How To Travel Safely As A Woman
How can you travel safely as a woman? I wish I could say that women are treated equally when they are travelling solo but it’s unfortunately not always true. Most importantly of all though, do not give into fear. Recent world events are starting to rock traveller’s foundations but in true British fashion my dears: Keep Calm And Carry On.
*Updated June 2019
How to travel safely as a woman
Look after yourself and ensure you can travel safely by following my guide on to how to travel safely as a woman.
How to travel safely as a woman around the world – here I am in Bangladesh
Before you go traveling
Before you even leave your doorstep, there’s a couple of things you can do to be fully prepared, covered and ensure you are going to travel safely.
Get travel insurance
Yeah, yeah, I know it can be a little expensive and who wants to pay for something which may not happen? Well ladies. Trust me…life happens and stuff breaks / gets stolen / goes wrong!
I’ve had terrible food poisoning, a contraceptive implant break in my arm (ouch), motorbike burns and seen friends get into unfortunate situations too. A couple were hit by a drunk driver, another fell right through a glass table and quite a few have had cameras and gadgets stolen.
Do the right thing and get insurance.
I have been using World Nomads Travel Insurance for years and their coverage for everything is top-notch. When I fell ill for 2 weeks in a Russian hospital after The Mongol Rally, World Nomads were swift to cover my expenses and make sure everything was taken of.
Get a quote from World Nomads here
There is a new kid on the block you may like to check out too though: SafetyWing! Their travel and medical insurance is excellent for digital nomads and I used them recently on my trip to Pakistan. I haven’t had to claim anything from them yet, but so far so good!
Find out more about SafetyWing insurance here
Make sure you’re vaccinated
Each country has their own little (or big) things going on. Make sure you don’t come home growing a third arm or something by checking what vaccinations you need for each country.
Make copies of all your important documents
Make electronic and physical copies of your:
- passport (you’ve filled in your emergency details on the back page right?!)
- visas
- personal ID cards
- driver’s license
- credit cards
- cash cards
- travel insurance documents
Wondering where to store your documents?
Keep all of your important travel documents safe!
You can:
Download essential travel apps
Want to know the most up-to-date currency rates? Where to hang out with good people? Want a working map, directions on how to get from A to B and your health information at your fingertips?
Check out my Best Travel Apps post
Use travel apps to make your journey easier
Invest in a VPN
Express VPN ensures your devices are not hacked into when you’re using WiFi in public hotspots. Express VPN also allows you to access websites from your home country whilst travelling. Make sure you’re protected!
Ensure you have the best travel gear
The best travel gear does not necessarily have to be the most expensive. The best travel gear you have is about packing smart and savvy. There are some items which I’ve bought and never used! There’s other items that I’ve invested in and use all the time! After being on the road for nearly 9 years now, I think I’ve nailed it.
Check out my ultimate backpacking packing list here
Learn self defence
I studied Jiu Jitsu in China for 3 months to learn how to defend myself on the street. It has changed my life forever. I feel way more confident and assured that if it comes to the crunch, I can handle myself.
In fact, I unfortunately had to use my self defense skills in India. I don’t know what I would have done without it.
Sign up to my free self defense course here
You’ll learn 6 essential self defense moves – all delivered right to your inbox. Kapow!
Check out my top security devices for women too
Educate yourself about travel scams
Every country has them. Cambodia has one I unfortunately fell for and my travel friends have shared even more travel scams in Asia so you don’t fall for them.
Do your homework and try to dodge them as best you can.
When you’re at the airport, bus station, port or train station…
OK! You’re all packed and everything is in order. But what should solo female travellers be doing once we’re on the road and getting to our destination? Here are my top solo female travel tips!
Solo female travel safety tips for when you’re about to travel to your destination
Keep your valuables safe
Keep most of your stuff in your main bag but make sure to have a carry-on / separate bag for valuables. I always carry a backpack to put my laptop, chargers, phone, headphones, camera, memory cards, purse and passport in. I hold on to this bag and watch it like a hawk!
Check out my top security devices to keep your valuables safe
If you’re really savvy with your packing, you’ll manage to get everything in one backpack and be able to travel with just this.
If you have to check in your main bag, make sure no valuables are in there and keep everything in your carry on.
What is the best backpack for traveling?
I recommend using Osprey Backpacks for the best of the best. I’m currently using the Kyte 36.
Check prices for the Osprey Kyte 36 here
On a budget?
Cabin Zero are also a great backpack brand, but if you’re doing some serious hiking or trekking, they won’t cut it.
Check prices for Cabin Zero here
Be prepared
Packing a few extra simple things in your carry-on can help you travel safely during and after your journey. Some earplugs are good, a set of extra clothes will help in case your luggage goes missing and taking some medicine for travel sickness won’t go amiss!
Finding the best accommodation
Whether you plan ahead months in advance, or in my case, very much the last minute, ensure you book your accommodation ahead of time! Booking websites allow you to read reviews, see exactly what security measures there are and know for sure whether a place has a bed for you to sleep in.
I stay in a number of different places to mix things up.
Hi Skopje Hostel in North Macedonia
Hostels
Hostels are a great way to meet other solo travellers and consequently explore the destination you’re in with others if you so wish! I’ve met amazing people by staying in hostels. Not only will you make friends, but you will learn a lot from each other too.
AirBNB
The problem with hostels is that you are definitely in a travel bubble. If you’re seeking an even more ‘local’ experience, how about staying with an actual local? I love AirBNB because it allows me to stay in a unique room, with someone who knows the local area very well – and sometimes the price of an AirBNB is cheaper than a hostel.
Make sure to read the host’s reviews and stay with someone who ‘feels right’. I always read the reviews and see what previous females staying there have said.
Are you new to AirBNB?
Claim up to £36 towards your first trip!
Hotels
Sometimes I just want a little bit of luxury. I treat myself now and again with hotel stays for some swimming pool happiness and super lush sleepful nights.
I use Hotels Combined for Europe and Agoda for Asia. Switching up booking sites depending on where you’re travelling definitely helps you save money.
Search for hotels in Europe here
Search for hotels in Asia here
What to do when you get to your accommodation
The following three tips will save you a lot of hassle.
The cutest house in Poland!
Grab the address on a card
Grab two copies of the property’s business card immediately. It has their name, number and address on there. You’re gonna need it!
Pop one in your bag and one in your pocket. If you lose one, you have the other.
Locals know best. Ask.
Locals know whether it’s good to take local transport or taxis, whether to walk around everywhere and at what times.
Ask locals for their advice on where to go, how and when.
Have things to store away?
Make use of security boxes, lockers and make sure you have your own locks.
I love using PacSafe products for extra security.
Protect your belongings with PacSafe here
Use this checklist before you step out of your accommodation
OK. You’re ready to go out and start exploring! But you need to make sure that you have these travel essentials on your person before you leave and do these couple of things.
- Leave a note to say where you’re planning to go that day on your bed
- Make sure your phone is charged! Do you have your power bank too?
Got my essentials right here in my bag in Rishikesh India
Have you packed the following?
- Accommodation Business Card
- Mobile Phone
- Room Key
- Cash and credit/debit cards
- Passport (in some countries you need your passport on you at all times)
- Power bank and cables
- 24/7 Portable WiFi
- Security personal alarm
- Camera
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat for the sun / scarf, hat and gloves for the cold!
- Light Scarf to cover yourself for the sun and cultural sensitivities
- Water Filter Bottle
- Wet wipes so you don’t get caught out in bathrooms with no paper
- Hand sanitiser
- Essential medications
- Condoms (if you’re going out for that reason!)
Check out my full backpacking packing list here
What to do when you’re on the street
Once you step out and start immersing yourself within the culture you are in, the following solo female travel tips will help you immensely.
Wear a ring (and show the photo)
Many locals still struggle to understand that a woman is on her own, not married and without a boyfriend or children. Buy a cheapo ring and pop it on your wedding finger if it helps. Carry a photo of a handsome model and he can be your husband for the day.
Dress appropriately
When riding a motorbike around a country, avoid the short pants and vest top fashion party to a) keep your skin in one piece and b) not receive any unnecessary attention. In Marrakesh and Bangladesh I completely covered myself up head to toe like the rest of the local women there. I still got a lot of unwanted attention but it was more manageable than if I had been in some sexy pink hot pants.
It’s not just about being culturally sensitive. If you look rich, thieves are going to be very much attracted to you. Expensive jewellery? Forget about wearing that! Long expensive-looking earrings? No no! It’s been known for thieves to rip them right out.
Separate your money and cards
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!
Use different cards
I spread my money across different cards. Not only does this possibly stop me losing a lot of money at once but it also helps me save, budget and avoid ATM fees.
My current favourite cards to use (for UK residents) whilst travelling are:
Get 5 GBP once you spend on your new card
Get 5 GBP when you sign up with code 3EZXQ
Have old cards that don’t work anymore?
Keep them and put them as ‘dummy cards’ in your wallet! If a thief demands you hand over your cards, you’ll have these to throw at them.
Hide your money strategically
Never physically have your money in one place either. Put some in your pocket, some in your purse and some in your bra or belt.
Check out my top security clothes and accessories here
Watch your alcohol consumption
Sad but true. Be mindful of who you’re drinking with and whether you trust them. Keep asking yourself, ‘Do I really need this next drink?’ and whatever you do, don’t leave your drink unattended.
Walk the walk
The way you walk down the street can speak volumes. Are you confident or are you feeling unsure? Walk with your head up high, at a leisurely pace and swing your arms as you stroll to increase your size. It works. People will believe you’re confident and think twice about taking advantage of you.
Be assertive
Travelling or not travelling, don’t be scared about expressing what you want and need. Say what you want clearly, calmly, confidently and respectfully. Not being assertive enough in life will stop you from giving and receiving many things. Change this around girl! Equally, do not speak at the top of your lungs! Do not draw attention to yourself for talking so loudly or inappropriately.
Want to boost your self esteem and confidence?
The best way to travel safely is to trust your gut
No matter what your head or heart is saying, your gut is the most powerful compass in deciding what you should do in any given situation. Trust your deepest feelings and there’s a good chance you’ll make the right decision.
Feel weird? Just leave.
How do you travel safely as a woman?
Comment below and share your valuable advice about how to prepare and travel safely.
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Yes, yes and yes! I already do many of the things on your list. In particular, your point of reading up on current scams to the area you are headed came in very helpful in Peru.
I had read about having some sort of liquid thrown on your back( in my case my neck), one’s immediate reaction is to put your hand there – giving someone the opportunity to dive into your pocket as you are distracted. Which is exactly what happened, even though I had my hand in my pocket holding my camera, I never moved it! The pickpocket went in my other pocket – which was empty!
I found your post very essential for solo female travelers. I learned a lot from you, yeah preparation is very important before you go on travel specially if you are solo. I had an experienced about talking to locals on where to go, the easiest way but I felt frustrated, that guy was a bus driver and doesn’t know the place that I was looking for! Good that one passenger heard and she helped me all the way to the subway. . .as what you’ve mention, downloading a map from A to B helps a lot. And trusting your guts is vital and we must have to be observant and alert with our surroundings. I love the safety gadgets that you’ve mention, nothing compares to a person who is equipped for safety and self defense.
Searching the place/country that you are about to go will arm you their Do’s and Don’t upon arrival. . .on how the locals behave.
Great job
Haha, I recognized a few things that I used to do when I was traveling solo. I always had a wedding ring on my finger. It was definitely needed in Senegal and Egypt. I always told that I was on my way to meet my husband :) I never carried a photo with me but I find it a fun idea :D I used to do the same whenever I was hitchhiking alone. I always trusted my gut and if for some reason the driver made me feel uncomfortable, I told him that I was about to meet my boyfriend and that he knew I was on my way in his car. Sadly enough it isn’t fair that we have to come up with lies like this to make us feel more safe! But… only once I had to pretend to be the girlfriend of a solo male traveler in Brazil! I was very surprised. I was left alone but the poor guy had to deal with a lot of prostitutes whenever he walked around alone at night. He needed my help to be left alone!
I hear you Cynthia! I had to protect a male friend in Vietnam. The ladies were grabbing him left, right and centre!
Awesome tips! Not only for women, but for men too! When I travel abroad, I do pretty much the same things. I also sew in a secret pocket in my shorts and pants to keep cash in and only have a few bucks in my wallet and outside pockets.
Excellent idea Spencer! I like the idea of sewing something in yourself: saves money and very nifty!
I wholeheartedly agree with this list. The alcohol thing is a shame, but it’s just not worth the risk if you don’t know people that well. I think you can tell quite quickly if you can trust people though.
A great post! I completely agree with you on point 8! Have “saved” me so many times especially with pushy men…
Safe travels
// Rebecca
Hey Rebecca! Eagle creek are a great brand – might just have to add this to my backpacking packing list!
I wrote a post like this last year and made a lot of the same points. Unfortunately, it’s still not as safe for women to travel alone as it is for men, but if we take proper precautions we can lessen our chances of becoming a statistic.
Lots of great tips! Especially the one about walking. I always try to look like I know exactly where I’m going. If you look lost, people will take advantage.
Great tips and some of these even apply to guys traveling solo, being confident and aware of your environment is always a good way to go.
Love the advice about trusting your gut and walking the walk. So much crap can be avoided by perfecting an air of confidence and a friendly but don’t mess with me stare. Noting surroundings at all times is also key.
Great tips and so true—especially on the idea of walking the walk. I definitely walk with more intention when I am traveling solo and try to download maps or pictures of maps to my phone so that if I have to pause to figure out where I am going, it looks like I am just using my phone.
These are great tips and very important for women to know. Traveling alone certainly requires precautions.
Great post! It’s so important to be aware that sometimes bad things can occur, and the more prepared and aware you are of your surroundings, hopefully the less likely it will happen! It’s equally important to know that rocking the world solo is totally doable and a great experience! Love your pic in Bangladesh!
I like number two and I feel like it does need to be said. You can make some unwise decisions when too much alcohol is involved and it can be a lot more complicated when you’re in an unfamiliar location.
Teacake!
I love this list. It’s very honest!
I’m curious; what places have you been that would have been more tricky for guys?
I actually feel like traveling as a female can be better in some ways. People are usually more willing to trust you and help you! And it’s so much easier to find a Couchsurfing host.
Cheers!
Vietnam! Saw many lady boys grabbing the guys’ special parts and robbing their wallet at the same time :/