Traveling solo as a woman can be an incredibly empowering experience. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the world on your own terms, fostering independence, confidence, and self-discovery. However, ensuring your safety is crucial to making your journey not only enriching but also secure. Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or planning your first adventure, these safety tips are designed to keep you safe and sound, no matter where your travels take you. While these tips are tailored for solo female travelers, they are valuable for any traveler.
Stay Vigilant in Crowded Areas
Throughout my travels, I rarely felt unsafe, with pickpockets and scams being the most significant threats. Highly populated tourist areas are a pickpocket’s dream! Think of spots like Rome’s Trevi Fountain, Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, or London’s Buckingham Palace. When I was in London watching the Changing of the Guard, the police would warn attendees about pickpockets. Always keep your purse or bag in front of you and close to your body. One common trick is for thieves to cut your bag’s strap, and while you bend over to grab it, they’ll snatch anything in your pockets. Avoid keeping valuables in your pockets. I prefer bags with thicker straps, making them harder to cut—my day backpack has three thick ropes as straps. Also, do not leave you bag on the back of your chair at a restaurant. I would either keep mine on my lap or between my feet.
Be Aware of Common Scams
In Italy, I encountered the bracelet scam at Sforzesco Castle, where Leonardo Da Vinci once lived. Men would place a bracelet on your wrist and tie it, distracting you while pickpocketing. Some would even demand payment for the bracelet. I witnessed them yelling at a guy, insisting he pay for it. I walked through that area with my bag in front of me and my arms crossed, avoiding any interaction.
In Venice, almost falling for the birdseed scam in St. Mark’s Square at dusk taught me not to let my guard down in touristy areas. A guy tried to hand me birdseed for the pigeons. I quickly realized what was happening, refused, and hurried away.
Protect Your Credit Card Information
Beware of scams involving RFID skimming devices that steal your credit card data. I keep my credit cards in an RFID-blocking wallet, which prevents nearby readers from scanning my card information. These wallets block the electromagnetic signals used by RFID readers to communicate with the chips in your cards.
Safeguard Your Online Presence
Using public Wi-Fi is almost inevitable when traveling, whether on transportation, in restaurants, or accommodations, poses a security risk. To protect against hackers, I use a VPN on my MacBook, iPad, and iPhone. A VPN encrypts your data and masks your IP address, hiding your browsing activity, identity, and location for greater privacy and autonomy.
Keep Your Phone Charged & Use a Tracking App
Never let your phone die while traveling! Always carry a portable charger. Between using maps and my camera, my phone drained quickly, and I relied on my portable charger almost daily.
I used Life360 to create circles for my family and friends, allowing them to track me. This way, they could see my location and, if I went missing, my last known address. It was also a fun way to keep up with my family back home.
Secure Your Belongings
When using public transportation, especially trains, I secure my larger backpack and suitcase with a TSA lock. This allows me to leave my luggage behind when I need to use the restroom or head to the food car. While a lock won’t prevent theft, it can discourage or slow down potential thieves. I also place Apple AirTags in my suitcase, travel backpack, wallet, and day backpack, enabling easy tracking if any items are stolen or lost.
At the beach, I use a TSA lock to secure my day backpack, hoping it deters thieves while I take a swim. It’s also helpful to find another traveler to watch your items while you take turns swimming.
Enhance Safety in Accommodations
When staying in Airbnbs, I often rented a room from a host who was home, even if I rented the entire place I wanted a little extra security. I used a door stopper under my bedroom door for extra safety. While someone could still enter, it would give me time to wake up and prepare for an intruder. The door stopper is compact and easy to pack, pro tip: pack it under your packing cube in the space between your suitcases’ handles.
Stay safe and enjoy your travels!
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