Solo female travel is more popular than ever, with women around the world embracing the freedom and empowerment that comes from exploring on their own. While travelling solo can feel intimidating at first, it quickly becomes a powerful way to build confidence, connect with yourself, and move at your own pace. As a woman, staying safe while travelling alone means trusting your instincts, being aware of your surroundings, and making smart choices without letting fear hold you back. This guide is designed to help you feel more prepared and confident on your next solo adventure.
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Safety Accessories For Solo Female Travel
Packing a few key accessories can make a big difference in how safe and confident you feel while travelling alone. These items are lightweight and practical, and have given me peace of mind on my solo adventures.
- Combination Lock: Secure your luggage or hostel locker with a personal lock.
- Decoy Purse: Carry expired cards and small cash to hand over in case of theft.
- Door Stop Alarm: Adds extra security in hotel rooms by sounding an alarm if the door is forced.
- Hidden Pocket Accessories: Scrunchies or sanitiser sprays with secret compartments for emergency cash.
- Mini Flashlight: Stay visible and safe in low-light areas.
- Personal Safety Alarm: Clip to your bag for quick access; emits a loud alert to deter threats.
- Safety Apps: Share your location in real time with trusted contacts on apps like Life360, bSafe, GeoZilla or Find My for Apple users.
- Scarf or Pashmina: Save your seat, cover up when needed, and use as a blanket or privacy curtain.
Find planning tools, digital guides, and travel must‑haves in the Pretty Planet Shop. Browse my Amazon Storefront for the best travel gadgets and accessories for your next trip.
Accommodation Tips For Solo Female Travel
Arrive during daylight hours
Whenever possible, plan to arrive at your destination during the day. It’s easier to get your bearings, navigate unfamiliar streets, and settle into your accommodation when it’s light out. If you’re backpacking or moving frequently, pre-book at least your first night to avoid last-minute stress.
Ask the staff for local advice
Hotel and hostel staff are often your best resource for safety tips and local insights. Don’t hesitate to ask about areas to avoid, transportation options, or nearby essentials. Their advice can help you feel more confident navigating your surroundings.
Check your room upon arrival
When entering your room take a moment to inspect the space. As cabin crew we are always advised to do a quick sweep for anything unusual when checking into our hotel rooms and while rare, there have been cases of intruders hiding in rooms. It may feel overly cautious, but a quick check offers peace of mind.
Choose female-only dorms
If you’re staying in hostels and prefer a more comfortable, secure environment, look for female-only dorms. They’re a great way to meet other travellers while maintaining a sense of safety and ease.
Keep loved ones in the loop
Before your trip, share a rough itinerary and accommodation details with someone you trust. While travelling, check in occasionally, even air it’s just a quick message. If heading out for the day, consider leaving a note in your room or informing staff of your plans. It’s a simple way to ensure someone knows your whereabouts.
Transport Tips For Solo Female Travel
Book licensed airport transfers
When arriving in a new destination, especially after a long flight, book your airport transfer through a licensed desk inside the terminal or arrange one in advance through your accommodation. This helps avoid unregulated drivers and ensures a safer journey.
You may also find this blog post helpful: Travel Resources: Everything You Need To Plan Your Trip
Ask your hotel for taxi guidance
Before heading out, ask your hotel or hostel staff to call a taxi for you or explain what licensed taxis look like locally, such as colour, signage, or registration details. This helps you identify legitimate vehicles if you need to flag one down on the street.
Download Google Maps or Maps.me before your trip. Google Maps allows you to save locations, view public transport options, and even share your live location with trusted contacts. Maps.me works offline and is great for checking your route in real time without using data. Use these apps to confirm your driver is taking the correct route and to avoid being misled.
If using ride-hailing apps like Grab, Bolt, or Uber, share your trip status with a friend or family member. Most apps have built-in safety features like emergency buttons and live tracking. When riding solo, sit in the back seat rather than the front. It gives you more control over your space and makes it easier to exit if needed.
Keep essentials close
Keep your phone, wallet, and ID within reach, not buried in your bag. If you ever feel uncomfortable, you’ll have quick access to what you need.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off, whether it’s the driver’s behaviour, the route, or the vehicle itself – don’t hesitate to end the ride early or ask to be dropped off in a public, well-lit area.
Safety Tips For Solo Female Travel While Out & About
Start with destination research
Before setting off on a solo adventure, conduct your own thorough research about a destination. From understanding local customs and dress codes to mapping out safe neighbourhoods and transportation options. It will help you feel well informed, and ready to navigate unfamiliar places. Whether it’s reading blogs, joining travel forums, or checking government advisories, knowledge becomes a powerful tool for building both safety and awareness.
You may also find this blog post helpful: How To Plan & Book The Perfect Trip
Alcohol awareness
Enjoy yourself, but stay in control. Limit your alcohol intake and always keep an eye on your drink. Never accept drinks from strangers unless you’ve seen them being poured, and even then, stay cautious. If you’re heading out solo, consider sticking to one or two drinks and always know how you’re getting back.
Carrying cash and valuables
Keep valuables visible and secure, especially in public spaces. Avoid hanging your bag on chair backs or leaving it on the floor; loop it around your leg or tuck it under the chair for added protection. Crossbody bags with zippers work best for keeping valuables close. If travelling to higher-risk destinations, leave sentimental items at home. Carry minimal cash, split between your purse, a hidden pocket or hidden compartment scrunchie and a secure pouch. Make a pretend purse with expired cards and a bit of cash to offer up if you’re ever targeted.
Find planning tools, digital guides, and travel must‑haves in the Pretty Planet Shop. Browse my Amazon Storefront for the best travel gadgets and accessories for your next trip.
Project confidence
Walk with purpose and stay aware of your surroundings. Blend in by dressing appropriately for the local culture and avoid drawing attention to the fact that you’re travelling alone. If something feels off, trust your instincts – leave immediately and head to a public, well-lit area or take a taxi back to your accommodation.
Download Google Maps or Maps.me before heading out. Google Maps allows you to save locations, check public transport, and share your live location with trusted contacts, while Maps.me works offline and is great for navigating without data. Knowing you can find your way around boosts confidence and reduces stress.
SIM card and battery backup
Set up a local SIM or eSIM such as Airalo before you go so you have data the moment you land – ideal for reliable access to calls, maps, and emergency services. Always carry a fully charged power bank so your phone stays usable throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to save the local emergency number and your accommodation’s contact info in your phone or on a piece of paper.
Social media safety
Avoid posting your location in real time. Share photos and updates after you’ve left a place to protect your privacy. You never know who’s watching, especially in public profiles or travel hashtags.
Handling unwanted attention
Dress modestly if needed to avoid unwanted attention, especially in conservative places. Be firm and confident without being confrontational. If someone is persistent, calmly say you’re meeting someone or mention a partner. If a situation escalates, head to the nearest public space, like a cafe, shop, or busy street, and ask staff for help. Most locals are happy to assist if you’re feeling unsafe.
Little white lies
Sometimes, a small white lie can be a powerful tool for protecting yourself while travelling solo. It’s perfectly fine to say you’re meeting your boyfriend, partner, or friends – even if you’re not. These harmless white lies can help defuse unwanted attention and create a sense of accountability or social backup. A few useful phrases are “I’m waiting for my husband to join me”, “My group is just around the corner”, “I have a local friend picking me up soon” etc etc.
You may also find these other blog posts helpful:
- A Quick Guide To The Best Travel Apps
- Travel Health & Safety Tips: A Practical Guide For Your Next Trip
- Why Travel Insurance Is So Important For Every Trip
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, feel free to comment, subscribe, or follow along on socials for more travel inspo. Some links may be affiliate at no extra cost to you, helping support Pretty Planet and keep the free advice flowing. If you found this helpful, and would like to support this little corner of the internet you can do so here. Your support means the world. Happy travelling!
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