The number one question I get when I tell people that I’m traveling alone is, “Is it safe?“. The first time I traveled solo I was obviously nervous for many reasons. But I felt like getting this question over and over again made it worse. For many people, the thought of venturing out into the world alone is a terrifying idea. If the people around you keep telling you how unsafe the world is, you’ve probably hesitated to take your first solo trip. If you’re trying to break out of your comfort zone and see more of the world, then learning how to stay safe while traveling alone is essential. This is my detailed guide on how to travel alone safely, no matter where you are in the world!
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The World is Not as Dangerous as We’re Made to Believe
One of the biggest obstacles preventing people from traveling alone is the fear narrative perpetuated by society, the media, and even well-meaning friends and family. We often hear stories of muggings, kidnappings, and scams that make it seem like the world is a scary and dangerous place. This constant influx of negative news makes it easy to assume that solo travelers, particularly women, are at higher risk. But these stories are the exception, not the norm. Most solo travelers return home safe with stories of personal growth, cultural connection, and unforgettable experiences.
It’s obviously still important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. But fear shouldn’t dictate your travel plans. The truth is that many places around the world are incredibly safe for solo travelers, even though society and media does not portray this. Out of the 163 countries ranked on the Global Peace Index, the United States ranked 132. If you’re from the US, most places you go abroad are safer than where you live.
As far as being a solo female traveler goes, you’re unfortunately less safe as a woman regardless of where you are in the world. We often hear about foreign countries where women are oppressed. But we almost never hear about the ones where women feel safer. For example, Japan has female-only subway cars and accommodations, which instantly made me feel safer while traveling solo. You can read more about my experience here. There’s many more examples, but I felt extremely safe in many countries that people told me I should avoid as a woman, such as Rwanda and Iraq.
Practicing Safety is Universal
No matter where you travel, basic safety precautions tend to remain the same as the ones you take at home. In many destinations, crime rates against tourists are low. When they do happen, they’re usually non-violent incidents such as petty theft or scams. These issues can be easily avoided by taking common-sense precautions. Being aware of your environment and trusting your instincts go a long way in staying safe. While things may feel different because you’re in another country, the basics of safety are pretty much universal. Practicing the following safety tips will likely keep you safe, no matter where you are in the world.
- Having situational awareness. Staying mindful of your surroundings can help you recognize potential risks early and make safer decisions while traveling alone.
- Don’t walk around with headphones in. This limits your ability to hear what’s happening around you and reduces your awareness of potential dangers. I wouldn’t even recommend using them with the sound off. You may be perceived as being less aware for even having them on.
- Don’t flash your valuables. You might feel more comfortable having your valuable items out in public at home, but truthfully it’s never a good idea. The less unwanted attention you attract, the safer you’ll be.
- Avoid places that you know are more risky: Public transport at night, dark alleys, rough bars, etc.
- Trust your gut: if you have a bad feeling about a place, leave! Safety is a human instinct and our bodies can feel when things aren’t safe, even if our minds don’t know why. Solo travel truly helps you tap into this instinct.
Things I Always Do To Travel Alone Safely
The best way to travel alone safely is to prepare appropriately. Being prepared will give you a sense of control and confidence. There are so many things you can do to ensure your safety before you even leave for your adventure. Here are some things I always do before traveling alone that make me feel safer.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free program that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to register their international trips. This way the Department of State can quickly contact you in case of emergency. Enrolling in STEP can give you peace of mind by knowing you’re connected with the local U.S. embassy or consulate during your trip. Through STEP, the embassy can send you important safety updates, natural disaster info, or other important events in the country you’re visiting. This direct line of communication ensures that you stay informed about potential risks in real-time. This will help you make well-informed decisions to avoid dangerous situations.
STEP was actually helpful for me once during COVID times. I was traveling in Morocco and the border was going to unexpectedly close due to the quick-spreading omicron strain. I had to leave the country quickly, or risk having to stay there indefinitely. The STEP program sent me updates that other people I met while traveling were not getting. In a stressful situation like that, it’s nice to have some sort of guide to help you through it. It’s something I never thought I’d actually use, but it ended up being super helpful.
Make copies of important documents
One of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself while traveling solo is to make copies of your important documents. It’s smart to have both physical and digital backups of your passport, driver’s license, visa documents, travel insurance, and any other identification you may need. Generally speaking, make a copy of whatever paperwork you need to get into the country. Store the physical copies in a separate place from the originals to ensure you still have access to essential info in case anything goes missing. Keeping digital scans of these documents on a secure cloud platform, like Google Drive or Dropbox, is also incredibly helpful. If you lose access to the physical copies, you can quickly retrieve them from your phone or any computer.
A copy of your passport can be extra valuable in emergencies. Consulates and embassies can help replace lost passports, but having a copy of your original can help speed up the process. Also, in some countries, certain documents may be required to confirm your identity or even to access local services. So having those digital backups handy can be a real lifesaver.
Another thing I really like to have copies of is passport-sized photos (2 in x 2 in). First, if you lose your passport and they need to issue you a new one, you’ll already have photos. But they can also save you time with visas on arrival. If you already have a photo to give them for your visa, it can save some time on that process. I don’t always use them for this reason, but if the process it taking really long, or they try to send you to a separate line for photos, then you’ll be glad you have these.
Keep a Bluetooth Tracker on Me
Bluetooth trackers are definitely a game-changer when it comes to travel safety. At this point, you’ve probably already been using them to track your checked luggage. But there are so many other ways to leverage them for your safety. The first way is to just keep one on you at all times. If you have a family member who constantly worries about your well-being, this is a great way to offer them some peace of mind while you’re traveling alone. The second way is to keep one in your day bag so that if you lose it, or it gets stolen, you have a way of trying to get it back.
One unconventional way I use mine is to keep it in my passport holder. Even if I leave my passport in a safe in my hotel room, I’m constantly thinking about when I last saw it. So if you have mild anxiety like me, you can just check its location on your phone, and then continue to enjoy your trip! I use a Samsung Bluetooth Tracker, but here are the airtags for you Apple people!
Divide Up My Money
This includes all my methods of payment. I always make sure to travel with at least two different credit cards, my debit card, and some cash in US dollars. I’ll keep one credit card on me, and leave one in the safe back at my hotel/ hostel. I also don’t bring all my cash with me at one time. I’ve never had a credit card compromised while traveling, but just recently one of my debit cards was compromised at an ATM in Brazil… or at least this is what my bank tells me. Having some cash to exchange ensures that I’ll be able to get local currency, even if my debit card isn’t working.
Have a Personal Safety Alarm
I think having a personal safety alarm is a must for all solo travelers. They can add a layer of security while exploring a new destination alone. With just the pull of a pin, it emits a loud, piercing noise that immediately attracts attention. It’s useful in crowded areas or in a public place where you might feel vulnerable. The sound would definitely startle any aggressor and alert people nearby that something is wrong.
When people think of things to carry with them for safety, pepper spray is one of the most common things that comes to mind. But I prefer personal safety alarms to pepper spray. First, it’s not a good idea to bring pepper spray with you to the airport, as it could be considered a weapon. Second, pepper spray requires a steady hand and close range to be effective, while your personal safety alarm can be used from a distance, and there’s no chance of injuring yourself while using it.
Things I Would Never Do to Travel Alone Safely
While there are many things I always do to stay safe on my solo travels, there are just as many things I’d never do! Some actions just aren’t worth the risk when you’re traveling alone, and avoiding them helps keep me worry-free. Here’s my list of absolute don’t’s when it comes to staying safe.
Don’t worry excessively about the US travel advisory levels.
US travel advisories can sound intimidating—often painting certain destinations as way more risky than they are. While solo travelers should pay attention to them, they shouldn’t let them dictate every travel plan! The advisories tend to generalize and don’t really reflect the everyday experiences of visitors or locals in those regions. They’re designed to cover a broad range of potential issues, some of which may be outdated or overly cautious. I’ve been to level 4 advisory countries that felt safer than the level 2 advisory countries. So while it’s good to be informed, taking them too seriously can prevent you from experiencing incredible destinations that are safe for solo travelers.
Don’t post your location on social media in real time.
I feel like this tip is more often given to female travelers, but I think it applies to men as well. Real-time location updates can make it easy for people—both friends and strangers—to track your exact movements. This can put you in unsafe situations, especially if someone figures out you’re traveling alone. Even if you don’t tag the location, there are sick people out there who know how to look at the geo-tag your phone probably saved without you knowing. It’s best to just post a place after you’ve already left. This gives you the freedom to fully enjoy the moment without worrying about who might be watching.
Don’t tell people you’re traveling alone.
This is something many people don’t think about, but can be a huge risk for solo travelers. Telling people you’re a solo traveler can seem harmless, and even brave. But if people know you are alone, you may come off as an easy target. I always tell people I meet while traveling that I’m with a friend, but they just stayed back at the hotel because they didn’t feel well. When booking a hotel accommodation, I make the reservation for two people, even if it’s just me. It shouldn’t cost you anything extra, and the hotel won’t know you’re traveling alone until the last minute. If they ask when you get there, just say that your travel companion missed their flight, but they should be joining you in a day or so.
If you’re concerned about lying to any new friends you might be making, I promise you they will understand when you tell them the truth 🙂.
Don’t hand anyone your phone to take a picture or for directions.
This one might seem excessive, but it’s an easy way for your trip to go south very quickly. Unfortunately, some people may take advantage of your trust and worst-case scenario might take off with your phone. To get my photos, I’ll opt for a selfie or set up my travel tripod if the area seems safe. If you want a photo, ask a fellow tourist to take it for you. You can usually tell who those are, as they’ll be trying to get the same photos as you are. If a random person comes up to you and asks if you want a photo, don’t be afraid to politely decline. They may have the best intentions, but your phone is too valuable to take any chances.
Don’t keep your cash or cards in your bag.
Another one that might seem overly excessive, but I try not to keep any of my cash or credit cards in my day bag, just in case it gets lost or stolen. Instead, I use these wrist pouches, to keep them more discreet. They admittedly might look weird with some outfits, but it’s way harder to lose your cash or cards this way.
Don’t accept anything “free”.
This one requires a bit of common sense. At a restaurant, it may be fine. But while exploring markets or touristy areas, this is more often than not a trap. “Free” items can sometimes be a tactic to lure you into a conversation to distract you or to make you feel obligated to give something in return. By politely declining, you avoid being cornered into an uncomfortable situation, financial traps, or even pickpocketing schemes. Sometimes people may be insistent on giving you something for free, and you may feel uncomfortable saying no. In these situations, just walk away and don’t say anything at all. If it seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
Don’t tell your rideshare your name.
This one is good for traveling in a foreign country, and your everyday life. It might feel natural to greet your driver with, “Hey, is this ride for [your name]?” but this actually gives them control over the situation. Instead, let them tell you who they’re picking up. It might seem unnecessary if the app gives you the license plate number, but it will come in handy if you’re traveling in a foreign country where the letters and numbers are different. This is a small but powerful step for your safety when traveling solo.
Don’t go anywhere if you don’t have a plan on how you’re going to get back.
Wandering into the unknown is all part of the thrill of solo travel, but if you don’t have a plan for how to get back to your hotel, you’re putting yourself in an unsafe situation. Especially if you’re heading out into a remote area, or going out at night, you need to plan on how you’ll get back to your home base safely. Knowing the name of your hotel in the local language, downloading offline Google Maps, or knowing the local public transportation options are all ways you can ensure that you’re able to get back ssafely.
Don’t forget your power bank.
I am that friend that judges you when your phone is at 10% and you don’t have a power bank. To me, this is absolutely reckless. I always keep a power bank in my day pack, especially since I use my phone to take all my photos, so it’s easy for my battery to drain quickly. Having a power bank ensures my phone doesn’t die, leaving me stranded in an unfamiliar area that I don’t know how to navigate. There’s no guarantee that anyone will have a charger for you to use, so it’s best to just have your own.
Even if you manage to find an outlet, scammers are always one step ahead of us. Have you ever heard of “juice-jacking“? It’s yet another travel scam where USB charging ports can be compromised with malware to maliciously access electronic devices while they are being charged. It’s crazy to think that your personal information might be compromised, by simply plugging your phone into a USB port. Having your own can give you peace of mind that this won’t happen to you.
Don’t use your debit card on portable card machines.
Ever since I learned about skimming devices, I have been extra cautious with my debit card. Unlike credit cards, which often come with built-in fraud protection and perks, debit cards aren’t always offered the same protections. Also, if your debit card becomes compromised, your whole bank account could be at risk. If you need to pay on a portable card machine, it’s best to use your travel credit card. If the machine is compromised, it will be much easier to dispute the fraudulent transactions on your credit card.
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The key to traveling alone safely is having the confidence to navigate new situations and adapt to your surroundings. With the proper preparation, situational awareness, and trust in your instincts, solo travel can be one of the most rewarding and empowering experiences of your life. I hope these tips ease any safety concerns you may have about traveling solo and empower you to take that trip. Make sure to check out my other blog posts for more solo travel inspo!
