6 Safety Hacks for Solo Female Travellers

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND

My top safety tips for women travelling on their own.

Those who know me well know that I am passionate about solo female travel.  For this reason, I was thrilled when AIG Travel Guard asked me to not only write about it on the blog, but also to co-host a Twitter chat on solo travel and sustainable travel later on this week!  Join the conversation online this Friday, June 16 at 2:00pm EDT– more details at the end of this post!

Congrats! Tired of flaky friends and family who don’t have the time, funds, or inclination to travel, you’ve gone ahead booked your first solo trip to a faraway land.

IMG_9358
Solo trippin’ in Mongolia

Not only is this a huge step as a woman (we’re often told solo travel is too dangerous for us), it’s a golden opportunity, because travelling by yourself is not only empowering, but hugely fulfilling.

After all, the benefits to travelling solo dolo are manifold: among other things, it’s freeing, builds self-confidence, and helps you become more aware of yourself and your surroundings.  

What’s more, you’ll never have to compromise on where to eat, sleep, or spend your time while on vacation, which is one of the major disadvantages of travelling with a partner or a group.

But before you jet off on your journey of discovery and enlightenment, consider the following tips meant to ensure your security and well-being on the road. Because, while us girls may just want to have fun when we travel (thanks Cyndi Lauper!), we need to make sure that we stay safe while we do!  So, with this in mind, here are my top 6 safety tips for women travelling solo:

Research, research, research

While advance planning may not be your strong suit, it’s a necessary evil when you’re travelling alone so that you can stay safe and out of harm’s way.  My top recommendation? Book at least the first two nights of accommodation, making sure that you keep a close eye on the type of neighbourhood you’ll be in (safe area or one you should avoid?) Other questions to consider: How will you get to your accommodation from the airport, train station, or bus station?  How much local currency will you need, and is it better to get it once in your destination or before you leave home? Are there any potential risks in certain places or at certain times of the day for female travellers specifically?  These are all things to ponder before you start your trip, so you are adequately prepared for all eventualities.  Google is your friend!

PIN IT!

Try to remain as inconspicuous as possible

When I travel I try to stay “under the radar” — undue attention (particularly from lecherous locals of the opposite sex) can be unnerving for a woman travelling on her own.  As such, I try to keep a low profile by blending in as much possible– now is not the time to stunt! Part of this means adhering to cultural norms, particularly when it comes to the way I dress. Ergo, I keep my head, shoulders, and knees covered when it is expected, realizing that not only is it respectful of the local culture but also might save me from negative attention or harrassment.  After all, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?  

Be vigilant, especially when you party

Successful solo travel as a woman hinges on common sense.  Keep your wits about you and don’t make yourself a target: leave the expensive jewellery at home, don’t flash your cash in the street (you should really only carry a minimum amount on your person), and don’t trust strangers too freely or willingly.  Going out to sample the local nightlife?  Please do, but think about limiting your alcohol intake, if you must drink at all.  The reason? Alcohol can impair your senses, reaction time, and leave you vulnerable to others. With that said, why not “turn up” with a soft drink “on the rocks” instead? It’s way cheaper and more fun!

IMG_0965

Partner with other female solo travellers

Travelling solo doesn’t mean that you have to be alone all of the time! The beauty of travelling on your own is that you’re often way more open to meeting new people– and can pick and choose just when you’d like company. I’ve always found it helpful to link up with other solo female travellers because we understand each other’s concerns, triumphs, and challenges whilst on the road– and can trade tricks and tips for going it alone.  

Don’t compromise your safety to prove a point (or save a dollar)

You may feel invincible but it’s silly to put yourself in potentially dangerous situations just because you’re convinced that you’ll never be a statistic.  Likewise, it’s just as silly to compromise your safety in order to save a dollar (or twenty).  Your life is valuable, so invest in yourself.  This means purchasing travel insurance even though you’re sure you’ll never need it; this means springing for that $15 taxi ride back to your hotel after a night out, even though you’re convinced that walking back in the dark is completely fine. Better safe than sorry– now is not the time to be cheap or “fearless”!

IMG_8566
Saving a buck here and there just ain’t worth it!

Keep family and friends informed about your whereabouts

This is perhaps obvious, but you may find that you’re having so much fun on your trip that you neglect to keep your nearest and dearest updated about what you’re up to! Be conscious of the people back home who care about you and will worry if they don’t receive any signs of life while you’re away.  Before leaving, send them a draft of your itinerary, and don’t forget to include the contact information for the accommodation and tours you’ve signed up for.  And, if sending individual messages to them whilst on the trip proves to be too onerous, point them in the direction of your social media channels, which you’ll of course update with exciting photos and statuses from your journey!

Join me and some other fun, fearless travellers for our Twitter chat this Friday afternoon!

Come one, come all! This Friday, June 16th at 2:00pm EDT I’ll be co-hosting a Twitter chat about solo and sustainable travel and I’d love for you to join! Our featured guest is adventurer Cassie DePecol, who holds the world record for being the youngest and fastest woman to travel to all 196 sovereign countries, and we’ll be using the hashtag #WhereNext.

However, if talking travel isn’t enough for you, there are a few prizes available to sweeten the deal! Three participants will walk away with a $100 VISA gift card and one lucky grand prize winner will get a basket of travel gear curated by Cassie!

Be sure to RSVP to be eligible for prizes! See rules here.

Here’s some additional info:

Date and time: Friday, June 16; 2:00-3:00 PM EDT

Where: Twitter (use the hashtag #WhereNext)

Prizes: $100 gift card (three winners); plus a grand prize winner will receive a basket of travel gear curated by Cassie

Be there or be square!

SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS

Ladies, what are your safety hacks when you travel on your own?

SHARING IS CARING

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin

140 Comments

  • I love solo travel for all the reasons you mention – no compromising, no flaky friends holding me back and plenty of quality time to myself. Your tips are spot on and great advice for newbie solo ladies!

  • Thanks for this!! I’m just starting my travels and most will be solo–I’m terrified, but excited at the same time. These tips help to alleviate some of the anxiety. Plus, I’m a planner so all tips and preparation helps!

  • Hey Oneika! These are some great tips. I especially think your tip about booking the first few nights of accommodation to kind of “feel out” the new city is a great one. It is not appealing to me to arrive in a foreign city with no place to stay!

    This isn’t really a critique so much as a suggestion… while I understand the importance of posts like these, due to the inherent risks of being a woman out in the world, I generally find it reassuring to read some context for /why/ we have to adhere to these types of tips when we travel. I.e. some acknowledgment of the patriarchal system in place that makes the world unsafe for women, and how sometimes there really isn’t anything we can do and that it might just be about luck whether or not we stay safe. I mention this because I think that sometimes these types of lists can set a precedent for victim-blaming if something does happen. Which is why I think it’s important to acknowledge that yes, these tips are important to keep in mind, but also important to keep in mind is the systemic violence facing women in the world, so if we follow these tips (or don’t follow these tips!) and something shitty happens, that it’s still not our fault.

    Anyway, just thought I would share my two cents 🙂 Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter!

  • This is great information! My dream is to be well – traveled. And it looks like I may have to do this solo. So your blog is inspirational to me! Thanks! 🙂

  • Great list! I first started traveling on my own a few years ago.. I went to London and then Paris. I was clueless to parts of the culture and so of course with my coach bag and brand new white sneakers- i stuck out like a sore thumb!! Someone even stopped me to say that I “must be American” LOL!! I Still have yet to choose my next destination but we learn by trial and error and I’ll definitely be mindful of these tips!

  • Solo travels mean no consultation and you get to go where your heart desires. Thanks for the tips.

  • I love solo travel because it forces me to meet and mingle with those around me instead of staying in the safe cocoon of friends. I’ve met some of the begets people that way. I would add make sure your cel phone is ready for your new country (SIM card, whatever) and, even if you’re traveling domestically, carry a small backup battery and an extra charging cable for it. You’ll be taking more pictures and maybe using the GPS and you don’t want to get stuck without juice.

  • Every weekend i used to go to see this web page, because i wish for enjoyment, since this
    this website conations truly fastidious funny information too.

  • If some one wants to be updated with hottest technologies therefore he must be go to see this web
    site and be up to date everyday.

  • Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months
    of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any
    methods to protect against hackers?

  • Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break.
    I really like the information you provide here
    and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile
    .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, awesome blog!

  • Hi, yup this article is genuinely pleasant and I
    have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.

  • Awesome site you have here but I was curious
    about if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics discussed here?
    I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get suggestions from other knowledgeable
    people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
    Thank you!

  • It’s in reality a great and useful piece of info.

    I am glad that you just shared this helpful info with us.
    Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  • I am extremely impressed together with your writing talents and also with the structure on your
    blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it
    your self? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to peer a
    nice blog like this one nowadays..

  • Thanks for the good writeup. It in reality was a entertainment account it.
    Glance advanced to far introduced agreeable from you!
    By the way, how can we be in contact?

  • Great website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
    I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get feedback from other knowledgeable individuals
    that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

    Kudos!

  • Excellent post! We are linking to this particularly great article on our site.

    Keep up the great writing.

  • I got this site from my pal who informed me about this site and now this time I am browsing this website and reading very
    informative posts here.

  • I just couldn’t leave your site prior to suggesting
    that I really loved the standard information a person supply in your guests?
    Is gonna be back often to check out new posts

  • I truly love your website.. Very nice colors &
    theme. Did you build this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to
    create my very own website and want to know where you got this from
    or what the theme is called. Thank you!

  • Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog!

    We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same
    niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on.
    You have done a wonderful job!

  • This paragraph gives clear idea in support of the new people of blogging, that actually how to
    do blogging.

  • I read this piece of writing fully regarding the comparison of latest
    and previous technologies, it’s awesome article.

  • You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this
    topic to be really something that I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

  • I blog often and I seriously thank you for your information. This great article has really peaked
    my interest. I am going to book mark your website and keep checking for new information about once a week.
    I opted in for your Feed as well.

  • First of all I want to say wonderful blog! I had a quick question in which
    I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to
    find out how you center yourself and clear your head before writing.
    I’ve had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there.
    I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes
    tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints?
    Thanks!

  • What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve
    discovered It positively useful and it has
    helped me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution &
    aid other users like its aided me. Great job.

  • You could certainly see your expertise in the work you write.

    The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.

    All the time follow your heart.

  • Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?

    I mean, what you say is valuable and all. Nevertheless think of if you added some
    great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content
    is excellent but with pics and videos, this site could undeniably be
    one of the very best in its field. Wonderful blog!

  • Having read this I thought it was rather informative.
    I appreciate you taking the time and energy
    to put this short article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and posting
    comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

  • Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your blog.

    You have some really good posts and I feel I would be a good
    asset. If you ever want to take some of the load
    off, I’d absolutely love to write some material
    for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested.
    Cheers!

  • Great goods from you, man. I have understand
    your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely excellent.
    I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you
    are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible.
    I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific website.

  • After looking into a number of the blog posts on your website, I really appreciate your way of blogging.
    I added it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back
    soon. Please visit my website as well and let me know what you
    think.

  • If some one wishes expert view about blogging and site-building after that i advise
    him/her to visit this website, Keep up the nice work.

  • I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or
    blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this
    website. Studying this info So i am glad to exhibit that I’ve a very good uncanny
    feeling I found out just what I needed. I such a lot no doubt will make certain to don?t forget this website and
    provides it a look regularly.

  • You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be
    actually something that I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
    I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to
    get the hang of it!

  • We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You have
    done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

  • Hey! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?

    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding
    one? Thanks a lot!

  • I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your information. This
    article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark
    your site and keep checking for new information about once a week.
    I opted in for your Feed as well.

  • Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus the rest
    of the website is also very good.

  • I think this is one of the most vital information for me.
    And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things,
    The site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent :
    D. Good job, cheers

  • Amazing! Its in fact awesome piece of writing, I have got much clear idea concerning from this post.

  • When I originally commented I clicked the”Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.Is there any way you can remove me from that service?Bless you!

  • An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you need to write more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo matter but typically people do not discuss these issues. To the next! Cheers!!

  • With thanks, I enjoy this! how to find college essay prompts write my essay proquest dissertation search

  • When someone writes an post he/she maintains thethought of a user in his/her mind that how a user can be aware ofit. So that’s why this paragraph is great. Thanks!Also visit my blog :: kebe.top

  • Great stuff, a really good read – added to bookmarks so will visit back for new content and to read other people’s comments. Cheers again.

  • I don?t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  • A blog site is a web site that contains write-ups or articles on a particular subject. Blog sites can be made use of for individual use, organization use, or both.|Blog sites can be produced using complimentary blog writing systems such as WordPress, Tumblr, and also Blog writer. These platforms allow you to develop an account and also begin blogging right away with no technical knowledge of coding or style.|{Marvel movies are a wonderful way to invest your leisure time. They have lots of activity, journey, as well as humor. You can watch them online totally free on Wonder’s web site.

  • magnificent points altogether, you simply gained a new reader.What may you suggest in regards to your post that you simply madesome days ago? Any positive?

  • I really liked your article.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.

  • Excellent blog you have got here.. It?s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays.I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care tips!!

  • It’s going to be finish of mine day, however before end I am readingthis impressive paragraph to increase my know-how.

  • I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not surewhether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble.You’re wonderful! Thanks!

  • each time i used to read smaller content which also clear their motive, and that isalso happening with this paragraph which I am reading here.

Comments are closed.