Tips for Solo Women Travelers

When I read travel articles or blogs, it feels like most of them feature extremely brave, extremely adventurous people who are up for anything from bungee jumping, partying with strangers at the beach at 3 am to riding a motorcycle in Mumbai, etc. They make excellent stories of course, if nothing really bad happens.

As much as I love traveling solo, I’m also a bit of a safety freak. Of course you can’t predict what can happen to you in any given circumstances, but you can also decrease your chances of being caught in dangerous or uncomfortable situations. When you have less to worry about, you can enjoy yourself so much more!

A few of my friends are taking or have recently taken their first solo trips and I’ve been sending them tips. I thought I’d share them with other first-time solo travelers to have a safe but still fun and exciting time:

Avoid dodgy accommodations

Before booking a room at a hotel or hostel, research the area that it’s located. Chances are hostels will be in dodgier places because rent is cheaper there. If you’re unsure, read reviews of fellow female travelers who tend to be honest about the safety of the hotel and surroundings. Don’t just rely on one website but read several of them to get unbiased reviews. A room might be really cheap but it’s not worth it if your safety is compromised in any way.

Book early flights

When booking your flights and ground transportation, always go with a time that arrives during the day or early evening if possible. That way, you’re not stranded at the airport or train station in the dead of night without any knowledge of how to get to your hotel.

Practice your bitchy resting face

It pays to have a bitchy resting face. I get it, you’re on vacation and you’re happy, no, But keep those feelings inside and try to keep your expression from neutral to somewhat bitchy. The bitchy resting face conveys that you’re not someone to be messed with and helps to scare away dodgy strangers and pesky scam artists targeting friendly tourists.

Smartphone maps aren’t reliable

Try not to rely on your phone’s online map. They might not be updated with road closures or new streets and buildings. Pick up a new paper map at the hotel or train station and/or ask locals for directions. Obviously try not to stand in the middle of the street with the giant paper map, looking incredibly lost. Go to a café to study the map before proceeding on your walk.

Trust your gut

If you feel weird about a person, situation or place, get away from it. Don’t feel like you have to be polite. It’s better to be rude than be caught in a dangerous situation.

Ask tourists to take your photo

Be discerning of who you ask for help taking your photo. I find that fellow travelers are the best people to ask. They’re less likely to run off with your camera and more likely to try really hard to get a good shot because they’ll be asking you for the same favor.

Top secret information

If strangers ask you which hotel you’re staying at, obviously don’t tell them where it is. Some women may just blurt out the truth without thinking twice or feel that the person they’re talking to seems harmless enough. But honestly, you never know. I’ve heard enough scary stalker stories from friends to know it’s never a good idea to divulge personal info.

Keep your cash & credit cards safe

Carry a crossbody bag with hidden inner pockets with zips. Keep some cash in your wallet but stash a hidden supply of cash and your credit cards in the inner pockets. If you (knock on wood) get your wallet pickpocketed, at least your credit cards are safe and you have extra cash stashed away.

Scary but worth it!

Traveling solo may be a little bit scary when you’re doing it for the first time, but it is also exhilarating! You get to go wherever you want to, eat whatever and whenever you want to, and do exactly what you feel like. You will feel such a sense of accomplishment and want to go on more many more trips by yourself. Because you can!