How To Stay Safe As A Solo Female Traveller

How to stay safe as a solo female traveller is probably one of the most common questions I get asked! Safety while being alone is the biggest concern for most women.

Believe me, the world isn’t as scary as it sometimes seems. Travelling solo will show you how many friendly and kind people are out there. Unfortunately, social media often portrays solo travel as dangerous—but that’s not the full picture.

I’ve travelled to over seventy countries as a flight attendant and solo traveller, and I’ve found the opposite true. Do you need to plan ahead and stay aware of your surroundings? Absolutely. But solo travel as a woman can be an empowering, rewarding experience—not a dangerous one.

Of course, there are a few important safety tips you should follow to keep your trip smooth and secure. Let me guide you through them so you’ll feel confident and prepared for your solo adventure.

What is the safest place for a woman to travel alone?

The safest places for women to travel alone are destinations known for low crime rates, friendly locals, and well-established tourism infrastructure. Countries like Thailand, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and Portugal consistently rank high for safety and hospitality.

I love Thailand for first-time solo travellers! The country has so much to offer and is budget-friendly. From a city like Bangkok to a green and luscious Chiang Mai to the beaches of Krabi or Koh Samui.

Portugal would be my second recommendation for a safe solo travel destination in Europe. Portugal has great cities to explore, like Porto and there is the amazing Algarve to relax on the beach. Portugal is also affordable compared to other European countries.

These destinations offer efficient public transport, walkable cities, and a welcoming atmosphere for solo travellers.

How do you protect yourself as a woman travelling alone?

Staying safe as a solo female traveller starts with thorough research and smart planning. Before your trip, learn about your destination’s safety, cultural norms, and common scams.

Choose accommodations in safe areas with good reviews from other solo travellers and reliable security, like a 24-hour reception.

Share your itinerary with your family and friends and have backup copies of important documents. Most importantly, trust your instincts—if something feels off, remove yourself from the situation.

Confidence and awareness go a long way in keeping you safe, so stay prepared and always listen to your gut.

Tips on How to stay safe as a solo female traveller

Do proper pre-trip planning

Pre-trip planning is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and smooth solo travel experience, especially for women travelling alone.

Start by checking official travel advisories from reliable sources like your government’s travel website. Social media or a travel blog is NOT a reliable source, because the information can be wrong or outdated. Always use an official channel for important information.

Next, read reviews and experiences from other travellers, particularly solo female travellers (like yours truly!), to get real-world insights about neighbourhoods, accommodations, and potential safety concerns.

Take time to research common scams in your chosen destination. Tourist-targeted scams, such as taxi overcharging, fake petitions, or distraction techniques, can catch even seasoned travellers off guard.

Europe is famous for ridiculous scams or pickpocket gangs!

Stay in reputable hotels over Airbnb

Choosing to stay in reputable hotels is a key safety strategy for solo female travellers. I cannot say enough times how important a safe accommodation is. Accommodation is not where you choose budget over safety.

Start by selecting accommodations with a good, central location. Proximity to public transport hubs like metro stations or bus stops adds convenience.

When booking, prioritize hotels with positive reviews from other solo travellers. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the hotel’s safety measures and neighbourhood vibe.

Opt for hotels with a 24/7 reception desk, as having someone available at all times can be helpful.

My trusty sidekick when booking hotels is Booking.com! I’ve been a happy customer for years!

Get travel insurance

Getting travel insurance is essential for solo female travellers, providing peace of mind and financial protection during your trip. I don’t understand how someone can travel without travel insurance!

Anything could happen and unless you have a very big bank account, you do not want to find out without travel insurance!

A good policy should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen belongings, and unexpected incidents. In case of injury or illness, insurance can cover hospital stays or emergency evacuations, which can be costly without coverage.

Travel insurance can protect against theft or scams, ensuring you’re not left stranded if valuables like your phone or passport go missing. Before your trip, compare policies and read the fine print to ensure it meets your needs.

Travel confidently knowing you’re protected.

Check out Safety Wing for good and reliable travel insurance! They are a well-established company and work amazingly for travellers.

Don’t do dumb things

This might sound a bit vague, but that is what my mother would say to me. I’ve seen, read about, and even made some questionable decisions myself. We don’t need to prove we’re heroes—we already are. Safety should always come first.

Recently, I hiked a stunning five-hour trail on Table Mountain in South Africa with a friend. While it was an unforgettable experience, I realized I would never do it alone as a woman. Nothing might happen, but something could.

Avoid doing adventurous activities solo in a foreign country unless you’re experienced and fully prepared. Instead, plan these activities with a guide or join a group tour—it’s safer and just as fun.

I always plan tours with Get Your Guide! They have amazing tours available and a flexible cancellation option.

Stay Connected

Staying connected is essential for both safety and convenience. Always keep your phone charged—it’s your lifeline in unfamiliar situations. Carry a portable charger to avoid running out of battery, especially during long days of exploring.

I’ve experienced myself how helpless you can be with a dead iPhone in a country where English is not widely spoken!

Invest in an E-SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device to ensure you have reliable internet access. This makes it easier to navigate, look up information, and contact emergency services if needed.

Regularly update a friend or family member about your plans and location. Share your accommodation details and use location-sharing apps for real-time tracking, like ‘Find my iPhone’ (I have my brother linked).

With proper planning, you’ll feel more secure and confident.

Trust Your Instincts

Our intuition often picks up on subtle cues that logic might overlook, so never ignore a gut feeling that something feels off. If a situation, person, or place makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately.

It’s better to be overly cautious than to regret ignoring your instincts later. Practice situational awareness by staying alert, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. It’s a skill we’re taught to practise all the time as flight attendants and it has helped me many times when travelling alone.

If you feel like someone is following you, step into a busy store or cross the street. When meeting new people, trust your judgment about how much personal information you share. Don’t worry about being polite—your safety comes first!

Use Safe Transportation

Using safe transportation is essential for solo female travellers. Always choose official, licensed taxis or rideshare services like Uber or Grab, where rides are tracked, and driver information is available.

When using public transport, research the system and route in advance. Especially when arriving at your destination, you don’t want to figure things out on arrival in a place you don’t know.

Check out Welcome Pickups or Kiwi Taxi for a smooth and easy transfer to your accommodation!

Yes, things might be easy in most Western countries, but things could be different in Asia or Europe!

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Being aware of your surroundings is a fundamental safety practice. Always stay present and alert when exploring new places—avoid distractions like scrolling on your phone or wearing both earbuds in unfamiliar areas.

Pay attention to the people and environment around you. In crowded tourist spots, keep your belongings secure, as pickpockets often target tourists.

Have you seen the videos on social media of how pickpockets distract their target? Do come very close, they always have something in their hand like a jacket or coat and they always pretend to be tourists.

That’s why you should always put your hand on your bag and wear your bag in front. If someone pushes you or comes close be suspicious and walk away, even when that means pushing them aside.

Dress Appropriately

Research your destination’s cultural norms in advance to understand what attire is considered respectful and appropriate. In some countries, dressing modestly—like covering your shoulders or knees—can help you avoid unwanted attention and show respect for local customs. If you’re visiting religious sites, carry a scarf or shawl for quick coverage when needed.

While it’s normal to wear leggings as pants in the US, it’s not done in other countries like Japan.

Depending on the destination I would avoid flashy jewellery or expensive-looking accessories, as these can make you a target for pickpockets. I don’t wear a lot of jewellery but I take them off in most countries in South America.

Keep an eye on your valuables

Keeping an eye on your valuables is essential when travelling solo. Distribute your important items—keep some cash and a backup card in a separate location from your main wallet in case of theft or loss.

Use an anti-theft bag with lockable zippers and slash-resistant straps to make it harder for pickpockets to access your belongings. When in crowded areas like markets or public transport, wear your bag across your body and keep it in front of you.

You can also choose to use a hidden money belt or neck pouch for passports, extra cash, and cards. In hotels, I use the safe to store my valuables or I lock them in my suitcase.

A phone case with a lanyard is amazing! You can wrap the lanyard around your wrist when checking your phone or taking photos.

Know Emergency Contacts

Start by familiarizing yourself with local emergency numbers—these can differ from what you’re used to, so save them in your phone and write them down as a backup.

Keep the location and phone number of your country’s embassies or consulates as they can assist with lost passports, legal issues, or emergencies. Additionally, have the contact information for local police, medical services, and your accommodation.

Think of an emergency plan in case something happens! Nothing too serious, but what if you lose your passport, your wallet or your phone?

Solo travel as a woman is an incredible, life-changing experience that builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of freedom. While safety is a valid concern, being prepared, staying aware, and trusting your instincts will go a long way in keeping you secure during your adventures.

Believe me, the world isn’t as scary as it sometimes seems. With the right precautions and a bit of preparation, you’ll discover just how many kind, helpful, and welcoming people are out there.

Let me know how you’re getting on! And I’m here for questions! The fastest way to reach out is by leaving a comment on my most recent Instagram post!

How to stay safe as a solo female traveller is pretty easy with the right preparation and common sense.