Essential Solo Travel Safety Tips: 10 Expert Insights for Your Journey
Leaving for a solo travel is a truly amazing and transformative experience. You will immerse yourself in diverse cultures and craft memories that will forever shape your perspective -leaving you with an insatiable desire to embark on this adventure again and again. However, be ready for all that excitement to be met with skepticism, when you'll tell people: "I am traveling alone". For many, the immediate association will be with the notion of danger. This anxiety is often amplified if you are a woman. While it's easy to acknowledge why (much of our information is shaped by the medias, which tend to highlight the darker sides of places). I'm here to tell you that solo travel is way safer then what everyone thinks. After returning from an inspiring six-month solo expedition across the globe — from Asia to South America, with stops in Africa and Muslim countries — I have lots of tricks to share that can help you say a big f* you to your anxieties of the unknown.
In this guide, we'll talk about crucial safety tips for solo traveler and dig into some of my recommendations for essential products and services. From choosing the right travel insurance to leveraging safety apps, my insights will empower you to navigate your solo adventures confidently and securely -and to never let someone's fear block you from experiencing the world.
1. Research Your Destination
Before setting foot in a new destination, conduct thorough research to familiarize yourself with local scams, customs, and safety guidelines. Write down a list of the nearest english-speaking hospitals, embassies and airports for each of the cities you are going to visit. This will help you feel more secure, in case something happen. My Tip: Recognize that in many parts of the world, displaying a lot of skin may not be culturally acceptable. Whether you're in Asia or Muslim countries -you will need to cover your chest, legs and shoulders to enter temples (or even for day to day explorations). Demonstrating an awareness of local customs is greatly appreciated by the residents. It conveys a sense of respect and admiration for their cultures, fostering a more positive and welcoming reception from the locals in return. Clothing Idea:
I left for my trip with mostly shorts and skirts -thinking only of the hot weather I would experienced. I ended up buying a lot of long flowy trousers, while in Asia (so I could enter the temples and stay respectful to the culture). I recommend leaving with that kind of clothing for any asian or muslims countries.
2. Choose Your Hotel Wisely
The choice of accommodation plays a crucial role in your safety. Whether opting for a hostel or a luxury hotel, seek advice from the staff on safe areas and potential risks. Utilize their local knowledge to make informed decisions about your stay. Leaving with at least your first hotel already planned is also a good way to have peace of mind -Instead of losing time trying to find a place to stay for the night, you will be able to explore and do activities freely. My Tip: Every time I arrived in a new country, I am staying in a hostel. This is allowing me to meet people (with whom I will be able to make plans, if I feel like it) and I find that it is also a good place to start to get advices about the areas to avoid. Hostels also offers lots of tours that are both safe and cheap, making it the best possible place to start exploring with safety. How i reserve hotel/hostels:
3. Let Someone Know Your Plans
Maintain a safety net by informing someone back home about your travel plans. Leaving a note in your room detailing your itinerary and carrying a tracking device, such as an Apple Tag, can provide an extra layer of security, especially during outdoor activities. Because I was often going on adventures alone (hikes, explore the city, etc.) I made the habit of leaving a note in my hotel room about where I was going and when I had left. If something were to happen, this would became a valuable clue for the people looking for me. My Tip: If you are in trouble and your phone is about to die: record a voice mail on it, with your location and where you are heading. Even if your phone dies, the voice mail will stay on it and people calling will be able to hear the message you've left. What to buy:
4. Invest in Good Travel Insurance
Prioritize your well-being with comprehensive travel insurance. Consider reputable providers offering coverage for medical emergencies, COVID-19, and even activities like extreme sports. This investment ensures peace of mind throughout your journey. My Tip: Be careful to select the insurance that covers all your needs. Most of the insurances will not cover extreme activities or driving motorcycles. Note: A friend of mine travelled to North Vietnam, last year, met with a few travellers and they all decided to rent motorcycles to travel around. One of the girl that was with him, unfortunately got into an accident. She was badly injured -and her parents had to pay for everything because she did not had any insurances (nor motorcycle driving license). While you do not need any of those to actually rent a motorcycle in most Asian countries -if you get involved in an accident they will put the blame on you. Leaving with a proper insurance (and license) is always the best way to avoid any headaches, if something happens. The insurance I selected: For me, the Blue Cross one was the best one, as I knew I was going to do some extreme sports like diving, skydiving, fly in a hot air-balloon etc.
5. Carry Minimal Cash
Opt for convenience and security by using a widely accepted credit card like Mastercard or Visa. My tip: Research the best credit card based on the number of time you travel a year, the type of travel you do and your current income. Some credit cards will have annual fees, but the perks you will get might outweigh it in the end. The credit card I selected: After lots of research, I selected Mastercard World Elite. Besides its global acceptance, this card came with perks and benefits -like cash back, travel insurance (flight delays, lost luggages, etc.), access to travel lounges in airports, free rooms upgrade and flight seat selections.
6. Avoid Wandering Alone at Night
Prioritize your safety by arriving in new cities during daylight hours. If nocturnal exploration is unavoidable, rely on secure transportation options like Grab, Uber, or trusted taxis to return to your accommodation safely. My Tip: When arriving in a new country, I always make sure that my first transportation is reserved. Most of the time, hotels will provide it for a fee. If they do not offer this service (hostel often don't) you can reserve a taxi at the airport counter -those are safe, have a fixed price and will provide peace of mind. The apps I used: Do some research on which app to use for transports! Some place around the world do not have Uber. In Asia, I used :
The website 12Go is also amazing to plan your transport ahead:
7. Don't Be a Target
Boost your confidence and safety by taking self-defence lessons. Consider carrying personal safety devices like a "birdie" alarm, which can deter potential threats and attract attention when needed. Before my trip, I took a defence class with an ex police officer, specialized in prepping you against attack, rape and kidnapping. One of the important thing that I was tought, is how to not look like a victim. Most of the people that want to attack others will select someone that looks like an easy target. If you look like you are going to be combative, noisy, etc. you are less incline to be their prey. My tip: If you find yourself in a situation where screaming or running isn't an option, try peeing/shitting yourself or faking a convulsion (with foam and eyes rolling to white). I am not joking -this is going to humanize you in the eyes of the assailant and also make you less attractive to them. Most of the time, this will make them leave without further attacks. The class I took:
The device I bought:
8. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Stay vigilant by avoiding distractions like earbuds and being cautious about leaving belongings unattended. Small precautions, such as securing your belongings and staying alert, contribute to a safer travel experience. Make sure you do not show any valuable objects like jewelry, if visiting poorer areas.
I left with my Iphone and Apple watch, which I was able to wear without any problems -from Asia to South America. The important thing is to use common sense (like do not stand at a street corner with your iphone out -as people on motorcycle can grab it very quickly). A satchel (bag that is worn over one shoulder with a strap that goes across the chest) is usually the best bag to have for daily expeditions. My Tip: If you are in a coffee shop or restaurant, try to attach your bag to your chair. This will allow you to have it behind you without feeling insecure about it being stolen. Bag I bought (click for link):
9. Know when to go with an organized tour
While the thrill of solo exploration is unmatched, there are moments when opting for an organized tour can enhance your travel experience. Consider joining a guided tour for activities such as trekking in unfamiliar terrain or exploring culturally rich but potentially challenging destinations. Organized tours not only provide safety in numbers but also offer valuable insights from local guides. My tip: I often try to take organized tours with locals at the beginning of my time in a new city. This gives me lots of information about the history of the town, while also giving me insights of cool local places to visit on my own later. You can choose private or group tours, depending on what you feel. Be careful about selecting tours from street vendors, as they often boost prices. Where I reserve:
On place (hotels)
10. Trust Your Instincts
Above all, trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, listen to your gut feelings and take appropriate actions. Your intuition is a valuable tool for ensuring your well-being during solo travels. My Tips: Do not be afraid to say no. If you feel like the situation is dodgy or that the person isn't inspiring confidence - do. not. be. afraid. to. say. no. Even if the person insist. Your safety depends on the decision you will be making. You are on your own, each decision is your sole responsibility.
Have Fun!!
Follow all of these tips and be sure to leave with enough peace of mind to just enjoy your time abroad! Remember to live the present moment fully and soon enough you'll be planning your next trip again!