Solo Travel Safety

Solo travel safety can be one of the biggest concerns for first-time independent travelers. Over the years, I’ve been asked by many people, especially women, how I comfortably solo travel and feel safe while doing it. Because I’ve been doing it for over two decades, I’ve gotten very used to it, though I do still feel uncomfortable once in a while. Whether it’s an unfamiliar city or country, a new language, or just being alone, I know that traveling alone can be a little awkward at times. Most of us are not immune to that sensation of feeling like a fish out of water from time to time, but the beauty is that we do the thing anyway and not let our fears take over.

Being well prepared is one of the most crucial parts of gaining a sense of security, particularly within oneself. It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous or worried about the unknown, but being aware of your surroundings and making smart decisions will alleviate some of this. Trusting your instincts in any situation and staying focused on your own comfort will help you through, and your confidence will blossom.

I’ve traveled extensively on my own in the United States and in Europe, and most of the time (now) my preference is to go it alone. Embracing how I handle situations, get to make my own decisions every time, and navigate new cities is a key to my solo travel success. Throughout my years of traveling alone, I’ve eaten countless meals alone, figured out how to communicate with people in their local language, gotten around on public transit, and, most importantly, enjoyed myself.

My advice in this guide is from my own real, personal experiences, not just theory. I’ll help you see the benefit and beauty of traveling alone and prepare for your upcoming adventure. You’re going to thrive and enjoy it to the fullest.

In a nutshell, solo travel safety comes from three simple principles: preparation, awareness, and trusting your instincts. You can dramatically reduce the risk of common issues by properly researching your destination before you leave, planning how you’ll get around (transportation), keeping your documents organized, and always staying aware of your surroundings. There is no right or wrong to this, and everyone’s comfort level is different. Be sure to respect your own comfort level and don’t worry about what anyone else is telling you to do or not to do. This is your trip, your experience, and it should be treated as such.

None of this means to leave no room for spontaneity, whimsy, or adventure. It’s just going to reduce the amount of time you’re worrying about what you don’t know or feel like you should’ve known beforehand. Having a bit of a plan has always benefited my solo travels, and how much space you leave for the unknown is totally up to you. That’s the beauty of solo travel - it’s all yours.

The safest solo travelers are typically the ones who build good habits while traveling. They know where they’re staying, in which neighborhood (or as good an idea as possible), researched and understand local customs, likely carry a first aid kit, and know the local emergency numbers. Another key is paying attention to situations that don’t feel right. Always trust your gut, even if it’s “wrong.” You’ll never be sorry you were a little more cautious than not. I’ve been there, and I am glad I’m here to write this guide because I listened to myself. If discomfort at any time creeps in, remove yourself from where you are and get yourself into a place where you feel more secure. This is probably one of my top travel safety tips.

Doing it Solo in Paris

I’ve written a whole guide on the benefits of solo travel, and I would highly recommend you read it if you’re on the fence. I’m going to go over a few of the points here, but for reinforcement, be sure to see what’s on there so you feel like it’s the right choice for you. Some of the benefits can include:

Build Confidence

When you travel alone, you simply feel like a badass. Every time I go on a trip by myself, I’m a little more proud of myself. My confidence has skyrocketed based on this alone, and I know I can navigate so much of my life because of the experiences I’ve had during my trips. With each snafu I resolved, meal I ordered, and train I navigated, I can’t help but hold my head a bit higher. You’ll return home to find yourself implementing your confidence in all areas of life. That’s a major win.

Complete Freedom

There is no one bothering you to do this or that during your solo travels, and that, my friend, is a gift to yourself. If you’ve ever traveled with someone who is difficult, you appreciate the freedom even more. Not into museums? Don’t go. Want to call an audible and go somewhere else for dinner? Done. On one of my Christmas market trips, I simply had too much luggage to comfortably take the trains in Switzerland, so I called it and went back to Paris for the remainder of my time in Europe. You know why? Because I could, and no one was going to stop me.

Meet People More Easily

The number of friends I’ve acquired during my travels alone is incredible. When I go out into the world alone and talk to people, beautiful things happen and I meet people all over the world. The best part is that I’ve remained friends with so many of them. When you are physically and mentally available for others and not tied to your travel companions, you’ll notice how much easier it is to connect to others. It’s one of my favorite things about traveling solo.

Travel at Your Own Pace

Traveling by yourself gives you the freedom to go at your own pace. If you want to wake up at 5 am one day to see the sunrise, you can. The next day you may want to wake up at noon because you went all night. Any way you want to do it is acceptable because you’ve earned that right. It takes me a couple of days to realize that, even having traveled so much alone. You get out of your routine and make some of the best memories on the fly.

Learn About Yourself

Boo! I see you. Something I hear a lot of concern around is spending so much time with yourself. My love, you are with yourself 24/7. Wherever you go, there you are. Wouldn’t it be nice to get more acquainted with that beautiful soul you have? Bring a journal and sit on a bench and write your hopes and dreams, your dislikes and things that make you angry. Understanding and learning about yourself helps you in all aspects of life, not just when you’re bopping around the world by yourself.

Create Meaningful Memories

Some of my best memories in life are the ones I created during my solo jaunts. From my first solo trip to London where I asked a woman in a bar to roll an unfiltered cigarette for me to smoke (and then vomit later because I didn’t smoke - but hey, I was in Europe) to my many trips to Paris sitting in cafés sipping wine, the memories are burned into my heart. I’m grateful to each and every second of the time I’ve spent with myself, and I look forward to even more. I believe you will too.

London's West End Shows

There are some basic things you can do to travel safely. Of course things can happen, but the goal is to reduce the risk so you can feel more confident and secure when you’re embarking on your wonderful journey alone. You can also check out my guide on how to travel solo. Some tips to travel solo safely include:

Research Your Destination

Researching your destination feels relatively obvious, but I’ve been guilty of lacking in this department and being a little disappointed when I realized the city was not quite the vibe I had been hoping. A little research on the front end would’ve fixed that, so I encourage this before you choose a place to go.

Book Safe Accommodations

When I travel alone, I do not stay in unmonitored places like AirBnB (I actually never stay in them because I don’t like them). You’ll always find me in a good neighborhood of the city and typically a boutique hotel, where the staff knows I am coming and going. Saving a few bucks isn’t worth staying somewhere that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Share Your Itinerary

I always let someone that cares about me know where I’m going and my general itinerary. Another thing I have is location sharing so that a few close people know where I am at all times. It’s good to have people keeping an eye on you.

Purchase Travel Insurance

While I’m not a big travel insurance person, I do encourage those of you who do feel more comfortable with it to buy it. If you’ve got kids or tend to get sick, or have any inclination that the trip may not happen, travel insurance is a good idea. It’s not that expensive, and it can come in handy. For more information, read my guide, "Is Travel Insurance Worth It?"

Learn Basic Local Language Phrases

People ask me how I have such good interactions with Parisians, and it’s because I made the effort to know a few phrases so that I wasn’t going in blind. Wherever you travel, this is something I highly encourage you to do, as you’l have a much more positive experience in the country you choose.

Carry a First Aid Kit

Packing a little first aid kit with a few basic items will sometimes save your trip. I can’t tell you how many band-aids I’ve needed because of blisters, or ibuprofen because of period cramps. If you go on a trip and your pooping schedule go awry, bring some laxatives or fiber tablets. Giving yourself a few options of security in the health department can save you from hassle, especially in a foreign country.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Keeping your head on a bit of a swivel (not in a paranoid way) is not a bad idea. Even when I’m in an unfamiliar area in my own city, I do this. Staring down at my phone or keeping my purse near to my body helps me reduce any issue of being taken advantage of. No one wants to be a target of any unfortunate event, so keep your wits about you.

Trust Your Instincts

I can’t say this one enough. Throughout my life, in any situations that go beyond just travel, I’ve learned to trust my gut, or my instincts. It’s saved me from many things that potentially could’ve been harmful at worst, inconvenient at best. We have our second brain for a reason, so use it, especially when traveling alone.

Know Local Emergency Information

Perhaps ask the front desk at your hotel what the local emergency contact information is so you have it if needed. Scrambling for a number you could’ve obtained is not ideal, and it’ll keep you feeling safer and more confident while enjoying your destination. Locate the embassy or consulate if you’re traveling internationally.

Limit Alcohol

I’m not a fan of getting drunk while traveling solo. There is a time and place for everything, and drinking too much is not a good idea if you’re alone. Too many things could happen to you if you lose your inhibitions, so stick to one or two drinks, and drink loads of water. Plus, dehydrating on a trip is the worst. It happened when I was visiting Paris alone and I thought I had a bladder infection. Turns out, I just needed water. Doh!

Keep Valuables Secure

One of my favorite types of bags to carry is a cross-body so have it close to me. Another one is a tamper-proof backpack (also turns into a cross-body). Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics, as the wrong people might want to cozy up next to you and have it for themselves. You worked too hard to get those, so don’t become a target.

Stay Connected

Purchase a local SIM card or international eSIM so you can use your phone as normal without paying exorbitant fees to your phone carrier. You can also have access to maps, transportation, tickets in Apple Wallet, and more. Nowadays, having internet when traveling is kind of a necessity. How did we ever get by without it?

Christmas Market Solo Trip

I’ve written my personal guide where I’ve been on solo destinations that you can read and see if any strike your fancy. Otherwise, here are some that I have and have not been to, but know many solo travelers who have gone to the ones I haven’t yet been.

Japan

Notably one of the safest places in general to travel, this destination is wildly popular with so many of my friends who have gone there. Their public transportation is outstanding, it’s clean, the culture is respectful, and crime is low. It’s a perfect recipe for solo travelers.

Paris, France

Naturally, I’m pulling for my city of residence, as I have been here many times alone and couldn’t get enough so I decided to just move here. Staying in the right areas of Paris will help you enjoy this beautiful city, and keep you coming back for more. If you’re in need of a more detailed guide and wondering is Paris safe for a solo female traveler, I give you full breakdown.

Iceland

Over and over, Iceland lands at the top of the list for best places for solo travelers. The little country boasts beauty and security, and it’s ideal for nature lovers and gorgeous road trips. Every person who has been to Iceland loves it, so consider it if this sounds of interest to you.

New York City

NYC seems like it could be intimidating, but I can assure you that from over a dozen times of going, it’s very easy to navigate and awesome to go to by yourself. You can have amazing meals, go to Broadway or off-Broadway shows, or just meander around the city with a camera. I’m in love with this city, and highly recommend it for action lovers.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a great compact city that is beloved by many. It’s chock full of history, and you can walk everywhere easily. I loved visiting Harvard’s campus while there in the fall as well, just as something else to do. You’re in a city of well dressed, very intelligent people, and so many good food options. It’s easy to navigate for solo travelers.

New Orleans

My hometown is not going to get missed in this list. New Orleans is one of the best cities in the US to travel solo, and you can read my guide if you are traveling solo to New Orleans. The people will make you feel like family, and there is no shortage of things to do on any night of the week. As a long time resident, I spent many evenings on my own and never felt lonely as a native. Put this on your list if you love a good time.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is one of the South’s most charming cities, with beautiful historic architecture, excellent restaurants, and a slower pace than many larger destinations. It’s incredibly walkable, easy to navigate, and full of welcoming Southern hospitality. If you’re looking for a relaxing long weekend where you can wander historic streets, enjoy good food, and recharge on your own, Charleston is an excellent travel destination.

Portland, Maine

I absolutely loved Portland for a solo travel trip. The intent was to discover if I wanted to live there (I chose Paris instead), but while I was there I loved it. It was also a trip I went on immediately following my divorce, so it meant a lot that I got to heal there. Pop over to Diamond Island for a night or two if you have time - you won’t regret it.

London, England

As the first place I ever traveled alone, London will always be on my list of best solo travel destinations. It cannot escape me! You can do anything from shopping, afternoon tea at the Savoy, West End theater, walking around the many gardens, and eating some of the best Indian food you’ll ever eat. London also has the ABBA Experience, a hologram concert of the singers of the band - something you ought not to miss. London remains in my heart, and it might steal yours if you go as well. Here is a guide about London safety for solo female travellers.

Small Group Tours

If you want to go on a trip and have no one to go with but don’t want to go alone, consider a small group trip with other solo travelers. My first Christmas market trip was in this format and I loved it. I still keep in touch with some of the people I’ve met on it, and it’s been years since I’ve gone. This will give you the freedom to travel on your own, but not be alone if you don’t want to be.

Still deciding where to go? Here is my guide on my favorite first time solo female travel destinations.

Enjoying Diamond Island off of Portland, Maine

Being safe while traveling solo is simply a smart way to go about seeing the world. It’s not meant to scare anyone by cautioning safety; it’s about avoiding things that could become problematic on a trip that you could’ve avoided. Preparation helps you reduce the risk of common problems, knowing that problems will naturally arise and you can more easily mitigate them and work through them. You’ll make mistakes - we all do - no matter how many times you travel with or without others. The key is staying calm, trusting your instincts, and being as ready as possible for whatever your trip throws at you.

Solo travel has changed my life in so many ways, I can’t begin to list them all out. I truly believe it can and will change yours if you let it, and give yourself the freedom to go on that trip. Unforgettable experiences await you, and this is your guide to navigate them safely and securely. Bon voyage, solo traveler. Be safe!

If you're ready to book your solo trip, here is a guide on where to stay in Paris as a solo female traveler or what to pack in a carry-on.

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