Solo travel is one of the most rewarding experiences you can partake in; your autonomy grows, you learn more about the world, and you try new foods and activities. Unfortunately, as a woman, traveling alone can also be nerve-wracking and unsafe. I was scared on my first solo trip and still have feelings of doubt at times. However, there are ways traveling solo can be safe AND fun for women. Here are 10 tips to stay safe as a solo female traveler.

Do’s

Do Your Research

Before visiting a foreign country, learn as much as you can about it. You can do this by reading stories on blogs, renting books from the library, asking questions on forums and travel groups, etc. Countries have different cultures, customs, etiquette, and dress codes – it’s one of the aspects of traveling that makes it so much fun – so it’s crucial to have an idea of what’s ahead of you. This research will also educate you on the current political climate, areas to avoid, and weather/natural disasters. 

If you’re traveling internationally, learn the emergency numbers of the country you’re visiting. Unfortunately, things can happen while abroad, and you’ll need to know how to contact the police, an ambulance, or the fire department. Here is the U.S. Department of State’s reference list of foreign countries’ emergency contacts. You can write the numbers down or save the list on your phone/laptop. 

Do Be Aware & Vigilant

While being aware of your surroundings is something everyone should do while traveling, it’s extra crucial for women to be vigilant. Pay attention to surroundings near and far to catch anything that might be headed your way. When I’m walking, I listen for footsteps behind me to see if anyone slows or quickens their pace. I also pay attention to the shadows and stay away from dark, unpopulated alleys. If I’m walking alone at night, I call my dad and have him stay on the phone with me until I’m safely in my car or hotel. Lastly, I keep an eye and ear on cars that stay near me for any length of time. If you think you might be being followed, step into a store and see if they come in too. Cross the street just to be safe if you don’t want to be near an individual or group of people. Being paranoid is better than being in a dangerous situation. 

Do Carry Self-Defense Items

When you’re out and about, having a few self-defense items on your person is the smart thing to do. One thing every woman should have is a personal alarm. This small yet loud tool is a fantastic deterrent against attacks. On a personal alarm, there is a pin or button to be pulled or pushed (depending on the type) which sets off an extremely loud alarm and flashing strobe light to either draw attention to you or scare off an attacker. Many women prefer the Birdie alarm as it is TSA-compliant and has a keychain to attach to any bag, purse, or key ring. Most airlines allow you to bring a small container of pepper spray, but only if it’s in a checked bag. 

Do: Share Your Itinerary with Family or Friends

Before I travel, I always share any relevant information with my family or close friends. This includes my flight and hotel information, dates of travel, and an itinerary of activities I plan to do. While traveling, I text or call my parents daily, so they know everything’s OK. With my immediate family, I share my location through “Find My iPhone” so they can check in on where I am at any time. Better safe than sorry!

Do: Trust Your Gut

More than just a saying, trusting your gut is a key survival instinct the human body utilizes to protect itself from potentially dangerous situations. A gut feeling, also known as intuition, occurs when your brain taps into your subconscious, allowing for rapid evaluation of a situation and acts as an early warning system. There will be times during your travels where you need to ask a local or stranger for help or directions. While most people are kind and are happy to help, there are always those who have bad intentions. If you have a bad feeling about a situation or a person, trust it and get away as fast as possible. 

Don’ts":

Don’t Trade Safety for Saving Money

As you’re paying for everything yourself, it can be tempting to look for ways to save money. Solo travel can be expensive, but do NOT sacrifice your wellbeing for a budget. This is especially true when it comes to accommodations – before you book a place, research the area and read through reviews. Look for any mentions of safety or questionable experiences, especially those written by women. During nighttime, consider getting a taxi or Uber if you’re far away from your hotel. Splurge on whatever you need to give yourself peace of mind.

Don’t Go Past Your Limits

Traveling is all about stepping outside your comfort zone and exploring new places, people, and things. However, this does not mean you should push yourself too much in an unfamiliar destination. Here are some rules you should follow when traveling solo:

• Don’t forget to hydrate properly and drink plenty of water. This is especially true if you’re traveling to higher altitude areas. Your body needs more hydration at high elevations.

• Eat the right types of foods to keep yourself in the best shape. While it’s OK to get a scoop of ice cream occasionally, eating plenty of nutritious food ensures you’re providing your body with the right fuel. 

• If you feel fatigued or weak, don’t make yourself participate or finish an activity just for the sake of it. Take a break and sit or lay down for a bit to give yourself time to rest and recuperate. 

Don’t Tell Anyone You’re Alone

“Are you traveling alone?” is a common question solo travelers often get asked. When you’re asked that question, never say yes. I go by the assumption that anyone asking that question is automatically suspicious. Instead, make up a story that your boyfriend is waiting at the hotel, or your family is in a nearby café. You could also step away and pretend to make a phone call to your “boyfriend/husband” so they’ll leave you alone.

Don’t Get Lost in Your Phone

While your phone is helpful in looking up directions, researching information on something, and taking pictures of beautiful sights, having your phone constantly out can make you a target. Predators and thieves look for easy targets and having your head down signals that you’re not aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets are very skilled at walking, running, or cycling by and snatching your phone before quickly escaping. Look up directions beforehand or step into a store to double-check you’re heading the right way. 

Don’t Appear Scared or Confused

Traveling solo, especially the first few trips, can give you a sense of unease; you’re in an unfamiliar place, by yourself, surrounded by strangers for an extended time period. That’s enough to make anyone a little hesitant. Carry yourself with confidence and independence. Lost, scared, and confused travelers are easy targets for unscrupulous individuals. Make eye contact, hold your head up, square your shoulders, and walk like you know what you’re doing. If prolonged eye contact makes you uncomfortable, wear sunglasses.   

Happy travels!!