As many of you know, I travel solo majority of the time whether that be for work or for fun. Oftentimes I’m asked what I do to maintain safety while traveling. In an effort to inspire you to take the leap by yourself, I am here to deliver some travel tips! Read on to see how I stay safe while traveling (in no particular order). Keep in mind this list not only provides solo travel tips for women; Men and travel groups can also benefit.
Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations for the items listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. There is a current U.S. Travel Advisory and in some cases U.S. Travel Restrictions. Use your best judgment if you choose to travel (or you can simply hold off for now and save this guide for later). If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling.
Travel Tips
1) Keep copies of important documents!
I cannot stress this travel tip enough; sometimes we misplace items or worse, it’s stolen! This is where having a copy of your important documents comes into play (i.e.; passport, insurance card, drivers license etc.). If you have a copy of these documents, you can always utilize them at the embassy of your country of origin to have it reissued. So where should you keep a copy? In your check-on bag, purse, or carry-on. You can also use an app to keep a digital copy, but a paper copy will come in handy in case your battery dies or you lose your phone. Store all of your important documents using this organizer.
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2) Research, research, RESEARCH
I do not travel anywhere without first researching that destination or area thoroughly. The last thing you want to do is to be caught off guard, or worse, in an area where it’s clear you should not be. Get to know the ins and outs of where you’ll be staying and do not explore after dark by yourself.
Solo Travel
3)Keep your loved ones informed of where you are at ALL times!
Traveling solo (or in general) is fun, and it’s very easy to get caught up in all of the things you want to do. Make sure you either share your location with people you can trust at all times, OR give them live updates of wherever you are at that moment. Additionally share the address of where you’ll be staying, the room number (if applicable), and the itinerary of what you’ll be doing. You should also leave the lights on, windows closed, and do not disturb sign on your door so someone thinks you’re home (even when you aren’t).
*Bonus- If you have a social media presence (or just in general) DO NOT post until AFTER you have already left that location.
4) Safety proof where you will be staying!
Moving to a new place can be both exciting and unnerving. I purchase quite a few items to make wherever I am staying feel much safer. Here’s a few items I purchase: ring light, window/door alarm, portable door lock, nanny cam, and door security bar. I could go on and on, but starting off with these items will help give you a piece of mind.
Solo Travel for Women
5) Self-defense items
Given today’s climate if you’re traveling alone as a woman, it’s a good idea to have some kind of self-defense item. I don’t mean to scare you, and this isn’t me saying that there are places you cannot travel alone as a woman without these items, but it is helpful.
Keep in mind if you’re traveling overseas, then you will not be able to carry some of these items with you, but it may behoove you to carry them where you live. The decision is ultimately up to you, and you can always opt-out if you feel uncomfortable. Here are some self-defense items you might find worthwhile: mace/stun gun, and self-defense key chain set. Some U.S. States have restrictions on items you can carry so research your options before purchasing.
6) Book an early flight!
I’ll admit this is not always easy to do, but try to book an early flight if you can. It’s not a good idea to be in a strange or foreign place at night, so opt for an early arrival. I once arrived in Thailand late at night, but my friends met me at the airport so I wouldn’t be traveling alone.
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How to Travel Alone
7) Blend in!
When I’m traveling alone I try to blend in. Now admittedly this is pretty hard for me given my appearance (I have a big curly fro and most people can usually tell I’m not from the area), so it’s not easy for me to blend in per se. HOWEVER I try my best NOT to attract additional attention to myself. What does this mean? The last thing you want to do is look like a tourist (e.g.; looking lost/confused, scared, in awe of everything, not paying attention to your belongings). I’m not saying you shouldn’t be excited by what you see, but just be aware of your surroundings. This brings me to my next point…
Traveling Safely
8) Learn the local language
In addition to learning how to travel safely, it’s important to try to learn a few phrases or words of the local language, especially when traveling overseas. There are plenty of apps you can use to strengthen your ability to learn another language (I like to use Duolingo) or you can purchase books as well. Here’s an example: Spanish for Dummies.
9) Leave important items at home!
The last thing you want to do is wear your most expensive jewelry or carry any other valuables unnecessarily while you’re exploring. Pickpockets and/or misplacing items can happen, don’t let it! If you need to carry valuable items while traveling, utilize the hotel’s safe or carry your own portable safe.
10) Use your intuition
I know this one seems counter-intuitive (get it :)) but seriously, we can all feel when something isn’t right. If you’re having second thoughts, or feel uncomfortable, follow it! This could be the very thing that keeps you safe and even alive so don’t ignore it!
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Final Thoughts
That concludes my tips on things you need to know in order to travel safely! As always, thank you for reading. Did you learn anything new or have any feedback? Any ways you keep safe that weren’t mentioned here? Let me know, please comment below and don’t forget to subscribe here.
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Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations for the items listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. There is a current U.S. Travel Advisory and in some cases U.S. Travel Restrictions. Use your best judgment if you choose to travel (or you can simply hold off for now and save this guide for later). If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling.
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There are so many great tips here. I’ve gotten a few safety items this past Christmas as gifts. The door alarm is my favorite. I also have a keychain that you can pull with a loud alarm and a crazy bright flashlight to blind someone. I love having items that are allowed on a plane! Thanks for the great tips.
You’re welcome! Thank you for reading. I’m glad you found some of the items helpful for your travels.
Great post! I also learned not moving around outside after dark and breaking routines in certain destinations helps, and to carry an appropriately small amount of cash in case I get mugged. SAd truth, as women we are probably a lot more vulnerable.
You’re right unfortunately, but taking extra precautions will help improve safety. I like your tip about carrying a small amount of cash too, that is important!
These are great tips! I completely agree – research is so important.
It definitely is! The more research you do, the more you’re prepared.
These are all really great tips! Especially having back ups of important documents.
Thanks for the reminder.
You’re welcome! Thank you so much for reading.
I have made many solo trips in Europe and Asia, and I agree with your advice. They are precious and helpful tips for solo travelers. During my travels, I always let my dearest know where I am at a given moment. In which hostel or hotel will I spend the night, and what are my plans for the coming days. I think it’s essential in case something should happen to me. It is also important to have copies of documents and plan your trip carefully.
Yes! It’s vital to utilize these tips as anything can happen when traveling. So glad you found it helpful.
These are such great tips! I’ve been traveling alone a lot more lately and I’ve implemented some of the safety items you mentioned. It makes me (and the people who care about me) feel so much better.
I’m so happy to hear that and I’m glad you have implemented some of the tips.
Great tips! Taking copies of my passport and other documents is always one I seem to forget but is so important!
Thank you! And yes, this one is extremely important.
Some great tips for keeping safe when travelling. We are super researchers so always try to plan and consider the issues and options. Good to think about self defence items if you are out on your own. And booking an early flight is not something I had thought of but it makes a lot os sense to not arrive in the dark.
Absolutely! I’m glad that you utilize some of the tips mentioned.
Great tips and suggestions that everyone should keep in mind before traveling, even if you are going to some destinations that are considered “extra safe”
Learning some basic language and blending is essential also for enjoying the place more authentically
Yes, I agree! Learning some of the language is slept on by a lot of people.
This is a really good list, especially the items for female and solo female travelers! As a female myself, I think about these things when I travel. Your list of what you bring to safety proof your lodging environment was super helpful.
I’m glad you found it helpful. Thanks for reading!
I love your tip about blending in! Whenever we travel we make sure to not wear shorts because usually that screams tourist.
Haha, that’s so true! Thanks for reading.
Great stuff here. It’s always a good idea to be prepared when traveling!
I agree. Thank you so much!
Great tips! I always book an early flight – not only does it give you the rest of the day to explore your destination, but like you mentioned, it feels a lot safer getting somewhere while it’s still light out.
Exactly! And who doesn’t want extra time while on vacation? Thanks for reading!
I live in a city that’s pretty safe and everyone’s really ‘sheltered’ as a result -and I have to confess I definitely take #5 for granted and always forget to do it when I travel. Definitely could do with a little less trust 😅
There’s nothing wrong with growing up sheltered, and I’m glad you’re aware that you may need to be a little more safe when traveling. Thanks for reading!
These are such good tips! I’ve never travelled solo but I definitely agree with keeping family informed of your movements. We might start doing this even as a couple just in case of emergencies! Thanks for the great tips!
Thank you for finding the tips helpful!
I really believe in trusting your gut. Glad you mentioned that one!
It’s a safety tip many people forget to utilize, so I felt compelled to mention it.
Being aware and understanding the language is such a critical tip. Also having safety items figured out ahead of time can help make travel safer.
Absolutely, figuring out things prior to travel is crucial. Thank you for reading!
Some great tips of which I really try to embody, especially when I travel solo . I always keep a copy of my passport, split items up, research tonnes and try to blend in too. Which is hard sometimes but always a good idea.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you embody some of the same tips to stay safe.
So many good tips. I travel alone often and I’m always very safety conscious but not everyone is and it’s easy to forget or let your guard down when you’re tired. I think not posting on social media until you’ve left is very smart!
I agree, being tired can also cause us to let our guard down. Thank you for reading!