Embarking on solo adventures as a female traveler can be an incredibly empowering experience, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. As someone who has traversed the globe solo, I understand firsthand the importance of prioritizing safety while exploring unfamiliar territories. From navigating bustling city streets to venturing off the beaten path, every journey as a solo female traveler demands a keen awareness and proactive approach to personal security. In this blog post, I’m excited to share with you some invaluable safety tips garnered from my own experiences, aiming to equip fellow wanderlust-driven women with the confidence and know-how to explore the world on their own terms, safely and securely.
Everything to know about traveling solo
How to stay safe and confident when traveling alone
Before you go:
1. Research your destination thoroughlyÂ
 Before setting foot in a new destination, I make it a priority to dive deep into research. From understanding the local culture and customs to familiarizing myself with potential safety concerns, arming myself with knowledge has always been my first line of defense. Websites like travel groups and blogs provide invaluable insights into what to expect and how to navigate your chosen destination safely.Â
Knowing which areas to avoid and cultural etiquette can make a world of difference in feeling confident and secure during your travels.
2. Make sure you never run out of cash
Money matters, especially when you’re on the road. I’ve learned the hard way that running out of cash has led me to uncomfortable situations.Â
That’s why I always carry a combination of credit cards and back-up cash. So if for whatever reason one credit card stops working, I always have an extra one. I also never leave the house without basic cash.Â
3. Pack valuable items in your carry-on
While I heard stories about items stolen from carry-on luaggage it never happend to me. However, I did have items stolen from my checked luggage twice.Â
Saftey tips while traveling
1. Avoid arriving in unfamiliar places late at night: One of the golden rules of solo travel is to plan your arrivals strategically. Arriving in unfamiliar locales during daylight hours ensures better visibility and a greater sense of security.
2. Be confident, but also have faith and stay open: Confidence is key when exploring new destinations, but it’s equally important to stay open-minded and adaptable. Embrace the unknown with optimism while maintaining a level-headed approach to safety.
3. Get first-hand local advice and familiarize yourself with common scams: Engage with locals and seek their advice on navigating the area safely. Understanding common scams and tourist traps can help you avoid falling prey to opportunistic individuals.
4. Make sure you never run out of cash: Always carry sufficient cash reserves in multiple locations to ensure you’re never left stranded without funds.
5. Always know how you will get back to your accommodation: Whether it’s public transportation, a trusted taxi service, or a prearranged ride, have a clear plan for returning to your accommodation, especially after dark.
6. Get a local SIM card: Staying connected is essential for safety. Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival to ensure you have access to communication and navigation tools wherever you go.
7. Dress modestly and respectfully: Respect local customs and traditions by dressing modestly. Not only does this help you blend in, but it also minimizes unwanted attention.
8. Keep valuable items secure and hidden: Safeguard your passport, money, and electronics by keeping them concealed and secure.Â
9. Be mindful of local customs and laws: Research and respect the cultural norms and laws of your destination to avoid unintentional offenses or misunderstandings.
10. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: While indulging in the local libations can be tempting, moderation is key, especially when traveling alone.
11. Be cautious when accepting drinks or invitations: Trust your instincts and exercise caution when accepting invitations or drinks from strangers. When in doubt, politely decline.
12. Trust your intuition: Your gut instincts are your best ally. If a situation feels off or unsafe, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from it.
13. Learn key phrases in the local language: Basic language skills can go a long way in facilitating communication and building rapport with locals.
14. Be discreet with expensive belongings: Minimize the risk of theft by keeping expensive belongings discreet and out of sight.
15. Use well-lit paths and stay aware of your surroundings: Opt for well-lit and populated areas, especially when navigating unfamiliar streets or neighborhoods.
16. Be cautious when sharing personal information: Protect your privacy by being selective about the personal information you share with strangers.
17. Keep important documents in a separate location: Store copies of essential documents like your passport and ID in a secure location separate from your primary belongings.
18. Use secure locks for your luggage: Invest in sturdy locks to secure your luggage and deter potential theft.
FAQs answered by a solo female traveler
For the past ten years, I have extensively traveled the world by myself and have found it to be incredibly rewarding. I often get the following questions when traveling alone. I hope they might help you!
What was the scariest experience while you traveled?
Being in Colombo during the 2019 easter bombing in Sri Lanka. Shortly after the bombing, the government cut internet communication and social media which left us very confused. The tensions on the streets even a week after the bombing was very tense.
Have you ever been robbed?
Yes, I have been robbed. Both sitations occured when I against my better knowledge went out walking by myself later at night to get food. Nothing bad happend, I lost about $10 dollars, but I was left with a weird feeling afterwards.
What should I do when I get robbed?
Don't fight it! Just hand over your belongings. Nothing is worth your physical wellbeing.
Isn't traveling off the beaten path more dangerous?
I personally feel like traveling off-the beaten path is much safer than many touristically developed areas. People are generally more open and geniune away from the tourist hotspots.
Do you pay attention to travel advisories?
Honestly, not very much. I obvisouly do read them, but I rely much more on Facebook travel groups and blogs. Some of the countries which have been portrayed as terribly unsafe such as Jamaica, El Salvador and Lebanon turned out to be my favorite countires for solo travel.
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