Solo Travel Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers
- Margaux
- May 13
- 5 min read
Updated: May 17
Solo travel can be scary, especially if it’s your first time doing it. Having travelled solo for 10 months at a time and to over 30 different countries, I have seen and heard my fair share of stories. However, I have also learned a lot about safety as a solo female traveller, and in this blog post I want to share my best advice with you so that no-one misses out on the incredible experience that is solo travel. The blog post will touch on tips for hostels, what to say when people talk to you, staying connected, and more.
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If you're looking for the best destinations for your first solo trip, check out my post here: The Best Destinations for your First (or any) Solo Trip
Safety Tips for Staying in Hostels
When booking hostels, there are a few things to look out for to keep yourself safe. Luckily, Hostelworld has these icons on each hostel listing so you know what you’re getting, and ‘Security’ is one of the criteria Hostelworld uses to give hostels a rating. Double check this when you look at the reviews. As a general guideline, I only like to book hostels with 9.5 or above on Security.
I always prefer booking a hostel that has a 24 hour reception desk so that if you need someone at any hour of the day, you know that you will be able to get help. This also is useful if you arrive late at night. Make sure there are lockers in the hostel where you can keep your things secure, and always bring your own (combination) padlock. At the very least, the hostel should have a lockable door to the property, and some have individual dorm locks, which is also a positive.
I have stayed in both mixed and female dorms, and female-only often gives you a greater sense of security. If you have this option and are nervous, then it’s a great way to start.
You can read more about hostels in my Hostel Survival Guide which has even more advice on essential items to pack for hostels, dorm types, red flags, and how to make friends.
Sharing your Location as a Solo Female Traveller
Sharing your location is a simple but effective way to stay safe as a solo female traveller. At the very least, let someone know your plans for the day, and check in with them at regular intervals. If they have your location, they can also see if you’ve gone off your itinerary. It provides peace of mind for both parties.
Staying Connected as a Solo Female Traveller
Sharing your location and keeping people updated of your whereabouts comes with staying connected to the internet. Unless you’re in a really remote location with no service, I would always recommend having a local SIM card so that you are reachable and can contact people from anywhere. I like to use eSIMs as they’re easy to install and don’t require you to take out your physical SIM card. Companies like Airalo and Holafly offer really good eSIMs for pretty much every country in the world, as well as regional eSIMs, so it is well worth downloading one before you get to your new country.
Answering Questions as a Solo Female Traveller
One of the most common pieces of advice you will get when travelling solo is to never tell people you are alone. Always say you are “going to meet your dad/brother/boyfriend” - having a male person to reference is always a deterrent for people. I’ve even heard of women wearing fake wedding rings to ward people off. If you need to host a fake phone call to a man, that also is a good strategy. Never admit you are alone unless you fully trust the person asking.
Taking Care of your Belongings as a Solo Female Traveller
It goes without saying that you need to be fully aware of where your belongings are at all times when travelling solo. However, also be careful carrying all your valuables in one place. I tend to split up my cash, debit cards, and other valuable items so that in case one bag gets lost or stolen, I know I have backups. If you have lockers in your hostel, leave some cash there so you’re not carrying around large amounts at any one time. The same goes if you are lucky enough to have more than one passport - split them up.
Travelling with Important Documents
You never know what kind of situation you might find yourself at at a border crossing. Do your research and make sure you have all the required documents for visas etc., but also that you have backups. I always carry photocopies of my passport, vaccination records, visas, and other personal documents in case of emergency.
Watching Alcohol Consumption as a Solo Female Traveller
Staying aware of your surroundings, the people you’re with, and where you are is so important when you’re travelling solo. For this reason, I really recommend limiting alcohol consumption to stay safe. Even if you’re with a group of people you’ve been spending time with for days, you never truly know them and what they would do if you needed help. I have heard horror stories around this. Know your limits with alcohol and stick to them, as you don’t want to ever completely let your guard down.
Walking Around at Night as a Solo Female Traveller
Anywhere in the world will be more dangerous at night than in the daytime. If you can, avoid walking around at night on your own. If it’s necessary, use your common sense and trust your gut. Keep your head down, walk fast, keep your valuables close to you, and ignore anyone who tries to approach you.
If you follow this advice and keep your wits about you, travelling solo as a female won’t be as scary as it is made out to be. I have had very few issues on any of my trips. Don’t let fear stop you, because travelling solo will be the best thing you ever do, and you’ll meet some incredible people. Start small and then branch out as your confidence grows :)
If you're looking for the best destinations for your first solo trip, check out my post here: The Best Destinations for your First (or any) Solo Trip
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