Are you looking for some practical solo female travel safety tips?
I spoke with some of my closest female friends and asked them about the most important women's safety travel tips. From doing research to keeping your valuables secure, these are the safety tips that every solo female traveller should know.
Ready? Let’s roll.
15 Women’s Safety Travel Tips To Live By
While there are plenty of safe places to travel, it pays to be smart. Here are 15 women’s safety travel tips to know by heart:
- Get travel insurance
- Research your destination
- Stay connected with loved ones
- Keep your valuables secure
- Dress appropriately for the culture
- Trust your instincts
- Avoid sharing too much information with strangers
- Have emergency contacts handy
- Stay in reputable accommodations
- Learn basic self-defence
- Avoid isolated areas at night
- Use reliable transportation
- Stay sober and aware
- Blend in with the locals
- Carry a personal safety device
Ready for a deep dive into these practical safety tips for female travellers? Let’s start with the most important safety tip.
1. Get Travel Insurance
My top solo female travel safety tip is getting travel insurance.
This one isn’t just for the daredevils out there. The most important safety tip for solo female travellers is this: Get travel insurance for women.
I’ve spoken to many seasoned female travellers who all emphasise this step.
Why?
Because it protects you from unforeseen mishaps—medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Without insurance, a simple accident could become a financial nightmare. This small investment can save you from significant trouble, allowing you to explore confidently, knowing you're covered no matter what.
But there’s more to this tip.
Give a copy of your travel insurance policy to a family member or friend who isn’t travelling with you. This ensures that someone back home has all the necessary information in an emergency.
Got that? Great. Let’s talk about researching your destination next.
2. Research Your Destination
Here's another solo female travel tip: always research your destination.
Before you set off, research your destination.
Understand the local customs, laws, and potential hazards. For instance, knowing which neighbourhoods to avoid and understanding local scams can make all the difference.
But how do you really get excellent practical insights about your destination?
You join online travel forums or groups.
These groups and forums are goldmines for insider tips and real-time advice. But there’s also an added bonus: This prep work boosts your confidence and ensures you’re ready for anything.
3. Stay Connected With Loved Ones
Always stay connected with your loved ones while travelling alone.
You’ve learned the importance of travel insurance and thorough research. Now, let's talk about the next solo female travel tip: keeping in touch with your loved ones.
Regular communication is key for solo travellers, regardless of gender. It provides emotional support and ensures someone knows your whereabouts in case of an emergency.
Here’s what I’ve done in the past: I always share my itinerary with family or friends and schedule regular check-ins via phone or messaging apps. This habit keeps everyone reassured and informed.
On the topic of valuables, like phones, let’s hear what expert solo female travellers have to say about securing your valuables while travelling.
4. Keep Your Valuables Secure
Solo female travellers should always keep their valuables secured.
I know I don’t have to say this, but here I go: keep your valuables close when travelling alone.
Many solo female travellers recommend using anti-theft bags and money belts to protect essentials like money and passports.
Store copies of important documents separately from the originals, and use hotel safes where available. I often keep digital copies of important documents on the cloud or simply in an email. That way, if I lose the original, I will have copies with me.
This simple precaution can prevent theft and save you from major hassles on your journey. Always stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts to keep your belongings safe.
Next, let’s talk about clothing.
5. Dress Appropriately for the Culture
Here's another solo female travel safety tip we can all learn from.
As a solo female traveller or traveller of any gender, it’s crucial to respect the local dress codes. Yes, it may mean leaving that skimpy yellow swimwear at home.
When you dress appropriately for the culture, it shows respect and helps you blend in.
In conservative countries like Saudi Arabia, wearing short sleeves or shorts can be considered inappropriate. In such places, women are often expected to cover their shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for local customs and religious norms.
Do you see why researching your destination is the second most important tip for female travel safety? Always research customs beforehand.
Pack versatile clothing that fits local norms. This approach fosters positive interactions and keeps you safe.
Besides, feeling comfortable and respectful makes your journey smoother and more fun.
Let’s look at some more solo female travel safety tips.
6. Trust Your Instincts
Trust your instincts as a solo female traveller.
There have been hundreds of books written about female intuition. And all of those authors are on to something important: Your instincts are powerful.
Many solo travellers rely on their gut feelings to stay safe. If something feels off, trust that feeling.
It might mean avoiding a particular street or declining an invitation. Listening to your instincts can help you avoid trouble and make better decisions on the fly.
Always prioritise your safety and well-being by trusting your gut.
7. Avoid Sharing too Much Information with Strangers
Always be careful with what you share when travelling solo.
Here’s another excellent travel safety tip, especially for solo female travellers: Be cautious with what you share.
I’ve read enough travel blog posts to know that almost all experienced travellers warn against giving out too much personal information.
Don’t disclose your accommodation details or travel plans to strangers.
Yes, it’s fine to be friendly. I encourage you to do so! But always keep your guard up.
Sharing too much can make you a target.
Here’s my simple rule when travelling solo: Protect your privacy to ensure your safety.
And on the topic of emergencies, enter solo female travel tip number 8.
8. Have Emergency Contacts Handy
Do you keep your emergency contacts handy when solo travelling?
Always have emergency contacts ready. Hell, this is good advice, even when travelling as a family or group.
Keep a list of essential numbers, such as local emergency services, your country's embassy, and family members.
I always store these contacts both on my phone and on paper. This preparation can be crucial in a crisis, providing quick access to help when needed.
9. Stay in Reputable Accommodations
Next on my list of solo female travel safety tips is securing reputable acconmodation.
Please choose your lodgings wisely.
Opt for well-reviewed, reputable accommodations. Many solo female travellers recommend checking reviews and ratings on trusted travel websites. This ensures you stay in a safe, secure environment.
Avoid cutting corners on this one; your safety is worth the investment.
And since we’re talking about investment, let’s invest in ourselves with my next travel tip for solo women.
10. Learn Basic Self-Defence
Basic self-defence can safe your l;ife as a solo female traveller.
No, you don’t have to be a black belt or kung fu master. But it’s important to know a couple of basics.
So, equip yourself with basic self-defence skills.
Many of my female traveller friends find it empowering and practical. They often take a class or simply watch tutorials online.
And here’s another reason I like this solo female travel safety tip: knowing how to defend yourself can boost your confidence and provide crucial protection in an emergency.
11. Avoid Isolated Areas at Night
Please don't take risks with your life.
One of the best ways to stay safe as a solo woman traveller is to avoid dangerous situations. It should really be common sense, shouldn’t it?
Stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark. It’s easier to stay safe when you’re around others. Plan your routes and avoid risky shortcuts to ensure your safety. That dark alley in the middle of the night is not worth it. Trust me.
12. Use Reliable Transportation
Please don't take risks with your life.
Choose safe, reliable transport options.
I always tell my friends to only use licensed taxis, ride-sharing apps, or public transit from reputable sources.
And like my mother taught me, always avoid accepting rides from strangers.
Yes, hitchhiking across the most dangerous places to travel sounds exhilarating, but is it worth it?
The simple truth is this: using safe, reliable transportation reduces the risk of encountering unsafe situations during your travels.
13. Stay Sober and Aware
Here's an excellent solo female travel safety tip: Stay sober and aware.
I don’t often drink, but when I do, I do it in moderation. As a solo female traveller, you should do the same.
Keep your wits about you. Limit alcohol consumption to stay alert. Being aware of your surroundings helps you react to potential threats.
In fact, many solo travellers suggest drinking moderately or not at all when alone.
14. Blend in with the Locals
Always try to blend in with the locals.
Here’s a grand safety tip for women travelling solo: Dress and behave like a local to avoid drawing attention.
Observe how locals dress and act, then follow suit. This strategy helps you blend in and reduces the risk of being targeted as a tourist.
Blending in also has another excellent benefit. You’ll find it’s easier to have an authentic local experience when you behave like a local.
After all, when in Rome…
15. Carry a Personal Safety Device
Carry a safety device with you when you travel solo.
Let’s wrap up this list of solo female travel safety tips with my final piece of advice.
Equip yourself with a personal safety device like a whistle, pepper spray, or an alarm.
You’ll be surprised to learn how many solo travellers carry these for added security. These devices can deter attackers and alert others if you’re in danger. It’s simple, practical and can save your life.
My Final Thoughts
And there you have it: 15 epic solo female travel safety tips. My tips ranged from getting reliable solo travel insurance to trusting your instincts and investing in a personal safety device.
Do you have any solo travel safety tips to share? Let’s hear ‘em!
