Congratulations! You’ve decided to embark on a solo adventure – an incredible journey of self-discovery and exploration.  While excitement is likely bubbling over, it’s natural to have some concerns about safety. I have had some concerns about safety as well, and so did my parents when I told them I was taking my first solo trip to Aruba in 2021. Since then, I’ve been to Texas, California, Louisiana, Bali, etc., by myself and throughout the years I’ve learned a thing or two. So fear not, intrepid traveler! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the world confidently and create unforgettable memories just as I have.

Planning Like a Solo Travel Pro

Destination Research

The internet is your best friend! Not all tourist websites tell you the real nitty gritty details, and they sure don’t exclusively give safety tips for solo female travelers. Research the destination you’re traveling to thoroughly. Understand local laws, customs, and potential risks. Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers and reliable transportation options. Don’t just rely on tourist websites – look for blogs and forums written by solo female travelers (such as this one) for a more personal perspective.

Travel Itinerary Spreadsheet

Create a detailed itinerary outlining your daily plans, accommodation bookings, and transportation arrangements. Share this with a trusted friend or family member and keep it updated throughout your trip. Include contact information for your accommodation, any tours you’ve booked, and even restaurant reservations. I like to do this for all my trips in Google Sheets. It not only keeps me organized and on track, but it also keeps my family in the know of where I will be at all times. If there is ever an emergency, or they can’t reach me for some reason, they can reference the spreadsheet. I separate everything into different tabs. The first tab I usually have flight details that include the airport location, what airline(s) I’m flying with, seat numbers, arrival & departure date & times, TSA pre-check number, etc. The second tab is where I have  rental car details such as pick up & drop off times, dates, and locations. I also include the license plate number, my reservation number, what protection plan I opted for, the make & model of the vehicle (also the color) and then the hosts contact information. In the third tab, I add my Airbnb rental details such as check in & check out dates and times, the exact address, a link to the listing and the contact information of the host(s). In the last tab, I put all the activities and excursions I will be doing for each day with addresses, times, links to the websites, etc. Yours doesn’t need to be exactly structured like mine, but if you don’t know where to start, check out Etsy for travel itinerary templates.

Embrace Technology

Download helpful travel apps like maps, translation tools, and ride-sharing services. Consider a VPN (virtual private network) for added security when using public Wi-Fi. Offline maps are a lifesaver if you find yourself without a connection, and translation tools can help you navigate menus, ask for directions, and have basic conversations with locals. MAPS.ME is a perfect resource when it comes to accessing navigation offline. This was my lifeline while in Aruba because at the beginning of my trip I unfortunately was stranded and my WAZE app wasn’t working. Super scary, I know! I don’t know how I managed at first, but once someone told me about this offline maps app, I immediately downloaded it. Not knowing where you are or where you’re heading can definitely be dangerous, so be sure to do your due diligence to prevent yourself from getting lost or stranded like I did. 

Packing for Peace of Mind

Consider buying invisaWear

InvisaWear sells wearable safety devices disguised as jewelry. Their product line includes necklaces, bracelets, keychains and even fitness bands. These products allow users to discreetly send a distress signal to emergency contacts and ADT security with a double click. Users can also enable a feature to automatically contact 911. Before I started my solo travel journey, I purchased the classic bracelet from the website and synced it with the app. Fortunately, I have never had to use it, but I feel secure knowing that if I’m ever in a dangerous situation I can let someone know about my whereabouts discreetly.

Door Stopper Alarm

A small, portable door alarm can provide peace of mind at night. The extra security can help you feel more comfortable, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Look for an alarm that’s easy to use and loud enough to deter potential intruders. You can easily find these on Amazon for less than $20 AND you get two in one pack.

Befriending the World: Connecting with Others

Female Travel Groups

There are numerous online communities and groups specifically for solo female travelers. Connect with others planning similar adventures, share tips, and even arrange group activities at your destination. Facebook groups and online forums are great places to find these communities. You might even discover groups dedicated to specific regions or travel styles, allowing you to connect with women who share your interests. Two years ago, I found a travel group called Travel BFF on Facebook. I saw that they were going to Bali around the time of my birthday and quite frankly I didn’t want to travel internationally completely alone. I joined the group and waited until spots opened up and next thing I knew, I was going to Bali “with” this travel group. Essentially, this group is made up of solo female travelers just like you and you’re traveling on your own to the destination, but when you get to your destination you’re staying with and doing activities with these women from the travel group. When you book on their website, you’re paying one price. This includes a room in one of their selected villas, activities/excursions, a handful of meals, and transportation to and from the activities. This gives you a taste of solo travel life, but not to the point where you’re completely on your own. I’d recommend this for anyone just starting out, sometimes big destinations can be intimidating. It’s a safe feeling being around other women who share a passion for traveling and not feeling alone while exploring such a big place. It’s also a chance to network, connect, and even make friends. These travel groups are also great resources. You can ask away and another solo female traveler might be able to give you tips or advice because maybe she traveled to where you’re heading before. Or maybe she knows someone at the destination you’re going to who can be your guide while you’re there. You never know, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Inner GPS Activated

Be Prepared, Not Paranoid

Having a plan and being aware of your surroundings empowers you to make smart decisions. Trust your gut instinct, but don’t let fear hold you back from experiencing new things. Research common scams in your destination and be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.

Be Who You Want to Be

Don’t be afraid to chat with locals! It is okay to make light conversation with others. People are often curious about visitors and happy to offer recommendations. With that though, don’t give out your personal information. What I mean by this is don’t tell anyone where you’re staying, don’t tell anyone that you’re alone, etc. You honestly can be whoever you want to be while traveling. If people ask you where you’re from, you can say you’re from Atlanta when you know you’re actually from Pennsylvania. If people ask you are you here alone, you can simply say no I’m waiting for my family they should be here in a few minutes. You can say anything you want, you can take on a whole new persona, play a role even. Maybe before your flight lands you decide that your name is going to be Kayla, you’re from Maine, and you’re meeting family members at the destination because you haven’t visited them in a long time. No one at your destination knows you personally to know that these things aren’t true. You never know who is plotting, scheming or analyzing how they can “get you”, so never give out any key or personal details to strangers. Either be super vague or simply just be untruthful. It is about your safety and you never want a “Taken” situation.

Financial Savvy for Solo Travelers

Inform Your Bank

Let your bank know about your travel plans ahead of time to avoid having your cards blocked for suspicious activity. Depending on who you bank with, you can either do this within the banking app or you can call the customer service number to be transferred to the appropriate department to make sure they note your travel plans. You never want to be stranded without access to your funds. This brings me to the next point.

Travel with Multiple Payment Options

It is beneficial to carry a combination of payment options. Have your debit card as your main source of purchasing things, have your credit card for emergencies, and have cash as a backup. Sometimes not all places accept cards, or maybe there’s a fee for using your card, so then it’s good to have cash. With cash though, you can have USD, but in certain situations it may be a good idea to convert your money. Sometimes you can do this at the airport where you land or once you’re in town at your destination they have places where you can convert there. Then there may be a time where something comes up, an emergency expense where you might not have it in your checking account to use your debit card, this is where you might have to pull out the credit card. This happened to me on my trip to Aruba (lots of things happened during this trip that I learned from lol) where there was an issue with a rental car I reserved online through Budget. I reserved it online, arrived at my destination, went to go pick it up and unfortunately they couldn’t give it to me because I needed to be 25 y/o to rent with them. I was 21 y/o at the time, so it was a whole big mess and I wasn’t aware of the age policy that they had there specifically in Aruba. I would be sure to check those age policies, the website may give you a general must be 25 y/o and if you’re under that you pay a surcharge, but this may vary based on the location or they might have their own set of rules so always double check. Long story short, the money I had in my checking account (debit card) was strictly for food, gas, souvenirs and anything extra I wanted to do. I did not have money on deck to rent another rental car. I found a local place that didn’t mind my age, had a Jeep Wrangler that I could rent and surprisingly it was about $1,200, maybe even a bit more for a week. I honestly feel like I got jipped, but hey, you live and you learn. I was desperate because I didn’t know how else I was going to get around Aruba and fortunately for me I had my Amex.

Staying Connected with Loved Ones Back Home

Utilize Free Wi-Fi (Cautiously)

Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. This can be a great way to stay connected, but be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks. Avoid accessing sensitive information like bank accounts or credit cards, and consider using a VPN for added security.

Download Messaging Apps

Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Viber allow you to stay in touch with loved ones for free over Wi-Fi or data. These apps offer features like voice and video calls, making communication even more personal. WhatsApp is great to have and utilize if you don’t have international roaming services or don’t want to get charged for every text you send and call you make.

More Than Likes

While the urge to document your adventures in real-time is strong, consider holding off on social media posts until you’re back home or AT LEAST until you’ve left that location. Sharing your location and travel plans online can be a double-edged sword. Not only does it advertise your absence to potential burglars, but it also creates a digital footprint that could be used by strangers to track your every move. This could make you more vulnerable, especially in unfamiliar territory. Take a break from social media and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with keeping your whereabouts private.  Focus on creating memories in the moment, knowing your loved ones will be thrilled to hear about them upon your return. For me personally, if I feel like I want to post something I will wait until after I’ve left that place. So if I’m in Mexico at a restaurant and I take a picture of my plate of food, I will wait until after I’ve finished my meal and have left the restaurant to post my meal on social media. Or sometimes I will take pictures throughout my entire trip and then wait until I’m safe and sound at home to post all of my vacation pictures. As a solo female traveler, you never want a target on your back so if you can hold off with sharing, please do.

Bon Voyage: Ready to Roam Solo!

So, you’ve booked your flight, researched your destination, and packed your bags – all that’s left is to confidently conquer the world! Remember, a little preparation goes a long way. By trusting your instincts, staying aware of your surroundings, and following these safety tips, you can approach your solo adventure with excitement and peace of mind. Now, go explore – the world awaits!