How do you stay safe as a solo female Traveler? This is in the top three questions I get asked all the time. It could even be the number one. And rightly so, we want to be, and feel, safe at all times. One thing I will say is; fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Luckily, I already failed prior to writing this, and have gathered everything I learnt on the road and listed it all here for you!
Just remember though, there are good and bad in every country. Let me tell you, the good always outweighs the bad.
1. The first one is probably very natural to everyone, let your friends and family know where you will be staying and where you are going to be. Make sure they have a contact number for your accommodation.
2. Download a tracking app on your phone such as find my friends (iOS/ Android). You can pick and choose who can track you whilst you are travelling. This not only makes you feel safer, but will also make your friends and family worry less also, bless em.
3. Make friends with other backpackers in your hostel so you are not completely alone. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make new friends whilst travelling solo, as other solo travellers are in the same boat as you, and are just as keen to make new friends.
4. When you’re at your hostel/ accommodation, ask the main desk if there are any areas you should avoid being solo. Usually the people that work there are locals, and will know the places that’s are safest. Usually they have maps and brochures, and will be more than happy to mark on the map areas to avoid.
5. Don’t LOOK lost. It’s okay to be lost, that will 100% happen. But try and not make it look obvious. If you are lost, head to the closest coffee shop or bench or any shop that’s indoors, sit down, and try to figure out the right direction. It’s never a good idea to wander the streets looking at your phone or map looking lost. Sometimes it can make you a target for pickpocketing.
6. If you are going to wonder around at night, try and keep to a busy and well lit area. I done this plenty of times in Asia whilst I popped out for dinner close to my hostel. I always felt safe as I stuck to busy streets and didn’t wonder far. Of course it’s better to be in a group or one other person, but sometimes this is not always possible. So keep your headphones out of your ears and be aware of your surroundings. Check the map before so you know exactly where is your heading.
7. Download an app called maps.me. I’ll add a link for you too. This app literally saved me on so many occasions. Basically if you download the part of the world you are travelling in when connected to wifi, it will be fully downloaded, and will work when you have no signal or internet! Talk about a LIFE SAVER. You can also mark on the map stars for places you have been, or want to go. I always star my accommodation as soon as I get there so I can at least always find my way back to the hostel. Guys honestly, I cannot STRESS how much you need to have this app if you are backpacking!
8. Try and not be flashy with your bling, ie jewellery, clothes, bags etc. You don’t want to be a walking target. Try and blend in as much as possible. Before I left for my trip I left I took off all my rings, earrings and my watch and left it at home. The only piece of jewellery I wore, was a necklace my boss Barry and his wife Carol got me as a leaving gift. A saint Christopher – the patron saint of travellers. I was shocked when I got out there, nearly all of the backpackers I met had the same necklace! All had been gifted from loved ones.
9. Trust your gut instinct. Honestly I don’t know why this isn’t taught in school, but I won’t get into that right now. You have instincts build into you for a reason, do not ignore them. If something doesn’t feel right, a person, or a situation – just leave. It’s honestly not worth the risk.
10. Make sure you have a couple copies of your ID printed and kept in separate places in your backpack. I had my passport and driving license printed in colour and black and white a couple of times – just in case.
I hope these tips have helped you ,and maybe inspired other ideas on what will make you be, and feel, safer. Yes it is normal to feel worried about your safety whilst being alone in another country, please don’t let it hold you back. You got this!
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