Written from the perspective of a woman who travels internationally alone several times a year

Traveling the world solo as a woman is one of the most empowering, exhilarating, life-expanding experiences you can give yourself. I’ve been traveling internationally alone for years – sometimes hopping between countries multiple times a year – and while I’ve had magical moments in Ireland’s misty countryside, cozy winter weekends in London, and unforgettable summers wandering coastal towns in Europe, I’ve also learned the importance of staying aware, prepared, and confident.

Solo travel is safe, joyful, and incredibly rewarding, but it does require a little extra intention. These are the ten safety tips I personally follow on every trip, and they’ve helped me travel smarter, not scared.

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1. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely

When I travel alone, where I stay matters just as much as where I go. I always read reviews from women traveling solo, look for properties in well-lit areas, and choose accommodations with strong security features – like keycard elevators, 24-hour reception, and in-room safes. Your hotel or Airbnb should feel like a haven, not a gamble.

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2. Keep Your Arrival Plans Off Social Media

I love sharing my travels online, but I never post my exact hotel, flight details, or arrival times in real time. Instead, I wait until the next day or after I’ve checked out. This helps protect your privacy and keeps potential opportunists from knowing where you’ll be and when.

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3. Blend In With the Locals

Looking like a tourist can make you a target. I try to dress in a way that matches local style, avoid loud branded travel gear, and walk with purpose, even when I’m secretly navigating with Google Maps. A confident stride can be the best safety tool you own.

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4. Share Your Itinerary With Someone You Trust

Before I take off on any international trip, I send my flight numbers, hotel names, and rough daily itinerary to a family member. I also check in at least once a day. It doesn’t need to be a big “I’ve arrived safely” update – just a simple text can give peace of mind to both sides.

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5. Always Have a Backup Plan

Travel rarely goes 100% according to plan. I always carry:

• A screenshot of my hotel’s address
• Offline maps
• A backup credit card in a separate place
• A small stash of emergency cash
  

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6. Trust Your Intuition—Every Time

Your instincts are one of your strongest travel safety tools. If something feels off – a street, a bar, a person – leave. You owe no explanation. Over the years, trusting my intuition has saved me from several situations that just didn’t feel right.

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7. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Being aware doesn’t mean being anxious. It simply means paying attention. I take mental note of exits, watch the people around me, and try not to walk anywhere alone at night unless I’m in a busy, central area. Awareness is confidence, and confidence is safety.

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8. Use Transportation You Trust

When I land in a new country, I research safe transportation options ahead of time. In many destinations, official taxis or rideshare services like Uber or Bolt are safest, but in others, licensed airport transfers or reputable shuttle services are better. Know this before you land, so you’re not fumbling at the curb trying to figure it out while tired and overwhelmed.

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9. Keep Your Valuables Close

I’ve learned to travel with minimal valuables and keep what I do carry very secure. A crossbody bag with RFID protection, a slim money belt for passports or extra cash, and a phone tether have saved me more than once from pickpocket-heavy areas (looking at you, big European train stations).

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10. Walk With Confidence—Even When You Feel Lost

This is one of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve experienced as a solo traveler. Even if I’m unsure where I’m going, I take a moment off to the side, regroup, and continue with confidence. Predators often look for people who seem confused or isolated, so don’t give them that opening.

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Final Thoughts

Solo travel has changed my life in ways I could never fully put into words. It’s expanded my confidence, strengthened my independence, and brought me friendships and experiences I treasure. Yes, safety matters, but once you’ve prepared wisely, don’t forget to actually enjoy the adventure.

You are strong, capable, and absolutely able to travel the world on your own terms.
These tips aren’t meant to scare you – they’re meant to empower you. Safe travels, and may your next adventure be your most unforgettable yet.