As women, we often hear warnings about the “dangers” of traveling alone. The reality is that traveling always carries some risk. I urge you not to let the fears of others stop you from exploring the world on your own. You can take several steps to feel more comfortable while traveling alone. Most worthwhile pursuits involve some level of risk! In this article, I share my best-kept tricks for feeling safer during solo travels.
1. WAIT TO POST YOUR LOCATION
Nothing online is ever really private, even with private social media accounts. For your safety I recommend not sharing your location while you are traveling. If you must share, do so safely. Avoid real-time updates; wait until you have left that location and are at a safe distance. I suggest waiting until you return to your accommodation for the day, allowing you to share your adventures more securely.
2. NEVER SHARE THAT YOU ARE TRAVELING ALONE
Not everyone you meet while traveling will be trustworthy. It can be easy to share your life story with taxi drivers, bartenders, or waitstaff, but try to keep your solo travel status to yourself. If the wrong person learns that you are in a foreign environment alone, you could become a target.
3. SHARE YOUR LOCATION WITH A CONFIDANT
Have a trusted person monitor your location at the end of each day to ensure you’ve made it back to your accommodations safely.
4. MAKE COPIES OF YOUR DOCUMENTS
If your hotel provides a safe or lockbox, leave your original passport and ID there, and only take copies with you. Unfortunately, crime can be rampant, especially for tourists. Carrying copies offers a safer option in case your bag gets stolen.
5. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Many tools can enhance your safety while traveling. Check out this post where I share my 5 favorite safety tools that I always take with me.
6. FANNY PACKS OVER PURSES
Thieves can spot a tourist from a mile away. To protect myself from pickpockets, I ditch the big totes and opt for fanny packs. Fanny packs are better because you can wear them in front of you. I use my Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, which is large enough to hold my essential belongings, including my iPhone 13 Pro Max, and stylish enough to match any outfit.
7. KEEP YOUR POCKETS EMPTY
This one is straightforward! Tourists often fall victim to pickpockets, especially in European countries. Avoid placing valuable items in your pockets to prevent theft
8. LEARN THE BASICS OF THE NATIVE LANGUAGE
The better you can communicate with locals, the safer you’ll feel. Learning basic phrases will help you navigate more easily, making your overall experience smoother and more enjoyable. Knowing the essentials can also prevent you from getting lost and ending up in unsafe areas, as you’ll be able to ask for directions and understand the responses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traveling alone as a woman can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but prioritizing your safety is essential. By implementing these practical tips and using safety tools, you can navigate new places with confidence and peace of mind. Remember that most worthwhile experiences involve some level of risk, and with the right preparation, you can embrace your adventures fully. So, pack your bags, trust your instincts, and embark on your journey—exploration awaits, and the world is ready for you to discover it!
