Solo female travel safety: how I learnt to feel safe traveling solo
- Vero
- Jul 22
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Traveling solo as a woman has been one of the most empowering experiences of my life, but it didn’t start out that way.
Like many of you, I was raised on a long list of warnings: “Don’t walk alone at night.” “Don’t trust strangers.” “Don’t go there by yourself.” These voices echoed in my head every time I thought about taking a trip alone. For years, I waited for friends to join, partners to commit, or for the “right time” to come. Until one day, it didn’t.
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Instead, I booked a solo weekend in Lisbon. It was spontaneous, slightly terrifying… and absolutely life-changing. I came back wondering why I had waited so long. That one weekend cracked open a whole new world for me and I've never looked back.
Of course, I didn’t become fearless overnight. I clearly remember my first trip outside of Europe. I wasn’t just nervous, I was overwhelmed. My thoughts raced: “What if something happens? I’ll be on the other side of the world, far from everything and everyone I know.” It felt like too much.
Now, years later, I barely see the difference between going to a neighboring country or halfway across the globe. But I haven’t forgotten those feelings. They were real. And they were part of the process.
So no, I’m not here to tell you that fear is irrational. It’s not. Safety matters. Being cautious matters. But I also know that constantly focusing on worst-case scenarios can rob you of the experience you came for. The truth? You can feel safe and confident traveling solo without letting fear run the show. It’s all about mindset, preparation, and learning to trust yourself deeply.
These are the tips I share about solo female travel safety whenever someone asks me, “How can I feel safe traveling alone?” They’re the things I wish someone had told me before I started.
1. Define what “safe” means to you, not to others
Safety isn’t one-size-fits-all. What makes you feel secure might not apply to someone else and that’s okay. Take time to define what feeling safe looks like for you, without letting others’ fears or assumptions cloud your judgment.
Maybe it means:
Getting a local SIM card the moment you land
Reading personal travel blogs for real-world insights
Booking your first few nights in advance
Choosing destinations known for being solo female-friendly
Starting with a guided tour to ease into a new place
Joining travel-focused Facebook or WhatsApp groups before you go
Trust your instincts over other people’s anxieties, especially if those people have never traveled solo, or only visited places through a resort lens. I’ve been told so many times not to go somewhere because it was "dangerous"... usually by someone who’d never actually been. Travel is personal, that’s why you’ll have to create your own version of it.
2. Preparation builds confidence
You don’t need a minute-by-minute itinerary, but having key logistics sorted in advance can significantly lower your stress. Before you go:
Check visa requirements using reliable official sources (not ChatGPT!)
Research how to get a SIM card at the airport, or install an eSIM before you leave (I always purchase mine on Airalo, if you've never used it before you can can get a $3 discount on your first purchase through this link)
Learn the safest way to get from the airport to your accommodation, if it’s tricky or you arrive late, pre-book a hotel transfer
Learn a few basic phrases if you’re traveling somewhere English isn’t widely spoken, a small pocket dictionary helps too
Look up common scams and important cultural norms
Read blogs or social posts from other solo female travelers, but remember: one bad experience doesn’t define an entire place
The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. But don’t overplan, spontaneity is part of the magic too.
3. Your gut is your best travel companion
You’ve heard it before, but I’ll say it again: trust your intuition.That feeling in your stomach? It’s there for a reason. If something feels off, even if you can’t explain why, walk away. Cross the street. Say no. You don’t owe anyone politeness if your safety or peace of mind is at risk. You might find yourself in situations or with people you don’t click with. That’s life and it happens at home too. Be flexible, and try to understand different perspectives, but never sacrifice your comfort. If walking away isn’t enough, ask for help. You’re not alone.
4. Use tech to your advantage
Your phone is a powerful safety tool. Use it wisely:
Safety apps like Noonlight, GeoSure, or TripWhistle give you access to emergency contacts and alerts
Google Translate is essential in countries where English isn’t common, it saved me in countries like China or Vietnam!
Share your location via Uber with a friend or loved one when you don’t feel 100% safe
Join Facebook/WhatsApp groups where travelers actively support each other, you’ll be amazed how quickly people help
Book a walking tour via GetYourGuide or GuruWalk to get your bearings and ask locals what to do (or not do!), I promise you will feel way more confident navigating a new city after that
You’re never as alone as you think, your support system is right in your pocket.
5. Be aware, not afraid
There’s a big difference between being cautious and being fearful. Staying alert doesn’t mean expecting danger at every corner. Instead:
Walk confidently, even when you’re unsure (walk into a café to check directions if you don’t feel comfortable doing it while walking on the street)
If walking alone or taking public transport at night feels off, don’t force it, take a cab
Ask your host or a local for honest advice about what areas are safe to explore
Awareness opens up your experience. Fear only shrinks it.
6. Lean into the solo female travel community
You’re not alone, a lot of girls around the world travel solo every year. And we support each other! Here’s how to connect: Join Facebook groups like “Girls Gone International,” “Solo Female Travelers,” or “Host a Sister” and look for local Whatsapp groups
Use apps like NomadHer to find other solo women in your area
Join local events, coworking days, or group sport classes (I use Meetup for events an ClassPass for sport classes)
Ask your own community if they know anyone where you’re headed, you’ll be surprised how small the world feels when a friend of a friend is nearby
You’ll get honest advice, warm welcomes, and maybe even a new friend.
7. Do things that make you feel powerful
Confidence isn’t something you find, it’s something you build. Each time you navigate a new place, order food in a different language, or ask for help, you’re growing stronger, believe me, you will start noticing it everyday a little more. So take those moments to celebrate yourself and:
Journal your wins
Try that new restaurant
Book that spontaneous day trip
The more you do, the smaller your fears become. Courage builds quietly.
8. Don’t overshare - online or in real life
It’s tempting to post everything in real-time, but remember: if you’re sharing your location, it’s public and not just to strangers, but to people you might not want to know where you are. Try posting after you leave a place, and it’s okay if your followers don’t know your exact whereabouts. When meeting strangers, share what feels comfortable. If it doesn’t feel right, say you’re traveling with a friend or partner, no one needs to know the full truth if you don’t want to share it. In some cultures, a woman traveling alone is rare and may attract curiosity or judgment, so be ready for it, it’s part of the experience.
9. Don’t skip travel insurance – it’s peace of mind, not paranoia
Travel insurance isn’t just about covering cancelled flights or lost luggage. It’s one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself as a solo traveler. Knowing that you're covered in case of unexpected events, from a sprained ankle to a stolen phone, gives you the freedom to focus on enjoying your trip without that little voice in your head going “what if?” Personally, I never travel without it anymore and I always choose SafetyWing because it’s flexible, affordable, and designed with long-term travelers and digital nomads in mind. I love that you can start or extend coverage even if you’re already on the road., I’ve learnt that it is always better to spend a few extra euros upfront than deal with the stress (and potential huge costs) later. Some tips to choose the right one for you:
Look for insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip interruption, theft, and adventure activities if you're into hiking, diving, etc.
Read the fine print, some plans exclude certain countries or only reimburse specific scenarios (for example not all cover the cost of calling an ambulance and that could be very expensive in some countries)
Keep a digital copy of your insurance details and emergency numbers somewhere accessible (and maybe even share it with a friend or family member back home).
Think of it as a safety net you hope you’ll never use, but one that makes you feel way more secure just knowing it’s there.
10. Have a backup plan for payments
Money-related issues are some of the most stressful things that can happen while traveling solo, especially if you're far from home and can’t easily call your bank.
I’ve had my cards blocked twice while traveling outside Europe, and trust me, it’s not a situation you want to deal with. Since then, I’ve learned to always carry multiple cards from different providers. On top of my local bank card, I now travel with at least three digital credit cards, just in case one fails or gets flagged.
Here are a few steps I always take now:
Notify your bank before traveling so they don’t freeze your card for “suspicious” activity (especially important if you're going somewhere outside your home region)
Bring more than one card ideally from different banks or providers (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
Check in advance which payment methods are widely accepted in the country you’re visiting
Keep some local currency with you, especially if you're arriving late or heading to more rural areas
Don’t rely on credit card support that’s only reachable via phone, international calls can be expensive or impossible without local service
In countries like China, for example, Visa and Mastercard often aren’t accepted, and mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay are the norm. Make sure you research this before you go so you’re not stuck without a way to pay for essentials.
Having a few backup options gives you peace of mind and when you’re traveling solo, that’s everything.
Final thoughts: you don’t have to choose between freedom and safety
Feeling safe as a solo female traveler isn’t about avoiding risks at all costs. It’s about learning how to manage them without sacrificing your freedom or curiosity. You can be smart, cautious, and adventurous at the same time. You can protect yourself and still dance in the streets of a new city, say yes to last-minute plans, and connect with strangers who might become lifelong friends. You’re not “brave” for traveling solo, you’re capable, prepared, and powerful. So go ahead: book the flight, take the leap, and trust that you've got your own back.
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