Solo travel with confidence

Is it safe to travel alone as a woman?

Millions of women travel solo every year and have wonderful, uneventful trips. Travelling alone gives you freedom to set your own pace, meet people on your own terms and build real confidence.

No destination is risk-free, and risk is never your fault — responsibility for harassment or harm always lies with the person who causes it. The tips below are options that many experienced solo travellers use to reduce hassle and stay in control. Pick the ones that fit your trip and your comfort level.

Research before you book

A little homework goes a long way:

• Read your government's travel advice for the country (for example the US State Department or the UK Foreign Office pages), including any notes for women travellers.
• Check local laws and customs around dress, alcohol, public affection and LGBTQ+ rights.
• Look up common scams in the area, such as fake taxis or 'closed hotel' tricks.
• Read recent reviews from other women, especially about specific neighbourhoods and accommodation.
• Note the local emergency number — it isn't always 911 or 112.

If you take regular medication, check it is legal at your destination and carry it in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.

Choosing safe accommodation

Where you sleep shapes how safe you feel. Look for places with 24-hour reception or secure self check-in, good lighting and recent reviews mentioning solo women. Hostels with female-only dorms can be a great way to meet people.

Once you arrive:

• Ask reception not to say your room number out loud, and if they do, ask quietly for a different room.
• Use the deadbolt and chain, and consider a portable door stop or door alarm.
• Don't open the door to unexpected 'staff' — call reception to check.
• Keep a card from your accommodation with the address in the local language.

Arriving and getting around

Arrival is often the most stressful moment, especially at night. If you can, book flights that land in daylight and arrange your first transfer in advance — an official taxi rank, a pre-booked car or a transport option your accommodation recommends.

Download offline maps before you go so you aren't wandering with your phone held out. Walk with purpose, and if you get lost, step into a shop, café or hotel lobby to check directions. On overnight trains or buses, women-only carriages or seats near the driver are worth using where they exist.

Protecting your money, phone and documents

Spread your risk so that one lost bag doesn't end your trip:

• Carry two bank cards and keep them in different places.
• Keep a small amount of local cash in an easy-to-reach pocket and the rest out of sight.
• Store photos of your passport, visas and insurance in a secure cloud folder and email them to yourself.
• Carry a power bank so your phone doesn't die when you need maps or a ride.
• Consider registering with your embassy's traveller programme if one exists.

Travel insurance that covers medical care and emergency return is one of the most valuable things you can buy.

Nights out and meeting people

Meeting locals and other travellers is part of the joy of solo travel. To stay in control of the evening:

• Know how you're getting home before you go out.
• Keep an eye on your drink and don't accept drinks you didn't see poured.
• It's fine to give a vague answer about where you're staying or to say you're meeting a friend.
• Use a location-sharing app with a trusted person for the evening.

If someone ignores your 'no', they are the problem, not you. Move towards staff, other women or a busy area and leave if you need to.

Trust your instincts and have a plan B

That uneasy feeling is information. You can change plans, cancel a tour, switch accommodation or end a conversation without explaining yourself. Being 'rude' is allowed.

Before you go, write down a simple emergency plan: the local emergency number, your embassy's contact details, your insurer's emergency line and a trusted contact at home. Agree a regular check-in time with that person so someone notices quickly if you go quiet. If something does happen, you deserve support — contact your embassy, local police if you choose, and specialist services. TrustFem's /help page lists hotlines by country.