10 Tips For Solo-Travelling As A Woman

Inform a trusted friend or family member about your exact travel plans. Share your itinerary, including flight details, accommodation addresses, and any side trips you plan to take. Regularly update them about your whereabouts throughout the trip. Make sure you can always be in touch with someone back home!

Prior to your trip, be sure to thoroughly research the country, city or region you'll be visiting. Familiarise yourself with local customs, laws, and cultural norms. This knowledge will help you navigate the local environment more confidently and securely. Researching your destination before leaving can help you avoid some misfortunes or bad surprises as a solo woman in a foreign country.

Book your accommodation ahead of time, preferably in safe and well-reviewed areas. Consider staying in female-only hostels or guesthouses that cater specifically solo female travellers to be on the safer side. Planning your accommodation will keep you away from sexist and unsafe environments.

Always listen to your gut feelings and trust your instincts. If a situation or person feels unsafe or uncomfortable, remove yourself from it immediately. Your intuition is a valuable tool for staying safe while travelling alone. Trusting your instincts can lead you to walk away from undesirable and complex situations.

Respect the local customs and dress modestly if needed, particularly in conservative regions. This helps you to blend in and avoid any unwanted attention. Observing and adapting to local norms can enhance your safety and interactions with locals. For example, covering your shoulders in some countries is mandatory for women, so try not to break these rules, especially when travelling alone.

While it's fine to enjoy a drink or two, be cautious when consuming alcohol. Stay aware of your surroundings, never leave your drink unattended, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can impair your judgement and make you more vulnerable. Choose a bar that isn’t far from your accommodation to walk back rapidly and safely to your room.

In order to always keep someone updated on your trip, you’ll need to ensure that you have a reliable means of communication throughout your trip. Carry a fully charged mobile phone, a portable power bank, purchase a local SIM card if necessary, and consider downloading safety apps or travel-specific applications that can provide you with important information. Be sure to have your emergency contact updated on your phone and to know the local emergency numbers.

Whenever possible, stick to well-populated and well-lit areas, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in dimly lit or isolated places. If you feel unsafe, use transportation services like taxis or rideshare apps to get around. If you are in an area that isn’t well-lit and far from your accommodation and that you met some people previously you can ask to walk together to your respective places.

Keep your valuables, such as passports, cash, and electronics, always on you and out of sight. Consider using a money belt or a hidden pouch to carry important documents and cash. Avoid flashing expensive jewellery or accessories that might attract unwanted attention. Pack light and discreetly for your solo travelling journey.

Engage with other travellers you meet along the way, particularly fellow female solo travellers. They can provide valuable insights, advice, and companionship. Joining organised tours or participating in group activities can also be a great way to meet like-minded people and be safer on your journey.