Women solo travelers are taking the world by storm, exploring every corner of the globe alone. And why not? Solo travel has so many benefits!

However, solo travel can also be daunting, especially for women. There are many safety concerns that solo female travelers face before hoping on that plane.

We’re here to say that solo traveling as a woman doesn't have to be that dangerous or scary thing at all! In fact, it can be a truly liberating and empowering experience.

And the best part, you don't have to go through any long official training to "learn" how to solo travel safely. With a little bit of research, preparation, and these safety tips, you can make sure that your solo travel adventures are safe, fun, and unforgettable.

Here are our safety tips for solo female travelers to help you have a safe and enjoyable trip:

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Safety tips for Solo Female Travelers

Trust your gut  

Intuition is a girl's best friend. If something is off or doesn't feel right, it’s probably because it is not. If you get a bad feeling about a person or a place, trust your gut and get out of there. Never feel bad for being rude or impolite if it means keeping yourself safe.

Be street smart

In addition to trusting your intuition, it's important to be street smart when you're traveling solo. This means being aware of your surroundings at all times and knowing how to handle potentially dangerous situations.

Some basic street smarts include: not staring at a map or not wearing headphones when walking around so you can be aware of your surroundings. Not carrying all of your valuables with you (just carry what you need for the day), and avoiding dark and deserted areas.

Buy travel insurance

This is probably the most important thing you can do to prepare for a safe trip. No matter where you're going or how long you'll be gone, it's always a good idea to have travel insurance.

Don't skip out on buying travel insurance just because you're traveling solo. In fact, it's even more important to have travel insurance when you're traveling alone in case something happens and you need medical attention or evacuation.

There are plenty of great travel insurance companies that offer great protection plans at a reasonable price. Be sure to read the fine print and understand exactly what is and isn't covered before you buy a policy.

Know your limits with alcohol

It's important to know your limits when it comes to alcohol, especially when you're traveling solo. It can be easy to get caught up in the party scene when you're exploring a new place by yourself, but it's not worth putting yourself in a compromising or dangerous situation.

If you do decide to drink, make sure you're doing it in a safe environment and that you always keep track of your drink. Never leave your drink unattended, and don't accept drinks from strangers.

Prepare your arrival

Preparation before your trip is key! Decide in advance where you’re going to sleep, how you’re going to get to your accommodation, and have a general plan for your arrival. This will help you avoid any stressful or dangerous situations when you first arrive in a new place.

Arrange to arrive during daylight time

If possible, try to arrive during the daytime so you can see your surroundings and get oriented before it gets dark. If you're arriving at night, consider taking an authorised taxi or Uber directly to your accommodation.

Let somebody back home know where you are

You should always let somebody back home know your travel plans, especially if you're traveling solo. This way, someone will know where you are in case of an emergency. Let them know about your itinerary so that they can check in on you and make sure you're safe.

You can keep in touch with friends and family via text, email, or social media.

You can also share out AST Travel Planner with anyone you like, so that your family know what your plans are. Read more about it on our Travel Planning page.

Do your research

Travel safety begins even before you leave!

Before you go, do your research about the country or region you're visiting, and be aware of any areas that are known to be unsafe. Read up on the most common tourist scams, what areas to avoid, and general travel safety tips about the area. It's no surprise that some countries and destinations are safer and more tourist-friendly than others, and you don't want to be surprised when you get there.

You can join forums and chat groups for travelers going to your destination. Google is your best friend when it comes to this! It's also a good idea to check the U.S. State Department's travel advisories for up-to-date information.

Blend in

Blending in is the best way to avoid unwanted attention and stay safe when you're traveling solo. Try to dress like the locals do, and don't stand out too much as a tourist.

This means no bright or revealing clothing, no expensive jewelry, and no big cameras around your neck. It also helps to learn a few key phrases in the local language. Look at how other people behave in public and try to follow the etiquette of that country.

Your packing list also matters

Pack smart. Invest in a good quality backpack or cross-body bag that can't be easily slashed, and keep it close to your body at all times. There are lots of pickpocket-proof travel bags on the market these days. Plan in advance what shoes you will wear for each activity so you can pack accordingly.

In terms of what to pack, make sure you only take the essentials and leave anything valuable at home. Don’t bring expensive jewelry on your trip, and consider leaving your laptop and other electronics at home. If you do bring them, don't flaunt them in public or leave them unguarded in your hotel room.

We also take care of this part for you when planning your trip, so you don’t have to worry about leaving anything behind.

Don’t carry too much cash on you

Carrying around large amounts of cash is never a good idea. If possible, use a credit or debit card for most purchases, and only carry enough cash to get you by for the day.

When you do need to withdraw money from an ATM, try to do so during daylight hours and in a well-lit, populated area. And be sure to keep your cash and valuables hidden away safely.

It's also a good idea to keep a stash of cash hidden in your accommodation in case of an emergency.

Don’t carry all of your documents with you

Keep copies of your passport, visa, driver's license, and other important documents in a safe place at your accommodation. There's no need to ever have them out with you. Only carry the essentials with you when you're out and about or maybe only a copy of those documents.

Make a copy of your documents

Make a copy of your documents to keep in your suitcase or backpack, and leave a second copy with friends or family back home. It's also a good idea to store them electronically in the cloud. That way, if you do lose your documents, you'll still have access to the information you need.

Use a VPN app on your phone in public places

Using a VPN app on your phone will help to keep your data safe and secure when you're using public Wi-Fi. This is especially important if you're using banking apps or other sensitive information. There are lots of great VPN apps out there, so do some research to find one that's right for you.

Don’t tell strangers your personal information or where you’re staying

This one seems like a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating. Don't tell strangers your personal information or where you're staying. In many cases, it’s a good idea to even lie about the fact that you’re traveling with your husband or boyfriend.

It's also a good idea to use caution when talking to people you meet online. Only give out personal information to people you know and trust, and be sure to use a secure messaging app like WhatsApp.

Don’t feel weird for carrying a pepper spray or a pocket safety alarm

Carrying a pepper spray or a pocket safety alarm can give you some peace of mind when you're traveling solo. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so don't feel weird about carrying one of these with you.

There are lots of different types of pepper spray and safety alarms on the market, so do some research to find the one that's right for you.

Don’t be afraid to say ‘No”

You're in complete control when it comes to traveling on your own. Don't be afraid to say no to anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

If someone asks for your help or tries to push you into doing something you're not comfortable with, just say no. It's your trip and you should do what feels right for you.

Know emergency contact numbers

You should always know the emergency contact numbers for the country you're visiting. The local police, fire, and ambulance numbers should be stored in your phone, and you should also know the number for your embassy or consulate.

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, don't hesitate to call for help. If you're not sure what the emergency contact numbers are, ask a local or look them up online before you go.

Walk with confidence

Fake it til you make it! Even if you're nervous or don't feel confident, try to walk with confidence. 

Stand up straight, make eye contact, and keep your head up. If you look like you know where you're going, chances are higher that no one will bother you.

Trust your journey

It’s your time! You’ve planned, you’ve saved up, and you’re ready to go. Trust your journey and don't let anyone else tell you what you can or can't do.

Believe in your abilities and don’t forget to enjoy it to the fullest. It's your time to make memories and have experiences that'll last you a lifetime.

Traveling solo can be a great experience if you're prepared and take the necessary precautions! Just make sure to do your research, trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to say no.

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If you're looking for more support, our team of empowering and encouraging “cheerleaders” and travel experts are here to help you plan the perfect solo trip! We'll guide you every step of the way, help you plan the perfect solo travel itinerary, and help you take that first step with confidence.

If you're ready to take the plunge and start seeing the world, take a look at our customized travel planning services to see how we can help you make your dream of traveling solo a reality.