7 Tips To Stay Safe While Traveling Solo (from a solo female traveler)

I’m sure safety is a concern for most solo travelers. This is why I have created habits that help me stay safe while feeling free to explore and do everything on my to-do list. With several solo trips under my belt, I’m giving my 7 top tips to stay safe while traveling solo. I implement these tips on my solo travels, and I always feel confident and secure while traveling.

1. Use public transportation when possible

Many tourists and locals use the subway, train, or bus. It’s an affordable and efficient way to get around the city. However, one of the main reasons I try to use public transportation is that it keeps me in the presence of other people, such as tourists, locals, government employees, and usually, a camera.

Like many people, I love taking a cab or Uber. They are often more comfortable than public transportation, especially during peak times of day. However, taking an Uber or taxi puts you alone in a car with a stranger, making it easy for someone who means harm to do so. By taking other forms of public transportation, you eliminate that risk and keep yourself in the presence of other people.

This isn’t to say there isn’t a risk when taking these forms of transportation. However, the precautions you can take will likely yield a better outcome than being alone in a car with someone else in control.

2. Be aware of your surroundings (and how to actually do this)

I’ve seen so many people advise being aware of your surroundings while traveling, and it’s good advice. The problem is that I haven’t encountered anyone who advises on how to do this.

Your strategy might vary depending on your destination. But I have a few safety habits that help me stay aware of what’s happening around me.

Watch out for familiar faces. Have you seen the same person multiple times, even in different parts of the city? This could be a sign you are being followed or targeted.

Be sure to glance behind you occasionally to give you a general idea of what’s happening behind you.

Take note of your surroundings before you enter your hotel and hotel room.

Be sure you’re getting into the right car when you order an Uber. The app gives you the license plate number and description of the vehicle picking you up. I always take a second and match what’s in the app before I get in the car.

Keep your Uber app open so you can see where you are and your ETA. You’ll also be alerted if the driver goes off course.

Be familiar with how taxis look at your destination. I’ve noticed that many cities have a certain type of car they use for taxis. This will help you be aware of someone potentially trying to get you to enter their vehicle while you’re trying to get a cab.

When you are taking a taxi, input your destination in Google or Apple Maps to make sure the driver is heading in the right direction. This will also give you an ETA.

3. Sightsee with a tour group when possible

Booking tours with a tour group is an easy, convenient, and safe way to see everything on your to-see list. Tour groups generally provide everything you need, including transportation, itineraries, insider information about popular landmarks, and fun stories about what you see.

Another thing I love are day trips. They are similar to tour groups, but generally, they’re a full day of travel and sightseeing because the sights are several hours outside the area you’re in. They allow you to see and experience more places without finding transportation.

I have gone sightseeing with many tour groups, and I’ve always felt safe and comfortable. The vehicle is always clean, and it’s a great way to meet and chat with other travelers and get recommendations on things to do and see. It also keeps you in the presence of other people who are aware of your presence.

4. Be in a familiar location by dark

I might not always be in my room by dark, but I always try to return to a familiar location near my hotel before sundown. This is simply because wandering alone in an unfamiliar area at night isn’t the safest thing. You can easily make a wrong turn and end up in an unsafe location or get lost entirely.

One thing I always do at my destinations is check the weather app for sunrise and sunset times. This gives me a general idea of structuring my day to ensure I am back in a familiar location by dark.

When I find myself out after dark, such as returning from a day trip, I plan to take an Uber, taxi, or some form of public transit if I’m several miles from my hotel. If it’s a mile or less and passes through an area where tourists are out, I will usually walk back to my hotel.

However, the most important thing is having a plan with available options. You never want to end up in an unfamiliar area after dark with limited options.

5. Always say no when people ask for money

You’ll most likely run into people on the street asking for money. Unfortunately, I have a general rule of always saying no. This is simply because you don’t want to pull out cash and potentially be attacked and robbed.

Giving money to people will also alert other bystanders that you have cash, and you can become a target for robbery or pickpocketing. It’s very unfortunate, and it can feel like you’re being impolite, but it’s a habit to ensure safety and well-being.

6. Keep a portable charger

We often take pictures and videos of interesting things when sightseeing and exploring. Doing this will drain your battery. It’s never a good idea to let your phone battery die without a means to charge it. As travelers, we rely heavily on our phones for important information, essential travel apps, and ways to get and pay for transportation.

This is why I always travel with a portable charger in my bag. It’s a quick and easy way to charge your phone even if you don’t have access to a charging port or plug.

7. Keep others informed

As solo travelers, it’s essential to keep a friend or family member informed of our travels. I usually do this by sharing my location with my family and providing a list of contacts, such as hotel information. Be sure to check in frequently so that if something happens, they are more likely to notice sooner rather than later.

Bonus note: In addition to important contact information, you should also know the emergency service number for the country you’re in. This would be equivalent to 911 in the US.