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 that such a thing exists, so asking if it is safe for female solo travellers to go travel the world alone is a valid concern.
If you’re from the UK, you’ll know the stories, the documentaries, and the news coverage of cruel things that have happened 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 in another country.
I don’t want this post to scare you because many of our fears are formed, with none actually lived out. I’m 30 years old and have been to 38 countries. 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 a safety situation like that.
In this blog, I’ll cover some common questions and recommend tips and tricks to help keep you safe as a female solo traveller. Before I continue, I want to remind you that anything can happen anywhere, even in your hometown. Also, know that solo travelling can be overwhelming at first, but don’t let fear or other people’s opinions scare you into not trying something new.
Being confident to travel solo as a woman is top-tier energy!
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Is It Common To Travel Solo As A Female?
Research shows that female solo travelling is on the rise. It’s a hot trend that’s been growing, and it’s only gonna grow more. You’ve probably noticed people on your Instagram talking about going away solo or come across profiles (like mine) featuring solo trips. So why? Well…
Have you ever had to wait for your friends to be available for a holiday? Or gone on a holiday with your friends and realised that the trip was NOT IT, and now you’re not enjoying it?
Yeah, me too, but I also really love travelling. So, should I not go? No way! I’d rather do it alone… and that’s how many solo travellers are formed. Of course, other reasons exist, such as a limited circle of friends, seeing others on socials doing it, for personal growth, needing some ‘you time’, etc.
So now, more than ever, women are taking the plunge to do solo trips, and good on them! A solo trip has many benefits, like freedom, confidence, and independence. As more people start doing it, we’ll probably enter a generation soon where solo travel rules the travel industry.
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First-Time Travellers Safe Countries
Nowhere is deemed 100% safe, as anything can happen to anyone, everywhere. However, first-time female travellers 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. If you’d like to go somewhere in Europe that is safe but different from the typical traveller route, I would suggest starting in Norway, Latvia, or Montenegro – my favourite solo travel trip ever!
Asia: For a long time, backpacker trips to Thailand, Cambodia, Bali, and Vietnam have been the typical go-to destinations for solo travellers. 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 welcome all types of travellers with full arms. I started my part-solo trip in Thailand, and what an experience! I recommend it to ALL.
Others: I would also highly recommend other continents, like the Oceania region. You’ll find countries like New Zealand and Australia here. I spent 18 months in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa, 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.
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Essential Safety Tools For Solo Travellers
I’ve kept the list short because I don’t want you to be overly concerned about your safety, but 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 use any tools, but I also understand the need to be prepared.
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 is risky and could potentially put you in danger. Don’t forget the universal adaptor to charge all your electronics.
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 Apple Air Tags are also a popular choice for GPS safety.
Wedge Door Stop Alarm: Many women 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. However, I am concerned that thieves are aware of money belts these days. 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 travellers community. Women feel a little safer knowing they have this legal protective weapon, so if this will help you feel more confident, go ahead and grab some.
Dangers For All Types Of Travellers
Additional Dangers For Female Solo Travellers
‘Extra Concerns For A Woman’
Although we technically should be more concerned as women and solo travellers, I have often found myself more looked after. Perhaps people want to look after me because I’m alone or feel sorry for me and want to help. Who knows, but these few extra ‘concerns’ shouldn’t deter you from doing that solo trip. Do not let it stop you, woman!
Staying safe as a woman travelling solo is important, as is having fun!
Top Tips For Staying Safe Solo
Research
Research your destination. I would have researched it even for someone as spontaneous as me, who sometimes books the night before. Use tools like GOV.UK for travel, safety, law, document advice, and any other concerns.
Insurance
Get insurance. 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, and I recommend it to all travellers.
Night Arrival Safety
Arriving at night? It is better to have a booked taxi waiting for you than to get a random cab at the airport. Nighttime is usually a breeding ground for crime, and I prefer to know that a company is tracking my taxis. I usually pre-book a taxi on Booking.com for most countries. Use trusted cabs when getting around.
Sharing Where You Are
Share your itinerary with family or friends. It’s good to know someone knows where you are, just in case. This includes checking in with loved ones to let them know you’re safe and telling them your plans for the day. Also, letting the receptionist at your hostel or hotel know where you are going doesn’t harm. They usually ask where you are off when you see them anyway.
Passport & Documents
Never leave your passport with anyone. Be wary if hotels or services hold on to your passport. They usually ask for photocopies, but keeping your passport is not normal. Also, keep a copy of documents if you lose your phone with flight/hotel details. The same goes for a copy of your passport.
Fake It For Safety
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 travellers wear a ring on their finger to deter being approached.
Locker Lock
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.
Posting In Live
Try not to post in ‘live time’. Enjoy the moment, and then share later. You don’t know who is watching your story on Instagram. You might have met people, exchanged socials, and then unexpectedly ‘bumped into you’ because they saw where you are. I’ve had this happen to me in England; it’s a concern, really.
Attracting Attention
Don’t be too flashy unless that’s the vibe. If you’re going to a wedding abroad, in an upscale resort, or in environments where that’s the norm, go for it. Otherwise, keep valuables at home. 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.
Sense Of Security
Sometimes, guided tours are safer than solo exploration. For example, when hiking, you’ll want to go with someone or a group for an extra sense of security. If you have any valuables, put them in the safety deposit box in your room.
Awareness
Drinking excessively or taking drugs can distort your sensible decision-making abilities, making you more vulnerable. If someone buys a drink, go with them to the bar and watch the staff pour your drink. Also, cover your drink with your hand. Keep your hotel business card or the hotel’s address in your wallet and phone for an easier journey back.
Learning Phrases
Learning a few phrases or writing them down can be handy. For example, write down ‘I need help. Where is the hospital/police station? What are the directions to…?’ in the country’s language, just in case you need help from a non-English speaking local?
A Powerful Woman
Be confident and trust your instincts. Coming across as shy, intimidated and insecure could help tricksters identify you as vulnerable. Own your thing, and act with confidence; you’ve got it! If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut, ask for help, and leave the situation.
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Pros vs Cons Of Travelling 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 | |
| – Making new friends in hotels, tours, on the road and becoming lifelong buddies |
That’s A Wrap!
Throughout this guide, I have shared tips and resources to help you feel more confident about your travel safety as a woman and solo traveller. I hope I have helped you take that plunge. 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!
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