I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel alone and live alone while abroad. I encourage every woman to travel on her own at least a few times in her life. There is nothing like the exhilarating feeling of being empowered and free. We women are strong and capable creatures, not the weaker sex. But, as you can imagine, traveling alone also means being more vulnerable to the many threats of the world. It also means having to take care of all your travel affairs on your own.
While in my travels, I’ve experienced sexual harassment, getting lost, having panic attacks, encountering a wild boar, discrimination, and more. But I’ve also experienced wonderful adventures that I wouldn’t exchange for anything.

Many women delay their travel dreams out of fear of traveling alone. But the truth is that you don’t have to be afraid, you just have to be prepared. There are simple steps and precautions you can take to equip yourself for your solo journey as a warrior, not a worrier.

As an army veteran and experienced solo traveler, I feel confident enough to share powerful advice that will help you stay safe and have fun. Remember, traveling solo can be an incredible adventure that allows you to discover new cultures, gain independence, and build confidence.

1. Thoroughly Research Your Destination(s)

• Information is prevention. Before embarking on your solo journey, spend time researching your destination. Familiarize yourself with local threats, environmental hazards, customs, traditions, basic laws, and even basic phrases in the local language. An example of this is learning what are the best seasons to visit certain destinations. It might not be a great idea to go to the Caribbean during the height of the hurricane season.

• Having an emergency plan while traveling abroad is crucial for your safety and well-being. You should know the emergency contact number for the destination country is essential. While 9-1-1 is widely recognized in many countries, different countries may have their own unique emergency numbers. For example, in the United Kingdom, it is 999, in Australia, it is 000, and in the European Union, it is commonly Researching and memorizing the correct emergency number for your destination is vital.
• Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) from the State Department before traveling abroad is highly recommended. STEP is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Through STEP, you will receive important alerts and updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate, including travel advisories, security threats, and weather emergencies.
• Solo women travelers should take extra precautions when booking tours. They should thoroughly research and check tour reviews before booking. Reading reviews can provide insights into the reliability of the tour operator. Some booking platforms (such as Airbnb) allow travelers to see who else has booked a specific tour. Reviewing the profiles can give solo female travelers an idea of the type of people they may be touring with.

2. Don’t Overpack – Travel Light

• Solo women travelers should consider packing light for several reasons. When you pack light, you experience increased freedom of movement and flexibility, allowing you to focus more on your surroundings rather than being burdened by your belongings.

• Stick to the essentials and prioritize versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Additionally, consider the climate and activities of your destination when packing. Remember, less luggage means less stress and more freedom to explore. Consider watching my video “How to Pack and Never Forget Anything”.

3. Become a Chameleon: Dress like the Locals

• Dress like a local! Dressing appropriately and blending in with the local customs can contribute to your safety and help you feel more comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings. Research the local dress code and follow it to respect cultural norms. By avoiding attention-grabbing clothing and adapting to local customs, you can reduce the risk of being targeted.

• When you travel alone, act like a local! Studying the local culture before traveling is not only a sign of appreciation but also contributes to your safety and positive interaction with locals. Learn about local customs, dress codes, local language phrases, and appropriate behavior before your trip. Do not act like a clueless foreigner even if you’re lost or confused. There are always predators around trying to identify their next vulnerable victim.

4. Don’t Share Too Much Personal Information

• While meeting new people and making connections is a beautiful part of the solo travel experience, it’s important to be cautious about sharing personal information. Avoid revealing too much about yourself, such as your accommodation details, travel plans or contact information, especially to strangers. Even if it’s a cute boy or girl, think twice before providing your contact information.
• Personally, I like to tell people that I’m traveling with my partner, even when it isn’t true. Don’t tell people (especially men) that you’re traveling alone. If people ask, just say that your friends and/or your partner are expecting you somewhere. I’ve even gone so far as to wear a fake wedding band to avoid unwanted advances. It doesn’t always work, but it helps. If you’re traveling for the sole purpose of finding love or romance (which I don’t recommend), you should adjust your safety practices.

5. Stay Connected for Safety – Use Technology

• In today’s digital age, technology can be a valuable tool for solo female travelers. Carrying a fully charged smartphone with a local SIM card or an international roaming plan allows solo women travelers to contact emergency services, their accommodation, transportation and friends and family. Also consider buying a solar power bank and always keep it charged.
• Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member and establish regular check-ins.
• There are various travel safety apps available that can assist solo women travelers in staying safe. These apps offer features like emergency contacts, real-time location sharing with trusted individuals, safety notifications, and local safety information. Examples include TripWhistle Global SOS, bSafe, and Safeture.
• As mentioned earlier, you should subscribe to travel safety services that will keep you informed of your country destination’s safety conditions, such as civil unrest and weather hazards. U.S. citizens can easily enroll their international trips with STEP. Check your government’s travel emergency tools and use them if you feel comfortable doing so.
• While using technology for safety, it’s essential for solo women travelers to be mindful of their surroundings and exercise caution when displaying valuable devices. Taking precautions like keeping phones secured, avoiding dark or secluded areas while using them, and not openly flaunting expensive gadgets can help prevent incidents.

6. Don’t Rely Solely on Technology – Trust Your Instincts

• While technology can be helpful, it should never replace your instincts and common sense. Stay aware of your surroundings and learn to assess potential risks. You should also have important addresses and phone numbers written on your travel pad, just in case you lose or damage your phone.
• Also consider having an old-fashioned map with you as a last resort. You should also download your map on your phone. Remember, your common sense is a powerful tool for evaluating situations and ensuring your safety.

7. Have a Solid Itinerary and Backup Plans

• You can be spontaneous, but still have a plan. Before setting off on your solo adventure, create a detailed itinerary and share it with someone you trust. Include information about your accommodations, transportation plans, and any activities you plan to engage in. Having a well-planned itinerary ensures that you have a roadmap for your journey and provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

8. Maintain Situational Awareness

• Maintaining situational awareness is essential for solo female travelers as it helps them stay vigilant, identify potential risks, and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety. Paying attention to people, vehicles, and their behavior can provide valuable cues about the environment. Notice exits, emergency services locations, and areas with increased activity or potential dangers.
• Remember, prevention is key: maintaining situational awareness and taking proactive steps can greatly reduce the likelihood of encountering security issues. Being prepared and having a clear plan of action helps solo female travelers feel more confident and safer during their journeys.

9. Getting Security and Travel locker devices

When traveling alone, you can consider carrying the following security devices to enhance your safety. However, it is crucial to check travel restrictions and local laws concerning some of these items in the destination country:

1. Personal Alarm: A personal alarm emits a loud sound when activated, attracting attention and potentially deterring attackers. These can be easily found online or at specialty travel stores.

2. Whistle: A whistle is a simple yet effective tool for drawing attention to yourself in case of an emergency. Whistles are small, lightweight, and can be attached to keychains or backpacks. They are widely available in sporting goods stores or online.

3. Portable Door Lock: A portable door lock provides an extra level of security for doors that lack proper locks or in situations where you feel unsafe. These lightweight and compact devices are typically available online or in travel supply stores.

4. Travel Door Alarm: A travel door alarm is a small device that can be placed on any door to alert you if someone tries to enter your room. These can be purchased online or at travel supply stores.

5. Self-Defense Keychain: Self-defense keychains, such as those with pepper spray or kubotans (small metal rods that can be used for self-defense), can provide an added sense of security. However, it is important to research local laws and regulations regarding the legality and use of these items before carrying them.

10. If something Bad Happens, be Brave and Take Action

• Fear is natural, especially when traveling alone. Yet it should not hold you back from experiencing the world. Take calculated risks, step out of your comfort zone, and trust in your preparations. However, there are certain countries and world regions I would not travel to alone. So be smart and take calculated risks.
• When traveling alone as a woman, it’s essential to embrace your inner strength and resilience. If something bad happens, it’s time to show your true bravery and take action! Be proactive, implement your emergency plans, demand respect, and avoid victimizing yourself.
• Remember, countless other women have embarked on solo adventures before you and have triumphed over challenges. Be inspired by their stories, and let their experiences fuel your own bravery. You have the power within you to take action, be courageous, and create the travel experiences you desire.

Check out my social media and stay motivated and inspired!

Discussion Question: What do you think is the most important travel safety practice for anyone traveling alone?