Solo Female Travel

Stay safe, confident, and empowered on your solo adventures

You Can Do This!

Solo female travel is one of the most empowering, transformative experiences you can have. Yes, there are risks - but with proper preparation, awareness, and common sense, millions of women travel solo safely every year. Don't let fear hold you back from incredible adventures. Trust yourself, stay alert, and embrace the journey. You're stronger and more capable than you think.

Essential Safety Guidelines

Before You Go
  • Research your destination thoroughly - know cultural norms, dress codes, and areas to avoid
  • Share detailed itinerary with trusted friends/family and check in regularly
  • Book accommodations in safe, well-reviewed neighborhoods near public transport
  • Learn basic phrases in local language including 'help', 'no', and 'leave me alone'
  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation
  • Make copies of passport, visas, and important documents (digital and physical)
  • Download offline maps and translation apps before departure
Accommodation Safety
  • Choose female-only dorms in hostels or request rooms on middle floors (2-6) in hotels
  • Always use door locks, deadbolts, and security chains at night
  • Keep 'Do Not Disturb' sign up even when out to suggest occupancy
  • Don't advertise you're traveling alone - mention your 'friend' or 'partner' meeting you later
  • Check reviews specifically from solo female travelers on safety
  • Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening door
  • Trust your instincts - if accommodation feels unsafe, leave and find alternative
Transportation Safety
  • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps - never accept rides from strangers
  • Sit in back seat of taxis and keep doors unlocked until comfortable
  • Share trip details with someone and track your route on Google Maps
  • Avoid empty train cars - sit near other women, families, or conductor
  • Don't wear headphones on public transport - stay alert to surroundings
  • Have phone charged and accessible at all times
  • Avoid traveling alone late at night - plan to arrive destinations during daylight
Social Situations
  • Be cautious accepting drinks - watch bartender make it and keep it in sight
  • Don't share your room number, accommodation name, or detailed travel plans with strangers
  • Trust your instincts about people - it's okay to be 'rude' if you feel uncomfortable
  • Have exit strategy planned before entering bars, clubs, or unfamiliar situations
  • Connect with other travelers through hostel events or female travel groups
  • Be aware of common scams targeting solo women (fake tour guides, romance scams)
  • Set boundaries clearly and firmly - 'no' is a complete sentence in any language

Destination Safety Guide for Solo Women

Safety ratings based on harassment levels, crime rates, cultural attitudes toward women, and experiences reported by solo female travelers. Remember: safety can vary within countries and changes over time.

Japan
Very Safe
One of the safest countries for solo female travelers. Low crime, respectful culture, excellent public transport. Women-only train cars available during rush hour.

💡 Tips:

Learn basic Japanese phrases. Dress modestly. Be aware of crowded trains where groping can occur - use women-only cars when available.

Iceland
Very Safe
Extremely safe with low crime rates. Gender equality is high. Locals are helpful and most speak English. Solo female travel is common and well-supported.

💡 Tips:

Weather can be dangerous - always check conditions before hiking. Expensive destination - budget accordingly.

New Zealand
Very Safe
Very safe with friendly locals. Well-developed tourist infrastructure. Solo female travelers are common. Excellent for adventure activities.

💡 Tips:

Distances are large - plan transport carefully. Some remote areas have limited cell service.

Portugal
Safe
Generally safe with low violent crime. Pickpocketing in tourist areas. Locals are friendly. Good for first-time solo travelers.

💡 Tips:

Watch belongings in Lisbon trams and Porto metro. Some catcalling in tourist areas but usually harmless.

Thailand
Moderately Safe
Popular for solo female travelers but requires awareness. Tourist areas are generally safe. Scams are common. Full moon parties can be risky.

💡 Tips:

Dress modestly at temples. Be cautious with drinks at parties. Use registered taxis/Grab. Avoid isolated beaches alone at night.

Morocco
Requires Caution
Fascinating destination but challenging for solo women. Persistent harassment and catcalling common. Conservative dress expected. Scams frequent.

💡 Tips:

Dress very modestly (cover shoulders, knees, cleavage). Consider hiring female guide. Avoid walking alone after dark. Stay in riads in medinas.

India
Requires Caution
Incredible culture but can be overwhelming. Harassment and staring common. Safety varies greatly by region. Northern cities more challenging than south.

💡 Tips:

Dress conservatively. Use female-only transport when available. Avoid traveling alone at night. Consider joining group tours. Stay in well-reviewed accommodations.

Egypt
Requires Significant Caution
Rich history but very challenging for solo women. Constant harassment, aggressive vendors, and scams. Conservative culture with different gender norms.

💡 Tips:

Strongly consider hiring guide or joining tour group. Dress very conservatively. Avoid eye contact with men. Don't walk alone. Be prepared for intense attention.

Emergency Preparedness

Essential Apps
  • •TripWhistle Global - emergency numbers for every country
  • •bSafe - personal safety app with GPS tracking and fake call feature
  • •Sitata - travel safety alerts and medical assistance
  • •Google Maps - offline maps and location sharing
  • •WhatsApp - free international calling/messaging
What to Carry
  • •Whistle or personal alarm on keychain
  • •Door stop alarm for hotel rooms
  • •Portable door lock for added security
  • •Photocopy of passport and emergency contacts
  • •Local emergency numbers saved in phone
  • •Small flashlight or headlamp
  • •Basic first aid supplies and medications
Emergency Contacts
  • •Local police and emergency services numbers
  • •Your country's embassy/consulate contact info
  • •Travel insurance 24/7 hotline
  • •Credit card company international numbers
  • •Trusted friend/family member back home
  • •Hotel/accommodation contact information
  • •Local women's helpline numbers

What to Do If You Feel Unsafe

Immediate Actions:

  • 1.Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is
  • 2.Move to safety - go to hotel lobby, restaurant, shop with people
  • 3.Make noise - shout, blow whistle, create scene to attract attention
  • 4.Call for help - local emergency services or your embassy
  • 5.Use fake phone call - pretend to talk to someone nearby

Dealing with Harassment:

  • •Ignore and walk away - don't engage or make eye contact
  • •Be firm and loud - "NO!" or "LEAVE ME ALONE!" in local language
  • •Seek other women - approach female locals or travelers for help
  • •Enter shops/cafes - harassers usually won't follow you inside
  • •Wear fake wedding ring - sometimes deters unwanted attention
  • •Document and report - take photos/videos if safe, report to authorities

Connect with Other Solo Female Travelers

Join communities of women who travel solo for support, advice, and inspiration:

Online Communities

  • • Girls LOVE Travel (Facebook group - 1M+ members)
  • • Solo Female Travelers Network (Facebook)
  • • r/solotravel and r/TwoXChromosomes (Reddit)
  • • Tourlina App (meet female travel companions)

Blogs & Resources

  • • Adventurous Kate (solo female travel blog)
  • • The Blonde Abroad (destination guides)
  • • Solo Female Travelers Handbook
  • • She's Wanderful (community platform)

The World is Waiting for You

Don't let fear stop you from incredible experiences. Be smart, be prepared, be brave.