15 Powerful Safety Tips for Female Solo Travelers

Solo travel is hands down one of the most freeing, exciting, and confidence-boosting experiences a woman can have. The freedom to wake up whenever you want, plan your days on your terms, and bask in the excitement of discovering new places without having to negotiate with anyone—pure happiness

But, solo female travelers also have to think about safety in a way that many others don’t. The world is full of breathtaking places and incredible people, but it’s also important to stay alert and be prepared for the unexpected.

Knowing a few key safety strategies will help you dodge unnecessary risks and make the most of your trip—without paranoia getting in the way.

This isn’t about fear-mongering; it’s about traveling with confidence, making smart choices, and keeping yourself safe while soaking up every incredible experience that comes your way. The goal is to feel empowered, not paranoid. Because yes, you can have that dreamy solo trip and stay safe. It’s all about having the right safety tips for female solo travelers up your sleeve—ones that will have you navigating new destinations like a professional.

1. Trust Your Gut – It’s Your Superpower

You know that weird feeling when something just doesn’t sit right? Maybe it’s a person lingering too close or a situation that just feels off. That’s your intuition screaming, and it’s your number one safety tool. If something feels sketchy, don’t second-guess yourself—listen to it and remove yourself from the situation ASAP.

Women’s safety strategies often start with awareness, and trusting your gut is the easiest and most effective way to avoid trouble before it even starts.

Walking into a place that suddenly feels dodgy? Walk right back out. Someone giving you the creeps? Keep your distance. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for prioritizing your safety.

It’s better to look “rude” than to end up in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation. Solo female travelers should always trust their instincts—think of it as your built-in travel guide to staying safe while traveling alone.

2. Pick the Right Accommodation (and Double-Check It)

Your accommodation is your home base, and choosing the right one is key to your safety. Research hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs like your life depends on it (because, in a way, it does). Always look for places in safe neighborhoods, with great reviews from other women, and security measures like 24/7 reception, key card access, and well-lit entrances.

Always skip the too-good-to-be-true deals in questionable areas. You want a place where you feel completely safe, not one that saves you a few bucks but makes you feel uneasy every time you step outside.

And before you check in, you should always, read the reviews on multiple booking platforms, use Google Street View to scope out the area and confirm security measures with the property directly.

And if something doesn’t feel right when you arrive? Don’t hesitate to find another place to stay. No refund is worth your safety.

Check out our blog post if this is you first time traveling solo!

3. Blend In Like a Local

Looking like a lost tourist with a giant map (or worse, staring at Google Maps in the middle of a busy street with a confused look on your face) is an open invitation for scammers, pickpockets, and people looking to take advantage of travelers. The key is to blend in as much as possible. The less you stand out, the less likely you are to attract unwanted attention.

Start with your outfit—dressing like a local goes a long way in helping you avoid looking like an easy target. Before you pack, research what people typically wear in your destination, especially in terms of modesty, style, and even color choices.

Confidence is another huge part of blending in.

Walk like you belong, even if you have absolutely no idea where you’re going. Keep your head up, shoulders back, and stride with purpose. If you’re lost, resist the urge to stop in the middle of the sidewalk or a public square to check your phone—this signals to everyone around you that you don’t know where you are.

Instead, step inside a café, a shop, or even a quiet corner where you can check your map or regroup without making it obvious.

Another sneaky trick is to carry something small that makes you look like a local—a reusable shopping bag from a local grocery store, a small tote bag from a boutique, or even a local newspaper.

These little details can help you blend in and avoid looking like a wide-eyed tourist fresh off the plane. The goal is not to deceive people into thinking you live there, but rather to avoid looking like someone who doesn’t belong—because unfortunately, the more obvious it is that you’re unfamiliar with your surroundings, the more likely you are to become a target.

4. Have a Fake Story Ready

One of the simplest yet most effective travel safety tips for women is to have a go-to story locked and loaded for when strangers start asking too many questions about your trip.

It might seem harmless when someone casually asks, “So, where are you staying?” or “Are you traveling alone?” But in reality, those questions can be red flags—especially if they’re coming from someone you just met. The less personal information you give out, the safer you’ll be.

Instead of answering truthfully, have a believable cover story ready. Say you’re meeting up with friends soon or that your boyfriend/husband is waiting for you back at the hotel. Even if you’re single and absolutely thriving, throwing in a little “Oh, my partner is just running late!” can subtly shift the conversation and deter anyone with bad intentions.

If you’re feeling extra cautious, wear a fake wedding ring to add an extra layer of deterrence, especially in countries where solo women might attract unwanted attention.

It’s not only about dodging creeps, but this is also a great way to protect yourself from potential scams.

Some scammers specifically target solo female travelers, trying to figure out if they’re alone and vulnerable. If they believe you have people looking out for you, they’re far less likely to see you as an easy target. The key here is to be casual and confident, because the moment you hesitate or seem unsure, it might raise suspicion.

So, keep it simple, believable, and ready to roll off your tongue whenever necessary.

And while we’re on the topic, be mindful of how you answer these questions. If someone seems overly pushy about where you’re staying, how long you’ll be in town, or what your plans are, trust your instincts. You don’t owe anyone detailed answers, and you certainly don’t need to justify keeping things private.

If a situation feels weird, change the subject, make an excuse to leave, or even throw in a little white lie. Your safety always comes first—no explanation needed.

5. Never Share Your Real Accommodation Details

This one may sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by how many solo female travelers accidentally give away too much information about where they’re staying.

Now, I’m not saying you should be suspicious of everyone who asks, but when it comes to your personal travel details, it’s always better to keep things vague. Instead of saying, “Oh, I’m staying at the Hilton on 5th Street,” try something like, “I’m at a hotel near downtown” or “I’m staying around the city center.” You’re not lying; you’re just keeping things general enough that someone with bad intentions can’t pinpoint your exact location.

Here’s why: When you give away your accommodation details, you might not be aware, but you’re providing a potential stalker or scammer with exactly where to find you. Even the most harmless-seeming people can have ulterior motives. Plus, when someone presses for more details about your location—especially if it’s someone you don’t know well—it’s a red flag. If they’re too interested in where you’re staying, they could be trying to figure out if you’re traveling alone, how long you’ll be there, or how vulnerable you might be. It’s better to be vague and just smile politely.

If anyone asks you directly for your address or the name of your hotel, politely decline to share it. You can easily divert the conversation by saying something like, “Oh, I’m staying in a quiet part of town, but I can’t remember the street name—do you know any good restaurants around here?” They’ll likely switch the topic, and you’ve successfully avoided giving away any personal info.

6. Keep Your Drink in Sight (Always!)

Drink spiking is, unfortunately, a real and serious issue in many countries, and it’s one of the biggest safety concerns for solo female travelers. The last thing you want is to wake up in an unfamiliar place with zero memory of what happened. So, rule number one: Never leave your drink unattended. If you step away—even for a second—get a new one. It might feel like a waste, but your safety is never worth the risk.

And let’s talk about free drinks from strangers. Sure, the guy at the bar could just be a genuinely nice person who wants to treat you to a drink, but you have no way of knowing his intentions. If you do accept a drink, make sure it’s handed to you directly from the bartender, not from the person who ordered it. Better yet, stick to drinks that come in bottles or cans that you open yourself—fewer chances for anything to be slipped in.

Another solid trick is to keep a hand over your glass when you’re not actively drinking. It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. And if something ever tastes off or different than usual, stop drinking immediately. You know what your usual cocktail or soda tastes like—trust your instincts.

7. Lock Up Your Valuables and Documents

Losing your passport in a foreign country can be an absolute nightmare material. The chaos, the stress, the paperwork—it’s like the universe decided to play a cruel joke on you, but it’s not funny. Beyond that, losing any essential documents while traveling can throw a massive wrench in your plans. But no worries, because a little prep goes a long way in avoiding this!

The first and most important step is to keep all your vital documents in a safe spot. This includes your passport, ID, travel insurance, boarding passes, and any other important paperwork. For your passport (and other irreplaceable documents), consider using a money belt or an anti-theft bag with locking zippers. Wear it securely under your clothes when you’re out and about, so they’re close to you at all times and less likely to be snatched by sneaky pickpockets.

But, you don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket. So, don’t stash everything in one spot, because if that one spot gets lost or stolen, you’ll be left in a pickle.

Have a backup plan! Carry a photocopy (or a digital photo) of your passport and other important documents in a separate location—think your hotel room safe or in a different bag.

And for an extra layer of protection, always keep a copy of your passport in your email or in a secure cloud storage account. This way, if you lose the original, you can at least access it for replacements or emergency help.

While it may seem like overkill, taking the extra steps to lock up your valuables and keep your documents in a secure spot gives you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about whether your purse is getting pickpocketed or if your passport is sitting in a suitcase that could be left behind. You’ll be able to focus on what matters most: enjoying your solo adventure without sweating the small stuff.

8. Learn Basic Self-Defense Moves

Let’s get this one straight: you don’t need to enroll in a year-long martial arts class or become a black belt to protect yourself as a solo female traveler. But, knowing a few simple and effective self-defense techniques can give you that extra layer of confidence and security.

Start with some simple yet powerful moves that don’t require advanced training. For example, learning how to break free from a wrist grab is a total game-changer. Or, if someone is coming at you, a well-placed elbow strike to the chest or face can give you just enough time to flee or get away. These are small moves, but they can work wonders in a pinch.

And self-defense isn’t only about physical moves—it’s also about confidence and awareness. The more prepared you feel, the less likely you are to become an easy target.

Better yet, carry a personal safety alarm or pepper spray (if it’s legal in your destination).

These are small, portable tools that can seriously pack a punch. A loud alarm can attract attention, which is crucial if you’re in a sketchy situation where you’re not sure what to do. Pepper spray, when used properly, can temporarily incapacitate an attacker, and give you precious seconds to escape.

9. Use Rideshare Apps Over Street Taxis

It’s 2025—there’s absolutely no reason you should be getting into a random street taxi when rideshare apps like Uber, Bolt, or Lyft are available almost everywhere.

When traveling solo, safety is a top priority, and using rideshare apps is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re not putting yourself in a vulnerable situation.

Rideshare apps offer a layer of security that traditional taxis just can’t match. First off, these apps let you track your route in real time, which is a huge safety win. You can see exactly where you’re going and what your driver is doing, which helps to avoid those weird detours or “wrong turns” that can often happen when you’re in an unfamiliar city.

And, if you’re ever feeling uncomfortable or uneasy during your ride, you have the option to share your trip details with a friend or family member, and this provides an extra level of accountability for the driver.

Plus, when you book a ride, you have access to the driver’s name, photo, and car details (including the make, model, and license plate number). This makes it much easier to double-check that you’re getting into the right car. Don’t just hop in without confirming! Always match the license plate and driver’s name to what’s shown on your app.

All in all, rideshare apps are a solo traveler’s best friend. They provide an extra layer of security, give you peace of mind, and allow you to stay in control of your ride.

10. Set Up Emergency Contacts and Share Your Location

When you’re traveling alone, one of the best things you can do for your safety is to ensure someone back home always knows where you are. Sounds simple, right? But you’d be surprised how many people don’t think about this before heading out on a trip.

The truth is, when you’re in a foreign country, it’s not just about having fun—it’s also about being prepared for the unexpected, just in case. You can’t predict when an emergency will happen, but you can make sure you’re never completely off the grid in the event that something goes wrong.

You can start by sharing your full itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. This means not only telling them the cities or countries you’ll be visiting, but also the specific accommodation details, your transportation plans, and any significant activities you’re doing. Think of it as your personal safety net. The idea is that if something were to happen, they’ll have all the relevant details to help track you down or inform authorities about where you’re supposed to be.

Next, take full advantage of technology. Use apps like Find My iPhone or Google Maps to share your real-time location with someone you trust. It’s not overkill; it’s just smart. That way, your designated “safety person” can check in and ensure that you’re okay or track your whereabouts in case something goes wrong.

There’s a reason these apps are such lifesavers—they don’t just track your phone; they can potentially give someone a head start if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

But don’t stop there. Always have a backup plan in place for the worst-case scenario. Make sure you’ve saved important emergency contact numbers on your phone, like your country’s embassy or consulate in the destination country.

Trust me, it’s one of those things you hope you never need, but if you do, you’ll be glad you’re prepared. Depending on where you are, local emergency numbers can vary, so take a few minutes to look them up and save them to your contacts.

11. Don’t Overshare on Social Media

We get it: you’re in a new, exciting place and you want to share every moment with your friends and followers. Who doesn’t love a good vacation pic? However, there’s one safety tip every solo female traveler should remember—don’t overshare on social media in real-time.

It can be super tempting to snap a selfie at some famous place or check in at your new hotel as soon as you arrive, but doing so could put you at risk.

By tagging your exact location, you’re essentially telling the world, “Hey, I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere for a while.” While this might seem harmless, it can give someone with less-than-good intentions a clue as to where you are and, more importantly, when you’ll be leaving. The more specific you get, the more information you’re giving out, which isn’t the best idea when you’re traveling alone.

Instead, wait until you’ve left a place before sharing your photos or tagging your locations. Posting after the fact not only prevents giving out real-time information, but it also allows you to enjoy your moments without worrying about who might be watching.

And if you feel the urge to post immediately, consider using “location” hashtags or vague descriptions like “Exploring the city” rather than tagging your exact spot. And while it’s perfectly fine to share your adventures with your online community, just remember—when it comes to personal safety, a little mystery goes a long way.

12. Plan Your Transport Ahead

One of the worst things you can do when traveling solo is to show up at your destination after a long flight and be left stranded, especially if it’s late at night or you’re in an unfamiliar city.

The airport is often the first place where you’ll feel vulnerable as a solo traveler, so knowing exactly how you’re going to get from there to your accommodation is essential for avoiding unnecessary stress or danger.

Before you even step on the plane, make sure to research your transportation options. Will you be taking a taxi, a rideshare service, or perhaps public transport? Some airports offer direct shuttle services to popular hotels, while others might have trains or buses that can take you straight into the city center. But don’t just assume everything will be easy to figure out when you land—take the time to map out the most reliable and safest routes ahead of time.

Consider pre-booking a private transfer or an airport pickup service. Many hotels offer these services, and there are plenty of trustworthy private companies to choose from. Sure, it might cost a bit more than grabbing a random cab off the street, but it’s totally worth it when it means having someone waiting for you at the airport, holding up a sign with your name, and making sure you’re safely delivered to your accommodation without any hiccups. Plus, it removes the whole “How do I get a taxi?” stress.

If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, apps like Uber or Lyft are available in most places. But don’t rely on the assumption that you’ll get a ride immediately. Depending on where you are, the airport could be super busy, and it might take longer than expected for a driver to show up.

For those of you brave enough to navigate public transport, make sure you’ve checked the routes in advance. Find out the frequency of buses or trains, the operating hours (especially if you’re arriving in the evening), and the nearest station to your accommodation. The last thing you want is to be left at a random bus stop in the middle of the night, wondering why you didn’t just splurge for a cab.

13. Carry a Backup Phone and SIM Card

You probably never think about it, but what would you do if your phone went missing in the middle of your solo trip? Whether it’s lost, stolen, or goes on strike from exhaustion (we’ve all been there), a busted phone can completely derail your travels. It’s your connection to friends and family back home, your map to get around, and the lifesaver when you need information on the fly. So, what’s the backup plan if your trusty device goes MIA?

This is where having a backup phone and a spare SIM card come in clutch.

Having an extra phone (even a cheap one!) stashed in your bag or hotel room can be a total game-changer. It doesn’t need to be a high-tech gadget—just a simple, unlocked phone that you can use in case of an emergency is enough to keep you connected when things go wrong.

And if you’re traveling internationally, having an extra SIM card (pre-loaded with local data or a cheap international plan) will save you the stress of dealing with roaming charges or scrambling to find a phone shop when you’re already in a foreign country.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling somewhere with frequent Wi-Fi blackouts (looking at you, remote parts of the world), it’s a good idea to stash some offline maps or travel apps on your backup device, just in case you lose connection.

And, if you’re really feeling cautious, make sure both phones are protected with strong passwords so no one can get their hands on your data if they find your device.

14. Stay Aware in Public

This one too seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to slip into autopilot mode when you’re out exploring. It’s so tempting to scroll through your phone while walking down a busy street or waiting for your coffee order, but those little distractions can put you at risk, especially when you’re traveling alone.

Staying aware in public doesn’t mean being hyper-vigilant 24/7—it’s more about just staying present and aware of your surroundings. When you’re in a new city or country, every little noise, movement, or change in your environment can be a clue.

That dude who’s hanging around the corner might just be a local, but keeping your eyes open means you can spot potential threats before they even have a chance to make you uncomfortable.

So, what does staying aware actually look like? First off, keep your phone in your bag or pocket when you’re walking around, especially in unfamiliar or crowded areas. Yes, your Instagram feed can wait until you’re sitting down in a café, and I promise the world will still be there when you’re ready to check your messages. If you need to use your phone for directions, step into a safe spot like a shop to pull it out, instead of stopping in the middle of the sidewalk.

Now, staying aware doesn’t mean panicking at every little sound or person walking by. It’s more about reading the situation. Do people around you seem normal, or is someone acting strangely? Is the area you’re walking in well-lit, or are you heading into a more isolated, less populated street as dusk approaches? These are all things you can sense if you’re paying attention to your environment.

Your instincts will tell you when it’s time to move faster, cross the street, or duck into a store to regroup.

15. Have a Code Word for Emergencies

When you’re traveling alone, there may be situations where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe but can’t easily ask for help—especially if the person you’re with is standing right next to you. This is where a code word comes in super handy. It’s a simple but life-saving safety strategy that can discreetly alert a friend or family member that you’re in danger, without the person you’re with catching on.

A code word can be anything—something completely out of the ordinary that won’t raise suspicion if someone overhears it. Think of something neutral but still recognizable to the person on the other end, like “pineapple,” “banana bread,” or something offbeat that you and your contact know is linked to an emergency. It’s essential that the word you choose isn’t something you’d naturally say in regular conversation, so it’s clear that you need help when you use it.

The beauty of this strategy is that it doesn’t tip off the person who might be causing the discomfort. You can stay calm and collected while your contact is on the lookout for your safety.

It’s also important to test your code word in advance to make sure your emergency contact knows exactly how to respond. The last thing you want is for them to not understand the signal in a moment of panic.

Final Thoughts

Traveling alone as a woman is an incredible, empowering experience that opens up the world in ways you never imagined. It’s a chance to embrace your independence, discover new places, and connect with people you wouldn’t meet if you weren’t exploring on your own.

And while it’s essential to be smart about safety, it doesn’t mean missing out on the fun or letting fear hold you back. It simply means that you’re equipped with the right safety tips for female solo travelers to handle whatever comes your way with confidence and fearlessness. When you travel wisely, you can focus on making unforgettable memories, knowing that you’ve got all the safety hacks to back you up.