It’s scary to think about traveling alone to another country where you don’t know anyone. I was terrified on my first solo trip abroad. In fact, I’m still afraid every single time I plan a trip. But I go anyway, and I am always so glad I did.

I can’t say that I haven’t encountered a few potentially dangerous situations. And I’m not going to promise that if you follow these tips, you will be “safe”, because I think that as women, sadly, we can never truly feel completely safe when we are alone in the world.

But sometimes we are even more at risk for being unsafe at home in our own backyards, so we can’t let our feelings of nervousness or anxiety keep us from living the most exciting lives possible.

If we use some of the tips below, at least we can put ourselves in a position where we are less likely to be targets. By using the tips below, we can make it as difficult as possible so that potential thieves, scammers and con artists might simply give up and move on to the next target.

Top Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

Walk confidently, and appear like you know exactly where you are going

Copy passport and ids and text and email copies to a relative or friend, and yourself

Take a self defense class

Have your first nights accommodation booked

Use your phone for safety apps, maps, location/ find me and Emergency numbers

Download Google translate in the language locals speak before your trip (it will work even with no WIFI)

Unlock your phone and get an International plan

Enroll in STEP STEP; Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Screenshot Google maps directions when you have WiFi

Look for hostels with lockers

Read your accommodations reviews

Know all the exits in your hotel/ hostel/ accommodations

Share your location with someone

Take a photo of the address of your hotel/ accommodation, but also carry the business card/ address of where you/re staying

Tell friends or hotel staff and your itinerary roughly when you’ll return

Try to learn the local public transportation/ trains/subways/ buses before you go

Memorize number of emergency contact

Carry a simple Dollar store door stopper with you

Backup photos memories on your friends phone too

Do prior research on local scams

Connect with Local GLT (Girls Love Travel) members

Connect with local Couchsurfing.org members

Know the local laws, especially where sex and even kissing is illegal

Avoid getting drunk

Try to have someone meet you at the airport

Have the local emergency and police numbers on speed dial

Pay a bit extra for your safety

Read about popular tourist scams in that country on the US Embassy website

Separate money, and always hide an emergency stash. (Try this hairbrush money stash safe)

Always trust your instincts

Do not worry about being a nice girl

Try to arrive in the daytime

Watch scam city on Amazon Prime

Pay to go to a beach club or crash a resort it’s safer

Befriend a family who may watch your things while you swim 

What are some of the things you do to stay safer while traveling? Please share your tips with us below!

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