Can we be honest for a second? Jetsetting is always a great opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and experience a new culture, but the stakes always feel higher when you’re a woman traveling alone.
Between dodging advances from that creepy guy at the lobby bar and staying clear of pickpocketers, it might feel like you’re fending off danger at every corner. But the truth? It doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, it’s entirely possible for women to love, not loathe, solo travel.
The key, experts say, is to be cautious without letting fear cramp your entire trip. “Shift your mindset from fear to a state of preparedness,” says Kiersten “Kiki” Rich, founder of The Blonde Abroad. “Solo travel isn’t about expecting danger—it’s about being ready if something happens. With the proper preparation and awareness, you can stay safe and fully enjoy the freedom of exploring the world on your own terms.”
Below, a few seasoned pros share their tips for having a fun, safe trip on your own terms.
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1. Do Your Research
While sussing out the best hotels and restaurants is always a travel must-do, researching feels even more pressing when you’re traveling solo. Alexa West, founder of The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide, checks prospective destinations’ safety rankings on a platform called Nomads. “They rank cities by traveler experience, including cost, internet speed, and—most importantly—safety,” she explains. “You can literally sort cities in order of safest to least safe, and see notes from other travelers about what to expect.”
Your dream trip might’ve gotten the seal of approval from a safety stance, but what about that hotel you’ve been eyeing? West recommends zooming out on your virtual map to see if it’s close to restaurants and shops. “Staying central means you control your movements, have easy access to food and fun, and can explore confidently on your own terms,” she says. “That convenience is part of your safety net.”
2. Take Your Maps Offline
Speaking of getting around, West says Google Maps’s offline mode is the “essential safety item most travelers don’t think of.” “This saves the entire area to your phone so you can still navigate without data or cell service,” she explains. “If your phone loses signal, your SIM card stops working, or you just want to avoid high roaming charges, you can still find your way back to your hotel, locate restaurants, or navigate to safety.”
Turns out, downloading an offline map is surprisingly easy. Before your trip, West says to open your Google Maps app while you’re connected to Wi-Fi. From there, search your destination city and select “download offline map.” “You can also find it under your profile icon in the app,” she says. Ta-da! You have the entire area at your fingertips—with or without a signal.
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3. Make a Hotel Your Home Base
Vacation rentals will give you a chance at living like a local, but if you’re traveling solo? Always book a room at a hotel. When traveling alone, Rich likes to let the hotel staff know when she’s heading out and when she expects to return. For her, it adds a layer of accountability and peace of mind.
“In Hawaii, I had a hotel call me when I hadn’t returned by 10 p.m. one night, which is invaluable should I have been in danger,” she admits. “Albeit, I was watching the season finale of Game of Thrones at a friend’s house.”
If you want to make your hotel room feel more secure, Rich recommends buying a portable door lock and a door alarm.
4. Think About Transportation
Let’s make one thing clear: When it comes from getting from point A to point B, “winging it” should never be an option. Vanessa Rivers, co-founder of We Are Travel Girls, says you should come up with a plan for getting around.
“Don’t grab the first ride or driver because it feels easier than figuring out apps or public transport,” she cautions. Instead of taking an unmarked taxi—something Rivers says you should never do—arrange airport pickup through your hotel or use a verified app so you’re not stuck negotiating with unknown drivers. “Always keep an eye on your rideshare and make sure they are staying on course,” she recommends.
5. Blend In
We love a carefully curated out-of-office outfit as much as the next jetsetter, but Rich recommends dressing strategically. “Flashing valuables, wearing flashy jewelry, or being glued to your phone makes you an easy target,” she says.
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6. Don’t Overshare With Strangers
Make no mistake, traveling solo is incredibly empowering; however, informing others you’re all alone might make you a target for theft and other crime. “Do not tell people, outside of hotel staff, you are traveling solo,” Rich says. “If anything, say you’re waiting for your husband, friends, or travel partners. Confidence is your armor.”
But fellow foreigners must be safe confidants, right? Not always, West says. “Women are often warned to watch out for ‘strange locals,’ but in reality, many of the dangers come from fellow travelers,” she explains. “The very people sharing your hostel, your tour, or your table—especially when they’re the same people you’re drinking with.”
There’s nothing wrong with talking to people at an expat bar, but West says it’s important to drink in moderation. “Getting too drunk is when so many bad situations happen,” she explains. “Staying in control of your alcohol intake keeps you in control of your safety.” Might we tempt you with these yummy (and booze-freeze) beverage ideas?
7. Have an Action Plan
“Have an action plan for when you spot red flags,” Rivers says. “If someone is making you feel unsafe, step into a shop, hotel lobby, or busy café.” She also recommends sharing your location with friends, calling a rideshare, or walking toward a busy, well-lit area.
Rich encourages you to practice a few key phrases like “yes,” “no,” and “help.” “I also recommend keeping the number for your embassy or consulate saved in your phone,” she adds. Remember, we’re talking about a worst-case situation: A scenario we hope you never, ever have to experience. However, coming up with a plan will help you spring into action should anything sketchy occur. Better safe than sorry!