It is important to stay safe while you travel, especially as a female when traveling solo. Exploring new places on your own can be empowering, but can require extra awareness and preparation.
The following tips will help solo female travelers stay safe:
1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Before you head out, remember that awareness is your best defense. Whether you’re exploring a new city or just taking a short walk from your hotel, staying alert can help you spot danger before it becomes a problem. Ideally, you should be aware of your surroundings before you even reach your destination. After all, unfortunately, in-flight sexual assaults aren’t as uncommon as they should be.
Look at and pay attention to those around you, both close to you and far away.
Does it seem like you’re being followed? Enter a store and check if they continue.
Does it seem like someone is watching you? Does it seem like someone is walking too close to you? Did a car pull up next to you and slow down? You need to be able to notice things like these.
Don’t walk around with headphones so you can hear sudden sounds or steps.
2. Carry Your Purse or Backpack in Front of You
It’s safest to walk with a backpack, purse or bag in front of you, especially when you walk through busy areas or crowds.
When you carry your belongings in front of you, you have a secure grip on them and will notice when pickpockets try to steal. This will make you a less ideal target.
Carry your belongings where you can firmly grip onto them and see what happens to them.
3. Don’t Carry Your Passport Around
It’s not a good idea to carry your passport around when you don’t need it as you can get pickpocketed or robbed.
Lock it in a secure, safe place and only carry it with you when you absolutely need it.
You do not need to take your passport with you to go to a club or the beach.
Sometimes you’ll need to confirm your identity to make certain purchases. You can typically get by by showing a copy of your ID stored on your phone.
4. Carry a Fake Wallet
Police corruption can be a problem in foreign countries. The police may stop you and then try to extort money from you.
If this happens, show them your fake wallet with a small amount of cash in it. They may think that this is all the money you’re carrying and accept it.
5. Don’t Tell People You’re Alone
If you’re meeting someone, checking into a room or are getting a ride from Uber and you’re asked if you’re alone, tell them you’re accompanied by someone. You could say you’re going to meet them or you’re waiting for their arrival.
Telling people you’re alone could make you a target, so don’t do it.