The Things A Woman Has To Deal With…
Being a woman comes with a list of challenges. We are in a world where your gender alone can put you in danger. It’s a sad reality and a concern that such fears exist, so asking if it is safe for female solo travellers to travel the world alone is a VERY valid question.
If you’re from the UK, like me, you’ve probably watched a few Netflix series that make you nervous, like things happening to a woman because she’s a woman. We try to push it to the back of our minds and get on with life, but we’ll always have the thought: Are we safe here, let alone abroad?
I don’t want this post to scare you because many of our fears are irrational, and very few actually live out. Let me just say I’m 30 years old and have been to 38 countries, and I’m still here! I’ve lived in a few countries, gone solo, and been on mum-and-daughter trips. One thing these trips have all had in common is that I’m a female. And guess what? I’ve never had any concerns!
In this blog, I’ll cover some common questions about female solo travellers and recommend safety tips for women travelling alone.
Nervous about travelling solo? The Female Solo Travel Ebook has you covered!
Having fun on a solo trip to Mexico. Using my tripod to capture selfies.
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Why More Women Are Travelling Solo
Research shows that female solo travelling is on the rise. It’s a hot trend that’s been growing and will only grow. You’ve probably noticed people on your Instagram talking about going away solo or coming across Instagram profiles (like mine) featuring solo trips. So why? Well…
I believe this; you can agree or disagree. Women are just different now. We’ve been breaking away from society’s ‘traditional’ standards. Where it used to be a man’s world, we stayed home, did our ‘duties’, and stayed in our lanes. Now, it’s all about us! We are breaking free, literally.
So now, more than ever, women are taking the plunge to do solo trips, and good on them! A solo getaway brings many benefits to oneself, like freedom, confidence, and empowerment.
Exploring alone also magnifies a great sense of independence. I often get called brave…or mad, but people usually admire this solo travel life. As more women watch other girls fly internationally by themselves, they feel the urge to give it a go. If she can do it, so can I, right? And yes, YOU are right!
Safe Countries For Female Solo Travellers
Nowhere is deemed 100% safe, as anything can happen to anyone, everywhere. However, first-time female explorers generally go to countries with lower levels of reported crime, which others have dominated online as ‘safe’. So where’s that? There are two main continents:
Europe
Many feel that the continent Europe is a safer starting spot for travellers, as it’s most similar and familiar to the UK. Places like Spain, Portugal, and Italy are often recommended for solo travel and a great base to begin.
Suppose you’d like to go somewhere in Europe that is safe but different from the typical traveller route. In that case, I suggest starting in Norway, Latvia, or Montenegro—my favourite European solo travel trip ever!
Asia
For a long time, backpacker trips to Asia, like Thailand, Cambodia, Bali, and Vietnam, have been the typical go-to destinations for solo explorers. Even for female solo travellers, the reviews of feeling safe can’t go unnoticed. The land of smiles, the generosity of the locals, and the good vibes make this region welcoming to all types of people.
I spent 8 months in Thailand, most of it solo, and what an experience! I also spent a month in Bali as a female solo traveller (until my mum got jealous and joined in the final week), which I highly recommend considering as your first solo trip.
Also Recommends…
I would also highly recommend the Oceania region. You’ll find countries like New Zealand and Australia here. I spent 18 months on a working holiday visa in New Zealand, and it was the best decision my backpack had ever made.
I felt the safest ever in New Zealand, doing regular solo road trips and staying in remote areas. It’s a great location to make many friends and a good way to earn money while exploring the gorgeous country. I promise that when you return, your hunger for more solo adventures will be sky-high!
Enjoying my hike up Tongariro National Park in New Zealand
General Safety Consideration For Travelling Alone
Targeted
Valuables
Taken Advantage
Vulnerability
Appropriation
Corruption
Although we technically should be more concerned with travelling as female solo travellers, I have often found myself more looked after. These few extra cautions shouldn’t deter you from doing that solo trip. Do not let it stop you, girl!
Staying safe as a woman travelling solo is important, as is having fun!
Female Solo Travel Safety Tools
Battery Pack: Always have a battery pack with you. I’m talking from experience when I say there is NOTHING fun about being lost in a foreign country with a dead phone. It’s no fun; it’s risky and a safety concern. Don’t forget the universal adaptor to charge all your electronics. These are essential.
Air Tag: An air tag is a great way to boost your safety and confidence. It tracks your location like a GPS, similar to Find My iPhone. You could set it up on a friend’s or family’s phone and carry the tag on your keys, bag, etc. That way, they’ll be able to track your location. The more premium Apple Air Tags are also popular for GPS safety.
Wedge Door-Stop Alarm: Many girls travelling alone have found the Wedge Door Stop Alarm an excellent solution for concerns about people accessing their rooms while they sleep. The alarm will sound if anyone attempts to enter their room while they are there.
Money Belt: Keep your belongings safe with an anti-thief money belt. This is the usual go-to for travellers. I usually keep money in my trainers if I carry a lot for whatever reason, which is rare. It’s just the last place someone would check.
Alarm Safety: A personal safety defence alarm will help you feel confident when travelling. If you feel in danger, you can activate the loud alarm, which will help scare off potential attackers. This is good not only when you travel but for life in general.
Self-Defence Spray: This legal self-defence spray is trusted and supported within the police and female solo travelling community. Women feel a little safer knowing they have this legal protective weapon, so if this will help you feel less concerned, go ahead and grab some.
Safe Travel Tips For Travelling Solo
I don’t want you to be overly worried about your safety; going solo is generally safe. Like I’ve said, I’ve been to 38 countries and never had a safety concern that has made me second-think it, but I also recognise the need to be prepared.
Research and Insurance
Research your destination. Use tools like GOV.UK for travel, safety, law, document advice, and other concerns. For a small price, insurance can cover any unforeseeable damages or accidents, like missed flights, stolen gadgets, and medical bills. This is a non-negotiable tip.
Night Arrival
Having a booked taxi waiting for you at night is better than getting a random cab at the airport. Also, I would prefer to know that a company is tracking my taxis, so I usually pre-book a taxi on Booking.com for most countries.
Wellbeing
Share your itinerary with family or friends. This includes checking in with loved ones to let them know you’re safe and telling them your plans for the day. You can also let your hostel or hotel receptionist know where you are going. Also, download an offline map like Sygic, which works great when you don’t have a signal and need to know your directions.
Passport and Documents
Never leave your passport with anyone. Be wary if hotels or services ask to hold on to your passport. They usually ask for photocopies, but keeping your passport is not normal. Also, keep a copy of any documents in case you lose your phone. This includes flight/hotel details and passport.
Safety Tools
If you plan on staying in a hostel, bring a locker lock. Some hostels offer locks, and some are electronic, but it’s better to have your own, just in case they don’t.
Also, it’s okay to lie and say you are travelling with your boyfriend/partner/friends if you feel uncomfortable or concerned when someone asks if you’re travelling alone. Some female solo travellers even wear a ring on their wedding finger to deter being approached.
Going Live
Enjoy the moment, then share later instead of posting ‘live’. You don’t know who is watching your story on Instagram. You might have met people, exchanged socials, and then ‘coincidentally’ bumped into them. I’ve had this happen to me in England!
Flashy Gear
If you’re going to a wedding abroad or an upscale resort where being flashy is the norm, go for it. Otherwise, keep valuables at home or in the safe. Being flashy in a place of poverty is like walking with a big sign on your forehead saying, ‘Kidnap me.’ If you bring expensive equipment, e.g., a camera, ensure your insurance covers it.
Bilingual
Learning a few phrases or writing them down can be handy. For example, ‘I need help’, ‘Where is the hospital/police station?’, or ‘What are the directions to…?’ in a foreign language, in case of an emergency.
Girl, Slay
Be confident and trust your instincts. Coming across as shy, intimidated and insecure could help tricksters identify you as vulnerable. Own your thing, act confidently, and don’t sweat the small stuff!
Additional Safe Ways To Travel
Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How to Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning a safe, confident, and unforgettable adventure.
You can start by getting comfortable around your own country. This is a great way to see if you enjoy being out of your comfort zone. I recommend finding a hotel for a staycation for a few nights and take it from there. I often stay in hotels around the UK, and I love it. Sometimes, I just need a recharge instead of a full-blown holiday. If you are from the UK, London in particular, here are my Top 10 Staycation Hotels.
There are other ways to encourage you to explore alone, such as joining Facebook Groups. These groups are handy for tips and a great way to meet other solo girls. I recommend Gals Who Travel and Girls LOVE Travel as they’re active, and people are always looking to meet up, not just abroad.
You can also consider joining a tour group. Guided tours around the country offer different destinations. A popular, trusted tour company I recommend is Contiki. They have super fun staff and host cool tours in many places, like Thailand, with their Thai Island Hopper East tour. This takes you to some of the best spots in Thailand and is relatively budget-friendly. This is a great way to ease yourself into your solo travel journey.
For something really different, fun, sexy, and empowering, check out the S Retreat in Puerto Rico in April 2025! It’s focused on self-discovery and empowerment and is hosted by the well-known Sheila Kelley, the world’s go-to voice for feminine embodiment—from the stages of Tony Robbins and Mindvalley to TEDx and Mama Gena.
Pros vs Cons Of Going Alone
| PROS | CONS |
| – The freedom to do what you want, where, and when you want. | – Having to rely on yourself to choose what to do with your days |
| – The flexibility to move around to other locations and countries on your own time | – Can get bored if you don’t plan your days out and have nothing to do |
| – Gain confidence and independence through travelling alone | – All pressure on you, from flights, hotels, transport, activities, safety etc. |
| – Learn about how you problem-solve and handle situations | – Additional safety concerns as you don’t have a partner watching your back |
| – Fearless attitude, knowing you’re capable of doing anything | – Can be more expensive as not dividing things such as hotel costs or rental cars |
| – Some skills can only be learnt through experiences like travelling | – Feeling anxious or scared in a foreign country, making you feel homesick |
| – Knowledge of other places in the world making you more open-minded | – The fear of the unknown eating you alive |
| – Making new friends in hotels, tours, on the road and becoming lifelong buddies | – Concerned if you happen to have an emergency and no one is with you |
Handling Travel Emergency Situations
No one wants to be alone in an emergency. Unfortunately, we can not foresee some situations, but acknowledging and preparing for what we would do in an emergency is good for reassurance.
Knowing the country’s phone code (e.g., +44) and emergency service number (e.g., 999) is good if you are unlikely to find yourself in danger. A quick Google of this and even a screenshot could be the thing that saves you from trouble.
If you fall unwell whilst abroad and need medical care, your travel insurance will come into play. I highly advise paying a little extra for insurance, as medical bills can rack up quickly into the 1000s. Here are five ways to handle an emergency:
Stay calm and assess the situation. Take a deep breath and evaluate what’s happening around you. You need a clear mind to make better decisions. Staying as calm as possible helps you prioritize your actions and avoid escalating the situation, so work on your calmness.
Identify safe places nearby. Look for secure locations like a hotel lobby, a police station, a well-lit cafe, or other populated areas where you can find help if needed. Additionally, looking out for a few landmarks or carrying a small map can also be useful in an unfamiliar location.
Always have emergency contacts saved in your phone and written on paper. Also, write down local emergency numbers, embassy contact information, and family members’ numbers. Some smartphones allow quick access to emergency contacts from the lock screen, which can be useful.
Use personal safety devices. As mentioned in the safety tool section, carry simple safety devices like a personal alarm or portable door lock. If you feel threatened, a personal alarm can draw attention and potentially deter an attacker, while a portable door lock adds an extra layer of security to your accommodation.
Trust your instincts. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from locals, hotel staff, or other travellers if you’re distressed. Also, people in positions of authority (security guards, shopkeepers) or groups of other travellers may provide support and guidance in urgent situations.
That’s A Wrap!
Throughout this guide, I have shared tips and tools to help keep you safe and feel more confident about your safety as a woman and solo traveller. I hope I have helped you take that plunge! If you need more in-depth info about travelling alone, the Female Solo Travel Ebook covers every step!
At the end of the day…you don’t want to regret the things you didn’t say yes to, so what are you waiting for? Go live your best YES on that solo trip!
