Your 2025 Safety Guide for Traveling Solo as a Woman

Updated: January 2025

Three years ago, I ventured to Portugal for my first solo trip. At the time, I didn’t know what to expect, but I hoped for the best. Fast forward to today, I’ve traveled solo internationally six times and have learned countless lessons about solo female travel safety! While I learned my lessons the hard way, reading this blog should save you from experiencing those hardships.

When I began planning my first solo trip, safety was my biggest concern. No woman in my family had ever vacationed solo; they always traveled with family or friends expecting them at their destination. As a Black woman traveling to countries where I would be the overwhelming minority – I’d heard horror stories of harassment,discrimination– situations I hope to never encounter. Despite these fears, I couldn’t let them stop me from exploring the world and neither should you!

Below, I’ve shared 8+ tips that focus on solo female travel safety. These tips come from personal experience and in-depth research. At the end of this blog you should feel more confident and prepared to make that first step and embark on your solo venture!

1. Do Your Research!

Some travel challenges arise from lack of preparation. The best way to combat this is by educating yourself on the country or region that you plan on traveling to. This can save you from situations that are less than ideal and leave you feeling empowered in your itinerary. Areas of focus for your research should include:

• Travel Advisories: Government websites like the US Travel Advisory is a great tool for determining whether a destination is safe. You can expect to see a safely level assigned to each country with details surrounding the presence of civil, violent unrest, etc. If the region you want to travel to is a level 3 (Reconsider travel) don’t be discouraged, sometimes this rating is for specific regions within a country.
• Entry Requirements: Know what the required entry documents are to enter the country. Sometimes, all you need is a viable passport, in other instances you may need a temporary visa, proof of income, an invitation letter, and specific vaccinations. Be aware of the various requirements at least one-month before your intended departure date. Additional time may be necessary if vaccinations of temporary visas are needed.
• Cultural Norms: Learn about local customs, especially regarding the treatment of women. Norms and customs influence how people treat you and how you’re expected to treat others. This knowledge will help you navigate interactions safely and respectfully.

2. Invest in Safety Gadgets 

As a solo traveling woman, It is always better to be safe than sorry. At first, the idea of buying safety gadgets seemed obnoxious to me. Why would I need a manual lock for my hotel if the door already has a lock? Since I had never traveled solo prior my trip to Portugal, I never knew the dangers women face when traveling alone. Unfortunately, there are bad actors whose aim is to take advantage of people, especially women. Always travel with safety gadgets to give you peace of mind and an added layer of security. Here are some tools that I find helpful.

• Door Stop Alarm: Prevents unauthorized entry and will alert you if an attempt occurs.
• Door lock: Added layer of protection for locks and doors
• Carbon Monoxide detector: Protects against the “silent killer”, especially since most accommodations don’t come equips with these detectors.

Before purchasing certain gadgets, check the destination laws. Items like tasers or pepper spray are illegal in some countries. Carrying illegal items can lead to fines or an arrest.

3. Share Your Itinerary

Someone from home should always have your itinerary. Find a trusted family member or friend to share with all the details of your trip. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong, having pinpoints for your location could be live saving. Details I share with my family and friends include:

• Hotel Details: link to property, property name, property address
• Excursion Details: Operator name, tour stops, tour start/end times, tour link
• Itinerary Details: day -by-day breakout of the regions I will be exploring
• Shared Location: Using Apple’s ‘Share my Location’ services

4. Book Group Tours

Don’t get me wrong, I love to explore by myself, but sometimes group traveling can be the safer option. Depending on the country I go to and the reviews that I read beforehand, I will book a group tour versus a solo adventure. Group tours are a great way to meet other travelers, socialize, and even build your network. Usually, other travelers share the same goal as you, explore the new city/country and make positive memories. Group tours occasionally offer round-trip transportation that can make traveling in certain remote or car-dependent destinations more navigable.

5. Plan Transportation in Advance 

Unreliable transportation can be a big issue as a solo traveler, so it’s best to book transportation in advance. For example, Iceland doesn’t have rideshare services, so I pre-booked my transit with the Flybus to avoid being stranded. Worst case scenario, you can hire a last minute taxi driver, but this can be the most expensive option (depending on your destination) as drivers are known to upcharge tourists.

6. Map Walking Routes 

I love taking a stroll around the city or region that I am visiting on foot. Nonetheless, it isn’t always safe to roam aimlessly. You may stand out to bad actors as an easy target, leaving you vulnerable. Using Google or Apple maps to get familiar with your surroundings is a good tip to ensure you’re vigilant and aware.

7. Identify Emergency Contacts

Before you travel, take note of your country’s embassy and the local emergency numbers. There is nothing worse than being in danger, and having no clue as to who to contact locally for assistance, especially if you’re alone. 

As an American don’t assume that dialing 911 in a foreign country will direct you to emergency services. Similarly, if you are traveling to a country where the primary language isn’t English, take note of how to ask for help in the local language. In a crisis, being able to ask for help could make a big difference.

8. Make Copies of Travel Documents 

Accidents happen and things get lost, so it’s best to prepare for the worst case scenario. Have a photocopy of your passport, identification card, visa and other travel documents crucial for entry into your home country. While photocopies aren’t a replacement for the physical, they can help expedite the replacement process.

9. Carry Local Cash and Credit Cards

I struggle with carrying enough cash while traveling. I think it’s because the money on my cards are insured, so If I lose my wallet I can always restore my money. While credit cards are convenient, not all countries accept American card providers. Carrying converted cash while traveling abroad ensures you can pay for essentials. 

If you’re like me and detest walking around with large amounts of cash, buy a portable safety punch and store your cash there. I used the Pacsafe Travelsafe during my trip to Kenya.

 Remember, the first step to a successful trip is being prepared. These tips should guide you to have a safe and unforgettable solo trip in the near future!