After 5 years of solo travel: My 22 safety tips for solo female travellers

Five years ago today, on March 7th 2015, I embarked on my first solo journey. 19 years old, fresh out of high school, young and naive yet much less afraid about the trip than my family and friends. I felt like I knew what I was doing, and for the most part, I did. But I also made many mistakes along the way. I learned many valuable lessons from solo travel, and being completely dependent on myself made me grow as a person.

I don’t remember ever planning to travel solo, but I was halfway through my first gap year between high school and university when I realized that I couldn’t wait around for someone to go with me. I was eager to explore the world, so I chose to do it on my own. I chose to travel through Northern Europe, my own backyard, for two months for my first solo adventure, easing my way into it and gaining confidence. I haven’t looked back since.

Since that first solo journey, I’ve travelled solo in 41 countries and territories, pushing my limits and learning to cope and thrive as a female alone in the big world. These countries include places like Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Albania, Brunei and Indonesia, where I was told to be extra careful – by people who had never set foot there.

I was naive when I was 19. I knew nothing about the world, but I learned along the way. Through the people I met and the cultures I learned about. The world is not a dangerous place and travelling solo as a woman is not as dangerous as many people believe. Of course, we have to take precautions everywhere we go, including our own hometown, and most of those precautions are due to one thing that we didn’t choose – our gender. It isn’t fair, but it’s the way it is. Travelling solo as a woman is more risky than as a man – because of men. But that doesn’t mean we should give up on our dreams to see the world on our own terms. So many incredible women have proven – and continue to prove – that it is possible to travel solo and be safe, and my mission is for every woman in this world to feel confident enough to do it. I promise you that you will discover a beautiful world that is not as scary as you think.

Below are my 20 safety tips to ensure that you, my fellow female traveller, will stay safe while you explore the world:

1. Begin with familiar destinations

As much as I love Central Asia, I wouldn’t recommend the region for first-time solo travellers, of any gender – unless you’re from Central Asia, of course. For your first solo journey, choose places that you’ve already been to before or where you are familiar with the culture and language. It will help you ease into solo travelling and help you gain confidence.

You don’t have to start with a months-long journey like I did, you could also start by doing a short city-break or even going to a new destination in your own country for a few days, just to get a feel of what it’s like to travel by yourself.

2. Research your destination beforehand

Before you leave for your adventure, do as much research on your destination(s) as possible. Know which areas are safe and which to stay away from. Learn about the culture, the etiquettes, how to dress appropriately, and how to say “thank you” in the local language. Research how to get around, which taxis and public transport is safe or whether or not driving a car is a safe alternative. Read up on the weather and possible natural disasters and the current political situation. Be aware of local scams used to target tourists. Know where the nearest medical center or hospital is, and don’t forget to bring your own medication if needed as you might not be able to find it at your destination. Don’t forget to get the necessary vaccinations beforehand.

Read about the destination on blogs, preferably written by other women, google as much as possible and ask questions on facebook groups such as Girls LOVE Travel and The Solo Female Traveler Network. Don’t listen to people who haven’t been to the place as their opinions are coloured by the media.

3. Stay in female-only dorms – or large mixed dorms

Hostels are generally safe as there is safety in numbers, but you may get unlucky and end up with just one roommate in a mixed dorm, especially in the low season. If this roommate is a man, things could get awkward. To avoid this situation, book female-only dorms or the largest mixed dorm available for a better chance of more roommates.

4. Read reviews from other travellers before booking

Reviews from like-minded travellers are your best way to find good and safe accommodation. This is especially important when using couchsurfing – make sure the host has many reviews, and if the host is a man, make sure he has good reviews from other solo women.

5. Pack light

Only bring what’s necessary, and leave your favourite clothes and jewellery at home. Lugging around several bags is not only tiring, it also makes you a prime target for thieves and makes it more difficult to escape if needed.

6. Blend in with the locals

Don’t look like a tourist when you’re travelling as that will only attract the attention of pickpockets. Don’t show up in shorts and a t-shirt in conservative countries where the locals will be covered up, despite how hot and humid it might be. Research the local dress and know that in some countries or holy places, covering up is necessary (such as Iran where you HAVE to wear a hijab as it’s the law).

The more you stand out, the more likely you are to be targeted and get unwanted attention from men. That doesn’t mean that you should colour your hair or wear a different shade of foundation than usual, but just to change the way you dress for a short period of time. It’s also a question of respect for local customs – despite how much you might disagree with them.

7. Keep your belongings on you at all times

When in public transportation, always keep your luggage next to you, and keep any valuables hidden on your body (not in pockets though!). I always hug my backpack or put my legs inside the straps, so it can’t be taken from me in case I fall asleep. When in taxis, keep your luggage next to you in case the driver drives off before you have a chance to get them out of the trunk. If your luggage is too big to fit under the seat or on the seat beside you, keep all of your valuables in a day pack on your body so you never lose sight of them.

In hostels/hotels, if there’s a locker, use it to store your most important items during the night, but do not trust the lockers when you’re not in the room. My friend had his broken into and his camera was stolen from it, so bring all valuables with you during the day or ask staff to look after them. If there’s not a safe locker, sleep with your valuables on you or under you – I always have my passport and money in my bra, and my computer and camera in a locked bag, where I wrap my arm into the straps.

8. Keep your cash and credit cards in separate places

Take this advice from someone who almost lost every important item she owned, because she was stupid enough to carry it all in one bag (me!). If your hostel/hotel has a (safe) locker, keep one credit card and some cash there, and bring only the cash that you need for the day with you. If there is nowhere safe to store it at your accommodation, keep it on you but in separate bags, preferably small over-the-shoulder bags or bum bags that you can hide under your jacket – or even better, hide it in your bra or underwear.

9. Use a bum bag for the most important items

A bum bag is genius for keeping cash and/or credit cards, your passport, medical cards, driver’s license etc. Just make sure to wear the bag under your jacket, so it can’t be cut or ripped off you. When I had my bag stolen in Bilbao, I was carrying a regular bag with all of my valuables as I’d recently broken my bum bag. Instead, I wish I had invested in a new one at the time.

Word of advice – ALWAYS keep your passport on you in a hidden spot. A passport is not something you want to lose as it will cause lots of issues for you, especially in some countries (Russia as an example – you’ll be illegal if you’re not carrying your visa), and it can also lead to identity theft which is a whole other level of scary. If you invest in a bum bag, buy one that has a zipper on the back towards your body, and keep the passport in there.

10. Hide your camera/phone while walking

Don’t flaunt your valuables as it attracts attention (especially in poor places). When not in use, hide your camera and/or phone under your jacket or under a scarf. Don’t look at your camera or phone while walking as it makes it easy to snatch it, and also shows that you’re a tourist and likely have other valuables worth stealing. If you need to use your phone, step into a shop or a corner on the street, where you can use it without people noticing. To use your camera safely, carry it on your neck with a scarf covering the strap.

11. Stay alert and ignore catcalls

As a woman it’s necessary to be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the people around you. If you see a group of men in an otherwise deserted place, turn around or walk in a big loop around them. Don’t make eye contact with foreign men and certainly don’t reply to catcalls. It will get old quickly if you don’t respond or react in any way, however, if you do respond, the catcalls will continue – or even worse, they will approach you. If you notice someone following you, step into a store until you feel safe to go out again.

Don’t listen to music with earbuds while walking in a city as it will make you less aware of your surroundings. Whenever I walk through a city, I’m always fully aware of what is happening around me. I hold tight to my belongings and watch cars and people, listen to footsteps behind me and watch out for shadows behind me. It’s not always fun to be this paranoid, but it may save your life.

12. Don’t walk alone at night in unlit places

Solo women are most vulnerable after sunset when fewer people are out on the streets. Therefore, it’s best to avoid walking around alone at night, especially in deserted and unlit places.

Try to arrive at your destination during the day, or consider staying overnight in or near the airport if you arrive late at night. If you need to be out during the night, opt for public transportation or a taxi to get you to your accommodation safely. Be willing to splurge when it comes to your safety. If it’s absolutely necessary for you to walk alone at night, try walking relatively close to another woman, a couple or a family, so you’re less of a target and have people nearby who will help you out. If you feel like you’re being followed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If there’s no one around to help you, take your phone out and pretend to be talking to someone, and if possible, walk into the nearest hotel or restaurant.

13. Limit your drinking

Or even better, don’t drink at all while travelling.

If you do decide to drink, whether alone or with someone, always take drinks directly from the bartender (NEVER accept drinks from strangers), always keep an eye on your drink and limit yourselves to just a few drinks. Don’t trust someone you’ve just met, you never know their intentions. Leave all of your valuables at your accommodation and just take cash, or carry your valuables in a bum bag under your jacket.

Avoid getting drunk in a foreign place at all costs. Alcohol dulls your senses and slows your reaction time, making you an easy target.

14. Don’t be afraid to say no or lie if necessary

If you feel something is off with a person, trust your gut instinct. You don’t owe anyone anything, so don’t be afraid to say no if they ask you to do something you’re not comfortable with. Safety is more important than politeness.

When couchsurfing or staying in airbnbs where the owner also stays, always have a plan B for accommodation. If the situation feels uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to leave.

If someone asks you why you’re alone, it’s okay to lie and tell them that you’re meeting up with a friend or have someone waiting for you at your accommodation. If a man won’t leave you alone, tell him you have a husband and they will most likely back off (because men respect other men…). Many women wear fake wedding rings abroad to avoid unwanted attention – feel free to do the same. Lying is not a good thing to do, but if it keeps you safe, it’s worth it.

15. Share your itinerary with your loved ones

Before leaving for your trip, make sure at least one person knows your entire itinerary. If you change it during the trip, send them a new one. If you get into trouble, they will be able to locate you much easier, and help will get to you sooner.

16. Skype with loved ones once in a while

Check in with your family once in a while to let them know how you are doing. Homesickness is a very real issue for long-time travellers, but talking to family or friends via Skype or Facetime is a huge help. Staying in touch with loved ones is also a way to assuage their fears.

Don’t do it too often though as you’re on the journey to learn how to be alone. I’ve met solo travellers who skype EVERYDAY with their family. And while I understand wanting to keep in touch and stay updated on things at home, it’s just so healthy to be able to let go. I do love skyping with my family once in a while though, especially if I’m feeling homesick. It also helps to remind me that there are people in this world that truly care about me.

17. Beware of rabid animals

I speak from experience. Despite how cute the cat, dog, etc. is, if it’s acting strange in any way, steer clear. Try to generally avoid petting animals while travelling, although I know myself how hard that is.

If an animal does bite you – even if the animal was acting normal beforehand – go to the doctor or hospital immediately to get your first rabies shot (the first one HAS to be within 24 hours of the bite, and the sooner the better). Don’t wait and see what happens, as once you get the symptoms of rabies, there is no way of surviving.

18. Have a copy of your passport and visa(s)

Your passport is by far your most important document. Therefore, always have a copy of it on your phone or computer, in case it goes missing. Also remember to take copies of any visas needed to enter the countries you’re visiting. A friend of mine got arrested in Russia when he lost his passport. Him being in the country without a visa was a worse crime than somebody stealing his passport!

19. Know the location of the nearest embassy for your country

Your country’s embassy will be able to help you in case your passport goes missing, or if you get into an accident.

If your country does not have an embassy where you are, use embassies for neighbouring countries (for example, Danes can use Nordic embassies and EU embassies if in trouble).

20. Use an offline map app so you don’t get lost

Getting lost in a foreign city is never fun, but offline map apps will help you get back to familiar places. When I first started travelling, I never used maps – not even the paper versions – so I got lost often. I had to ask people for help constantly. One day, I discovered maps.me, which is a wonderful offline map system for the entire world that allows you to pin all the places you want to visit. I haven’t gotten lost since!

Just remember to bring a power bank and a phone charger, so you can always get access to the app.

21. Don’t post your location in real time on Social Media

Never post your location in real time anywhere online as you never know who’s watching. Post about the destination after you’ve left. That way, no creeper can track you down.

22. Buy travel insurance

I know, I know. Travel insurance is both boring and expensive. But it IS necessary. If you get injured, sick, lose your luggage etc. during your travels, your insurance company will help you out. You may think it’s expensive at the time, but having it could save you thousands.

Even though I’m careful when I travel, my travel insurance company has reimbursed me twice – once for luggage that went missing in an airport and once for the rabies vaccinations after being bit by a cat. I hope to never use my insurance again, but I will keep purchasing it in case I need it someday.

Be sure to read through the travel insurance policies before purchasing so you know what they cover. Many insurance companies won’t cover adventure sports (as there’s a higher risk of injury) as well as certain countries or regions (for example if they’re at war).

Left is just to say GO, be brave, explore the world and enjoy your life. Don’t listen to other people, listen to your heart. You can do this! You might meet some idiots along the way, but trust me, most people in this world are kind hearted and will be looking out for you, especially as a woman on your own.