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!

Doing a solo trip as a female traveller is so liberating! But, we need to know if we are safe and the danger that may lay ahead.

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:

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!

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.

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!

A female solo traveller hiking on Tongariro mountain to the summit in New Zealand.

Enjoying my hike up Tongariro National Park in New Zealand


General Safety Consideration For Travelling Alone


Targeted

  • You’re already ‘targeted’ as a female solo traveller. This means that men are more likely to approach you confidently, paying you extra attention. If you had your partner next to you, this likely wouldn’t be the case. See what I mean? You’re already targeted in some sort of way! However, if it is uncomfortable and a cause for concern, keep calm, be polite but assertive, and keep it moving.

Valuables

  • You don’t have extra eyes to protect your belongings from potential thieves. Having valuable items around your hotel room or unattended sun lounge can put you at risk. The same goes for if you go for a swim alone—my brother had his trainers taken while having a night swim! Keep valuables in the hotel safe, invest in a waterproof pouch to take into the pool/sea, and stay vigilant.

Taken Advantage

  • You could be taken advantage of because you are alone. This could be money-wise, like inflated rates as individuals or being given the wrong change back. Also, double-check that you are not charged for two pax instead of just one. For example, if a hotel room charges for breakfast, ensure it’s just for one person instead of the default two people.
Solo Travel - Fall in love with self-discovery on a solo trip! Everything travel. Forever Livivng Yes.
Solo to Montenegto: Wow. The European destination perfect for a solo getaway. Everything travel. Forever Living yes.

Vulnerability

  • You are more vulnerable alone, especially at night when crimes multiply. This is not just abroad; it’s the same for your home town too. If you’re out drinking alone, try to control your limits and bring an anti-spike drink cover to help keep yourself safe. If anyone is unfortunately being creepy and it’s making you concerned, have no shame in speaking to a staff member or an approachable person; you need to put yourself FIRST.

Appropriation

  • You’ll have an easier time if you are dressed appropriately, especially in countries where modesty is the social or religious norm. Also, be mindful that some countries have different approaches to things than the Western world. For example, interactions between unmarried men and women may be frowned upon in certain religious countries.

Corruption

  • Corruption within law enforcement is not uncommon in some destinations, and as a female solo traveller, this can be a great concern. Do your research and prepare for a ‘just in case’ situation. Fodors Travel has some good tips on how to deal with bribe requests and police 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!

Solo traveller enjoying the sunset. Travelling solo as a woman is the vibe! But staying safe whilst travelling is important, we all have safety concerns.

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.

Solo to Latvia: Fall in love on a solo getaway to Latvia's capital, Riga. Everything travel. Forever Living Yes.
Solo to Rome: How to explore Rome in just 36 hours on a solo trip. Everything travel. Forever Living Yes.

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


Nervous About Doing Your First Solo Trip?

FLYs got you covered.


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



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!

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