Travelling solo can be not so thrilling but an enriching experience if you are a woman looking to add to your memorabilia experience about people, culture and customs.
The significant advantage is you can be on your own and freely enjoy the freedom to explore new places, cultures, customs and cuisines of your choice.
Solo travel is mindful indeed! It enables one to connect with oneself on a deeper level and the advantage is unmatched.
For female backpackers traveling alone may come with a price if proper safety tips are not taken.
Prioritising personal security is a must for women who love to travel alone. Solo travel can be a fulfilling journey provided the person prioritises personal security and well-being throughout the adventure to stay safe and sound.
Let’s delve into the best solo travel safety tips for women, helping you navigate your travels with a sense of safety, peace and assurance.
From planning beforehand to staying alert while on tour, these practical safety tips can be a safety valve to ensure that your trip is enjoyable and secure.
1. Do research before planning a destination
Before going for solo travel, researching the best destinations for female travellers is a must. There are some destinations which are safer and more welcoming for women than others. Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, Japan and New Zealand feature among safer tourist havens for solo travellers.
Factors such as local culture, public safety, and the general attitude toward women travellers can be taken as vital prerequisites. Reading online reviews, forums, and travel blogs and analysing to arrive at a perfect conclusion can be takeaways. Moreover, interacting with other women who have visited the place for an honest perspective is essential..
Some pro tips: Go through solo travel blogs for women and solo female travel safety reviews to learn the experiences of other female solo travellers. Choosing the safest cities or regions that align with your travel goals is a must.
2. Keep belongings to a minimum
Solo travellers must pack smartly for a hassle-free journey. Keep your belongings light, as moving with heavy luggage is burdensome. Again when personal security is at the back of your mind, investing in a secure travel backpack makes sense.
Some items that enhance your safety are a portable door lock, self-defence tools, and a personal safety alarm. These items may seem small but they are significant for offering peace of mind and quick protection in unsavoury situations.
3. Women-friendly accommodations
The choice of accommodation can make or mar solo travel experience. Opting for well-reviewed accommodations with an emphasis on heightened safety is a necessity. Female-only dorms or hotels with 24/7 security and well-lit entrances can be preferred over general accommodation. Another vital aspect is to choose accommodations near main attractions or popular tourist areas instead of remote or isolated locations.
Pro Tips: If you’re a woman accommodated at a shared dorm or hostel, ensure that your valuables are stored in a secure location. The use of a proper lock can be useful.
4. Trust your senses and be alert
Being extra-cautious is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay safe while traveling solo. Trusting instincts is going to make you alert. It you sense something is wrong, stay away from the situation at the earliest. A female solo traveller needs to be watchful while walking down a quiet street, riding public transport, or interacting with new people.
Limit distractions like constantly looking at your phone, as this can make you an easy target. Instead, focus on your surroundings, and stay mindful of who is around you.
Pro Tip: Before going to a new location, study the local map before you go out. You may opt for Google Maps and other reliable maps for easy navigation.
5. Keep Vital Documents Handy and Info Secure
At times, losing passports or travel documents while in a hurry can at times become a nightmare. Stay guarded against theft or loss. Keeping copies of important documents such as passport, ID, travel insurance, and emergency contact details with you is advisable. Storing these valuable items in a money belt or lockable bag and maintaining a digital backup can be useful.
Being mindful about charging mobiles fully and keeping sufficient data are other must-dos for solo travellers. The use of solo travel apps for women can make travelling safer and more manageable.
Pro Tip: You can prefer a VPN for secure internet browsing, especially when accessing public Wi-Fi networks.
6. Stay Connected with Trusted Contacts
Staying connected with friends or family back home is essential for your peace of mind and safety. Share your travel itinerary, accommodations, and plans with someone you trust, and check in regularly. You can set up a daily check-in routine through messages or calls.
Additionally, use apps like WhatsApp or Google Hangouts to stay in touch easily, especially if you’re travelling in areas with unreliable mobile service.
Pro Tip: Use a travel safety app for women, such as RedZone or bSafe, that allows you to send your live location to trusted contacts and alert them in case of an emergency.
7. Avoid Risky Situations and Stay in Public Spaces
As a solo female traveller, it’s important to avoid risky situations that might compromise your safety. Try not to walk alone late at night, especially in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. If you must take public transportation, choose crowded routes and avoid deserted stops.
When meeting new people, always meet in public places—cafes, parks, or museums—rather than isolated locations. Trustworthy locals can often provide recommendations for safe activities and places to visit.
Pro Tip: If you are ever in doubt about the safety of a situation, don’t hesitate to call a local taxi or use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft to avoid walking alone.
8. Stay Alert In Social Interactions
Ensure socialising with fellow travellers or locals out of fun does not turn nightmarish. It’s crucial to take guard especially when alcohol is consumed. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, even in seemingly safe environments.
Pro Tip: You can limit your alcohol consumption while remaining aware of your surroundings, especially at bars or nightlife areas where unwelcoming situations may arise.
9. Respecting and Understanding Local Customs and Laws
Respecting the local culture is one of the most vital factors. In some cultures, women are expected to follow specific social norms. Following these customs to avoid unwanted gaze is advisable.
Familiarisation with the local laws and regulations, especially while visiting tribal societies and insular places is productive. Understanding the legal aspects like safety laws or restrictions on solo travellers is essential to avoid unforeseen challenges.
10. Keep Emergency Plans
Last but not least, keep an emergency plan in place. Collect the emergency numbers for police, hospitals, and embassies in the area. Keep a local SIM card or access to a working phone. It is going to help you stay connected in case of emergencies.
Keep the contact information of your country’s embassy or consulate. In case of losing a passport or a serious security issue, such contact can save you from life threat or danger of physical harm.
From carefully choosing your destination to staying alert on the road, these small but important tips will enhance your safety and security.
Solo travel tips can be really useful for those women who want freedom, self-discovery, creating and cherish memories.