In the 70’s and 80’s, my divorced grandmother and her widowed sister traveled the world together - just two women alone, in a time when not only was this not common, in some places it wasn’t even allowed. 

They explored the Amazon.  

They embarked on a pilgrimage to Bethlehem. 

They journeyed  to Egypt. 

Nothing inspires me more to break the mold of what society deems is possible for women than thinking about my own grandma’s adventures. 

I full-heartedly believe that: 

First and foremost, travel has the power to transform your life. 

And secondly, one of the most liberating and empowering experiences a woman can have is exploring the world on her own terms. 

Reports show that over 60% of solo travelers are now women. The main reason why these women are traveling solo? 

Women are realizing they have the time and the resources to do so. And with the confidence to go it alone, women are no longer waiting for the “right” moment or the “right” travel partner. They’re booking the trip, embracing the experience, and rewriting what travel looks like.

Although travel offers women freedom, self-discovery, and the chance to elevate their life experiences, it’s natural to have concerns about safety, especially when navigating unfamiliar and foreign places alone. 

I know firsthand how fear can creep in and prevent us from living out our travel dreams. 

Perhaps you have family members or friends who are concerned about your destination or your itinerary. Their well-intentioned fear can creep into your decision-making. And before you know it, you scrap the idea altogether.

I encourage my clients to understand what their friends and families frame of reference might be. Perhaps they have never traveled outside of their home state before and they don’t actually know how beautiful, accepting and safe the rest of the world actually can be.

But even in the safest countries, you still need to have your wits about you, and it’s best to have an action plan to show your friends and family that you are prepared! 

Here are some of my essential tips to help you feel safe and confident on your solo adventures.

1. Choose Your Destination Around Your Hobbies & Interests

Whether you love to dive, surf, hike, practice yoga, cook, or paint, there is a community for you to tap into. Choose your destinations around the activities you love to do and you will likely meet people who also love to do the same. This can help you feel confident that you’ll meet new people with similar interests, making it more likely to explore those activities fully.

2. Research Your Chosen Destination

Before you leave, it’s important to research the culture, customs, and laws of your destination. Understanding what’s socially unacceptable or, in some cases, illegal, will help you blend in and avoid offending locals. For example, in India I was repeatedly reminded to dress modestly, avoid crop tops and short shorts, and try to cover my shoulders when I can.  In other locations, something as simple as wearing a bikini could be considered unacceptable, and you may be treated differently or flat-out refused service. Lastly, save local emergency numbers and embassy contacts in your phone and be aware of where the closest Hospital or Urgent Care center will be in your destination. Pro Tip: Working with a Travel Advisor (like me!) who specializes in the destination can help take the pressure off of planning your trip and give you insider knowledge. 

3. Pack With Safety in Mind

When packing as a solo traveler, my mantra is always “less is best.” The less I have to carry around on my own, the less likely I am to lose something or look like a target for theft as a tourist. I try to pack as minimally as I can, and I wear clothes that don’t stand out too much. I recommend leaving expensive jewelry, wedding rings, and unnecessary ID Cards and Bank Cards at home. I also bring a cross-body bag instead of an off-the-shoulder purse, making it harder for someone to pickpocket or snatch my purse. Make sure to have copies of important documents stored digitally and in hard copy in case of loss or theft. And my favorite item that I learned from Annika Paradise of The Wonder Year is to always have a whistle or small safety alarm within reach. A $2 whistle can save your life. 

4. Select Women-Friendly Accommodations & Spaces

Where you stay on your travels can enhance your experience tenfold - especially if they are created with solo female travelers in mind. Not only can you feel safer, but you also are more likely to make friends. Many websites have filters or search options that highlight safe spaces specifically for women. Many hostels or hotels also have community events where you can experience your destination with a group of like-minded travelers. When checking into your accommodation, ask for a room on a higher floor if possible, as these are often more secure. If you’re in a hostel, you can ask if they offer women-only dorms, as well. 

5. Keep Your Loved Ones In the Loop

Before I leave for any trip, I always leave a copy of my itinerary with accommodation details for my loved ones. I let them know if I’m planning on doing certain hikes or adventure activities so they know where I plan to be should I lose contact. Use apps that allow you to share your live location with trusted contacts. Enroll in your country’s Government Travel Services, like the USA’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which allows the government to know to look for you should a crisis or disaster occur. 

6. Limit Solo Nighttime Exploration

When you’re in a new destination, it’s always exciting to see the pulse of the city at night. However, if you are on your own, it’s truly safest to avoid late-night exploring. (When you meet new friends, then that is the perfect time to explore the nightlife together.) It’s best to avoid walking alone at night, altogether. Use licensed taxis or rideshare apps if needed, avoiding public transport like the Subway. If you're out at night, especially in bars, keep an eye on your drink and how many drinks you have, and don't accept drinks from strangers.  Pro Tip: If you are in a destination for more than a week or two, you can even look up local Expat Groups and see if they have any community events at night you can attend.  

7. Join Women-Friendly Tours, Retreats or Trainings

There are many tours and retreats designed specifically for solo female travelers. Joining tours and retreats that are created with women in mind provides a sense of safety and companionship. It also takes the pressure off of planning every detail of your trip. You can also base your solo trip around a particular training you’ve always wanted to attend - ie. Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand or a Writers Retreat in Norway. This builds an inherent sense of community, even though you still have the freedom you crave as a solo traveler. Many of our Retreat Guests are solo female travelers whose friends or partners can’t or don’t want to travel. They love being able to travel with our awesome community.  Check out our upcoming Retreats here.

8. Purchase Travel Insurance

This may seem like an obvious tip, but many people do not understand the value of having a solid, comprehensive Travel & Medical Insurance Plan while you travel. When we travel, there are so many unknowns that can happen. Having the peace of mind to know that you are covered, supported and financially-protected with your Travel Insurance Provider will help you feel confident to explore the world on your own terms. Some Travel Insurance Providers, like Faye Insurance, even have 24/7 telehealth services as well. If you plan to use the Insurance provided by your Credit Card company, be sure to call them and have them explain exactly what is covered and what the exceptions are. Pro Tip: My preferred partner is Arch RoamRight!

9. Trust Your Gut

Your intuition is one of your most powerful tools while traveling alone. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling. Your safety is much more of a priority than someone else’s feelings and even the balance in your bank account. Never feel bad for making a scene if you feel you need to call attention to yourself. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, trust your gut and find the next best solution. 

With a little planning and a lot of courage, you can experience a life-changing adventure. Expanding your worldview not only enriches your life, but it will have a ripple effect in your family, your community and the world. 

If you’re feeling the call to adventure, don’t wait. Your time is now.

And I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s connect!