Empowering Women to embrace Solo Travel: 7 tips to stay Safe & Confident
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In my recent Instagram Story I’ve asked women, if they solo travel – and if not: what’s your biggest concern?
The majority of women said that they’re scared to travel alone & that being out in the world alone as a female just seems too risky.
My heart got heavy while reading through those responses. Traveling solo (as a woman) is such an incredibly liberating and empowering experience. It’s one of my favorite things to do, to get to know myself more deeply and to understand that I can be happy with just myself.
I asked myself why I seem to be “less scared”. And the answer is: I am not at all less scared. I just don’t let that fear determine my life.
It's natural to feel some apprehension about traveling alone, especially when safety is a concern. The question is how much power you give to these thoughts and how well you’re prepared on your journey!
In this short but sweet article, we will explore valuable tips and solutions to help you overcome fear and build a new foundation of trust so that you can experience a safe and enjoyable solo travel experience. (Because honestly ladies, once you spread your wings, you become limitless!)
“The inner journey of travel is intensified by solitude.”
– Paul Theroux
Go On “Explore Walks” & Research Your Destination
My explore walks are amazing for easing my travel anxiety. Usually I look at the map before I even get there and pin important things like the closest supermarket, hospitals & coffee shops or beaches – This way it’s easier to understand directions once I get to my destination!
Once I’ve arrived , I go on a walk and make myself familiar with my new surroundings. Because the more we know & the more familiar something gets, the safer we feel.
So my tip is: learn about the environment you'll be entering and your destination's culture. This will boost your confidence and give you an idea of where you are!
Book Accommodations Wisely
Positive reviews from other solo female travelers are my go to when I book airbnb’s or hotels. I scan for keywords like “safe” or “I” instead of we.
It’s also helpful for me to choose Colivings or other shared living spaces where it’s easier to connect with people and get help if needed. Of course you can run into idiots everywhere but the chances that everyone there is dangerous are fairly slim.
Getting to know other travelers always calms me down and creates a sense of community! Remember that everyone just wants to have a good time and trust your gut when someone feels sketchy.
If you’re really concerend, consider staying in places with female-only dorms or boutique hotels located in safe neighborhoods to add an extra layer of security.
Invest in Portable Safety Gadgets
I always carry a transportable lock for hotel room doors purchased from platforms like Amazon (This is the one I use).* Additionally, consider investing in a travel belt or pouch to store your passport, money and other important thing. Pepper spray or other items can make you feel a bit safer as well.
Share Your Location and Stay Connected
Before you go explore, share your travel itinerary and daily whereabouts with someone you trust. I personally share my location on "Find My" or similar apps on other devices to ensure that my mom and family can easily track my location in case of emergencies.
In case I made friends in the hostel or Coliving, I usually tell them my plans or leave a note so they would start getting concerned if I wouldn’t return.
Learn Basic Self-Defense Techniques
If you want to take your self-defense to the next level, take some classes or watch online tutorials to equip yourself with fundamental self-defense techniques. Gaining self-defense skills will boost your confidence and make you feel more prepared to handle challenging situations! You can rely on yourself.
Your Gut Is Your Best Friend – Trust Your Instincts
Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something feels off or uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation. Your intuition is a powerful tool that can guide you away from potential risks. Please don’t ever be afraid to come off as “paranoid”. It’s better to be a bit more cautious than blindly walking into a dangerous situation.
Trust That Most People Are Kind
While it's essential to be aware of your surroundings, it's equally important to remember that the majority of people you’ll meet are kind-hearted and helpful. Embrace the kindness of strangers, don’t shy away from engaging in conversations! Building connections with fellow travelers and locals is my favorite thing about solo travel. You’ll get the amazing opportunity to expand your horizon and lean into new points of views.
Conclusion
Embracing solo travel is my favorite things to do and an empowering journey of self-discovery. I hope that by implementing these tips and solutions, you can feel safer, more confident and prepared to make the most of your adventures.
Remember, solo travel allows you to grow, learn and connect with the world on your own terms – and with the right mindset and precautions, you can peacefully spread your wings for an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime.
So pack your bags, trust your instincts and let your solo adventures begin!
xx Fabi