There’s something incredibly freeing about packing your bag, boarding a plane, and setting off on your own. Solo travel gives you the chance to move at your own pace, chase your own curiosities, and truly tune in to who you are.
And more women than ever are doing just that!
A recent survey by travel company Road Scholar found that 30% of their tour participants are solo travelers—and of those, a whopping 85% are women.
But here’s the thing: While solo travel can be empowering, it also means taking your safety seriously.
As women who travel, explore, and create safety devices ourselves, we know how important it is to feel confident and secure while navigating the world alone.
Whether you're planning your first solo trip or your tenth, this guide is packed with practical advice to help you stay safe, smart, and fully in the moment.
Preparation Before the Trip
Research Your Destination
Start smart by doing a little digging. Check government travel advisories like travel.state.gov or usa.gov. Learn about local customs, laws, scams, and which neighborhoods to avoid.
Look into how women are treated culturally—are there dress expectations? Gender-specific spaces? What’s the general attitude toward solo female travelers?
Local Facebook travel groups can be a goldmine of real-time advice, especially from other women.
Share Your Itinerary
Before you jet off, give someone you trust a copy of your itinerary. Include flight info, hotel names, tour details, and local contacts if you have them.
Set a check-in schedule—daily WhatsApps, a quick emoji, or a location share can go a long way in keeping others looped in.
Health Precautions
Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date and pack all essential meds in your carry-on. This includes anything prescription, plus backups like pain relievers, allergy meds, and electrolyte tabs.
In case of emergencies, store your health insurance info digitally and keep a paper copy too.
Situational Awareness
Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right—it probably isn’t. You don’t need a reason to remove yourself from a situation. Cross the street. Leave the bar. Say no. You’re not being rude—you’re staying safe.
Stay Alert
We know the temptation to scroll or get lost in your GPS, but being present is one of the simplest ways to stay safe. Keep your head up. Know who’s around you. Notice the exits. You’ll feel more in control—and be better equipped to respond if something seems off.
Blend In
Avoid standing out as a tourist. Dress to match local styles and customs when possible, especially in conservative regions. Leave the flashy jewelry at home, and try not to walk around with your phone or camera out all the time. Confidence is the best disguise!
Self-Defense Tools and Techniques
Personal Safety Devices
Carrying safety tools gives you options. Think small, discreet, and effective. Some favorites include:
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Personal alarms
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Pepper spray (check local laws!)
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Self-defense keychains
At ResQ, we’ve designed wearable panic buttons built into necklaces and bracelets—stylish jewelry that connects to your phone via the ResQ App. Press the button and an alert is sent to your emergency contacts with your live location.
You can explore the Shakti necklace or Maitri bracelet if you want discreet protection that actually looks good, too!
Basic Self-Defense Training
Knowing how to get out of a wrist grab or yell from your diaphragm can make a huge difference. Look for a local class before you leave or take a women’s self-defense workshop online. It’s not about fighting—it’s about reacting quickly and creating a chance to escape.
We talk more about practical defense in this post: How to Protect Yourself as a Woman
Accommodation Safety
Choosing Safe Lodgings
Look for hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs with great reviews specifically about safety. Search reviews for comments from other solo female travelers.
Avoid staying in remote or poorly lit areas, and don’t be afraid to message the host or front desk to ask about neighborhood safety.
Room Security
Once inside, take a few extra precautions:
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Always lock doors and windows
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Use a portable door lock or rubber door stop for extra security
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Check closets, bathrooms, and under beds upon arrival
Want more hotel safety tips? We’ve got a full guide here: Stay Safe in Hotels as a Solo Traveler
Avoid Ground Floors
When possible, choose a room on the 2nd–4th floors. Why? Ground floors are easier to break into, and floors too high might be harder to escape from during emergencies.
Transportation Tips
Secure Transport
Skip the random taxi. Stick to ride-sharing apps with location sharing, license plate verification, and driver ratings. Always sit in the back seat. Share your ride details with a friend. Use the “emergency” or “help” buttons if available.
Public Transit Awareness
Avoid empty buses or train cars, especially at night. Keep your bag close, stay alert, and if someone gives you a bad vibe—move. You don’t owe anyone your comfort.
Rental Cars
If you’re driving, give yourself time to learn the car controls in daylight. Keep your doors locked, avoid isolated areas, and never leave valuables visible. Stick to well-lit parking lots and always reverse into your space for a faster exit.
Cultural and Social Considerations
Learn Basic Local Phrases
A simple “hello,” “thank you,” or “help” in the local language shows respect and can help in emergencies. Apps like Duolingo or Google Translate can be lifesavers.
Understand Social Norms
Gender roles vary around the world. What’s acceptable at home might be seen differently abroad. In some places, solo female travelers are rare, and it’s important to be aware of what behavior or clothing might draw attention—wanted or not.
Avoid Sharing Personal Details
When you’re traveling alone, it’s okay to lie. Don’t tell strangers you’re solo. Say your friend is meeting you. Say your boyfriend is in the hotel room. It’s not about being polite—it’s about protecting yourself.
Don’t leave safety to chance. Discover wearable protection that moves with you.
Digital Security
Use VPNs
Public Wi-Fi can be risky. Use a VPN to protect your personal info when checking email, booking tickets, or using banking apps.
Secure Devices
Use passcodes or fingerprint locks on your phone and laptop. Enable “Find My Device” so you can track it—or wipe it—if it gets stolen.
Social Media Caution
Tempted to post your perfect sunset right now? Wait. Posting your location in real-time tells the internet exactly where you are—alone. Delay sharing until after you’ve left that spot.
FAQs: Solo Female Travel Safety
How to safely travel alone as a woman?
Plan ahead, stay aware, and trust your instincts. Use tools like safety apps, personal alarms, and share your itinerary with someone you trust.
How do I protect myself when traveling alone?
Carry self-defense tools, avoid risky areas at night, and don’t share your solo status with strangers. Wearable panic button jewelry like ResQ’s collection is also a great backup.
What is the safest place for a woman to travel alone?
Places like Japan, Portugal, and New Zealand are often ranked among the safest for solo female travelers—but no matter the destination, your habits and awareness matter most.
How to stay safe as a female staying alone in a hotel room?
Lock the door, use an extra door stop or alarm, avoid ground-floor rooms, and don’t open the door to unexpected visitors.
Solo Travel Should Feel Fun—Not Scary
Traveling alone as a woman doesn’t have to mean traveling in fear.
With a few smart precautions, you can explore confidently, connect deeply, and return home with stories you’ll never forget!
At ResQ, we design personal safety jewelry because we believe freedom and safety should go hand in hand.
Whether you’re headed to a new city or a new continent, we want you to feel secure, stylish, and supported—wherever the road takes you.
Travel with confidence—ResQ’s panic button jewelry connects you to help instantly. Your safety is just a button away.