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With 40+ countries under my belt—mostly solo—you’ve come to the right place for solo female travel tips and to learn how to travel alone as a woman.
It’s no secret I’m a big solo travel advocate. If I hadn’t taken that first solo trip at 18, I would’ve missed out on so many unforgettable experiences. Since then, I’ve moved to Canada solo (twice) and spent months travelling through Europe, the US and Asia on my own. Safe to say, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. So here are my top tips for solo female travellers.
Tips for solo female travellers
1. You can never take too many photos and videos
You can never take too many photos and videos capturing new experiences, people you meet and how you feel while travelling solo. Clipify is a free, easy-to-use, automatic video editing software for all skill levels. Using both photos and videos, the software helps you trim clips, adjust speed, and boost image quality. Keep your videos private or share them on social media.
2. Do your research ahead of time
Just like you would when travelling with your partner, family or mates, solo travel still calls for research and planning. For Australians, start with Smart Traveller. It’s your go-to for local scams, cultural dos and don’ts, government advice and visa information. You’ll also find embassy details and the local emergency number. It’s all about being prepared, not panicked.
3. Choose your accommodation wisely
As a solo traveller, I’ve mostly stayed in hostels, and I’ve even written a blog post packed with top hostelling tips for solo female travellers. Hostels tick a lot of boxes: they’re usually in central, well-populated spots and they make it easy to meet fellow travellers. But if hotels or Airbnbs are more your style, just ensure your accommodation is in a safe and convenient area. Read the reviews and choose what suits you best.
One thing I stress in that blog post: timing your arrival. If you’re getting in late, book an airport transfer through Booking.com or organise an Uber ahead of time so that you can share the trip details. But arriving during daylight, ideally close to check-in time, is always the safest bet.
Pro tip: If you’re booking shared accommodation on Airbnb, my personal safety tip is to stick with female hosts. It’s an extra layer of comfort and peace of mind when travelling alone as a woman.
4. Stay connected
Staying connected while travelling solo is easier (and cheaper) than ever. No more wandering around looking for an internet cafe! Pick up a local SIM or eSIM so you can call for help, book transport, and use Google Maps on the go. I’m all for free WiFi, but it won’t save you when you need to share your Grab driver’s details in Bali. Trust me, get the SIM, download WhatsApp, and you’re set.
A further safety tip is sharing your itinerary or key travel plans with a family member or close friend. It doesn’t need to be exact; just a rough plan will suffice. A simple solution is connecting through Find My Friends. When travelling solo, it’s always better to be a little overprepared.
Pro tip: Another key safety tip is making sure your phone stays charged and ready. A flat battery won’t help if you’re stuck or need directions. A power bank or portable charger (this is my personal slimline power bank with carry bag) is worth its weight in gold when travelling alone.
5. Trust your gut
Trusting your gut is crucial when travelling solo. Pay attention to that inner voice and stay aware of your surroundings, whether you’re in a packed tourist spot where pickpockets lurk or deciding whether to walk home after dark. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t second-guess it. Your instincts are one of your best safety tools.
6. Avoid risky situations
This ties back to trusting your gut. Treat yourself abroad like you would at home. Don’t share where you’re staying or personal information with strangers, avoid accepting random drinks, and steer clear of walking alone in poorly lit or deserted spots. If it’s not something I’d do in Melbourne or Townsville, then I don’t do it in London either.
7. Pack light
Travelling solo means you’re the one carrying all your belongings. Not a big deal on a weekend trip, but for my three-month stint in Europe, I stuck to a handbag, backpack, and suitcase. It meant one hand was always free, and the smaller suitcase (15 kgs is its safe zone) was manageable on public transport. Trust me, dragging a 25kg bag up hostel stairs is not the vibe.
Pro tip: Packing cubes are the love of my life. Organise by clothing item, roll everything, and thank me later.
8. Use safe transportation
“Safe transportation” means different things to different people. Personally, I prefer walking or using public transport in busy, touristy areas. At night, I’ll only use ride-shares if I have no other option, and I always share the trip details with someone. That’s what makes me feel safest, but you might feel more comfortable sticking with ride-shares throughout your trip. As always, trust your instincts.
Other solo female traveller tips include pretending you’re on the phone while walking to deter unwanted attention, or even wearing a fake wedding ring. I’ve never used these strategies myself, but if they make you feel more secure, go for it. Do what works best for you and your peace of mind.
9. Protect your valuables
This isn’t specific to solo travel, but I swear by a cross-body bag (this is my actual handbag from City Beach). It’s easy to keep in front of you in busy areas, and it makes theft a little harder. I also leave valuables (passport, travel documents, emergency cash stash, and a spare card) locked up in my room, whether that’s in a suitcase or hostel locker. When I’m out, I just carry the essentials and a small amount of cash.
One of the most essential tips for solo female travellers is to stay social. It helps fend off loneliness, and let’s be honest, shared experiences make travel even better. I’ve met most people while staying in hostels. As an introvert, I get that it can be intimidating, but start small. Chat to your dorm mate or someone in the common rooms. Ask where they’re from, where they’ve been, or what they’re doing tomorrow.
I have a whole post on how to meet people while travelling alone, but a free walking tour, group tours, and organised day trips through GetYourGuide are also great ways to make connections with other single women.
11. Try your best to blend in
By blending in, I mean doing your best to respect local customs, both in terms of your dress and behaviour. This might mean covering your shoulders in religious sites or avoiding flashy outfits in more conservative areas. Not only is it respectful, but it also helps you avoid standing out as a tourist (especially important when travelling solo).
The less attention you draw to yourself, the less likely scammers or pickpockets are to target you. It’s also about being aware of your surroundings, walking with purpose, and not waving your phone or camera around like a beacon. Confidence is key, even if you’re faking it a little.
12. Consider a personal safety tool
This is one of those female solo travel tips that’s totally personal, but if carrying a personal alarm or something similar gives you peace of mind, go for it. Just double-check it’s legal at your destination before packing it.
Now, depending on your account settings and follower count, some people recommend not posting in real time—after all, you never know who’s watching. I personally avoid sharing where I’m staying, but I don’t mind posting general updates about what I’m up to. I also only have 2000 followers 😅.
That said, social media can actually be a great tool when you’re travelling. Sharing your adventures might help you connect with someone else in the same destination. Solo female travel Facebook groups are also a good place to find potential travel buddies.
Pro tip: I’m a big fan of using TikTok as a travel search engine. Just pop in your destination with terms like things to do, hidden gems, or best brunch, and watch the recommendations roll in.
14. Purchase travel insurance
Travel insurance is a non-negotiable, whether you’re a woman travelling solo or not. It’s your safety net for the unexpected, like flight delays, lost luggage, or medical mishaps. Don’t leave home without it. I use and recommend World Nomads travel insurance.
I hope these tips for solo female travellers help you plan your trip.
I’ll always champion travelling solo as a female. It’s taken me to incredible places and unforgettable experiences. My biggest solo female travel advice is to trust your gut, plan smart, and enjoy the ride. You might even want to start small with a weekend away to test the waters before embarking on a bigger adventure. Dive into my solo travel archive for more stories and safety tips from around the world.
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
– Book accommodation with Booking.com or Hostelworld. Yes, I am that person who checks both places before booking accommodation to get the best price.
– Organise travel insurance.
– Book adventures via GetYourGuide, my preferred provider. In some instances, I’ve found activities here that were sold out elsewhere.
– Stay connected with an eSIM from Sim Local.
– Check out my travel resources page for more info.
Any and all support is appreciated 🫶🏻.
Thank you to Clipify for partnering with me on this post.
