Travelling solo as a woman can be a thrilling and liberating experience but, because we live in an imperfect world where women are disproportionately the victims of crime, it's important to take precautions to ensure your safety.
Whether you're exploring a new city or hiking in the wilderness, these seven essential safety tips for solo female travellers can help you stay safe and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Before embarking on your solo trip, it's important to research your destination and accommodations thoroughly. Look up the crime rates and safety tips for the area you'll be visiting, and choose accommodation in safe and well-lit areas.
Consider staying in a hostel or hotel with 24-hour security and lockers for your valuables. It's also a good idea to share your itinerary and contact information with a trusted friend or family member in case of emergency.
Every tourist – whether male or female – should dress appropriately out of respect for the culture and customs of the destination. However, it’s an unfortunate fact that male travellers can often “get away” with dressing as they like in more conservative destinations, whereas women travellers may encounter more problems if they do not.
For example, in some countries, it may be considered inappropriate for women to wear revealing clothing or to show too much skin, while in strictly Islamic countries, such as Saudi Arabia, women are advised to cover their hair.
Yes, it’s a double standard, but the fact remains that female travellers need to be more conscious of what the local dress code is and abide by it.
This is a basic safety tip that applies to all travellers, but it's especially important for solo female travellers.
If you need to walk alone at night, stick to well-lit and busy areas. Avoid shortcuts through alleys or parks, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, don't hesitate to call a taxi or use a ride-sharing app to get to your destination. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
If you’re staying in a hotel or similar accommodation, always put the deadbolt on the door overnight to prevent anyone with a keycard from entering the room.
If you’re staying in more budget accommodation, like a hostel or AirBNB, always travel with your own padlock that you can place on the inside of the door at night.
Always keep your valuables secure and hidden to avoid becoming a target for theft. Invest in a good quality lock for your luggage and keep your passport, money, and other important documents in a secure and hidden location on your person.
Consider using a money belt or a hidden pocket in your clothing to keep your valuables safe. And always avoid flashing expensive items like jewellery or electronics, as this can attract unwanted attention.
Connecting with other female solo travellers for parts of your trip can not only be fun and a new way to make lifelong friends, but it can also be beneficial if you’re venturing into places where you may not be 100% safe going it alone.
There are some great communities online for this. In particular, check out The Solo Female Traveller Network, Host A Sister and Women Love Travel: A Group for Travelling Women Over 40.
One of the most important safety tips for solo female travellers is to stay connected with friends and family back home.
Let someone know your itinerary and check in with them regularly to let them know you're safe. Consider sharing your location with a trusted friend or family member using a tracking app. This way, if anything does happen, someone will know where you are and can send help if needed.
It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of an emergency, such as a list of emergency contacts and a plan for how to get in touch with them.
Let an expert travel consultant assist you in planning your solo adventure. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency for expert advice.
Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency to book your solo travel experience. Or spoil yourself with one of these packages:
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Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency to book.
