Solo Female Travel Safety Guide: 15 Essential Tips from Real Experience
Hello, I’m Ange from Our Travel Journey. Over the past decade I’ve explored over 25 countries solo as a woman—and I’ve learned invaluable lessons that every female traveler should know. In this guide, I share my top 15 safety tips, drawn from real experiences on the road. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or are a seasoned globetrotter, these strategies will help you stay secure, confident, and prepared.
1. Research Local Customs and Laws
Before you leave:
Understand gender norms and dress codes
Verify local curfews, restricted areas, and emergency numbers
Learn basic phrases in the local language
When I visited Saudi Arabia, knowing the dress requirements saved me from unwanted attention.
2. Share Your Itinerary with Trusted Contacts
Send daily updates via WhatsApp or email
Use apps like “TripIt” to organize plans and share automatically
Establish regular check-in times
My parents appreciate a morning “I’m okay” text when I land in a new city.
3. Choose Accommodation Strategically
Opt for female-only dorms or private rooms in well-reviewed hostels
Verify security features: 24-hour reception, key-card access, CCTV
Read recent traveler reviews for safety feedback
On a solo trip to Mexico City, I booked a women-only floor in a boutique hostel and felt instantly more secure.
4. Blend In with Locals
Dress modestly and avoid flashy jewelry
Carry a local SIM card and use a discreet phone case
Walk purposefully and with confidence
Instead of a tourist map, I used a downloaded offline map to avoid flashing my phone in public.
5. Use Reliable Transportation
Book pre-arranged airport transfers whenever possible
Rely on reputable ride-hailing apps with driver and car details
In public transit, sit near the driver or in well-lit carriages
In Istanbul, I only used licensed taxis or the official airport shuttle to avoid scams.
6. Stay Connected with Technology
Carry a portable charger and backup battery
Install safety apps: bSafe, Noonlight, or local SOS services
Enable location sharing with a travel buddy
A dead phone is a safety risk—my power bank has saved me more than once.
7. Keep Valuables Secure
Use a concealed money belt or neck pouch under clothing
Divide cash and cards between multiple hidden pockets
Lock valuables in your hotel safe when possible
On a beach in Goa, securing my passport in a hotel safe gave me peace of mind.
8. Trust Your Instincts
If a situation feels wrong, leave immediately
Decline unsolicited invitations and avoid deserted areas
Practice a firm “No, thank you,” and walk away
That gut-feeling warning in Paris kept me from following a stranger into an empty alley.
9. Plan for Emergencies
Memorize local emergency numbers (police, ambulance, embassy)
Carry a laminated card with critical info in the local language
Have an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact saved on your lock screen
When I sprained my ankle in Bali, quick access to a local clinic via my ICE contact was a lifesaver.
10. Stay Sober and Alert
Limit alcohol intake, especially when alone
Avoid accepting drinks from strangers
Keep a close eye on your drink at bars and social events
In Barcelona, staying sober helped me navigate late-night metro rides safely.
11. Use Discreet Self-Defense Tools
Carry a personal alarm, whistle, or small pepper spray where legal
Take a basic self-defense class before traveling
Practice using tools until you’re confident
My personal alarm startled a harasser in Rio and attracted immediate attention.
12. Join Group Activities
Book small-group tours for city walks, cooking classes, or hikes
Stay in co-working or co-living spaces to meet fellow travelers
Attend local meetups via Meetup or Facebook groups
While trekking in Nepal, a guided group hike turned strangers into lifelong friends.
13. Maintain Situational Awareness
Limit use of headphones in public spaces
Continuously scan your surroundings for exits and safe zones
Avoid walking with your phone in hand
In Rome’s crowded squares, I kept one earbud out and stayed aware of pickpocket hotspots.
14. Secure Online Presence
Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi
Disable auto-connect and avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public networks
Enable two-factor authentication on email and banking apps
A VPN kept my banking info safe when I worked from a café in Budapest.
15. Build a Local Support Network
Follow local expat or traveler Facebook groups
Save contacts for your country’s consulate and local women’s helplines
Reach out to fellow female travelers for advice and in-country meetups
Before exploring South Africa, I connected with a women’s travel group in Johannesburg who shared valuable safety insights.
Final Thoughts
Solo female travel has empowered me in ways I never imagined. Armed with these 15 safety tips, you can embrace independence, deepen cultural connections, and explore the world with confidence. Remember: prioritize your well-being, prepare thoroughly, and trust your instincts.
