10 Safety Tips for the Solo Travelling Woman

As a solo travelling woman, the biggest thing in the fore front of my mind is my safety. A question everyone asks me when I say I travel frequently and on my way is ‘how do you stay safe?’. I thought to myself, why not provide a list to women like myself who are fearless and want to be a solo travelling woman?!

Here are 10 valuable tips that you should keep in mind to protect yourself while you enjoy your travels:

1. Take Self-Defense Classes

Before you embark on your solo female travel adventures, make sure to learn the ABCs of self-defense. While you’re out, you need to be prepared for any situation. This training will help boost your confidence and help you feel more secure no matter your surroundings.

You can also purchase the necessary gadgets and equipment to help you defend yourself but be careful to check the country you are going to’s laws around pepper spray and etc. In case you have nothing at your disposal; learn how to utilise the things you possess into weapons using keys, selfie sticks or your bag and etc.

2. Travel During The Day, If Possible

Statistics show that more incidents happen at night when compared to the other hours of the day. Choose the morning hours to travel when you go on long journeys. In case the journeys are excessively long, make sure you choose trusted and reputable company.

As a part of your travel safety measures, try to arrive at your destination before evening.

There are likely to be fewer crowds during the night time hours. Try not to cover distances on foot at night. Instead, go for taxis or other verified modes of public transportation. Don’t carry anything valuable if you’re leaving your hotel at night.

If possible, join a group so that you can hang out during the late hours. Under any circumstance, try not to be alone outside at night.

3. Do Not Use Social Media in REAL TIME

It makes sense to let people know where you are and what your next move will be. This would assure your family members and friends that you’re safe – this can easily be done by sharing your location at all times via whats app or iMessage.

In this 2022, where people share their whole lives online, private comes in the handy for your own safety. There are people who are watching you that you would never know and it is always best to wait until you’ve either been in a place for a few days or when you are back to post.

At any given moment people never know where I am, I can be posting that I am on the beach but in reality I am in my bed at home. But also, there are 5 people who have my location from all my phones as well as access to my airtag that i slways have on my person and one other GPS tracker.

4. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

When traveling solo, you need to be aware of your surroundings. You will actually be putting your shield down if you don’t pay attention to people who are moving around you. Make sure to be mindful of the people around you, both far and near – just as you would in your own country.

This can save you from potential predators and give you enough time to create your defence. For instance, if you notice a person following you for twenty minutes or so, get into a store or a bus and check whether they continue. This can prevent potential dangers.

5. Make Use of Your Smartphone Features

Your smartphone can be utilized in more ways than you think, excluding Instagram and TikTok (yes I am guilty of that too). Google Maps could come in handy, particularly when you’re like me and not good with directions. Being lost and wandering around are two different scenarios.

If you look lost, your body language can easily make you a target. Use the offline version of maps in case you don’t have an internet connection on your phone or if the area lacks Wi-Fi.

If you’re in an area where you don’t understand the local language, use Google Translate to decipher what people around you are saying. This will help you communicate or make out their plans and prevent things from going wrong.

6. Connect With Other Women

This will come in handy particularly when you explore foreign countries. You can skip random men and approach women instead, in case you’re in need.

Here are some other guidelines that might save your day:

• Stay in female-only hotels and dorms
• Reach out to another woman in case you need directions
• Choose an all-female train when traveling
• Sit next to a woman when on a public transportation

Additionally, you find a female traveller group on Facebook – girls love travel is my favourite. This gives you enough scope to reach out to fellow local women travellers in case you need any help.

7. Know Your Shortcomings

There’s nothing wrong with trying out street food when you’re in a new city. However, be prepared to combat any given situation, considering your limitations. For instance, carry adequate medicines to deal with food poisoning and other illnesses when you travel solo.

• You may want to venture outside of your comfort zone, which can be a fun part of your solo trip if done with a clear understanding of where your capabilities lie. Try not to drink an abundance of alcoholic drinks, as it might entice you to neglect your safety.
• If you don’t know how to swim, stay away from deep water activities. Don’t get enticed by deep swimming pools and water bodies.
• Make sure to include health coverage in your travel insurance plan. It will help you in case you need serious treatment and double check the policy has covid 19 cover.
• Don’t exhaust yourself walking amidst the excitement when you’re exploring a new place. Remember, you need to reserve your strength for the rest of the journey. Most importantly, you need to be physically agile to defend yourself if needed.
• Get good sleep and don’t let exhaustion take a toll on your alertness.

8. Talk to Locals

Cultural exchange comes as a part of travel and that’s one of the most riveting parts about it! When you visit a new country or city, try to talk to the locals. Besides safety, this approach makes the journey even more fulfilling.

Whether you’re exploring a foreign land or simply traveling a little further from your home, mingling with the locals is a great way to make you feel more confident, particularly in places where locals are supportive of tourists.

Additionally, you won’t always be able to find a female travel guide wherever you set foot. In these circumstances, it’s a good idea to get familiar with local women and ask for help if necessary.

9. Learn The Local Language

This tip is especially important if you travel to foreign countries. I understand not everyone can be a polglot and pick up languages easily but you can learn pleasantries and simple words – it opens locals to you.

Understanding the local language works in your favor. Even if you can just master the basics, this is better than not knowing any of the language. You’ll find that knowing the local language is helpful when you’re out and about, looking for attractions, or looking for a place to eat or stay for the night.

Occasionally, knowing the local language can protect you from getting embezzled out of your money. In addition to all that, in many places the locals respect travellers knowing that they’ve taken the time to learn their native language.

This can be an amazing benefit while you travel.

10. Material Doesn’t Matter

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t carry extra money on your person while you’re traveling solo. It pays to know the location of the nearest currency exchange offices and exchange rate so that you can cash out whenever necessary rather than carrying valuables.

That being said, if you happen to be held at gunpoint, knifepoint, or are put into any other highly dangerous situation, don’t play the hero – simply give away your wallet or any other valuables you may have on you.

After all, your travel insurance can compensate you for a material loss, but not for your life.

Summary

One of the most non-debatable tips for solo female travellers would be to get your travel insurance from a reliable company, ensuring that you can get your losses compensated if things take a turn for the worse. Also in the pandemic world, it helps you in case you receive Covid-19 as well as coverage for loss and etc.

Female travellers cherish the freedom and pleasure of exploring the world. If you have the correct know-how and you follow the right tactics, you can have a safe and memorable experience!

Hope this was of great help and benefit to you!

Love and Hugs,

Tillyah x