Safety Tips for Solo Travellers: How to Stay Safe
The Introverted Solo Traveller contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more information.
Travelling is supposed to be fun and exciting. But this changes when you fear for your safety. The tips in this guide are supposed to help you with your preparation and keep you safe while you’re travelling.
I’ve been travelling for many years solo and I’m glad that I can say that nothing has ever happened to me. Additionally, I never really felt that I was in danger because I prepared myself and was observant while out and about.
With this guide, I hope you’ll feel the same way and enjoy your travels without worrying too much.
Safety on Your Solo Trip – How to Prepare Yourself
1. Research the Destination
This is applicable if you already have a destination in mind or are still wondering where you should go.
Many countries are perfect for solo travellers, you can find a few in the solo travel guide.
Once you have a destination where you’d like to go to (or several). Research the destination and its neighbourhoods.
Are there any neighbourhoods where you shouldn’t be walking alone at night? What are the most touristy areas? The more tourists, the less likely you’ll be alone and have to worry about strangers.
Additionally, you should research local customs and cultural norms. Is there a dress code for women that should be adhered to? Do you need to cover your knees and shoulders when going to religious buildings?
Is the victory sign an offensive gesture? Just an example, but you want to make sure you know these things, so you don’t end up offending someone by accident.
Also, check your government recommendations. Is it a safe destination at the moment? Government advice will also highlight whether there is a lot of theft or signs of unrest.
2. Select the Right Accommodation
I prefer to stay in hotels when I’m travelling. I like the thought of a receptionist who I can call on during an emergency and I know there is someone who keeps the hotel relatively safe.
But that doesn’t mean that Airbnbs or hostels aren’t safe.
When choosing an accommodation, try to select one with the following features:
- It’s located in a populated area
- The neighbourhood is known for its safety and security
- The rooms have secure locks – this would be in the reviews if it wasn’t the case
- They provide a safe deposit box for valuables
To ensure these features are present, it’s easiest to check websites like booking.com or agoda.com.
They have an overview of the features plus real reviews from people who stayed at the accommodation.
Read through the reviews and pay particular attention to the bad points of the review. If there are any that mention safety concerns, then I would choose an alternative accommodation.
3. Create a (Detailed) Itinerary
Having an itinerary ready before you leave for your destination has several benefits, especially regarding safety.
It doesn’t have to be a minute-by-minute itinerary, just to the level that makes you feel comfortable.
You can leave your itinerary with a trusted family member or friend. In case of an emergency, that person can alert authorities who will be able to locate you more easily.
When you already know where you’re going that day, you can stay more alert and focused compared to when you decide what you want to do next.
It also allows you to avoid unsafe neighbourhoods on your way to your next sightseeing destination and minimises the chances of you getting lost.
An itinerary can provide you with peace of mind as you know what’s going to happen next. You’ll have structure and control.
4. Pack the Right Things
Packing the right things always depends on your destination but there are some essential items, you should always take with you.
- RFID-blocking wallet – so no one can scan your credit card and take your money without you knowing
- Portable door lock – it doesn’t work on 100% of doors, but provides peace of mind if there isn’t a door chain or dead bolt.
- Get a local or e-SIM card – this allows you to be reachable no matter what as well as access Google maps or other map apps when you’re out and don’t know where to go.
#1 PICK
If you want to be easily connected, choose Airalo e-SIM Card. Easy to work with, immediately usable, and no physical SIM card is needed.
- Language translation apps – I usually use Google translate. You can download your destination language which makes the translation feature available even if you don’t have data.
Also try to learn a few useful phrases in the local language. One of them should be “Help me!”, so you can ask for help in emergencies. - Bring entertainment like books, movies, podcasts – having entertainment after a day out will calm your nervous system after being stimulated all day. It’s not exactly safety but should make you more relaxed for the next day and thus, more alert.
- Travel money belt – especially if you’re going to an area of high rates of pickpocketing, it’s good to have your money and documents in a travel money bag which can be hidden underneath your clothes.
- First aid travel kit – there are small first aid kits that hardly take any space and provide peace of mind. I especially like taking them on longer hikes.
- Take pickpocket-proof clothes – namely, jackets, pants and backpacks.
And on the other hand, avoid bringing anything you wouldn’t want to lose. This is more in terms of jewellery or laptops. Things you can live without for a few days.
This avoids you having to worry about them while you’re gone. Or being a target for wearing them in public.
5. Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a dreaded topic because it costs money which you would rather spend on you holidays. And often, when you take out insurance nothing happens in the end.
And that’s the way I like it. I always say, I’m insuring myself for a smooth trip. I rather pay some money then to have the hassle of issues during my trip.
6. Make Copies of All Your Documents
You usually have to take your passport when you travel to a foreign country. You should also take a copy of it before you leave.
While you’re travelling, keep the copy safe in a different location to your actual passport. Just in case you do lose your passport, it’s easier to get a short-term replacement if you have a copy with you.
Furthermore, take a printout of your flight bookings. I always have them on my phone in the app, but it’s better to bring a hard copy as well. In case your phone dies or it’s lost, you can still get on your flight.
If you plan on driving a lot at your destination, then I’d also recommend taking a copy of your driver’s licence and international driver’s licence if you’re using one.
7. Take a Self-Defence Class
This one might be a bit over the top, but if you want to feel even safer, then a self-defence class could help you with that.
HOWEVER, and this is a big HOWEVER, when you do get into trouble, if there is a chance for you to run away instead of fighting, DO IT!
Every self-defence teacher will tell you that running is the best self-defence. Still, if it does come to a situation where you can’t run away, then having some skills in self-defence can help you get away.
Also if they just want your belongings, hand them over. It’s not worth to risk your life or health over some money or a smartphone.
Those are all the tips for your preparation. Good preparation can already help you a lot with being safe during your travels.
Safety Tips for Solo Travellers – Enjoy Your Vacation
To be really safe while travelling alone, you should be aware of a few more tips.
8. Arrive at Your Hotel During Daylight
We all love to save a bit of money when it comes to travelling and flights are a good savings area. However, it might be better to take the more expensive flight if that means you can arrive during daylight at your accommodation.
Being in a foreign country is strange enough, you want to avoid having to find your way during darkness.
Public transport is not as easy when you can’t see signs and finding your way in alleyways is similar.
9. Choose Safe Transport
Uber is most of the time a good choice when it comes to safety, so stick with that when you can.
However, it’s not available in every country. When it’s not, use official and licenced cabs. There is usually an explanation online which ones you can trust.
Those taxis have a meter and the driver turns them on when you start driving.
When on public transport, be alert and watch out for your valuables. Try to use it mostly during daylight.
At night, it might be safer to take a taxi or Uber, even if it is more expensive.
10. Use Common Sense
Common sense should be used even when you’re in your home town but especially while travelling solo.
This means that you shouldn’t drink too much to become too inebriated to be able to be alert. Have sight of your drink at all times.
Be aware of your surroundings. This is in the city, while on a hike, and on public transport or while driving.
11. Don’t Tell People You’re Travelling Solo
At least not, if you just met them and they’re asking you out of the blue.
Say that you’re on your way to meet your friends or partner. If you feel uncomfortable and someone might be following you, walk into public spaces like a restaurant.
12. Carry Your Valuables in front of You
Instead of carrying a backpack on your back, try to wear it in front of you. It might look a bit funny but then you always have your valuables in sight.
As a woman, you might want to opt for a purse to keep your belongings close to you.
13. Try to Blend In With the Locals
Try to dress like the locals. This might mean not wearing socks under sandals or leaving t-shirts with flags at home.
It’s difficult if you have a different skin tone than the locals but try to not make it obvious that you don’t know the country or the culture. This is important while you prepare for your journey.
14. Trust Your Gut
If you think something feels fishy, then it often is. Trust your instincts, your intuition to keep you safe.
If a person seems off to you, leave them quickly. If you think this neighbourhood is a bit sketchy, then take a cab and go to the next one.
Believe in your gut.
15. Don’t Share Live on Social Media
I love to share the amazing impressions I have on my journeys, but I never do it live or in real-time.
People should not know where you are at a specific moment in time – unless you gave them your itinerary and they’re trustworthy.
Post a few hours or days later, so people can’t deduce from your social media presence where you are.
16. Take Your Accommodation’s Business Card With You
Keep it somewhere safe, where it’s not immediately accessible and no one can just read it or take without you knowing.
Having this information not just in your phone means you can show it to a taxi driver who can bring you home without much difficulty.
17. Be Careful with Street Food and Tab Water
This is more applicable to Asian, African, and some South American countries, but you should always check beforehand whether you can drink the tab water in your destination.
If it’s not drinkable, then stick to bottled water and avoid drinks with ice cubes.
Be also cautious when it comes to food. Especially, something like salads or fruits that have been washed with tab water.
18. Use a VPN when accessing the Internet
This is especially true if you’re using your accommodation’s internet. To stay safe online, use a VPN that covers your tracks.
This makes it safer to access your banking app or other websites that you need passwords for.
#1 PICK
My favourite VPN tool is NordVPN. You can use it on your phone and laptop and it’s super easy to use.
19. Know Local Emergency Numbers
Numbers for the police or firefighter differ in certain countries. Research them beforehand and know them by heart while travelling.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers
All the previous safety tips where really for all people, no matter the sex. If you’re a female solo traveller, then there are a few more tips for staying safe.
20. Wear a Fake Wedding Ring
If you’re worried about men approaching you, then you can wear a fake wedding ring to ward them off more easily.
Tell them your partner is just going to the toilet but he’ll be back soon.
21. Dress Appropriately
We already had this before, but do dress like the locals. Especially, in Muslim countries, it is not well-seen if a woman exposes too much skin.
This doesn’t mean you have to completely cover yourself but try to wear something that locals don’t consider as inappropriate.
22. Sit in the Back of a Cab
For me, as an introvert, I hate sitting next to a strange driver, but if you’re not as fussed as me, try to do it still.
Keep your bag next to you and sit behind the driver, so you can easily escape if there should be a need.
In some countries, sitting next to the driver might even be a sexual advance, so try to avoid that if you’re not sure.
I know this is not a cab, but you get the point 😉
Safety Tips for Travelling Alone – Post-return
23. Reflect on your Journey – Lessons Learned
This might sound a bit weird but it can help you to enjoy solo travelling more and more.
Think about your journey once you’ve returned and see whether there are any lessons learned. What could you have done differently to feel safer? Did you already feel pretty safe? If yes, what did you do to make that happen?
With this reflection, you’ll be able to learn from the past and be even better in the future.
Solo Travel Safety – Recap
This is the end of the post on safety during your solo trips. To quickly recap, you should already prepare yourself before you go on your travels.
Research the destination, research your accommodation, create an itinerary and leave it with trusted people at home, and pack light.
While you’re travelling abroad, try to keep a low profile and dress appropriate, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Travel during daylight, don’t post your travels in real-time and most importantly, trust your gut.
With all these tips, you should be able to travel safely on your (first) solo trip.
And don’t forget to do a lessons learned afterwards to improve your next trip.
FAQ – Safety for a Solo Trip
Is Solo Travel Good for Mental Health?
Absolutely! Solo travel is super rewarding. You realize you’re stronger than you think. And if you go to beautiful places, you can recharge your batteries.
Especially for introverts, solo travel provides a great opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth.
Is Solo Female Travel Safe?
Absolutely! Especially if you think of these safety tips while preparing and on your journey. I never had a bad experience and I’m sure you can say the same soon too.
Is it Okay to go on a solo trip?
Fo sho! I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. If your friends and family don’t want to travel, then you shouldn’t need to stay behind. Explore the world on your own and it only be more and more rewarding.
What is the safest solo travel destination?
I don’t think there is one that is the safest. There are many countries like Japan, Iceland, Finland, and many more that are safe for solo travellers. But really, if you stick to the safety tips, then almost any country is safe for solo travel.
Is Solo Travel Good For Introverts?
Absolutely! I wouldn’t write this if I didn’t think so. We can learn so much from travelling. And I love to escape to new surroundings as an introvert and soak up all the differences.
I don’t have to talk to other people to enjoy, so it’s totally doable as an introvert – and even good for you!
Is it safe to travel solo in Europe?
Oh yeah! Again, you should adhere to this guide and then Europe is very safe to travel.
What is the best age to start solo travel?
I would start as soon as possible. Maybe once you turn 18 which is the legal age in Europe. Then you won’t have trouble with alcohol.
You learn so much and grow up fairly quickly when you travel solo, so why not start as soon as you feel comfortable doing it?!
Is Solo Travel Difficult?
Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that you can’t just ask a friend to keep an eye on your belongings.
No, in the sense, that you can just do your own thing and don’t have to check in with others on plans and itineraries.
Solo Travel has pros and cons and for me personally, the pros definitely outweigh any cons.