Solo travel is the number one way I’d recommend a journey of self-discovery and adventure. It’s a powerful teacher and empowers you to build essential life skills, while getting to see how unconquerable, mind, body and spirit you can be. 

However, due to stories on the news or the amount of movies loosely based on real events like being stuck in the mountains, kidnapping or tourists being forgotten, I know it can make many women hesitant to venture overseas. Unfortunate and uncontrollable events can happen anywhere, anytime, it’s true.

What we can do is prioritize our safety for additional peace of mind. Conversations with other travelers I’ve met along the way, each with their own tales of navigating the unexpected, helped me to narrow in on these tips, as a little preparation goes a long way.

Here are 10 safety tips to help ensure you feel secure on your solo travels:

1. Prepare Important Documents and Copies:

If your passport or other critical documents are lost or stolen, having copies will significantly expedite the replacement process. Trust me, various events like needing to prove I was legit at a Mexican border, supporting study, work and/or permanent residency applications across different continents, have been part of my personal need to have these organized. While having spoken to other travelers has provided insight for similar situations, or they encountered theft, loss of valuables like a phone and passport in one go, needing to get help from afar, these backups are non-negotiable. 

Action: Create a list of emergency contacts. Make photocopies or digital scans of your passport, driver’s license (have photo ID copies notarized e.g. my local pharmacy charges $1 for this), visa and travel insurance. You can store these copies in a password protected USB while you travel. Share a copy with family or close friends back home.

2. Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance:

Depending on your destination and trip duration, some Customs Officers may request proof of travel insurance. It’s also invaluable if your baggage is lost, delayed, flights are disrupted, or you require medical attention. So far I’ve not had too many mishaps, other than needing to see a doctor and have an MRI, but I’ve known travelers who’ve had incidents of having their rental car hit and needing to sort complex payments, or things stolen and had the insurance to back them up – stories that definitely reinforced the ‘just in case’ mentality for me. 

Action: Invest in it. If you can’t afford travel insurance, reconsider if you can truly afford the trip. I’ve used and recommended World Nomads for their straightforward coverage.

3. Fully Understand Your Insurance Coverage:

Knowing the specifics of your travel insurance policy supports your peace of mind and effective claims. It’s not just about having insurance; it’s about knowing what it actually covers in those ‘what if’ scenarios e.g. you have pre-existing conditions or are doing extreme sports.

Action: Add your insurance company information to your contacts. Read your insurance policy to understand what is and isn’t covered. Pay attention to exclusions, processing times, claim procedures, and emergency contact numbers – add to your contacts. Keep a digital and hard copy of your policy readily accessible.

4. Check Country Travel Updates:

Staying informed about travel advisories and potential risks will always be useful in pre-planning. Social unrest has caused airports to close and mother nature sweeps landscapes. Save yourself from wondering or feeling unprepared, especially if you go somewhere you might not know the language or local customs intimately. 

Action: Check your government’s travel advisory website e.g. Smartraveller for Australians. Register your travel plans if there are government sites, including your destinations and travel dates.

5. Save Consulate Information:

Having your country’s consulate or embassy contact information (in the country you’re going to) ready available can be crucial in unforeseen circumstances. While I’ve never personally needed to contact them, knowing where they are and who else you can call provides a sense of security that you’ve got your bases covered. It’s like having a safety net you hope you never need to use. 

Action: Save the contact details in your phone and on paper. Ensure your phone contacts are synced with your email account for access from any device.

6. Share Your Itinerary and Real-Time Progress:

Keeping loved ones informed about your plans and location/s can be that ‘just in case’ support to check in and make sure you’ve arrived at your destination, or when to expect you home. It also allows them to share in your journey, even from afar, connecting you even when you’re solo. 

Action: Send calendar invites with your trip details to your roommate, close friends or family, including flight information, accommodation addresses, planned activities with what tour provider, and relevant website links. You can use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps to share your real-time location and estimated arrival times, especially when traveling at night or in unfamiliar areas. Establish a regular check-in schedule if required depending on the type of trip E.g. bi-weekly or monthly. 

7. Practice Street Smarts and Trust Your Gut Instincts:

As women, we’re often acutely aware of our surroundings. Trusting your intuition is a powerful tool – not to go down that dark alley, leaving a scene when it gets uncomfortable, turning right instead of left. It’s that inner voice that has often guided me in unfamiliar situations and it’s something I encourage every solo female traveler to tune into. 

Action: Depending on your destination, it can be best to avoid displaying expensive jewelry, designer clothing, or flashy gadgets unless you are using private transportation. Be mindful when walking in unfamiliar areas, especially at night. Ask your hotel or hostel for maps and directions. Pay attention to your gut, goose bumps or hair raising tingles. If something feels off, it’s okay to change your plans, take a different route, or leave the situation.

8. Be Mindful of Local Customs:

When I moved overseas I learnt that instead of trying to make people see my way, get or do things I would’ve back in Australia, limited my experiences. Being open-minded and willing to immerse in how the locals do, shows respect for their culture, enriches your travel and connects you to people you never would’ve met otherwise. While challenging any stereotypes or prejudices, this opens doors for new understanding and perspective shifts that help you appreciate who you are and what you have.  

Action: Research the local customs and dress codes of your destination. E.g., countries like Thailand and the Philippines are generally conservative in dress. Observe and practice local greetings or mannerisms.

9. Don’t Overshare Personal Information: 

While most people you meet will be friendly and kind, be mindful about sharing too much personal information with strangers. Remember, you’re building connections, not necessarily writing your autobiography to everyone you encounter. 

Action: Be selective about the information you share with new acquaintances. Be mindful revealing your accommodation details, daily routines, or financial information.

10. Be Aware of Potential Scams: 

Tourists are often targets for scams-accommodation, events, activities. Being aware of what’s going on in your destination can help you avoid them. A little research here can save you a lot of stress and financial hiccups down the line. 

Action: Research common scams in your destination before you travel. Be wary of overly friendly strangers,  and unsolicited offers.

Solo travel is an incredible opportunity for spiritual growth (think what’s meaningful and important to you), personal and professional growth – it truly throws you into situations that reveal your resilience. 

What you encounter overrides things you used to see as issues, not relevant or problems at all. I found that it helps you learn to accept what you can’t change, while realizing how much you can. Remember, being prepared doesn’t mean being fearful; it means being an empowered and responsible adventurer, ready to embrace all the diversity, beauty and growth that traveling offers.

These tips allowed me to learn how to go with the flow and focus on best case scenarios, because at the end of each day all we can do is control our thoughts and actions. Anything else to support our peace of mind is an investment in our overall wellbeing. 

➡️Ready to stop letting fear hold you back from your first leap abroad, and tune out the resistance from others dimming your travel vision?

✨Join me in a 90-minute session on Boldly Abroad – the guidance and emotional support you need to confidently take the plunge.