9 Safety Tips Every Woman Who Is Travelling Alone Should Keep In Mind

Ladies, we understand the cravings for some “me” time, especially after not being able to travel ever since the pandemic happened. It’s true that safety concerns are valid while planning your solo travel plans, especially if you are an Asian woman (1). If you’re going abroad, you have the added fear of not speaking the local language others speak. And we don’t blame you for having these concerns! After all, the world can be a pretty unsafe place for most women. And like everything in life, prevention and precaution are better than cure. In order to follow a smooth sailing road to self-discovery, keep a well-planned list to ensure your own safety while striking off the items on your bucket list during your solo travels. It’s better to take all the adequate precautions required to prepare yourself for your first solo trip. With that being said, here are nine safety tips that you should keep in mind while preparing for a solo trip:

1. The First Step – Research.

The first thing you should keep in mind is doing your research. This should be the case whether you are traveling within the country or outside of it. You need to learn everything you need to know before visiting the new country. It’s also a good idea to learn a few simple terms in the common tongue of the country you are visiting. Make sure you learn about the weather, any off-limits areas, traditional dresses, norms, and the current political climate of the country. Also, join Facebook groups run by other solo female travelers and check reviews of the country you are visiting. Ignore any dangerous assumptions you may have and trust the facts and details about the country you are visiting.

2. Be Smart While Using Social Media

Sure we all love “doing it for the gram” every now and then, but you have to be extra cautious while doing so. It is absolutely crucial to be aware of cybercrime laws to keep yourself safe from any untoward incident in the developing new age of info and technology (2). Do not post in real-time if you are travelling alone, even if you have a private social media account. We’ve all heard of the infamous robbery of Kim Kardashian West in 2016 in the city of Paris. The socialite was robbed at gunpoint after the robbers tracked her location through her social media posts and stole priceless jewels. If you meet up with someone off Tinder or other dating apps, then you should be even more careful about giving away your location. Always meet someone off dating apps at a public space rather than a hotel or private place.

3. Connect With Other Solo Women Travellers

One of the best parts of solo traveling as a woman is that you can connect with other solo female travelers and make so many new friends! If you are wary of asking strangers and men for help, you can always trust a woman to help out. You should look for all-female dorms in hostels and try sleeping in all-female vehicles.

4. Be Extra Cautious At Night

The harsh truth is that as women, we need to be extra careful and have an eye behind our back at all times. This is especially so when you are traveling alone at night. Avoid traveling late through the night at all times as dangerous activities are more likely to happen during this time. After dark, make sure that you use public transportation or a taxi service. Carry small amounts of cash on you and leave all your valuables in your hotel safe.

5. Pack Lightly

Only bring the essentials and things you will need. To avoid lugging around several bags and getting slowed down, carry fewer bags. Carrying heavy bags will make you an easy target for thieves. Hence, it’s a good idea to avoid overpacking as much as possible.

6. Learn Basic Self Defense Moves

You must be fully prepared in the event of an emergency. If you notice that you are being followed or confronted, you can put into practice some self defense moves that you learned. Some key moves – Aim your punch at sensitive areas like the face or the adam’s apple to stun. Try attending a few self-defense classes and seeing if you can learn to defend yourself. Also, make sure that you carry self-defense gadgets like pepper spray and a swiss army knife. Worst case scenario, there is no shame in running away as fast as you can if you think the offender is too strongly-built to fight.

7. Trust Your Gut Instincts

No, this isn’t just a cute saying. It’s absolutely essential for you to trust your gut instincts. While there may be times when you will have to ask others for directions or help, it’s necessary to trust your instincts when it comes to people. If you feel like the person you are talking to has ulterior motives, trust your instincts and get out of that situation. As you get used to traveling more and more, your instincts will start to sharpen.

8. When All Else Fails, Lie

If you’re stuck in a tight spot and someone is questioning you as to whether you are traveling alone or not, tell them that you are with your partner. This is important, especially when it’s a man questioning you. If someone is refusing to leave you alone, tell them that your partner is waiting for you back at the hotel and quickly make your escape. Speed dial the cops as the last resort.

9. Some Other Things To Consider

Make sure you carry as minimum valuables and cash as possible to avoid unwanted attention. Wherever you are staying, keep the door locked at all times and always befriend trustworthy locals to ensure safety.

While traveling solo, it’s essential not to throw caution to the wind and to be on guard at all times. That being said, don’t let your fears overtake the fun you’re having. We guarantee that you will meet plenty of fun people and share incredible experiences with them. All you gotta do is be alert and don’t let anyone mess with your wanderlust vibes. Be adventurous, but at the same time, keep yourself aware of your surroundings, even more, if you are in an unfamiliar foreign country or a brand new city. Do let us know in the comment section below if you have any critical travel or safety tips to suggest to your fellow solo women travelers!

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Niharika NayakBA (Media & Communication)

 

Niharika has a passion for all things art, music, and travel and has over 4 years of experience in writing for social media. During her spare time, she likes experimenting in the kitchen, playing video games, and hanging out with stray animals. She has a bachelor's degree in media and communication from the Manipal Institute of Communication and aspires to...more