Taking a solo trip is seriously one of the most exciting and empowering things you can do for yourself. It’s your chance to explore a new city or even an entirely new country your way. From personal growth moments you didn’t expect to a rush of total independence, solo travel gives you a kind of confidence that sticks with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.
That said, safety is one of the biggest concerns when you’re traveling on your own. You don’t have a travel buddy to watch your back, so it’s all on you to stay aware and protect yourself. But don’t let that intimidate you! With the right mindset and some simple, smart precautions, you can absolutely have a safe and unforgettable solo adventure.
In this blog post, I’m sharing all my go-to solo travel safety tips to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to take on the world no stress, just vibes.
12 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
Whether you’re gearing up for your very first solo trip or you’re already a seasoned solo traveler, brushing up on travel safety tips is always a smart move. These are my go-to, tried-and-true tips that have helped me feel confident and safe while still having the best time exploring on my own. Trust me when you’re prepared, you’re way less stressed, and that means more energy to soak up every second of your trip.
Photo credit: Canva
Is it Safe to Travel Alone?
Absolutely! Solo travel can be super safe, as long as you’re prepared and take a few smart precautions. The key is to do your homework ahead of time. Start by picking a destination known for being solo-travel-friendly, and then dive into blog posts, Reddit threads, and travel forums to learn from other solo travelers’ experiences (and mistakes).
But at the end of the day, your best travel safety tool is your gut. If something feels off even just a little bit it probably is. Trust your instincts, always. That little inner voice will never steer you wrong.
And don’t worry; I’ve got tons more tips to stay safe coming your way to help you feel confident, prepped, and totally ready to take on your solo adventure!
How to Travel Alone Safely
Choose your destination carefully.
When it comes to solo travel, choosing the right destination makes all the difference. You want to go somewhere that’s already known for being safe and welcoming to solo travelers, no need to reinvent the wheel here!
Some cities or countries just aren’t ideal due to higher crime rates or political instability, so doing a little research upfront is key. Look into where other solo travelers are going, read their reviews, and see what spots have the best vibes and safety track records. (P.S. I listed some of the safest solo travel countries at the end of this post for inspo!) Starting your adventure somewhere solo-travel friendly will set you up for an amazing, stress-free experience.
Photo credit: Canva
Book a solo traveler-friendly accommodation.
Not all accommodations are created equal, especially when you’re traveling solo. One of the first things I look for when booking a hotel room by myself (especially as a woman) is 24-hour reception and solid security features, like a secondary lock on the door. It just gives me that extra peace of mind. I also always carry my hotel’s business card with me in case I need the address to get back and my phone dies.
If you’re more into social travel, hostels can be a fun and budget-friendly way to meet people. But safety still comes first! I recommend booking an all-female dorm when possible and either locking up your valuables or keeping them close while you sleep.
No matter your budget, whether you’re treating yourself to a bougie hotel or sticking to something more low-key, always prioritize places that are safe, secure, and in a central location. Trust me, feeling comfortable where you sleep makes all the difference on a solo trip.
Related: Hotel Booking for Solo Travelers: Insider Tips for a Safe and Affordable Stay
Take reputable transportation.
You’ve probably heard the horror stories taxi scams at airports where sketchy drivers charge outrageous prices to unsuspecting travelers. Yeah, no thanks. As a solo traveler, I always recommend using trusted transportation options like trains, official shuttle buses, or pre-booked car transfers to get to your hotel safely.
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are usually a safe bet, too, but don’t let your guard down. Always double-check the driver and license plate, and keep an eye on the route as you’re riding, especially if you’re somewhere new. A little awareness goes a long way!
Share your location with family and friends.
One of my go-to solo travel safety tips? Share your location with someone you trust. Seriously turn on location sharing for a close friend, partner, or family member so they can keep tabs on where you are, especially if you’re heading out to meet someone new or exploring off the beaten path.
It’s also a good idea to set up a quick daily check-in. Just shoot a message each evening to let them know you’re back at your hotel and all is good. It takes two seconds and gives everyone peace of mind (including you!).
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Always, always pay attention to your surroundings! I know it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new city (hello, cute cafes and cobblestone streets!), but staying alert is key to keeping yourself safe.
This is especially true in places in Europe where pickpocketing can be super common. Keep an eye on what’s going on around you, be mindful of your belongings, and trust your gut if something feels off. You don’t need to be on high alert 24/7, but staying in the right mindset can make a big difference if a situation starts to feel sketchy.
Keep valuables close by.
Your phone, credit card, and passport are hands down the most important things you’ll be traveling with so keeping them safe is non-negotiable. I always recommend using a crossbody bag that zips shut or even a money belt for days you’re out exploring and want to keep things extra secure and close.
When you’re back at your hotel or Airbnb, stash your valuables in the safe if there is one, or tuck them somewhere secure, like a nightstand drawer right next to you. Losing any one of these essentials can quickly turn your solo trip into a stressful situation, so it’s always better to play it safe!
Get travel insurance.
Just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to go it alone in every sense! Travel insurance is like having a behind the scenes bestie who’s got your back if anything unexpected happens whether that’s getting sick, dealing with a canceled flight, or having your stuff go missing.
It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but trust me if you do, you’ll be SO glad you have it. Think of it as an extra layer of security that lets you explore more freely, knowing you’re covered if life throws you a curveball.
Photo credit: Canva
Keep copies of important documents.
One of my go-to solo travel safety tips is keeping copies of your important documents like your passport, driver’s license, and credit cards just in case. If anything gets lost or stolen, having a backup will save you SO much stress.
I like to keep both physical copies tucked away in my luggage and digital ones saved securely in my email or cloud storage. That way, no matter what happens, you’ve got plan B ready to go.
Prepare to stay connected.
Your phone is basically your BFF when you’re traveling solo it’s your camera, your GPS, your translator, and your lifeline all in one. That’s why I never leave for a trip without a fully charged power bank. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be wandering around a new city with a dead phone.
And here’s another pro tip: download offline Google Maps of the area you’re staying in and a translation app or dictionary. If you lose signal or can’t connect to Wi-Fi, you’ll still be able to find your way back to your hotel and communicate in the local language if needed.
Never let people know you’re traveling alone.
When you’re traveling solo, chances are you’ll meet people along the way maybe someone chats you up at a cafe or on the beach. But here’s the deal: never tell anyone you’re traveling alone. Seriously. It’s one of my golden rules.
Have a go-to story ready, something like: “My friend’s back at the hotel resting,” or “My partner’s meeting me here in a bit.” Even if you’re totally solo, keeping up that little white lie adds an extra layer of protection.
And when it comes to posting on social media, play it smart. If your account is public, avoid tagging your real-time location or making it obvious you’re alone. You can totally share your solo adventure wins, just wait until after you’ve wrapped up your trip.
Blend in with the crowds.
One of the best ways to stay safe is to blend in not stand out. That means dressing low-key, keeping your voice down when chatting on the phone, and being mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded spots like train stations or city centers.
Skip the flashy jewelry or anything that screams “tourist.” The goal is to look like you belong there, even if you’re totally new to the place. The more you blend in, the less likely you are to draw unwanted attention, and the more confident (and safe) you’ll feel as you explore.
Related Blog: Packing List for Europe
Trust your gut.
I know I already said this, but it’s worth repeating trust your gut! If something feels off, it probably is. One of the most powerful tools you have as a solo traveler is your intuition. Whether you’re in a questionable neighborhood, on a weird tour, or just chatting with someone who gives you bad vibes, don’t second-guess that inner voice.
You might be reading this at home, wondering how you’ll know what a gut feeling even feels like, but once you’re out there, you’ll totally get it. And when that moment when you feel uncomfortable comes, don’t hesitate leave the situation and put your safety first. Always.
Photo credit: Canva
Where to Travel Alone
Here’s a list of some of the top destinations for solo travelers:
- Portugal
- Thailand
- Austria
- Spain
- Costa Rica
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Croatia
- Italy
- Greece
- Singapore
- Denmark
- New Zealand
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Japan
- Australia
Read: Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers.
Stay safe and enjoy your solo trip with confidence!
When embarking on a new trip alone, it’s super important to stay safe. With these easy, practical tips, you’ll be prepped and ready for just about anything that comes your way, whether you’re exploring a new city or jetting off to a totally new country on your own. You’ve got this!
If you are interested in more resources or inspo for your next adventure, you can always follow me on Instagram at @sierrainthecity and check out my blog where you’ll find posts like:
