25 Ways to Stay Safe While Traveling

Adventure, discovery and curiosity are important for human development and growth.

As solo female travelers, we revel in the freedom that comes from being able to go where we want, and when we want. We like being able to choose where we want to eat without having other people interfere. We love being able to meet new people without anyone dictating who we’re allowed to talk to. We enjoy feeling in control of our itinerary and time. We appreciate a good peaceful moment.

These are all wonderful ways to seek adventure, but oftentimes we have a small amount of control over the things that actually happen to us on those adventures.

Solo travel is a risk, and we know that risky behavior can lead to dangerous outcomes.

While we can’t control everything that happens on our trip - we can prepare ourselves to ensure a safe and pleasant journey while exploring new places.

First thing’s first - you have to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t let your guard down just because someone is being nice and friendly to you. As women, we are taught to be soft and sweet to everybody. While this may work with the people we already know, it’s a bad idea to show this side to strangers because we have no idea what their true intentions are.

Look, I get it. It’s not easy traveling by yourself. Sometimes we have to stop to ask for directions. Sometimes you want to connect with other people around you, rightfully so. But, make sure you are using your full alertness and listening to your intuitive gut feeling at all times. If it feels weird, walk away.

Now let's get to the good stuff..

1. Always have your location shared with at least three different people who you trust and know will be checking in on you.

2. Never let anyone you meet know you are alone

3. Carry a self defense tool with you at all times. Sharp jewelry like rings, bracelets and necklaces work great. Small pocket knives, or even pen + pencils. Hydro Flask also has great water bottles that are heavy enough to cause damage in case of an emergency.

4. Invest in pepper spray and learn how to use it.

5. Unless you are explicitly told to trust a taxi, don’t just walk into random taxis. Use trusted transportation apps where you can see drivers information and track the location of the trip. Uber, Lyft, and Curb work well. Do your research on the types of apps your destination offers, before you go on the trip.

6. If you need directions, walk into a pharmacy or a shop and connect to their internet to research directions on your phone.

7. When salespeople and beggars try to get your attention, don’t look their way. They might be harmless, but it could also be a tactic to disarm you. If you feel like giving money to beggars, do it quickly and walk away without saying anything.

8. Invest in a SIM card to make local phone calls and use mobile data. Do this on your first day there.

9. Don't walk around with both headphones in your ears. Leave room for listening to your surroundings.

10. Be calm and kind when waiters get your order wrong. You don’t know what causing a scene may invite.

11. Dress modestly. You don’t want random male attention, especially in traditional countries.

12. Dress down. Don’t wear designer outfits unless you want to be the target of a robbery.

13. Invest in a nice looking wedding ring. Flash it to men who approach you. As flattering as it may feel that men are showing you attention, you don’t know what their intentions are.

14. Look like you know where you are going, even when you don’t.

15. Always say you’re meeting someone.

16. Bring an extra charged battery with you in case your phone dies.

17. If you feel like you’re being followed, walk into the nearest and safest looking shop. Wait it out or order a car to pick you up.

18. Do NOT let anyone know where you are staying except for trusted family/friends.

19. Wear a money belt under your shirt or jacket.

20. Don’t carry more than $100 cash on you.

21. Stay in female dorms, and trusted hotels and Airbnbs.

22. Delay your social media posts. If you have to post the location, wait a day.

23. Do not give out your number and social media to strangers. If you feel like connecting with people on social media, get to know them first through an outdoor activity.

24. Try to stick to public transportation, most major cities have wonderful public transport where you may be safer than if you were in a private cab.

25. Talk to your adventure coach about things you're unsure of. They've been through these situations and can help you stay safe even when you are already in a dangerous situation.

Last but not least,

25. TRUST YOUR GUT FEELING AT ALL TIMES.

This is the most important safety tip I can give you.

This list may seem terrifying, but don't let it discourage you from traveling and exploring new places. Allow it to empower you with the knowledge of things you can do in order to have the best time on your solo journey.

Most of my trips have been nothing but humbling experiences where strangers turned into friends. I've immersed myself into self discovery and opened my heart up to anything the universe was throwing at me.

However, I can't say that I would have been as open to these experiences had I not been aware of what could happen if I am not careful enough. The truth is, you can be open to things and still take precaution.

I invite you to always think of safety first. Put your safety ahead of everything else, and then do things that match up with those safety standards. I promise you won't miss out on adventure and growth.

It only takes one dangerous situation to get in the way of your physical and mental health. Don't take that chance and be prepared.