Solo Travel Safety: Read This Before You Go

The first time I told someone I was planning a long-term solo trip, their eyes widened. “But… is that safe?” The question hung in the air, a cocktail of genuine concern and conditioned fear. It’s a question every woman who dares to dream of exploring the world on her own terms has faced. It’s the question that can plant a seed of doubt, causing you to second-guess the burning curiosity that calls you to distant lands.

Let’s be clear: that question comes from a place of love, but it is also born from a narrative that the world is too big and too dangerous for a woman to navigate alone. I am here to tell you a different story.

For years, I have traversed continents on my own. I have gotten lost in the labyrinthine streets of ancient cities, shared meals with strangers who became friends, and stood in awe on mountaintops with no one but my own thoughts for company. My father taught me a long time ago that the foundation of all adventure is vigilance. Not fear, but a calm, steady awareness. It’s a lesson that has become the cornerstone of my travels.

Safety is not about building walls around yourself that keep the world out. It’s about giving yourself the tools and the mindset to walk through any door with confidence. This guide is not a list of reasons to be scared. It is your toolkit. It is the distillation of years of experience, of lessons learned in bustling markets and on quiet, moonlit streets. This is the conversation I wish I’d had before my first trip. This is everything you need to know to turn that fearful question of “Is it safe?” into a powerful, resounding “I will make it safe.”

Part 1: The Foundation The Mindset of a Savvy Traveller

Before booking a flight or packing a bag, your most important preparation is mental. Safety is a mindset before it is a set of actions.

Cultivate Situational Awareness as Your Superpower

The single greatest tool in your arsenal is your ability to be present. In a world that encourages us to be glued to our phones, looking up and around is a revolutionary act. When I’m out exploring, my phone is away. I’ve already studied the map at my Airbnb or hotel. This practice isn’t just for safety; it’s for the experience. You see the intricate details of the architecture, you notice the woman selling the most delicious-looking fruit, you make eye contact and share a smile with a local.

My favourite trick is to use my navigation in speaker mode, either quietly from my pocket or through a single earbud or my smartwatch. I can hear the directions without burying my face in a screen. This keeps my head up, my eyes scanning, and my posture confident. It also, remarkably, helps me learn a city’s layout with incredible speed. I’m not just following a blue dot; I’m actively observing and creating a mental map.

Embrace Getting Lost as Unplanned Exploration

Panic is a beacon for unwanted attention. The moment you look frantic, pulling out your phone with a confused and worried expression, you signal vulnerability. I learned to reframe “getting lost” as simply “taking an unexpected detour.”

Build buffer time into your plans. If it takes 20 minutes to walk somewhere, leave 40 minutes early. This gives you the grace to take a wrong turn without stress. If you realise you’re heading in the wrong direction, don’t stop abruptly. Stay calm. Walk purposefully to a nearby café, shop, or park bench. Sit down, take a breath, and then consult your map as if you were just checking messages. You transform from a lost tourist into a person taking a moment to relax. This small shift in behaviour changes everything.

Trust Your Gut – It’s Your Oldest, Wisest Advisor

This is the most critical piece of advice I can give you. Your intuition is a primal security system, honed by millennia of evolution. It’s that subtle, quiet feeling in your stomach, the hair standing up on your arms, the inexplicable urge to cross the street or leave a bar.

Do not ignore it. Do not rationalise it away. Do not worry about seeming rude.

If a person makes you feel uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation. If a street feels off, turn around and walk back the way you came. You do not owe anyone an explanation for prioritising your safety. Your gut doesn’t speak in loud alarms; it whispers. Your job is to learn to listen.

Part 2: Pre-Trip Preparation, Building Your Fortress of Safety

Deep, soul-filling confidence on the road is born from meticulous preparation at home. This is not a chore; it is an act of self-care, a way of calming your future self’s anxieties before they even arise.

My journey begins weeks before I leave, not at the airport, but in the quiet glow of my laptop screen. I became a detective for my own adventure. I don’t just research a city; I dive into its neighbourhoods, its barrios. I use Google Street View to virtually walk the block where a potential Airbnb is located. Are there cafes with people sitting outside? Is it well-lit? Does it feel alive or deserted? This digital scouting mission helps me arrive with a sense of familiarity. I also research the local culture—what is the customary dress? What are the common tourist scams? This knowledge is a cloak of invisibility; it helps me blend in, to move with respect and awareness.

Travelling solo never means being completely alone. I build a digital safety net by sharing my detailed itinerary—flight numbers, accommodation addresses, a general plan—with a trusted friend or family member. We agree on a check-in rhythm, a simple daily text that says, “All is well.” This isn’t for them; it’s for me. It’s the quiet reassurance that someone, somewhere, is holding a thread that connects them to me.

And the final, non-negotiable brick in this foundation of security is travel insurance. To travel without it is to build a beautiful house on sand. It’s for the big things, of course, but it’s also for the small frictions of travel a lost bag, a cancelled flight, a sudden fever that needs a doctor’s attention. For years, I’ve relied on SafetyWing. It’s designed for a life in motion, a flexible monthly plan that understands the unpredictable nature of travel. It is the ultimate peace of mind, the silent, ever-present partner on all my adventures.

Deep-Dive Research: Your First Line of Defence

Your safety journey begins on Google. Before you even consider booking, become an expert on your destination.

• Neighbourhood Nuances: Don’t just research the city; research its barrios. Is your potential Airbnb in a safe, well-lit residential area or on the edge of a neighbourhood known for being sketchy after dark? Use Google Street View to virtually walk around. Look for cafes, shops, and families.
• Local Customs & Dress Codes: You are a guest in someone else’s home. Understanding and respecting local culture is paramount. In some countries, wearing shorts and a tank top is perfectly fine; in others, it can draw significant unwanted attention. Researching this shows respect and helps you blend in.
• Common Scams: Every major tourist destination has its signature scams. The “friendship bracelet” in Paris, the “spilled mustard” trick in Buenos Aires. A quick search for “common tourist scams in [City]” will arm you with the knowledge to recognise and avoid them.
• Local Laws: Be aware of the rules. My friend had her expensive drone confiscated at an airport because they were illegal for tourists to operate in that country. Simple research would have saved her hundreds of dollars and a lot of stress.

Share Your Plans: Create Your Digital Safety Net

Travelling solo doesn’t mean being a ghost. Always make sure someone at home has a clear picture of your movements.

• Share Your Itinerary: Give a trusted friend or family member a copy of your itinerary, including flight details, accommodation addresses and phone numbers, and a general outline of your plans.
• Set Up Emergency Contacts: Utilise the Medical ID feature on your iPhone or the equivalent on Android. You can list emergency contacts, blood type, and allergies. This information can be accessed from your lock screen by first responders, even if your phone is locked.
• Regular Check-ins: Establish a check-in rhythm. It can be a simple “Good morning” text or a quick WhatsApp message at the end of each day. If they don’t hear from you within the agreed-upon timeframe, they know to initiate your emergency plan.

Travel Insurance: The Non-Negotiable

Let me say this three times: Get travel insurance. Get travel insurance. Get travel insurance. To travel without it is an unacceptable risk. It’s not just for catastrophic events; it’s for lost luggage, cancelled flights, a stolen phone, or a sudden illness that requires a doctor’s visit.

The peace of mind it provides is priceless. I’ve used SafetyWing for years. It’s designed for nomads and long-term travellers, operating on a flexible month-to-month subscription that you can start and stop at any time. It’s affordable and comprehensive, and knowing I’m covered allows me to be more adventurous.

Part 3: On the Ground Everyday Tactics for Staying Safe

You’ve arrived. Your preparation has laid the groundwork. Now, the dance begins.

Your accommodation is your sanctuary, and it must feel like one. Here’s where many will disagree with me, but I am a devoted fan of using Airbnbs as a solo traveller. The key is a rigorous vetting process that borders on an interrogation. Before I even think of booking, I message the host with a list of security questions. Is there a 24/7 doorman? Is the apartment on a higher floor? How is the building accessed? Their answers, and the tone of their response, tell me everything I need to know. I almost exclusively book places with a security guard in the lobby; that simple, human layer of security is profoundly reassuring. Once inside, I add my own. My small, trusty portable door lock is the last thing I put in place before I go to sleep, a final click that lets my nervous system fully relax.

When I meet new people, I introduce them to my most important travel companion: my phantom friend. I am never, ever travelling alone. “Are you here by yourself?” a friendly stranger on a tour might ask. “Oh no,” I’ll reply with a casual smile, “I’m just exploring on my own this afternoon before I meet up with my friends for dinner.” This simple, consistent narrative creates a protective bubble. It suggests I am part of a group, that I am accountable to others, and that I would be missed. I am friendly but vague, a warm but private presence. I never, ever reveal the exact location of my sanctuary.

I treat my finances with the same layered approach. My main bank cards are like the queen in a chess game—tucked away and protected. For daily use, I have a “decoy” card from a service like Wise, which I only load with a small amount of money at a time. If it’s ever lost or stolen, the damage is minimal. I carry very little cash, just enough for a taxi or a street food snack, and I dress to be an uninteresting target. The flashy jewellery and designer clothes stay at home. My goal is to be a gray rock, to blend into the landscape so I can observe the world without the world observing me too closely.

Choosing & Securing Your Accommodation

Where you sleep is your sanctuary. It needs to feel secure.

• The Great Airbnb Debate: Many will tell you to avoid Airbnbs as a solo female traveller. I respectfully disagree. They can be affordable, offer a local experience, and provide amenities like a kitchen. The key is rigorous vetting.
  • Message the Host First: Before booking, I send a message with my security questions. “Is the apartment on the ground floor?” “Does the building have a 24/7 doorman (portero)?” “How is access to the building managed?” Their response tells you a lot.
  • Prioritise Secure Buildings: I almost exclusively book apartments in buildings with a lobby and a security guard. The feeling of walking into a building and being greeted by a familiar face who monitors who comes and goes is immensely reassuring. I always opt for a higher floor.
  • Read the Reviews: Scour reviews for mentions of safety, the neighbourhood, and the host’s responsiveness. Look for reviews from other solo female travellers.
• Securing Your Room: Once you’re in, add your own layer of security. I travel with a simple portable door lock or rubber doorstop. It’s a small, lightweight device that provides a powerful extra barrier. It makes it nearly impossible for someone to enter, even with a key. This simple act helps me sleep soundly.
• The Optional Camera: For longer stays, or if I get a strange vibe from a place, I sometimes place a tiny, discreet security camera (like a Wyze Cam) in my room. This is an optional step, but for me, peace of mind is paramount. It allows me to protect my belongings and ensure my space remains private when I’m out.

Mastering Transportation

• Ride-Sharing Smarts: When using Uber, Didi, or any ride-sharing app, always have the route to your destination running on your own phone’s map app simultaneously. This keeps the driver accountable. Before getting in, match the license plate and the driver’s face to the app.
  • The Front Seat Debate: I often sit in the front seat. I find it helps me focus on the route and be more aware of my surroundings. However, my rule is to always check the back seat for anyone else before I get in. If the situation feels off, cancel the ride and walk away.
• Public Transport: Be aware of your belongings, especially in crowded buses or metros. Wear your backpack on your front and keep a hand on your purse. Observe how local women act and dress, and try to emulate them.

Money, Valuables, and Blending In

The goal is to be a boring target.

• Financial Firewalls: Never carry all your cards and cash in one place. I use a multi-pronged approach:
  1. A “Prepaid” Card: I use a service like Wise or Payoneer. I keep only a small amount of money on this card. It’s the card I use for daily purchases. If it’s ever compromised, the thief gets almost nothing, and my main bank accounts are untouched. I only top it up from my main account when needed.
  2. Emergency Cash: I have a stash of USD 100 hidden in a separate, secret spot in my luggage.
  3. Local Currency: I never bring foreign currency to exchange. I go to an official bank ATM upon arrival and withdraw a small amount of local currency, just enough for a few days of small purchases, taxis, or places that don’t take cards.
• Dress Down, Blend In: Leave the flashy jewellery, designer bags, and expensive clothes at home. Your goal is to look neat and unassuming, not wealthy. The less you look like a tourist, the less of a target you become.
• The Phone Protocol: Your smartphone is a high-value item. Don’t walk around with it constantly in your hand. Step into a doorway or a shop to check your map. Be mindful of who is around you when you take it out.

Social Interactions: The Art of Being a Gray Rock

As a solo traveller, you will meet wonderful people. But you must also be a shrewd judge of character.

• The Phantom Friend Technique: This is my golden rule. I am never, ever travelling alone. Even if I am. When I meet new people, whether it’s a tour group or a friendly local, the conversation always includes my “friends.”
  • “Are you travelling alone?” “No, I’m just out exploring for the day before I meet up with my friends for dinner.”
  • “Where are you staying?” “Oh, my friends and I have a place over in the Laureles area.” This simple narrative creates an underlying assumption that you are not isolated. You have a support system nearby. It’s a powerful deterrent.
• Guard Your Information: Never tell new acquaintances your exact accommodation details. Never invite them back to your room. Be a listener more than a talker. You can be warm and friendly without giving away your life story.

Part 4: Your Digital Footprint – The Modern Layer of Safety

In our hyper-connected world, safety has a new dimension. In the physical world, I strive to be present, observant, and engaged. In the digital world, I aim to be a ghost.

This is my most steadfast rule: I never post on social media in real-time. That beautiful, geotagged photo of a sunset is more than just a picture; it’s a public announcement of your exact location and your solitude. It can undo all the careful work of your phantom friend and your gray rock demeanour. I let my experiences breathe. I live them first, and I share them much later. My Instagram feed is always at least a week behind my real life. By the time I post about the coffee farms of Colombia, I might already be hiking in the mountains of Peru.

I’ve also made a conscious choice to step away from the public identity of a “solo traveller.” While I am one, I don’t need to advertise it. My journey is about empowering women to see the world, and I can do that through my stories without making “I AM ALONE” my headline. It’s a subtle shift, but a powerful one. It’s about controlling my own narrative, both online and off.

• Never Post in Real-Time: This is a non-negotiable rule for me. Posting a picture of that beautiful beach with a geotag tells the entire world, “Here I am, a solo woman, at this exact location, right now.” It negates all your other safety precautions. My rule is a minimum one-week delay on all posts. By the time I post about Colombia, I might already be in Peru.
• Rethink Your “Solo Traveller” Public Identity: I know many creators build their brand around being a solo traveller. Personally, I avoid it. Publicising that I am always alone feels like putting a target on my back. You can share your solo journey and empower other women without making “I AM ALONE” your headline. It’s a personal choice, but one to consider carefully.

Putting It All Together: A Quick-Reference Checklist

1. Mindset is Key: Walk with purpose, stay calm, and always, always trust your gut.
2. Research Rigorously: Know your neighbourhood, local customs, and common scams before you arrive.
3. Share Your Itinerary: Ensure someone at home knows your general whereabouts.
4. Get Travel Insurance: It is not optional.
5. Vet Your Accommodation: Ask security questions before booking. Prioritise buildings with doormen and higher floors.
6. Secure Your Room: Use a portable door lock or doorstop for an extra layer of security.
7. Navigate Heads-Up: Keep your phone away when walking. Use audio directions.
8. Practice Financial Firewalls: Use a prepaid card for daily use and carry minimal cash.
9. Blend In: Dress modestly and avoid flashy valuables.
10. Master the Phantom Friend: You are never travelling “alone.” You are always meeting friends later.
11. Never Post in Real-Time: Delay your social media posts by at least a few days.
12. Stay Connected: Have a local SIM or a global data plan like KeepGo so you’re never without a connection.

Conclusion: Fear is a Choice, Preparation is Power

The world is not the terrifying place it is often painted to be, especially for women. It is filled with far more kindness than malice, more beauty than danger. The purpose of these rules is not to make you afraid of what’s out there. It is to make you so confident in your preparation, so secure in your own awareness, that fear is no longer the dominant voice.

By building this fortress of safety, through research, awareness, and practical tools, you give yourself the greatest gift of all: the freedom to be fully present. The freedom to wander, to connect, to be transformed. The freedom to experience the world not as a potential victim, but as the powerful, capable, and savvy adventurer you were always meant to be.

Now, go see it for yourself.

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Are You Planning Your Next Trip? Here’s What I Use

These are the tools I rely on to make every trip smoother, safer, and more meaningful. If you use the links below, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog and my journey as a full-time traveller 💜

1. Learn the Local Language

I use Babbel to practice Spanish, French, and Portuguese while travelling. The app makes it so easy to learn useful phrases on the go.

2. Travel Insurance is a Must

I never leave home without SafetyWing — they’re affordable and ideal for frequent travellers or digital nomads.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

For unique local tours and must-see experiences, I use:
→ Viator
→ Get Your Guide

4. Always Stay Connected

No matter where I go, Keepgo helps me stay connected with international data SIMs and eSIMs that actually work. A lifesaver when Wi-Fi fails!

5. Organise Your Itinerary

I use Tripsy to plan and store my itineraries, documents, and bookings in one clean app. It’s perfect for keeping track of everything in one place.

Until next time, travel softly,

Destiny