23 Smart Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone
Published 2025Ditch travel anxiety. Here are 23 tried and tested ways to stay safe while traveling alone as a woman.
One of the most common questions I get (from well, pretty much everyone) is whether or not traveling alone is safe. There’s always someone telling you how dangerous it'll be if you travel alone—but it's all crap.
I've traveled loads of places alone with very few issues. And I’m not the only one. I've met many women travelers who feel the same. What's my secret? I believe traveling alone has actually made me safer.
Why? My instincts are sharper, I stay more tuned into my surroundings, and locals are often quite happy to help a solo woman. Plus, I always make friends along the way...so instead of feeling alone, I feel like I have friends all over the globe!
So, my advice is to be sensible when you travel, but not let the fear hold you back from going on an amazing adventure. If you're not an experienced solo traveler, you can always start by visiting more female solo-friendly destinations.
Anyway, let's get to the important stuff. Here are my 23 tips for staying safe on solo trips. I hope you find them helpful.
01—
You don't always have to be polite.
A lot of times, especially for women, we let politeness override our senses because heaven forbid we seem rude or overreacting. Trust your gut and put your safety first, even if it means someone thinks you're a drama queen. Sure, be kind when it feels right, but always prioritize your well-being when it doesn't. Trust yourself.
02—
Trust your instincts—always.
I'm not sure why, but women have amazing instincts. But we often question ourselves. If you think something's fishy while you’re traveling, it probably is. But hey, if your gut says it's all sunshine and rainbows, go with it! My gut has never let me down. I don't think yours will either.
03—
Don’t wear headphones while walking. Seriously.
Walking around with headphones on makes you less aware of what's happening around you and can signal to potential muggers that you likely have a smartphone on you. Please NEVER walk with headphones at night or when you leave a bar or train/bus station.
04—
Walk with purpose.
Walk with confidence, like you know where you are going — even if you’re crazy lost! Walk with good posture and make eye contact when someone talks to you.
05—
Be careful where you pull out your phone map.
Avoid pulling out your phone or map if you're in an alleyway or a slightly sketchy place. Don't pull out your map or phone if you feel even slightly uncomfortable. Using your phone map screams "I'm a lost tourist," which is not great if you're somewhere that makes you vulnerable. I've been known to jump into an H&M or Zara to subtly pull out my map and get my bearings. When I'm sorted, I head back out on the street.
06—
Know about local scams.
Before you travel, find out what scams are common and which areas are sketchy in the city or region you're visiting. Don’t freak out, though. It’s just to help you stay alert.
07—
Don’t go overboard with booze.
Watch your alcohol intake. Having a few drinks is fine, but getting wasted in an unfamiliar place can be risky and might get you lost. And it’s probably a good idea to stay away from drugs; they make you very vulnerable. It’s just not worth it.
08—
Get familiar on your first day.
Kick off your adventure with a walking tour on day one. A walking tour is a fantastic way to get your bearings in a new city. It helps you figure out the lay of the land and avoid getting hopelessly lost right away. Plus, guides usually give you the lowdown on places to steer clear of (and hidden gems that travel books miss). It’s like getting a cheat code for the destination. I love GetYourGuide tours, check them out.
09—
Know how to dress.
Dressing right can save you a ton of trouble, so do yourself a favor and check what’s appropriate for women wherever you’re headed. In hot and sticky places, shorts and sleeveless tops might feel like heaven, but they might not fit with local customs and traditions. So, do a little homework and pack smart!
10—
Do a fun group activity.
If you’re staying in one place for a little while, check out local activities like dance classes, fitness in the park, or walking groups. It’s a great way to connect with locals and get insider tips. I always jump in and take a local foodie or culture tour.
11—
Keep your stuff with you in cabs.
When you’re in a cab, keep your things with you in the back seat. This way, you’re in control if the driver decides to take the scenic route, tries to overcharge (or if you get those uh-oh vibes). Keep your bag in the back with you, so you can make a quick exit if needed!
12—
Try to arrive during the day.
Try to land in new spots during daylight. It’s way less creepy to arrive in a foreign country or cross borders when it’s sunny. Know where you're headed beforehand and take a stroll around to get comfy. Trust me, daylight is your friend! It’s not always possible because delays happen, of course, but it’s worth making it one of your safety guidelines.
13—
Research or book a legit pick-up before you land.
Do your homework on legit taxi and public transport options before you land. Check for licenses and badges on the car before you hop in. Snap a pic of the driver’s credentials and send it to a buddy if you’re feeling uncertain.
Personally, I’m all about booking a private pick-up ahead of time—especially if I’m heading somewhere I don’t speak the language. It’s more affordable than you think, and honestly, peace of mind is priceless. Plus, there is something very nice being picked up by a friendly local.
14—
Speak up and don’t be afraid to get LOUD.
Women are often encouraged to stay polite no matter what. But you should ignore his advice if you're being harassed or feel unsafe. Prepare by practicing how to raise your voice and draw attention so you'll be ready to alert others if needed. Or consider apps like One Scream or Panic Button that can emit loud sounds from your phone to help signal for assistance.
15—
Stay connected with affordable Internet.
Internet access used to be a luxury when traveling, but now it's both accessible and affordable. UBIGI offers a great global eSIM solution. Why stay connected? Use safety apps in emergencies, translation apps for easy communication, and maps for navigation. Plus, chat for free on social media.
16—
Make connections before you go.
Before your trip, ask friends and family if they know anyone at your destination. A friendly introduction to a local can provide valuable insights and a helpful contact if needed. Also, check out groups on social media— there are so many and they’re a great source of intel and friendship.
17—
Know emergency numbers.
Familiarize yourself with the emergency numbers for your destination. And if you’re really concerned, translate all of your details and any existing health conditions into the local language, ready to go should you get into trouble.
18—
Don’t openly advertise that you’re traveling alone.
In certain situations, you might not want to share that you’re traveling alone, including when chatting with taxi drivers or strangers in a bar or in the street. I always mention that I’m meeting a friend or group of friends later. Trust your instincts.
19—
Check in with your buddies back home.
You don’t have to contact your family or friends every day, but regular social media updates can be a lifesaver. Share your adventures, but remember—no live broadcasts of your location. Post after you’ve hit the road. Safety first, fun second!
Pro tip: If you have an extensive travel itinerary planned out over multiple countries, remember to share it with some buddies back home so they know roughly where you’ll be at any given time. Or you can allow someone to track your movements via your phone.
20—
Carry some cash, but stash it in multiple locations.
Not every location takes cards. I once landed in Italy and couldn’t pay for my accommodation because they only took cash! I was stuck in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, I made some friends at the hostel who covered me until I could get to a bank the following day. From that moment on, I have always carried some cash, but stashed it in multiple locations. My favorite spots are to coil cash inside a tampon inserter (yes, really!), inside my bra, hidden zipped compartments, and a money belt under my clothes.
21—
Use a slash-proof bag or travel safe.
Considering using a slash-proof, RFID-blocking, and locking baggage with you. I’m practically married to my PacSafe cross-body bag and wire mesh bag protector. So far, they’ve been my trusty sidekicks. No method is completely foolproof, but it sure helps. You can also bring a travel safe. This is like the slash-proof bag, but you can lock it with a padlock. They're super handy because you can leave your valuables in your room or bring them along safely.
22—
Carry a fake wallet.
Keep a decoy wallet with a few small bills in it. Stash most of your cash and ID in other sneaky spots. If someone demands money, handing over the fake wallet can help you dodge trouble. If you run into a pickpocket, they’ll take something that’s not going to leave you in strife. Better safe than sorry, right?
23—
Don't show off your bling.
Seriously, it should be common sense, but you'd be amazed at how many people I see waving their phones around or flaunting jewelry on city streets. Just stash it away or leave it at home. You don’t need to parade your pricey rings, earrings, or designer bags when you're traveling. Keep it classy, keep it safe.
That’s a wrap!
I hope you found these tips for traveling solo as a woman helpful. They’ve been my tried and true companions through many years of solo travel. Happy travels! Have fun and be safe.
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