When it comes to travel, women tend to have a different set of considerations than their male counterparts. Women are often more likely to be cautious about personal safety and the potential negative experiences when traveling alone; after all, it’s not uncommon for women to fear being targeted for catcalls, harassment or assault based solely on their gender.
If you’re planning your first solo trip and want to travel as a woman, read these safety tips for women before you book your next vacation. In this post, we’ll cover everything from packing tips to avoiding sexual assault while traveling. Even if you’ve been on plenty of solo travels before, there might be something new here that helps you feel even more confident and ready the next time you hit the road by yourself.
Packing for solo travel
First things first, let’s talk about what to pack for your solo trip. While every traveler has their own preferences, there are a few things you should always plan to have on you when traveling alone. These include: A copy of your passport – If something happens and you lose your passport, you have a backup.
Bag tags – Place these on your bag so that if it gets misplaced or stolen, you can easily track down the owner. A pen – For filling out forms, taking notes and signing autographs. A day bag – This should be small enough to throw in the overhead compartment of the plane and large enough to hold your essentials for the day. A cheap pair of earphones – In case the ones provided by the airline break or get lost. A credit card and cash – Keep these in a separate place from your travel documents and keep track of your spending.
Traveling alone safely
Before you even leave home, make sure you’re prepared for a safe journey. If you’re flying, arrive at the airport early enough to allow for any last-minute hitches. If you’re driving, plan your route and your rest stops carefully to avoid fatigue. Know where you’re going, the local customs and what to do if you get lost or have car trouble.
Before you leave, make sure you have a contact person you can call at home in case of an emergency. When you arrive at your destination, stay safe by choosing trustworthy accommodation and using common sense. If you’re staying in a hostel, choose a room that has a lock on the door, and don’t let strangers into your room. If you’re staying in a hotel, ask for a room on the first floor. If you need to use public transportation, make sure you pay attention to the surroundings and keep your valuables out of sight.
Safety in numbers
If you’re nervous about traveling alone, try to travel with a friend or group whenever possible. The more people you’re with, the less likely you are to be on the receiving end of unwanted attention. If you can’t travel with a friend, try to base yourself in a group like Couchsurfing. You’ll have the added bonus of new friends and a wider network of people who can point you toward the good stuff in their city. If you’re traveling alone with a group, you can also take advantage of group chats to help keep everyone connected and up-to-date on each other’s whereabouts.
Stay in touch and be aware of your surroundings
If you’re nervous about staying in touch with loved ones while you’re traveling, you have a few options. Before you leave, make sure all your online accounts have two-factor authentication enabled. This will help keep your emails and social media accounts secure. Try to keep your phone charged and avoid using data where you can.
Instead, opt for voice calls and iMessage or WhatsApp texts where possible, and set your phone to “do not disturb” mode when you don’t want to be interrupted. If you’re worried about being safe on public transportation, you can also download an app like City Transit to help you keep track of the safest ways to get around.
Solo accommodation safety
When booking accommodation while traveling solo, you want to choose somewhere that is clean and safe, but also affordable. You don’t have to book a five-star hotel just because you’re traveling solo. For example, Hostels are a great option for budget-friendly solo travelers because you get the added bonus of meeting new people along the way and having a built-in safety net in case something happens in the middle of the night.
You can also try Couchsurfing, which is a free way to meet local people and stay in their homes while traveling. If you choose to stay in a hotel, make sure that you stay on the first floor and look for signs of potential break-ins. If you notice anything that seems out of place, report it to the front desk.
Safeguarding your passport and cash
Your first line of defense is protecting your valuables and documents. Keep your passport, cash, and other important travel documents in a hidden pouch under your clothing.
You might also want to consider using a money belt to keep your valuables close to your body. This way, even if you are pick-pocketed, your valuables will be harder to reach. While you are traveling, be vigilant about safeguarding your cash and credit cards. Don’t carry too much cash on you, and try not to leave your credit cards in your hotel room.
If you are staying in a hostel, it’s best to keep your valuables with you at all times. Try not to flash around a lot of cash while traveling. While it is great to show gratitude to your local tour guide or driver, you also don’t want to make yourself a target for thieves.
Protect yourself from theft and assault
If you are traveling alone, try to stay in populated areas or book a room at a hotel near other people. Avoid walking alone at night or in secluded areas. Be mindful of your surroundings, and try to walk with confidence. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive watches while traveling. Encountering a pickpocket or mugger can be a scary and traumatic experience.
If you are confronted, you can defend yourself by putting your hands in your pockets, kicking your foot towards their shins, or giving a loud scream.
Find reliable transportation
When booking your travel, try to find a reputable or well-reviewed transportation option. Avoid taking rides with strangers or hailing rides from the side of the road. You can also use public transportation whenever possible to stay safe. If you do choose to use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, make sure you are using a ride-sharing app that is regulated by local laws.
If you are driving in a foreign country, follow the country’s rules of the road and make sure your car is up-to-date. If you are driving a rental car, make sure you have the correct license and insurance. If you do choose to drive, do not drive while you are tired.
Learn a few useful words or phrases in the local language
Before visiting a new country, try to learn a few useful words or phrases in the local language. This will help ease communication with the locals and make you less of a target. While it is great to use Google translate or an app to translate the language, it is always better to try to learn the basics.
In some cultures, it is considered disrespectful to try to translate everything. If you are traveling with a friend or partner, consider learning some basic words or phrases in their native language. This will make them feel more welcome and make it easier to communicate with the people you meet along the way.
Don’t pack too many valuables
Before you head out on your adventure, make sure you do not bring too many valuables with you. While you may want to bring your favorite jewelry, try not to bring any jewelry that has significant value. Leave your fancy watches and jewelry at home so they can’t be stolen. Avoid bringing expensive electronics with you on your trip.
Make a copy of your passport and other important documents and leave them at home in a secure place. This way, if your passport is lost or stolen, you have a backup. You can also leave a copy of your travel itinerary with a family member or friend.
Resist oversharing
If you are traveling on your own or staying in a hostel, be careful about sharing too much information with people you don’t know. Make sure you are discerning who you are talking to and don’t give out too much information. If someone is genuinely interested in getting to know you, they will not mind taking it slow.
If you are staying in a hostel, try to stick with people in your own age range. If you are traveling with others, try to stay with people you feel are trustworthy. If a person is pressuring you to drink or do something that makes you uncomfortable, politely decline and leave the situation.
Keep an eye out for travel advisories
Before booking your ticket, check the country’s travel website for any alerts or travel advisories. This will give you an idea of the general safety level in the country or city you are planning to visit. You can also search for travel blogs or forums written by fellow female travelers. This will help you get a better idea of what to expect while visiting a specific country.
Before you book your ticket, check the website to see what level of danger the government has issued for the city you are visiting. This information can help you decide if you want to go to that city or not. It can also help you decide if you should take certain precautions.
Don’t let fear hold you back!
If you’re nervous about traveling alone, the best thing you can do is confront your fears head-on. Before you leave on your trip, try to identify exactly what about traveling alone is scaring you and then write down five ways you can deal with those fears. For example, if you’re worried about staying safe while traveling alone, you could write down, “I’m worried that someone will steal my stuff when I’m on vacation.” Then you can follow up with five solutions to help ease your fears.
For example, you could leave your valuables at home or wear a money belt, download a travel safety app or sign up for a travel wallet that helps you track your purchases. Traveling can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be daunting. By following these tips, you can make sure your next solo trip is safe and enjoyable.
Bottom line
Travel is an incredibly rewarding experience. If you are careful about staying safe, you don’t have to worry about having an amazing time. By using these tips, you can enjoy your travel experience and come back with some great travel stories. If you are a woman, you should not be afraid to explore the world. By following the tips above, you can stay safe and have an amazing time on your adventure abroad.