WanderDiscover 20 essential safety tips for solo female travel. Packed with real-life lessons, practical advice, and empowering insights, this ultimate guide will help women travel confidently and safely in 2025. Perfect for first-time solo travellers.
Just so you know, this article has some affiliate links sprinkled in. If you decide to click through and buy something, we might earn a little commission — no extra cost to you! It’s a nice way to help keep the travel stories and tips coming. Always grateful for your support!
In Klook’s Global Solo Travel Survey, a whopping 76% are already travelling solo or are considering it. But an overwhelming 90% of the women in the survey still prefer escorted tours. Why are females still hesitant about solo women travels?
Growing up, “Solo travel for women is dangerous!” has been playing in my mind like an annoying refrain. At the same time, I used to think solo travel as a bloated euphemism for singles and those who are unable to find like-minded travel companions. Fear mongering from those who have not done it before should not be taken seriously. If you have never experienced it, who are you to judge?
Travelling solo has, for years, remained a lingering thought on my bucket list. Tagging along on my partner’s work trip doesn’t count. So when the opportunity presented itself in the form of a work trip in Paris, I seized it.
The six day extension showed me what getting out of my comfort zone looked like. I was curious what the fuss was about, but more importantly, I was even more curious how I would fare in situations where I was left to my own devices. It’s time to hone those map navigational skills!
Why travel solo?
Admittedly, solo travel is never the same for women. Let’s face it, women ARE more vulnerable when travelling alone. However, the rewards of solo travel are immense. If this is your first, the trepidation can be understandably intimidating and nerve-wracking. But once you take the first step, you will only discover that there is nothing more exhilarating than thrusting yourself into the unknown, and knowing that you will be able to resolve whatever comes your way. Trust me, I have been there.
From visiting familiar movie scenes straight out of Amelie from Montmartre, to retracing our honeymoon footsteps, dining alone in restaurants with confidence, checking on Notre Dame’s refurbishment, browsing in Shakespeare and Company, to day-trips out of Paris, and fending off scammers in the train, my six-day solo trip showed me what no travel guide could. Getting lost is just part of the adventure.
And the best part? Returning home with a newfound sense of empowerment. If you are hesitant to embark on your solo adventure, like I was, think again. But first, believe in yourself that you can do it.
With this list of top life lessons and practical solo travel tips skewed towards women, you are armed with safety tips, a planning and packing guide to navigate your first solo adventure and having the time of your life. You can do it!
More and more are going solo
🌍 Solo Travel in 2024:
- 36% increase in solo travel searches (Kayak)
- 65% choose solo due to mismatched travel interests (Skyscanner)
- 58% of parents planning child-free adventures, prioritising self-growth
- 76% have travelled solo or are considering it
The power of travel
Lesson 1: Form your own perspectives
The world and people around the globe can be as friendly or as dangerous as you make them out to be. More often than not, solo travellers have returned with a newfound understanding that the world is not as fearful or filled with danger as made out in the conventional media.
Learn to hold your judgement until you have experienced the place, culture, situation for yourself then form your own opinions. There’s nothing more limiting than sealing the fate of a place/person/culture/cuisine before you even give it a chance. You are not just doing that place/person/culture/cuisine a disservice, but yourself as well.
Lesson 2: Gain new insights about yourself
During solo travels, you finally get to hear yourself without the constant chatter. The much welcome quiet serves as a springboard for greater and deeper contemplation and reflection about your life. Don’t be afraid to come face-to-face with yourself. Take this opportunity to dig deep within.
Lesson 3: Achieve a new level of confidence about yourself
Missed a flight? Misplaced your wallet? Lost? Unexpected situations offer you the opportunities to stretch yourself out of your comfort zone and tap onto a solutions-based mentality.
Travelling solo means you are on your own, left to your own devices and ingenuity. And that’s the beauty of it. Trust me, you will return home with a new sense of empowerment and respect for yourself.
Lesson 4: You get to do/eat/see/talk whatever you wish
That’s it. No need to pander to the needs of anyone else but yours. True freedom is calling!
Pre-trip preparation
Lesson 5: Research extensively and plan ahead
While we do not wish to take away the element of freshness in experiencing a new or unknown culture, researching comprehensively about your destination can take away the anxiety of the unknown.
- Take the effort to check out your country’s travel advisory.
Throw in independent blogs and discussion forums to the mix to determine if a specific country is for you.
- With the world wide web at your disposal, what’s stopping you from doing a quick search on the typical scams in your choice destination?
Beware of the potential to be guilt-tripped into parting with your hard-earned money by seasoned scammers.
During a train ride in Paris during my solo trip, I was accosted by a group of young females who were demanding money and holding onto an infant, acting pathetic. However, their lingering scent of marijuana and smoke gave them away. Thank goodness an assertive old man came forth to tell them off in a booming voice. They made a quick exit at the next train stop. Scams are aplenty, even in first-world cities. Knowledge is power.
- Book your hotel in advance.
- Pay for your hotel to send a ride.
Leaving the bustling and often chaotic airport to your accommodation with a trusted pre-book taxi may prove invaluable in settling your nerves, especially on the first day.
- Know the unsavoury neighbourhoods.
While I have visited a few myself in San Francisco, Toronto and Athens with my travel partner, it’s still better to stay aware and alert. You never know who you are going to meet.
- Understand local nuances and respect cultural differences.
For example, never take a selfie with the statue of a Buddha with your back facing it. It is culturally inappropriate and unacceptable.
- Pre-book attractions, concerts, sports games or shows that you have always wanted to attend.
Tickets to some popular performances may not be available on the day itself. Check and where possible, get your tickets months in advance, depending on where your interest lies. The same goes for car rentals, especially during peak travel periods.
- Have local emergency numbers at the ready.
Know where to seek help should you need it. Input the local emergency numbers in your handphone before you arrive at each destination. Have the local or your country’s embassy contacts at the ready.
- Download relevant apps.
Google Translate and offline maps such as maps.me will go far in easing your transition into solo travels.
Lesson 6: Always get insurance
Period. The peace of mind you obtain with a little money set aside for insurance is immeasurable, even if you are not travelling solo.
Lesson 7: Learn the language
Mastering a language takes time and effort. Head to Duolingo or Promova to pick up a few useful phrases for free. Essential words such as “hello”, “thank you”, “goodbye” and a smile can go a long way.
Travel must-haves: Packing guide
Lesson 8: Power bank and a universal travel adapter are your handy travel companions
With the high reliance on our smartphones and gadgets, be sure to bring along a power bank. You won’t want to be stranded without your multifunctional smartphone/GPS/camera or run out of juice for your Insta360 and fail to capture precious moments. Of course, your power bank will be rendered useless without a universal travel adapter. Add these to your packing list.
Lesson 9: Selfie stick = Independence
Photographs and videos hold the treasure box of precious memories and pivotal moments. As such, a selfie stick is a non-negotiable travel essential to me. Besides getting the exact angle and perspective you want, it is way safer to take your own photos, wherever and whenever – travel companion optional.
Caveat: refrain from waving your selfie stick at certain places such as religious venues or at super crowded arenas. Exercise your discretion.
Lesson 10: Don’t overpack
One easy way to reduce your vulnerability is by bringing a manageable luggage and bag that you can haul yourself. I used to be a believer in a single outfit for each day. Not just that, I will throw in several scarves, hats, sunglasses, shoes and other accessories just to look good for my holiday photos.
I learnt the hard way. There were several occasions where I had to haul my overladen luggage up flights of stairs, changing train lines in London and Korea, and also at my Budapest and Prague airbnbs.
Take it from my recent solo trip. I had to throw away several clothing items and a pair of boots because my overweight luggage was bursting at the seams. I had apparently amassed too many unexpected new and bulky items during my trip.
I have since learnt to keep a portion of my luggage empty. You never know what unique local produce will catch your eye or if you will receive gifts from the locals.
During-trip advice
Lesson 11: Blend in, don’t draw attention to yourself
As a woman, it’s a fact that we are more vulnerable than men when it comes to travel. There’s no way around it. It pays to take extra precautions to enjoy a peace of mind during your travels.
- Dress appropriately according to local customs.
In Muslim or patriarchal countries, for example, cover up your shoulders and knees. Some stricter countries also call for women to cover all the way to the ankles and behave in certain ways. Dress in accordance to where you plan to be and do. Research beforehand.
- Behave responsibly.
Avoid alcohol or drugs, period. You are accountable to yourself and there’s no one there to have your back. If you must, drink in the safety of your room.
- Be prepared to draw attention to yourself when the occasion calls for it.
Don’t hesitate to shame the molester. Scream for help when the situation calls for it. Fend off unwanted attention such as catcalls or persistent hustlers. Be firm when you need to but pick your battles.
- Leave your luxury or flashy items at home.
I get it, you have worked hard to amass certain luxury items to mark your milestones. Well-done. For some, the cost of a luxury item may be something the locals cannot even dream of affording even by tolling their entire life. You are there to experience a culture, so better leave your luxury items at home. No one cares if the bag you are carrying costs only a couple of dollars. Now’s not the time to worry about your Instagram likes.
Lesson 12: Overcome loneliness
One of the greatest barriers to solo travel is the fear of loneliness, not having someone to share the joys of discovery. Keep an open mind and heart. This allows you to stay open to new experiences.
- Chat with service people such as the receptionist, the florist, the shopkeeper, the cab driver or your tour guide. Service people are wonderful resources for dos and don’ts in a foreign country. Get a lay of the land through the locals. Just don’t overshare.
- Join a day tour or a walking tour as a sort of initiation.
- Pick up a hobby or a cooking class unique to the corner of the world you are at.
- Find your tribe. Connect with fellow solo women travellers. Perhaps you have a friend’s friend or a distant relative based in your desired destination? There’s always Facebook groups to fall back on, if you must have company.
Lesson 13: Be whoever you wish to be
By all means, take precautions but stay open-minded to new opportunities and experiences. Try a dish you have never tried. Do something you don’t usually do back home. Partake in that art class you have always dreamt of. Learn to cook your favourite local dish. There’s liberation and an unbridled sense of freedom to be had when you are overseas.
Under the cloak of anonymity, you can be anyone you want to be. Go ahead, give yourself a fake travel name. Adopt the persona you have always secretly admired. Really let down your hair – with a dose of caution. You are free to be anyone you have always wanted to be. Solo travelling is the best time to do so.
Lesson 14: Master the art of acting
Act like you own it. You don’t actually have to feel courageous to put on a brave front. Now’s the time to do so. Never appear vulnerable or lost when you are alone in a foreign country. Act confident. Behave as if you know where you are going and what you are doing, even if you are not.
For example, once you get on a cab ride, pretend to be on your phone and ‘inform’ someone that you are on a cab, indicate the license plate number if need be and hang up. Then, pay attention to where the driver is going.
As always, stay vigilant and be situationally aware. There’s no need to be totally truthful when answering questions by strangers. You don’t owe them anything. Save your authenticity for another day, another person.
Lesson 15: Heads up, no phones
Don’t bury your head into your smartphone all the time. Look around you, breathe in the air, fully indulge in your me-time. Just by being alone does not mean that you are lonely. Enjoy your own company.
Lesson 16: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
By this, we mean your cash. Do not put all your money in the same place – spread them out. In case you lose your wallet, get robbed or pickpocketed, you will always have another one or two places where your cash is safely stashed away.
Get your RFID wallets.
You can be as creative as can be. You can tuck your cash in money belts that look like actual belts (such as this or this), money socks, or a hidden compartment in your luggage. And as one friend who went on a one-year tour in New Zealand shared, the soles of your boots and your bra with removable pads are great places to hide your money.
The best bet to place your cash is always somewhere close to your body. And if you know beforehand you will need to take off your shoes, for example in Japanese restaurants and ancient palaces or temples, change your secret hiding place for that day.
But what happens when you are at the beach? Waterproof your cash in an airtight container together with your keys and strap it to your neck at all times. Or try this tested waterproof pouch.
Emergency protocols
Lesson 17: Tricks to stay safe when facing scammers or hustlers
Take specific steps to maintain a level of safety, especially in a foreign country.
- Lie if you have to.
- Follow your gut instincts.
- Never feel rushed or intimidated into making decisions. ‘No’ is a complete sentence. Stay firm.
- Don’t be afraid to seek help if need be.
Lesson 18: Always be aware of exit points
As a solo traveller, it pays to stay situationally aware everywhere you go. Go ahead and fully embrace the moment. But it never hurts to know all the exit points. You never know what will save your life, or someone else’s.
Lesson 19: Stay connected
Whether you choose to activate auto-roaming with your phone subscriber back home, get an e-sim or a sim card at your destination, having WiFi in a foreign country and staying contactable is invaluable.
Lesson 20: Slash-free bags and accessories
I don’t believe in backpacks for the simple fact that it is out of my line of sight. I have a friend whose backpack was unzipped in the crowded streets of Copenhagen, and another in the bustling shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. Counteract this with anti-theft backpacks and make that waterproof too.
Invest a few more dollars on travel-safe accessories such as Pac-Safe with added slash-proof and theft-proof features. These products are not only travel-safe but durable to boot. That said, there’s always the alternative fanny pack (my favourite!) and sling bags.
More top solo travel tips:
Still feeling insecure about travelling on your own? Try the following:
- Go somewhere familiar or somewhere you have been before.
This simple fact eliminates the possibility of feeling overwhelmed and lost in a foreign country.
- Put a ring on your finger.
Yes go ahead and put a cheap ring on your ring finger to fend off unwanted advances. In many countries, not marrying at the grand old age of 30 is an anomaly. Many locals will not be hesitant about enquiring and making comments about your marriage status. Understand that it is in their culture to do so. As always, be aware of cultural differences of the places you are headed to.
- Let your loved ones keep tabs on you.
Always let your loved ones back home know your whereabouts on a regular basis. A Whatsapp chat group could be a great idea to stay in touch. It could be a simple picture of the fabulous place you are at or a ‘good morning’ or ‘good night’ text each day.
- Social media should be the last to know.
When it comes to social media, apply the opposite rules. Only post and tag a location AFTER you have left the venue. Never reveal your next whereabouts, even if your friends list is private. Better yet, do so upon your return.
- Comfortable shoes.
Never wear brand new, untested shoes on a trip. Break in your shoes before your trip, especially if you are planning on hiking.
- Book a resort or cruise.
If you are one of those who derive joy by having the luxury of time and space to chill out with a book by the beach or pool, try booking an all-in-one resort. Why not?
Resorts and cruises take away the tedium of research and booking, especially if you do not enjoy research and planning. They often provide enough activities to engage your time, yet are provided in a safe environment. It’s your trip. You do you.
- Adventure groups
Conversely, if adventure is right up your alley, don’t hesitate to join adventure tours. First up, the local guide will be able to shed light on things such as safety tips and historical background you would never know by going on your own. Most importantly, they can ensure your safety.
Two pals of mine, on separate trips, lost their way hiking on their own, with no one in sight for hours. With the sky turning dark sooner than expected and the weather turning colder by the minute, they were lucky they managed to get back to safety before the weather turned for the worse.
The call of the wild offers great rewards but often comes with its package of thrills and spills. Remember, the phone may not work in remote areas. Temperatures may drop significantly in a matter of minutes. There could be no way to get help should you fall or become unconscious. The onus of taking extra precautions to remain safe is up to you, as a solo traveller.
Make your solo trip come true
Solo travels may not be as scary as you think, if you will only give it a chance. Travelling alone requires a careful balance between having fun and staying safe. By taking the necessary precautions listed above, you are well on your way to embark on your first solo trip.
Be bold and take that first step. Believe in yourself. The world is yours to explore. Book your first solo trip with Trip.com, Klook and get your travel essentials at Amazon!
