29 Solo Female Travel Safety Tips: What to Do & Avoid

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Travelling solo as a woman can feel exciting and terrifying at the same time! If you’re here, you’re probably asking yourself one question: How do I stay safe while travelling alone?

Whether you’re planning your very first solo trip or thinking about heading somewhere that feels a little riskier, safety concerns are totally normal. You might be nervous about stepping outside your comfort zone. You might also want solid solo female travel advice from someone who’s been there and done it.

I was once a nervous 18-year-old flying to Canada alone, with very little thought about personal safety. Over the last 10+ years, I’ve travelled solo across Europe, Africa, and Asia. I’ve made mistakes, ended up in uncomfortable situations, and learned some lessons along the way. Fortunately, nothing terrible happened, and I have had 10 years of incredible solo adventures! But I learned fast.

This guide shares the solo female travel safety tips I wish I’d known earlier. These are practical, realistic things you can do before and during your trip to maximise your safety. I’m not into fear-mongering. Solo travel is exhilarating, rewarding and incredible. But I also won’t pretend that risk doesn’t exist.

If you want to travel solo and stay safe, this guide is for you. You’ll find sensible precautions that help you travel with more confidence.

If you’re scared to travel alone, there are plenty of ways to improve your safety and reduce risk. Below, I’ve shared my top solo travel safety tips that I have learned from over 10 years of solo travel.

1. Choose Safer Destinations for Solo Female Travel

The type of destination you choose for solo female travel will largely depend on your experience and confidence.

When I first started solo travelling, I chose countries that felt ‘safe’ to me, which meant countries with a similar culture and no language barrier, such as Canada and Australia. Now, after 10+ years of solo travel experiences, I have become more confident and regularly travel solo throughout Europe, Africa and Asia.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing the best places for solo female travel is how comfortable you will feel. This not only depends on the country, but you as a person. Particular destinations may be safe for some but not others, depending on your race or sexual orientation.

It’s also important to consider the destination’s reputation for petty crime, violence towards women and whether the country has a stable government.

I regularly check the Global Peace Index 2025 when I plan my solo trips. The Index is updated every year and ranks countries in order of safety, using things like risk of terrorism, risk of violent crime, and political instability as indicators.

It’s not a perfect system. Just because a country is ranked as one of the ‘safest’ in the world doesn’t mean nothing bad ever happens there, but it can be a useful tool to identify potential destinations.

2. Research Local Scams and Common Risks

Before you make any travel plans, it’s important to do some research on your potential destination. I suggest reading travel blogs, doing a Google Search to learn about the country, and asking questions in Facebook Groups or Reddit forums. There are hundreds of Facebook Groups that allow you to ask other solo female travellers about their experiences and top safety tips!

Learn as much as you can about a country before you visit, including any weather risks, dangerous areas (especially at night), cultural, religious and societal norms and common scams.

3. Research the Best Areas to Stay

Your accommodation can make or break a trip. When you’re travelling solo, it’s vital to book accommodation in an area that feels safe.

In some destinations, there are areas that are known to be unsafe, particularly at night, so it’s good to research this before booking your accommodation. You can do this via Reddit Forums, Google Search and Facebook Groups.

For city breaks in particular, it can often be cheaper to stay in outlying areas rather than close to a city centre, but this can mean long walks back to your accommodation or having to take a taxi or public transport.

Personally, I feel safer when I am based in an easy-to-access central place. So I look for hotels that are close to attractions, restaurants and cafes, even if this means spending more. Look for hotel reviews from other solo female travellers about their experience.

4. Choose Accommodation Wisely

Over the last 10+ years of solo travel, I’ve stayed in both Airbnbs and hotels. Both can work, but over time, I’ve come to prefer hotels.

The main reason is support. If something goes wrong, there’s a reception desk with real people who can help. In Botswana, I was stranded in a town with no phone and no means of getting back. I managed to get someone to call my hotel, and they arranged a taxi for me right away. If I’d been in an Airbnb, I would’ve been on my own.

Hotels also add an extra layer of security. A staffed entrance and key card access create a barrier between your room and the street.

I’ve stayed in Airbnbs plenty of times and never had a problem, and I will likely stay in a self-catered apartment again. But for riskier destinations, I feel safer in a hotel. I recommend using Booking.com to book your accommodation.

5. Plan and Book Transport Ahead Where Possible

On my second solo trip to Paris, I made the mistake of being too overconfident. I didn’t plan how to get from the airport to my hotel, thinking I’d just figure it out when I got there.

The problem? I ended up getting lost on the Paris Metro, got off three stops too early and walked for 30 minutes in the pouring rain. I ended up soaked to my skin! It wasn’t fun.

If I’d just planned my route ahead of time, I’d have saved myself the hassle and stress.

With Google Maps, it’s super easy to plan a journey on public transport, so there’s no excuse for not planning ahead.

It’s also good to have a backup transport plan in case something goes wrong. For example, when I visited Bilbao in Spain, my plane was delayed and I missed the last hotel shuttle bus. Fortunately, I had planned an alternative.

Now, I always make sure I know exactly how I will get from the airport to my accommodation, no matter where I am.

Alternatively, you can hire a rental car to get around on your own terms. I recommend using Discover Cars to compare prices across multiple rental companies easily.

6. Book Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential. Even if you’re an optimist and think everything will be fine, you can’t plan for the unexpected. Natural disasters, accidents, illness or loss of belongings can all happen and are usually out of our control.

As I said before, I’m not into fear-mongering. But it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for potential risks.

I recommend Safety Wing Travel Insurance, which provides global health insurance and travel insurance for nomads in over 180 countries. It’s great for long-term travellers as it provides comprehensive coverage and 24/7 live customer care.

7. Share Your Itinerary and Plans with Family or Friends

Always make sure a friend or family member has a copy of your travel itinerary at home, including the names and addresses of hotels, transport plans, planned activities such as hiking trails or tours, flight numbers and flight times. Then make sure to ‘check in’ with family and friends regularly.

It’s good to do this even when you’re travelling with others, but it’s especially important if you’re travelling alone.

8. Pack These Practical Safety Essentials

You don’t need to pack a ton of extra tools or gadgets for safe solo female travel. In fact, there are just a couple of items that I recommend, and one of them might surprise you.

When I travel solo, I always take a door stop. Yes, that sounds weird, but it’s a great safety tool that fits easily in your luggage and one of my favourite solo female travel safety tips.

When I’m in my accommodation, I put the doorstop under the door to prevent it from being opened from the outside. It makes me feel more comfortable, knowing no one else can get into my room or apartment.

The other item I recommend is a power bank to charge your devices on the go. There have been numerous occasions where I would have run out of phone battery had I not been carrying a power bank.

When travelling solo, I like to make sure I can always contact someone, check Google Maps for directions or plan public transport routes.

Running out of battery while I’m travelling solo is not an option for me, so I purchased a power bank that gives me 2-3 phone charges.

9. Print Copies of Your Passport and Important Documents

Before you leave for your trip, print copies of your passport and any other important documents such as travel insurance details, visas and your driving license.

As well as having physical copies and printed copies, I also take photos to store in Google Photos in case all else fails.

I also make sure my partner and family have copies of my passport and travel insurance details before I leave, just in case.

10. Download Google Maps to Use Offline

Navigating safely by yourself is important, especially when you’re alone in a foreign country. In some parts of the world, data and phone signal can be patchy. The last thing you need is to be lost in a foreign country with no signal, unable to use Google Maps to find your way.

That’s why I always download the offline version of Google Maps for whatever destination you’re visiting. Here are some instructions for downloading Google Maps to use offline.

11. Buy an eSIM Before You Travel

I am a recent convert to eSIMs for phone coverage when travelling. Rather than having to buy a local SIM card at the airport, you can buy an eSIM online before you even leave home. This means you can access data as soon as you land in your destination.

I recommend using Sim Local’s eSIMs as you can choose from a huge range of eSIMs for your destination, including data-only eSIMs and eSIMs with texts and minutes included. I’ve used Sim Local’s eSIMs in the UK and throughout Europe and also had fantastic service.

I personally recommend opting for an eSIM with texts and minutes included, so you can make phone calls in an emergency.

Personal Safety While Travelling Solo

12. Blend In to Avoid Unwanted Attention

Tourists can be an easy target in some cities, so it’s good to blend in as much as possible. When I’m travelling solo, I avoid looking at a map in public. I also try to walk with confidence and purpose, and I try not to look lost…even if I am!

Leave the large paper maps, selfie sticks, and expensive electronics at your hotel.

A large camera around your neck can draw unwanted attention. I sometimes put my camera in my bag and only take it out when needed.

You can also adapt your dress and behaviour to local norms. This can help you to avoid unwanted attention too, especially if you’re travelling in a country where women are expected to dress modestly.

13. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

When I travel solo, I am always aware of what’s going on around me. I avoid zoning in to my phone while walking, and I don’t listen to music on headphones when out and about.

You don’t need to be constantly anxious or on edge. Just stay tuned in to the people and happenings around you, especially when walking alone. Watch for cars slowing down nearby, look out for people who are acting suspiciously, listen for footsteps behind, especially if they seem to be quickening.

If you think you are being followed, you can dramatically change direction and see if they do the same. If you are concerned about being followed or harassed, step into a nearby cafe, restaurant, shop or hotel and ask for help.

14. Limit Alcohol When Travelling Alone

While we all love a fun night on the town, alcohol can blur our judgment and delay reactions to potentially dangerous situations. It’s fine to have a drink or two, but make sure you know your limits and stop before you’re unable to look after yourself.

If you are going to drink, make sure you are capable of getting back to your accommodation independently and are still aware of your surroundings.

15. Be Cautious When Walking Alone, Especially at Night

When you’re travelling solo, it’s almost impossible to avoid walking alone at night, unless you spend every evening in your hotel room. And that’s no fun!

Instead of being scared to go out after dark, make sure you have a route prepared that avoids overly dark and quiet streets. Stick to well-lit areas and streets that are busy with pedestrians if possible.

If that’s not possible, then just stay aware of your surroundings.

16. Respond Confidently to Catcalling or Unwanted Attention

Catcalling is something you have to get used to when you’re travelling abroad as a solo woman. I’ve experienced it a lot in Africa and even in some European countries.

The best way to deal with it is to completely ignore it, avoid eye contact, and confidently walk on. If the unwanted attention continues, firmly assert yourself with a ‘No’ or ‘Leave me alone’. Even better if you can learn those words in the local language.

17. Set Clear Boundaries and Say No Without Over-Explaining

When I meet people while travelling solo, I make sure to mention that I am married and use my husband’s name in conversation. This sets clear boundaries for many, knowing that I am not looking for anything more than friendship.

Sometimes this isn’t enough, though. Not everyone cares that you have a partner at home! This is when it becomes important to say no and set clear boundaries, without over-explaining. After all, you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

18. Use Safes, Door Locks, and Extra Security

I’ve already mentioned the little room safety hack for solo travellers – pack a door stop! I put this under my door whenever I am in my hotel or self-catering accommodation, to stop anyone from getting in my room. To be honest, many hotels have a double lock that you can use from inside the room, but I still take a door stop to be safe.

General safe travel advice also includes using the hotel room safe for your travel money, purse and passport. It’s best to leave your passport in the hotel room safe rather than taking it out with you every day.

19. Stay Alert on Public Transport

If I’m taking a metro/underground or train, I try to sit in carriages where there are a lot of other people. It’s also important to stay alert on public transport, especially when it’s very busy, as trains and buses can be hotspots for pickpockets.

20. Use Ridesharing Apps Such as Bolt and Uber

I prefer ridesharing apps like Bolt and Uber because they add extra layers of safety. You agree on the price upfront, don’t need to carry cash, and can see the driver’s name, photo, and vehicle registration before getting in.

Always check that the registration and driver details match the app before you open the door.

Once I’m in the car, I share my live trip details with a friend or family member. It takes a few seconds and means someone else knows where I am and who I’m with.

When using taxis or rideshares, keep your belongings in the back seat with you rather than in the boot. If a situation feels uncomfortable, you can leave quickly without having to ask the driver to stop and open the trunk. That small habit gives you more control and makes it easier to exit safely if needed.

21. Don’t Share Your Location Publicly on Social Media

If you have a public profile, be careful about sharing your location in real time. Posting where you’re staying, eating, or spending the day can tell strangers exactly where you are and that you’re alone. I avoid tagging my hotel, accommodation, or exact location until after I’ve left the area.

This isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about reducing risk. Delaying location tags still lets you share your trip, just without advertising your movements while you’re there.

This is less of an issue if you have a closed profile page that only friends and family members can see.

22. Research Local Norms and Dress and Act Accordingly

I’ve mentioned this a couple of times already but it’s an important one so it deserves a special mention. When travelling in conservative or very religious countries, it’s important to respect local norms and culture by dressing appropriately as a woman.

I’ve travelled in the Middle East through countries such as Jordan and Abu Dhabi and found that dressing respectfully reduced alot of unwanted attention.

Travelling through Jordan as a woman, I was careful to dress respectfully at all times. wear loose-fitting clothing and cover as much skin as possible, even in tourist areas such as Petra.

This also includes researching how women are expected to act in certain countries. You don’t need to change who you are, but understanding what’s considered respectful helps you blend in. Research how local women dress, whether solo women are common, and how men and women usually interact in public.

23. Join Group Tours or Experiences

Even the most confident solo female travellers crave some company from time to time. When I sense loneliness creeping in, I book a group tour as an easy way to meet new people.

I’m an introvert by nature, so I find it difficult to start conversations when I’m alone, but group tours are a great way to meet new people in a safe and comfortable environment.

Whether you book a single walking tour or a multi-day guided group tour depends on the kind of experience you want. I’ve done both and loved the opportunity to meet people and try new things with a group.

A guided walking tour of a new city can also help you to find your way around the city and pick up some tips from local guides on the best things to see and do.

I recommend booking tours with Get Your Guide or Viator.

24. Use Facebook Groups to Meet Other Solo Travellers

One of my favourite ways to connect with other solo travellers is through Facebook groups. There are hundreds of solo female travel groups with thousands of women sharing advice, tips, and real experiences.

They’re also an underrated safety net. If something goes wrong while you’re travelling alone, you can post in a group and often get quick help. That might be local advice, help with a language barrier, or even someone nearby who’s willing to step in.

Here are a few Facebook Groups I love:

Solo Female Travel for Introverts – This is my Facebook Group. I’d love to see you over there!

The Solo Female Traveler Network

Girls LOVE Travel®

Solo Female Travelers

5 Non-Negotiables for Safe Solo Female Travel

If you remember nothing else from this guide, remember these five rules. They apply no matter where you are travelling.

25. Always Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, it probably is. You don’t need proof or evidence. Trust your gut and remove yourself from a situation early. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Your gut often warns you against risks before any solid evidence, so don’t want to leave if something feels uncomfortable.

26. Say “No” Firmly and Assertively

You do not owe anyone your time, attention, or an explanation. “No” is enough. Sometimes that “No” has to be firm, and it may feel rude, but no means no, and you never have to explain yourself further.

It helps to learn how to say “No” in the local language. If someone is following or hassling you, stop in your tracks, hold your hand up to them and shout “No”. This will draw attention from passersby and stop most people in their tracks.

27. Do Not Tell People Where You’re Staying or That You Are Travelling Alone

This is something I learned the hard way. Be vague about where you’re staying, how long you’re there for, and whether you’re alone. Lie if you have to.

If someone asks where you’re staying, you can give a vague location or a different hotel – I have done this in the past. You can also tell people that you are travelling with someone and that they just stayed in the hotel room.

When I travelled to Germany, I once had a guy who just wouldn’t get the hint. I had made the mistake of telling him I was travelling alone in friendly conversation while seated next to him in a restaurant. For some reason, he seemed to think that this was an invitation.

When he tried to walk with me back to my hotel, I had the presence of mind to tell him I was staying in a totally different part of the city. Then firmly told him I was going to my hotel alone and said goodbye. He finally got the hint and left me alone.

Since then, I’ve learned my lesson and now tell people that I’m travelling with my husband who I am going to meet.

28. Have a Basic Plan and a Backup

Your first solo trip is not the time to wing it! Know where you are going, where you plan to stay and how you’ll get there and back. Be prepared with a backup plan if things change.

I don’t book accommodation on the fly when travelling solo, although I love flexibility and spontaneity. I always have a plan for where to stay and do my research in advance.

29. Leave Situations Early if it Doesn’t Feel Right

If something feels off, don’t wait for things to get worse. A conversation that feels off. A location that suddenly feels too quiet. A person who ignores a boundary. Waiting for a clear reason often means staying longer than you should. Cross the street, leave the bar, end the conversation.

You don’t need proof that something is wrong to remove yourself. If your comfort level drops, that’s enough. Leaving early isn’t dramatic or rude. It’s a calm, confident decision to prioritise your safety before a situation has the chance to escalate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel Safety