Solo Female Travel Tips: How to Stay Safe on the Road
Traveling solo can feel like the ultimate freedom. You get to decide where to go, how long to stay, and what adventures to take on without having to compromise with anyone else.
But if you’re a woman traveling alone, whether you’re 25 or 65, you’ve probably heard the warnings. Family and friends might worry, and honestly, sometimes you worry too.
I’ve been traveling solo for years as a digital nomad, and while safety is always on my mind, I’ve also learned that it doesn’t need to hold you back.
With the right preparation and mindset, traveling alone can be not only safe but deeply rewarding. Here are the solo female travel tips I’ve found that work best.
Preparing Before You Go
Research is your first line of defense. I don’t just mean skimming a few blog posts, but really diving into what you can expect.
Some of the best places to look are:
Nomads.com
Nomads.com (formerly Nomad List) is a great resource for safety stats, cost of living, internet reliability, and overall quality of life in different cities.
To get the most detailed information, you’ll need a membership. It’s currently a $99 one-time fee, and I’ve found it to be worth it for all the information you get.
Government Travel Advisories
Check the U.S. Department of State or the UK Foreign Office for official updates. These can be a good starting point, but keep in mind they aren’t always super accurate.
Advisories often paint entire countries with a broad brush and may label a destination as “unsafe” even if the reality on the ground is very different.
In many cases, the warnings are based on isolated incidents, outdated information, or risks that don’t affect tourists or digital nomads in everyday life.
Use them as one tool in your research, but balance them with firsthand accounts from other travelers and expats who actually live there.
Facebook Groups
Search for “[City Name] expats” or “digital nomads in [Destination]” and you’ll often find private groups full of locals and travelers willing to share real-time advice.
Travel Blogs and Forums
Blogs often provide firsthand experiences, while forums like Reddit’s r/solotravel can offer candid tips.
Building Your Safety Net
On top of research, it helps to set yourself up with a strong safety net before you even leave home.
Learn a bit about local customs, cultural expectations, and common scams that might target tourists.
Share your travel plans with a trusted friend or family member and keep them updated when you move around.
And don’t skip travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers both health and theft. You might never need it, but if something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you have it.
My go-to for insurance is SafetyWing. They have a variety of policies for every need.
Choosing Safe Accommodations
Where you stay matters. I look for places in safe neighborhoods that are close to restaurants, grocery stores, or public transport.
Reviews from other solo female travelers are gold. Pay attention to what they say about security and location.
Hotels with 24-hour front desks or Airbnbs with strong host communication are my go-to.
And don’t overlook little details like whether the property has good lighting at night or a deadbolt on the door. Those things matter when you’re by yourself.
Solo Female Travel Tips for Staying Connected
One of the easiest ways to stay safe is to stay connected. I always have a local SIM card or an eSIM so I’m never without data. It’s not just for posting photos on Instagram, it’s for maps, ride apps, and quick calls if I need help.
WhatsApp is essential in many countries, not just for chatting with friends back home, but also for booking taxis, making reservations, or contacting a host.
I also keep a contact on my phone with local emergency numbers since not every country uses 911.
Moving Around Safely
Transportation can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the area. Use licensed taxis or rideshare apps like Uber or DiDi when they’re available, and avoid arriving in a new place late at night if you can.
Walking is often fine during the day, but trust your instincts in the evenings. If a street feels sketchy, don’t try to tough it out. Grab a ride instead. The small cost is worth the peace of mind.
Blending In and Avoiding Unwanted Attention
One of the best ways to stay safe is to not stand out as an obvious tourist. That doesn’t mean you need to give up your personal style, but adapting to local norms goes a long way.
In some places, shorts and tank tops are fine. In others, they’ll make you stick out.
Confidence is another safety tool. Even if I’m lost, I avoid looking confused. I’ll step into a café or shop to check my map instead of lingering on a street corner.
Learning a few phrases in the local language helps. Sometimes it’s as simple as showing respect, but it can also help you out of an awkward situation.
Money and Belongings
Never carry more than you need for the day. One credit card, some local cash, and a copy of your ID can go in a crossbody bag or anti-theft backpack. The rest should stay locked up at your accommodation.
If you’re working remotely, don’t advertise your expensive gear. I love my laptop, but I’m not going to set it up in a crowded café in a sketchy part of town. Being discreet keeps you from becoming a target.
Handling Uncomfortable Situations
It happens. Maybe someone won’t take no for an answer, or you get cornered in a conversation you don’t want to have.
My approach is to set boundaries early and clearly. A firm “no” goes further than a polite smile.
If I ever feel unsafe in a social setting, I make sure I have an exit plan. That might mean sitting near the door or having my own ride arranged.
If things get uncomfortable on the street, pull someone else into it. Making eye contact with a passerby and asking for help can defuse a situation quickly.
Trusting Your Instincts
Your gut is one of your best tools. If something feels off, it probably is.
I’ve canceled rides, walked away from conversations, and even left accommodations early because I didn’t feel right. It’s better to look overly cautious than to ignore that feeling.
Special Considerations for Women Over 50
There’s actually a silver lining here. Being a bit older can work in your favor. In many parts of the world, you get less unwanted attention than younger women.
That doesn’t mean you can let your guard down, but it does shift the dynamic.
What I pay attention to more now is health. I keep medications stocked, don’t push myself too hard, and make sure my insurance covers what I need.
Community is another great safety net. Women’s travel groups, expat meetups, and digital nomad communities are full of supportive people who look out for each other.
Safety Tech and Tools
A few small things can make a big difference:
- Portable door lock or doorstop alarm for hotels and Airbnbs.
- A whistle or personal alarm clipped to your bag.
- VPN for online safety when you’re using public Wi-Fi.
- Safety apps like Noonlight or bSafe for check-ins and alerts.
None of these replaces awareness, but they’re extra layers of protection that add peace of mind.
Wrap-Up: Solo Female Travel Tips
Solo female travel isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being prepared.
Yes, there are risks, but there are also countless rewards. The freedom to create your own path, the confidence that comes from handling things on your own, and the joy of connecting with people around the world make it all worthwhile.
The bottom line is simple. Stay aware, trust yourself, and take smart precautions. Don’t let fear keep you from experiencing the world.
Traveling solo isn’t just safe, it’s empowering. And with these solo female travel tips, you’ll be ready to do it on your own terms.
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