How to Stay Safe as a Solo Female Traveler
Traveling alone is one of the most empowering experiences you can give yourself as a woman. Trust me, I didn't always travel this way. Now...it's what I prefer (apart from hosting group trips!)
But I won’t pretend the world is perfectly safe. It’s just about moving through it wisely.
After years of solo travel across continents, here’s what I’ve learned about staying safe:
1. Stay Aware
The most powerful safety tool is your presence.
Walk with intention. Head up. Shoulders back. Move like you belong where you are. Catwalk energy!!
Most opportunistic crime targets distraction and hesitation. If you need to check directions, step into a cafe or shop. Avoid standing on a dark corner staring at your phone. Look like you have a plan.
2. Research, Don’t Obsess
Before arriving somewhere new, I check:
Which neighborhoods to avoid at night
Common local scams
Safe transportation options
But then...stop there.
You want to feel informed, not paranoid! The world is mostly good, I promise.
3. Be Smart
A few things I recommend:
Book accommodations in well-reviewed areas.
Bonus points: stay in a hostel so you automatically find friends to explore the new city with.
Arrive before dark when possible.
Screenshot your address in case WiFi is spotty.
Confirm license plates and driver names before entering.
Double-lock your hotel or Airbnb door.
Share your location with someone you trust back home.
4. Trust Your Intuition Immediately
This one is non-negotiable.
If something feels off:
Leave.
Change seats.
Cancel the ride.
Walk into a busy store.
Call someone (even if you fake the call).
You do not owe politeness to anyone who makes you uncomfortable!
Women are often conditioned to prioritize being “nice” over being safe. Break that habit.
5. Be Intentional With Alcohol & New People
Meeting new people is SO fun when traveling. Be open to new connections, just remember to try to:
Watch your drink being made.
Don’t leave drinks unattended.
Pace yourself.
Avoid oversharing where you’re staying.
Have your own transportation home.
6. Get Acquainted
Even when traveling solo, you don’t have to feel isolated.
Every new city I go to, I try to take a free walking tour at the beginning to get a lay of my surroundings!
Introduce yourself to your hostel receptionist.
Join a yoga class.
Introduce yourself to the girl behind the counter at a vintage store.
Ask for recommendations from the barista at the cafe you visit.
When someone recognizes you, you’re no longer anonymous, and there's power in that!
The Bottom Line
The world is not as dangerous as mainstream media suggests. And it’s not as carefree as curated social feeds make it look. There’s a middle ground.
Solo travel will change you and it will strengthen you.
It will remind you that you are more capable than you think. And when you move through the world with confidence instead of fear, that’s when travel truly transforms you.
Good luck, queens!