This blog is for all my fellow solo female travellers out there that need some safety tips while you’re on the road. Safety should always be your number ONE priority.

Maybe you’re worried that being alone will make you a target, your friends and family are telling you that you’re being irresponsible by going out into this big and scary world on your own, or your own inner-voice is holding you back with visions of worst-case scenarios.

Well, screw that!

I’ve travelled to many counties, almost exclusively by myself, and even in countries that are considered ‘dangerous’, with almost no issues whatsoever. I haven’t felt unsafe or scared once.

What’s my secret? I believe that travelling alone has actually helped me to stay safe. Why?, My intuition is sharper, I am more aware of my surroundings because there’s nobody distracting me, and when locals see me, a girl on her own, they are more likely to want to help me than harm me.

The truth is, you already have the skills you need to stay safe when you travel. They’re the same skills you use at home to stay safe. But you don’t have to take my word alone for it. I asked a few fellow solo female travellers to give me their best safety tips for travelling alone, and this is what they said:

 

 

1. TRUST YOUR GUT!!

listen to what your body is trying to tell you. You have to trust your self to get yourself out of bad situations if you ever end up in one.

2. Fake it until you make it

When walking around, walk with purpose as if you know exactly where you are going, even when unsure. If lost, walk with purpose into a store (to ask directions).

-@MarjiStevens

(be confident- or at least pretend)

3. Divide things up

Split everything up! Put cash in a few different places split up my bank cards, passport and driver’s license. And then I carry 2 photocopies of my passport too as well as having a copy in the cloud. If anything happens it’s much safer not to have everything in one place.

-@clairesitchyfeet

4. Don’t get wasted

Getting bombed while travelling alone is never a good idea – you open yourself up to all kinds of problems. Drink to enjoy, not to get drunk.

5. Don’t tell people where you’re staying

Blinding flash of the obvious – if you are travelling alone as a woman and you meet people, don’t mention where you are staying, especially if you feel uncomfortable. No one really needs to know the name of your hotel, and if you make plans to meet someone, meet at a local landmark or point instead.

6. Learn to read situations

It’s really important as a solo female traveller to learn to read situations and if you feel in any way uncomfortable or nervous, get the hell out of there NOW!

7. Dress like a local

One of the easiest ways to attract the wrong type of attention is to wear clothing and to carry yourself in a very different way than the local women. Avoiding outfits that scream “TOURIST!” is some pretty obvious advice.

If the country you are visiting has women that dress conservatively do the same, as this will help you to avoid being singled out as a potentially vulnerable target.

– the blonde abroad

8. Carry extra ways for money

I always bring more than one source of cash just in case one gets mislaid/stolen. For example, carry your bank card and at least one credit card – I always bring two credit cards and carry them in separate bags.

–freedom56travel

9. You are never alone

I mean this both figuratively and literally. You will meet SO many people while travelling solo that, at times, you may seek solitude. It’s weird. Sometimes I find it harder to find some alone time when I’m travelling solo than when I’m with friends. As for the “figuratively” part, never let the first words you say to someone be that you are ‘alone’. It’s always best to use caution and do not make yourself seem vulnerable.

The final tip I will give you is by far my #1 travel tip for any destination you go to.

 

10. Learn the basics of the local language

I make it a priority to learn at least ‘Thank you and Hello’ in the local language but if I will be there for a long period of time I try and learn as much as I can so I can communicate with the locals. I find the locals respect you more if you speak any of their native languages.

These are not meant to scare you away from solo travel,  they are actually here to push you towards it.

Showing you that it is possible and not scary.

The world is full of amazing and wonderful people so don’t let fear keep you from living your best life and experiencing our beautiful crazy world. 

 

 

*Traveling leaves you speechless but it turns you into a storyteller*