Travel is one of the best ways to expand your mind, meet interesting people, and experience different places and cultures. Of course, you want to be able to explore the world while staying safe, especially if you’re venturing out on your own. We’ve collected some tips for staying safe as a female solo traveler so you can feel confident and comfortable while jet-setting around the world.
Bring a Door Stopper
No matter how safe you feel the place you’re traveling to is, it’s always a good idea to pack a travel door stopper. Whether you’re in a swanky hotel or a hostel, door stoppers provide a sense of security for any solo traveler. Even if you’re not worried about someone trying to break into the place you’re staying, keycards can malfunction and doors can be left unlocked.
It’s best to be safe and bring a door stopper with you to any place you travel. They’re usually shaped like a wedge and slip right under the door, so even if the door didn’t lock for some reason, you can sleep soundly knowing there’s an extra layer of protection.
Do your Research
Doing your research on your destination is perhaps the most important part of traveling safely whether you’re solo or with a group. You might want to know what the safest parts of town are, where you might want to avoid, or the safest way to get around. In some places, it’s helpful to know what is culturally deemed inappropriate, etc.
It’s also important to familiarize yourself with location costs so you can know what to expect to pay while you’re visiting. Food, accommodation, and activities will vary in cost based on where you go. You don’t have to be an expert in every place you travel. But arming yourself with as much information as possible is the best way to go.
Keep in Touch
Don’t go completely off the grid! Keep at least one or two people in the loop about your whereabouts regularly. Consider sharing flight information or hotel names with a family member or close friend just to be on the safe side. Remember to let someone know if you decide to change your plans and stay somewhere else.
Keeping in touch with your family and friends will give you and them a sense of security while you travel on your own. While it’s totally okay to disconnect and immerse yourself in the environment, they’ll appreciate you keeping them in the loop and knowing you’re safe.
Keep your Valuables Hidden
Unfortunately, things sometimes get stolen. And having your valuable or sentimental items taken while on vacation or during travel can be a real mood killer. Keep your things hidden in your hotel room while you’re out and about. Some rooms have safes you can use for exactly this purpose.
It might be a good idea to leave some of your favorite jewelry at home. Don’t worry! It’ll be waiting for you when you get back. It’s best to blend in while you travel. This is also where some of your travel research will come in handy. Some places are known for pickpockets and scams so study up before you go anywhere!
Backup Your Documents Online
While we wish everything went smoothly all the time, this is rarely the case. Having a digital backup of your documents while you’re away from home is critical if your things get lost, stolen, or damaged. Passport, I.D., booking confirmations, travel accommodations, etc. should all be backed up online so you have a digital copy.
We recommend keeping a physical copy of any emergency contacts as well just in case your phone goes down. Most of us don’t have phone numbers memorized anymore so it’s good to have a physical copy of those if your phone betrays you. You might consider writing down the name, phone number, adn address of your hotel or accommodation just in case you get lost as well.
Learn Basic Words in the Local Language
Now, we don’t expect you to learn a new language overnight. But preparing yourself by learning some basic words in the common language where you’re traveling will be beneficial to traveling safely. You’ll want to know the basics: “Hello”, “Goodbye”, Thank you”, “Yes”, “No”.
But it might also be helpful to learn some useful phrases such as “Do you speak English?”. Familiarizing yourself with some basic language will make it much easier to get around and might come in handy if you get lost. Not to mention, it’s a great way to communicate with locals and immerse yourself in the place you’ve traveled to!
