjoy traveling alone with intention, a simple travel journal can be a grounding companion, a place to note observations, check in with yourself, and reflect along the way.

Wander&Prosper