Solo female travel has become more popular in recent times. With people going out on their own, trying to discover new places, explore food and diverse cultures, interact with locals and learn more about the world – and women are not exempt from this.
We have daring women like Alma Asinobi who tried to break the Guinness record by traveling to seven continents with her Nigerian Passport. Now, many women are opting for traveling solo to explore and follow their personal interests, build confidence and independence, gain a sense of empowerment from navigating new places alone.
Solo female travel has increased on social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, with different creators sharing their experiences and giving travel tips. These tips are aimed at providing a safer and more enjoyable traveling experience.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers
1. Do your Research: Before booking your trip, you should research local customs and dress codes in order to respect cultural norms. Also research areas considered safe and those to avoid, transportation options and schedules, emergency contacts, including the nearest embassy or consulate. Read personal accounts/stories on blogs, ask questions on popular forums & Facebook travel groups. As a solo female traveler, it’s best to ask other solo female travelers about their experience visiting a country.
2. Start Small: If you’re new to solo travel, it may be best to start small and ease your way into this style of travel. It may be best to visit a country/state that isn’t too far from home, has an established tourism infrastructure, or where the majority of people speak your language. Starting small will help ease your anxieties, resulting in a more enjoyable time and better decision making.
3. Choose Safe Accommodations: Opt for reputable hotels, hostels, or guesthouses with good reviews—especially from other solo female travelers. If possible, stay in well-lit, centrally located areas that are easy to navigate, even at night.
4. Dress Appropriately and Blend In: In many cultures, modest dress helps avoid unwanted attention. Observe local clothing norms and dress accordingly to respect traditions and minimise risk.
5. Connect with Other Women: It is safer when in a strange country/state to ask for directions from your fellow women. You can walk into small provision stores and buy a thing or two while conversing with the sales girl or owner about how to get to your destination.
6. Stay Connected: Share your itinerary with a friend or family member. Check in regularly, either through calls, messages or WhatsApp location sharing.
7. Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels unsafe or uncomfortable, trust your gut. Leave immediately, seek help, or move to a more public area.
8. Act like you’ve been here before: Solo female travel requires that you exude confidence while exploring new places as this makes you less likely to be prey for ill wishers and predators. Do not cower in fear, but be bold and assertive while being alert.
9. Be Cautious with Alcohol: Trying new things, foods and drinks in a new place is always tempting but if you choose to drink, do so responsibly. Keep an eye on your drink at all times to prevent spiking. Avoid getting intoxicated in unfamiliar places.
10. Secure Your Belongings: Use a crossbody bag with zippers, keep valuables close, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics in public. In some countries, wearing flashy items can make you a target for theft.
11. Use Your Phone: Not for Instagram or Facebook, but simply for safety purposes. If you know that you are not good with directions, it may bring a sense of safety for you to use Google Maps. Wandering and being lost are two completely different things. Looking lost will make you a target. Walking down the street with your head down will make you a target for thieves & predators.
It also signifies that you are a tourist and likely have other valuables (expensive camera, lots of cash, etc.) on hand. People will ride by or even walk by to snatch your phone right out of your hand. A nice smartphone is worth months of rent & food in many countries around the world, so this would explain why thieves are after people who have them. Here are some ways you can use your phone for safety purposes: Step inside a store if you need to take a look at your maps or use your phone quickly. It may be best to carry a cheap phone as a back up in case anything happens to your smartphone.
12. Do not post in real time: avoid posting your exact location on your social media apps to ensure safety. It is advisable to only post after leaving the location.
13. Know Basic Phrases in the Local Language: Learning phrases like “Help,” “Police,” or “I need assistance” can be incredibly useful in emergencies.
14. Lie If You Need to: If someone asks about you being alone, feel free to lie and tell them that you’re meeting up with friends or that your bf/gf is back at the hotel waiting for you.
15. Be Nice: This is a no-brainer. So many tourists pride themselves on wanting to interact with locals but instead, they blatantly keep them at an arms distance – as if the locals are blind or stupid. People can detect when you’re apprehensive, distrusting, or scared of them and they will reflect that behavior back to you. Be conscious of your body language when on a solo female travel. Talk to locals instead of talking at them. Look people directly in the eye if they are speaking to you or serving you. Smile at them. Try to speak their language. Ask them their name. Ask them about their culture. Greet them when you walk inside of their businesses.
16. Connect with Other Travelers: Hostels, group tours, or local meetups are great ways to make connections, share tips, and feel less isolated—especially if you’d like some company for a day trip or dinner.
Extra Tips
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- Travel Insurance: Always have travel insurance that covers health, theft, and emergencies.
- Daylight Arrivals: Try to arrive at new destinations during the day to orient yourself safely.
- Emergency Numbers: Save local emergency numbers and addresses of hospitals or clinics.
- Local SIM Card: Having a local SIM or reliable internet access can help you navigate, contact people, and use translation apps.
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Solo female travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. With the right preparation, awareness, and confidence, you can explore the world safely and fearlessly.
Read also: The Jewels Of The City: Best Vacation Spots In Lagos
