SAFETY TIPS FOR WOMEN TRAVELLING ALONE

A friend once remarked ‘When I think about solo travel, I always think about what could go wrong’. Travelling alone, through choice or circumstance, is one of the most empowering things you can do. However, as a lone female traveller there’s also personal safety to throw into the mix. So without further ado, here are my safety tips for women travelling alone.

PRE-TRAVEL RESEARCH

Wherever you decide to go and explore, be thorough with your research. Check out your local travel advice site, for the UK it’s the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Are there any political unrest situations or other activities occurring? Are there frequent scams you need to be aware of? Come on down ‘can I carry your bags?’. Whoosh, before you know it your bags and helper are a speck on the horizon. Check reviews, forums, guidebooks, and websites like the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, or Fodor’s.

PRE-TRAVEL INSURANCE AND HEALTH CHECKS

Take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy and read the dets! Important things to note include the number of days that your trip is covered for. It’s as much use as a chocolate teapot (as my nan would say) if you’re off adventuring for 90 days but your policy only covers you for 30 days. Are you an adrenaline junkie or might you be tempted? Not all policies include bungee jumping, sky diving, zip wires, and wild water rafting as a given. Check out Insure and Go and LV.

At least 8 weeks in advance look into and obtain all the necessary vaccinations for your trip. If you’ve previously been vaccinated, make sure that your jabs are up to date. Also, check if your GP practice is signed up to provide free NHS vaccinations for travel. 

ACCOMMODATION

For want of sounding obvious, check the reviews of the accommodation you are looking to book. If it’s a bit more ‘rustic’ it doesn’t hurt to pack a door stopper that you can wedge under your bedroom door. Once there make sure you take or write a card with your accommodation address to carry with you.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Do abide by the local laws and customs of the country that you’re visiting and dress to blend in. It might be that your shoulders should be covered (especially in religious buildings) or that shorts and tight clothing aren’t appropriate. At home you have a habit of ruffling a friend’s hair but in Fiji, the head is considered sacred so is definitely not to be touched. I also recall visiting a Fijian village where hat wearing was a no-no and indeed viewed as insulting. Only the Chief is allowed to wear a hat. 

GETTING LOST

Not only only safety tips for women. It’s bound to happen but depending on where you are, it’s not always a good idea to look squinty and perplexed with your arms aloft signalling lost whilst standing on a street corner. Sydney is very different to say San Jose, Costa Rica. Look confident and pop into a local shop or restaurant for help on getting back on track.

MAKING THAT CALL

Take care when using your phone, particularly late at night or indeed any time of the day if you’re in remote or deserted locations. Be that a beach or in town. If you’re had a few drinks as well, you’re distracted and not fully aware of what is going on around you. Don’t do it. Make that phone call somewhere safe inside.

While we’re on the subject of phones, add local emergency numbers to your contacts. It’s unlikely that you’ll need them but like a good Girl Guide it’s best to be prepared.

ALCOHOL

Now it’s easy to get caught up in the spirit (excuse the pun) of an occasion. Hey my friends will vouch that I can indulge as much as the next person. BUT. When you’re in a different location with newbie travel mates, please don’t overdo it. Also a given is to keep an eye on your drinks at all times.

STRANGER DANGER

They might be your knight in shining armour but then again they might not. However tempted you are by their offer to get you home safely, make sure you have the number of a local taxi firm, preferably as recommended by your accommodation. Don’t just get into a random car. As for ‘home’, you don’t need to tell strangers where you’re staying. Be vague or say somewhere else.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Yes, it’s great to go exploring but do take advice on trails from your accommodation or locals. As much as you may love hiking, I wouldn’t recommend that you head off solo on remote walking trails. There’s bound to be day trips to popular hikes where you can walk with others. If you’re determined to go it alone, then let someone know where you’re going.

VALUABLES

Check your accommodation safe to stash valuables. You don’t need to carry everything around with you. An alternative is to purchase a money belt. Not the sexiest of items I grant you but great for your money and passport plus you can wear it under your clothes.

As a deterrent to pickpockets, if you have a small backpack wear it on your front. Avoid padlocks offered by your accommodation, instead pop some in with your packing. Aside from lockers, I’ve used mine before for beach hut accommodation.

In a nutshell, don’t pack anything that you can’t afford to lose or that has sentimental value. That way you can stay in your zen zone if some of your belongings disappear.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

Most importantly, my final safety tips for women – if it doesn’t feel good then it probably isn’t. Is the environment you’re in making you nervous or anxious? Heck, don’t worry about being rude. It’s important to feel at ease and safe. Just trust your instincts and leave pronto.

Feel like you’re ready to take on the world? Head on over to The Best Solo Trips for Women to get inspiration and book your next adventure.

What are your safety tips for women? Do let us know in the comments!