Solo travel is the ultimate freedom—but how do you stay safe while embracing the adventure? Solo travel can be both empowering and intimidating, but with the right precautions, it can be a safe and rewarding experience. This post will touch on points such as researching the safety of destinations, tech tools, and cultural considerations.
According to a 2024 Solo Female Travel Trends Survey, 70% of respondents worry about their safety when traveling solo. Something that can be done to alleviate this anxiety is researching the safety of destinations before planning your trip. The first step in this process is thinking about what safety means to you. Some important safety aspects for you might be low crime rates (especially against women) or positive attitudes towards women. Keep your chosen aspects in mind as you do your research.
One important resource to pay attention to is travel advisories (U.S. travel advisories can be found here). Travel advisories provide up-to-date information on potential risks in a destination and highlight safety concerns such as crime rates, political instability, natural disasters, and health risks. Staying informed on these risks can help you make decisions about where to go.
Another tip for evaluating the safety of a destination is to look at crime rates, especially regarding crime against women. OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) Crime Reports are a good tool for assessing crime rates in different countries. OSAC provides reliable, up-to-date security information from the U.S. government by facilitating a two-way exchange between government officials and private-sector security professionals abroad. You can search different countries and get detailed information about crime trends (theft, scams, assaults), civil unrest, political instability, and common risks for travelers (including women-specific concerns).
It is also important to research local attitudes towards women. Search local and international news outlets, like BBC, for recent stories on women’s safety. Social media forums, such as Reddit or Facebook, can be a helpful tool to get a sense of how women are treated in certain destinations because you can read about people’s firsthand experiences. Taking a look at local women’s rights organizations’ websites can also provide a lot of insight. These organizations may highlight issues such as harassment, discrimination, or unsafe areas for women. This is a great way to get a clearer picture of potential concerns that may not be covered in mainstream travel guides or news media.
Another important thing to research is local customs and appropriate dress. It is crucial to be aware of these aspects in many destinations, especially for women solo travelers. Lonely Planet has comprehensive travel guides that include cultural etiquette, dress codes, and tips for women traveling in specific regions. You can often find detailed sections on cultural sensitivities and societal norms. Similarly to assessing local attitudes towards women, Reddit and Facebook forums can also provide insight into customs and appropriate dress. The discussions on these forums allow for real-time, peer-shared advice on cultural considerations, challenges, and gender-based travel tips.
Moving away from research, it’s also important to be aware of apps and tools that can help protect you while traveling solo. Apps like bSafe allow you to send alerts to friends and family with your location. Google Maps offline mode ensures you never get lost, even without Wi-Fi. If you’re traveling to more remote areas, apps like TripWhistle Global SOS provide emergency numbers for police, medical assistance, and embassies across the globe, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are. There are also several apps that can help make your solo travel journey easier and more pleasurable. Check out this list from Wired!
While being cautious when solo traveling is important, don’t let it take away from the joy and excitement of exploring new places. Solo travel is a truly transformative experience, and by researching the safety destinations, using the right tech tools, and staying aware of local customs, you’ll be equipped to make the most of your adventures. Most importantly, remember that safety and empowerment go hand in hand.
Brenna Cline 
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