Solo Female Traveler’s Survival Guide: Safety Tips for the Road

Planning a solo trip or kicking off your digital nomad journey is exhilarating, yet safety concerns (especially as a woman) can make what should be really exciting somewhat scary. As someone who has lived and worked on 5 different continents and in 40+ countries I can totally understand the fears. I am sure multiple people in your life have already told you some horror story about someone they know that has had a bad experience.

And while of course there is risk, the benefits of travel far exceed the anxiety you feel before getting started.

If podcasts are more of your thing – check out this episode sharing more insight about safety for solo travelers 🙂

1. Do your research

This seems obvious enough, but I still think it is worth mentioning. It is important to know what is happening around the world and staying up to date on current events. Researching what countries are simply not worth risk is worthwhile. With that being said, there are definitely countries I have visited with a stigma around them that I have felt totally safe in (example: Colombia, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt). I find it helpful to google safety index numbers as well as reading blog posts about specific cities I want to visit from other female travelers. It can also be beneficial to know the local emergency phone numbers.

2. Share your location

I share my location via “find my friends” on my iPhone with my mom, sisters and several friends. I know some people are weird about this, but I think it gives not only me some peace of mind when I am abroad but my loved ones appreciate it as well.

3. Don’t post your live location

The opposite of point number 2, but I think its not worth sharing my live location on any of my public social media accounts. If I want to post a story on my Instagram, I usually wait until I am no longer there just as an extra precaution. You may think this is a bit excessive, but to me it just isn’t worth the risk.

4. Avoid telling strangers you are traveling alone

I have definitely broken this rule more than once, and I do think there is a sense of leniency when you are in a colive with other digital nomads. But, I do think it is a good rule to have if you are out exploring and interacting with strangers. I will sometimes just say I am traveling with some friends or perhaps a cousin if anyone asks.

5. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption

Of course drinking and going out is a great way to loosen up and get to know new people, but I think this point is worth mentioning. If you are intoxicated in a foreign country with people you just met there are more chances for you to get taken advantage of. So figure out what your balance is as well as who you can trust.

6. Balance caution with openness

While listening to the experiences of other travelers can provide valuable insights, it’s important not to let negative anecdotes overshadow your own experiences. For instance, despite hearing some horror stories about Cape Town before my visit, my time spent traveling and working there was easily one of my favorites. Remember to approach each destination with an open heart and mind, allowing yourself to form your own impressions. By striking a balance between caution and curiosity, you can navigate the world as a fearless and empowered solo traveler.

7. Trust your gut

Trusting your instincts is, without a doubt, one of my most valuable pieces of advice. I think the ability to listen to your gut is so important. If you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, get out of the situation as soon as possible. Countless travelers who’ve encountered unfortunate situations, whether it’s being pickpocketed or worse, often admit to having a bad feeling right before the incident. Of course you can’t always avoid it but intuition is a powerful tool.

By incorporating these safety measures into your travel preparations, you can embark on your solo adventures with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, while safety is paramount, don’t let fear hold you back from experiencing the wonders of the world. Safe travels!

Bonus: Safety Accessories

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