Ezey Duru

Traveling solo is such an empowering and life changing experience as we have already chatted about, but something that is so important and should always be a priority, is your safety. We need to have you prepared, staying aware, and walking with confidence are key factors when it comes to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Here is your ultimate safety kit for solo women travelers:

1. Plan Your Itinerary & Share Your Location

Before your trip, map out your destinations, any day trips, and how you’ll get from place to place. Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member and keep them updated with regular check-ins. Make sure your phone’s location sharing is turned on for at least two or three or more trustees family or friends, and keep them updated along the trip.

2. Choose the Right Stay

• Opt for women-only dorms or highly rated hostels and hotels with good reviews.
• Look for accommodations with 24/7 front desk service and save their contact number.
• Keep valuables locked in hostel lockers, and don’t carry everything with you.
• Use a hidden fanny pack or an inside jacket pocket for extra security.

3. Stay Aware & Trust Your Instincts

You know your gut better than anyone else. Your intuition is the best defense. If something feels off, don’t second-guess it — leave immediately. Being in an uncomfortable situation will only diminish your experience, so prioritize your safety and head home or go to an area that has a lot of people and more lighting.

4. Walk with Confidence

• Walk with purpose and don’t look lost fake it till you make it
• Avoid looking at your phone excessibley while walking.
• Try to stay on busy streets with good lighting and avoid quite dark areas.
• My go to hack — If you feel uneasy at, pretend to be going for a casual job to a safer location
• Get on the phone and call someone to help you ease your nerves

5. Secure Your Wallet & Phone

• Never carry your phone or wallet in your back pocket or side jacket pockets. Pick pocketing is so easy
• Keep that in front of you in a crossbody, or fanny pack, or front pockets
• Only carry the cash and single card (honestly opt for apple pay) you may need for the day, and book tickets online in advance to minimize what you have to bring with you.

6. Transportation Safety

• Use official taxis, tuk-tuks, or ride-sharing apps (sometimes not available in the country).
• Try to screen the driver, if they talk, body language, eye contact, if something feels off, exit immediately and say you want to stop at this location and that will be all.
• Share your ride details with a friend and don’t sleep, stay awake during the ride (i’ve fallen asleep in ubers, try your best not to)

7.Also, It’s Okay to Lie

Never tell a stranger that you are traveling alone. Over that just say you are meeting someone soon or visiting family or a friend. If someone makes you uncomfortable, be assertive and say “no thanks”, come up with an excuse you have to get back, you are tired, maybe next time. Setting boundaries from the start prevents any future unwanted situations from escalating. Like really start saying no thanks i’m okay, sooner so they know you are not a yes man, or easy to convince.

8. Find a Community in Your Hostel

Finding people in your hostel who are into the same things as you can make solo travel way more fun — you don’t always have to be alone. That said, always stay cautious and trust yourself first. Be aware, keep your guard up, but don’t be afraid to make friends and join in on fun activities so you’re not exploring a new place completely on your own.

Solo travel is an incredible experience that I think everyone should try at least once! But staying prepared and alert makes it way safer and even more enjoyable. It’s really just about planning ahead, staying aware, and trusting your instincts — do that, and you can confidently explore the world while keeping yourself secure. I know you can. If I could do it at 20, spending six days in a place people called “unsafe,” then so can you there are always safer areas. Just follow these steps, be smart, and you’ll be good to go!

Share and help another traveler out! What are some of your solo travel safety hacks? Have any questions about a specific situation? Drop them below!