Solo female travel: How to stay safe on the road

As a female travelling solo, the issue of safety may be a concern or a worry you have before taking a solo trip. I for sure know some people who wouldn’t travel to a certain place, just simply because they would be a woman alone. I think it’s right to be a little concerned, especially if you’re headed to a country where women don’t usually travel alone, etc, BUT I don’t think it should stop you completely. Showing concern shows that you are aware of potential dangers, which is a far better place to be then say, naively wandering around a conservative country in a revealing pair of shorts.

Using common sense, being pro-active and reading up about the country in advance so you know what to expect is a far better approach. There are dangerous parts of any place or country and if you let that stop you, you would never travel anywhere. So here are a list of tips I have picked up over the years that I hope will help and leave you feeling much more self-assured and ready to take the solo plunge!

Walk with Confidence

Simply walking like you know where you’re going can be a total game changer in not getting harassed multiple times down a street. It also makes you look more sure of yourself and in control. If you’re wandering around looking lost at a map or appearing very nervous then it can make you an easier target. Even though you may feel incredibly vulnerable remember to put that poker face on and act confident.

If you are stuck then going into a local shop or cafe to ask for directions is a far better option then standing on the street looking lost. If you are in a more Western place where you can freely walk around with a smartphone, then I would advise to download a transport map onto your phone and use that if you are lost. Looking at a paper map can make you stand out as a tourist and thieves know that tourists may be carrying expensive items like a camera or cash on them.

Be Alert in a New City

Once you get to a new place it’s a good idea to take a look around and watch how things work and how people do things. Observe the locals and in particular the local women, how do they dress? How do they behave? Do they walk around after dark? Being vigilant and observing these things give you an indication on the local customs and rules so you can better judge situations.

Respect Local Customs

In some countries woman can be seen ‘less dominant’ or ‘submissive’ to men. They may not be able to go out after dark or need a male chaperone when they go out, or it might be unusual for a woman to work or raise her voice to a man, etc. In a lot of countries women need to cover up, not wearing tight or revealing clothing. Although it may not be the same as your culture it would be wise to follow their rules to some extent. Mainly out of respect as a visitor but it can also be a matter of safety. If you were to go out in revealing clothes where it is not the norm, you may get unwanted attention. It can be much safer to cover up.

Create a ‘Boyfriend’

Ok so you are walking down a street on your own and you start to get harassed with the most frequently asked question ‘no boyfriend?!’ (as if we need one!). You may say you don’t have a boyfriend and are travelling solo, which I have said a few times much to the surprise of the local men (a woman travelling alone can be unheard of in some places). However this can just lead to further harassment so it can be simpler to say ‘oh yes, he’s waiting for me round the corner’, you never know, it might just throw them.

Sometimes (just sometimes) they will back off when you tell them you’re off to meet your boyfriend or that you’re married. I also read somewhere about wearing a fake wedding ring which seems like it could be a good idea! I hate the fact that we may have to go to these lengths as women but if it helps to ease off some harassment then why not?

More on how to handle harassment: Being harassed: How to politely say NO

Make Friends

Staying in hostels gives the advantage of meeting like-minded travellers. I meet so many girls who are also travelling solo and it feels like you share an automatic bond like ‘you’re in it together’. Other backpackers, especially those travelling on their own are usually more open to making friends and exploring a new place together. It’s normally pretty easy to make friends in a hostel and just having someone else to hang around with can really pick you up and feel much safer in a new place. You can also gain great advice from others about which places to avoid, or certain scams they may have experienced, and just general advice that will become invaluable to you.

Be Prepared

There’s a great saying ‘be prepared or prepare to fail’. Being prepared in safety matters can help put your mind at ease. Having a ‘plan b’ in case something goes wrong. It’s a good idea to have a back up or photocopy of all personal documents and some extra cash stored in a separate place to your handbag. Enough cash so that if your handbag gets stolen, you have enough to get you by for 3 days or so (enough time for someone to send you over some emergency money).

Also being prepared with medications and a simple first aid kit can help you to feel in control for any situation. It’s a good idea to know the countries emergency numbers, plus any international numbers for your bank, immigration, etc in case of an emergency. This will help you feel much less panicked and ready to sort out any problem.

Research Your Destination

Doing a bit of research before you leave can make you aware in advance of the destination you are heading to. How do I need to dress? Are there any local scams to be aware of? Is it safe to walk around at night? Finding out this information beforehand can be invaluable and help you to see when scams are coming. Talking to other travellers on Facebook groups like Girls Love Travel is a great way to get real advice from people who have already been.

Know the Area

When arriving at your hostel, its a good idea to ask at reception for a map and for them to point out the best areas to visit and the areas to avoid. Usually the people working there will know the area well and be able to tell you if a certain place is unsafe or at what time of night it starts to get unsafe. You can also get great tips from the reception staff about local areas or things to do that you might not have known about, so its worth asking them.

Update Friends and Family

Letting people know your itinerary of where you are whilst travelling can be helpful- just in case something goes wrong. If you can, let someone know where you are going when you are there- maybe someone in your dorm room or probably a better bet- the hostel reception. That way if something happens they will know you should have been back and be able to alert the authorities. This is obviously the worst case scenario but by doing these small steps, it just might make a difference if anything goes wrong. You have to cover your back.

Know Your Hostel Address

I will always pick up a hostel card with their address and phone number on it.  Then if I get lost I can show this to a taxi driver to get back safely. If you are in a place where they don’t speak much English, find someone who can write down the address in the local language. You will feel much less worried about getting lost if you know you can show the address to a local, who can point you in the right direction.

Don’t Drink Too Much

If you are with good friends or people you trust then having a few drinks should be harmless, as long as your not all blind drunk! But if you are travelling alone and are maybe heading out with someone you’ve just met from your hostel, I wouldn’t completely rely on them. Some people you can get a good vibe and instant from but you can’t always rely on just that. Have a plan to get home. Your new friend may end up with someone else and leaving you, so have your own plan. Know that you can get home, even if you find yourself alone.

Have your phone charged and also write copies of taxi companies and your hostel number and address (in case your phone dies). Know the route to get home and what time local transport will stop running. Doing this will mean you don’t end up stuck and not knowing where to go. And knowing that you can get home safely will make you feel much more relaxed to enjoy your evening.

There’s No Price on Safety

If you are in a situation that doesn’t feel right- it’s probably not. So get out of there. Even if that means spending money on an expensive cab then do it. It might have turned out to be nothing but if you don’t feel comfortable, spending money to get yourself to somewhere you feel safe is completely worth it. Trust your instincts.

Lock Up Your Stuff!

Knowing you have your valuables safe and locked up in your hostel can take a worry off your mind. Most hostels will have huge lockers- enough to fit your big bag in so take some padlocks along with you. If the hostel doesn’t have a locker then you could ask if they have a locked safe at reception or take them with you. If you’re not comfortable carrying around valuables then buy a backpack protector so your stuff is safe outside of a locker.

Blend In

Keeping a lower profile can help you not stick out as much as a tourist. Try to get out your camera only long enough for you to get your shot. Wandering around with an expensive camera around your neck screams out that you have expensive gear on your person. Also if it doesn’t feel safe to take out your camera or phone then don’t- its just not worth it. Wait for the right time to get the shot you want and don’t make it obvious you are carrying around expensive items.

Pre Book Taxis

If I can, I will ask the hostel for recommend trusted taxi companies or ask them to book me a taxi to wherever I’m going. I usually book accommodation close to a bus or train station but if its night time then I may grab a taxi to take me to the station. It’s much safer than hailing one off the street. If you do do that then make sure they put the meter on or you bargain for a price before you get in.

Get Airport Ready

If possible its better to arrive to a place during the day but of course flights arriving late will be cheaper. If this is the case and your plane gets in well after dark then do some research. How will you get from the airport and is it safe to do so late at night? Sometimes arriving late to a destination with all your luggage in tow, wandering around, not quite sure where to go, can make you stand out. There may be many taxi drivers outside ready to run up to you offering their ‘best’ price.

Make sure you know the best way to get to your accommodation and the average price for transport. If you are arriving late at night it might make you feel better to pre book a transfer. I’m glad I booked a transfer beforehand when arriving to Delhi, India at 11pm! Other tips for airports is make sure you know your connections, where you need to pick up your bags, whether you need a transit visa and how long it will take to get to your gate. Get in control.

Last Step- Relax!

If it’s your first time travelling of course you will be nervous- it’s that fight or flight response. Being cautious is good as you will be more aware of your surroundings. But let that feeling drive you as opposed to running away. Anything can be daunting the first time round but the more you do it the more empowering it gets. Follow these safety tips and you will for sure be much more prepared physically and mentally for anything travel throws at you.

Remember that if something goes wrong, you have a plan of action to deal with it- you are in control. Solo travel is a wonderful thing that you can be proud of. Let it empower you and drive you. As long as you are sensible and prepared then just relax. By preparing in advance you are taking a weight off your shoulders that doesn’t need to be there when you’re on the road. Enjoy your travels, take it all in and remember you got this!

Hope this post on Solo female travel: How to stay safe on the road was helpful, please comment below if you have any questions. Please share this post with your friends and lets inspire more girls to go it alone!

Check out more solo female travel tips here: Solo Female Travel

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