Login | Register | Subscribe to the GG RSS Feed

5 Top Safety Tips for Women Travelers

Learn how to travel smarter and safer

Traveling solo can be an exhilarating experience. There's a freedom that comes when you realize you can do what you want, when you want and that the day's enjoyment lies solely in your hands. For me, there's a certain thrill that comes when I rent a car in a foreign country and set off all alone, just me and my music and the road ahead. Getting lost (and found) is empowering in its own delish way.

Safety Tips for Women TravelersSafety tips for women travelersI travel a lot by myself and I never view my "femaleness" as a disability but rather an advantage. It might be my openness to engage in conversation or my non-threatening status as a solo female traveler, but I've been privy to some incredible travel experiences that I might have missed if I were with someone else. 

But traveling as a solo female has its fair share of risks too and staying safe is always top of mind. If you travel as a single woman, feel free to steal my safety tips:

Take note of what's around you

GoGirlfriend, Happy in the CaribbeanGoGirlfriend, happy in the CaribbeanAs someone who spends an extraordinary time getting lost, taking notice of my surroundings is paramount to my survival. Beyond landmarks, I take notice of people too. If I'm approached by someone, I'm very aware of my personal space. If the same person keeps cropping in my vicinity, I change my habits, stay in a public area or ask for help if I sense danger.

Trust your gut

If you're stepping into an elevator late at night and there's one man in there and no one else, as a woman traveler, what does your gut tell you? I'd rather be called paranoid than a victim. If I sense danger, I start listening very closely to what that little voice in my head is telling me - it's rarely wrong.

Crime-proof your walk

A woman with a purposeA woman with a purposeA woman who walks with purpose, as if she knows where's she's going and why is not a woman to be trifled with...Confidence keeps you on the offensive, rather than defensive in risky situations. Getting lost on the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras is a frightening experience but I faked nerves of steel until I found a safe harbor. It worked.

Know where to find safety

When you're lost, alone and in a foreign country, where do you look for help? Shopkeepers and hotel employees, authorities and tour guides are your best bet. But in a pinch, an adult with a child is a great option. Men and women can both be predators but a couple or single adult with a child is almost a 100% guarantee of safety. And they almost never say no to someone in need.

Be your own DD

Over indulging when you're traveling alone is like putting a neon sign above your head that you're victim status is ready to be activated. Alcohol muddies your ability to see danger ahead - and you can forget about your instincts. Enjoy the nightlife, but get high on the energy, not the drinks.

Be your own DDBe your own DDMy best tip for women travelers though isn't something that can be easily categorized. I've learned to be my own strongest advocate. I ask for what I need, for the sake of my safety and I've learned not to feel awkward doing it. I once traveled with a co-worker to Barbados and when we arrived our rooms were on the first and fifth floors - facing the street. He took the fifth, thinking to save me the walk up the stairs. I politely explained that I preferred the higher floor because it was further from the street. He understood immediately and we traded rooms.

Enjoy the thrill of traveling alone but stay safe out there.

Do you travel alone as a single woman? We'd love to hear your travel safety advice to add to our tips, Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and let's start talking!

Related Stories

Rate This post

Comments

I do tire of hearing stories of women were attacked while drunk. Time to grow up ladies and look after yourself. You can still have a great time, but you don't have to be the drunk to do it. Stay safe everyone.

I just spent 14 months traveling Latin America on my own and if anything I think it made me safer. People really looked out for me and helped me out in ways I don't think would have happened if I had been with another person.

Post new comment




GoGirlfriend Recommendations

Travel Planning

Fodors
Lonely Planet
Frommers

Register

Membership is free and with it you can set up a profile, vote on stories and post your opinions.

Already a member?
Login

Not a member? Join!
Register


Most Recent Comments

  • On Club Orient - St. Martin, Scribbles said "The naturist beaches on St Martin are really quite special. There are many choices and opportunity for getting an all over tan. There are naturist hotel accommodations also. https://naturist.sx is a great place to learn about all the naturist opportunities on this beautiful Caribbean Island "
  • On 6 Tips to Survive (and Thrive) in Self-Isolation, admin said "Thanks Bat-El for the great tip. We've included your link in our Bonus Ideas from our Community section so others can enjoy. I really enjoyed the Stonehenge tour ... it's on my bucket list!"
  • On 6 Tips to Survive (and Thrive) in Self-Isolation, Bat-El Galor said "My name is Bat-El, and I'm working in collaboration with Travel Trend website. We've recently published a post -"Top 100 virtual tours around the world". After looking at these wonderful tips to survive in self-isolation; It occurred to me that our post could also contribute to your readers with further virtual tours resources. The post includes 100 links to virtual tours and unique experiences around the world. Feel free to check out the link and enjoy your travels ... https://www.trvltrend.com/technology/virtual-tours/ Cheers,"
  • On Cuba Travel ~ 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Go, admin said "Thanks Gordon for the update ... and given most routes to the resorts on the coast are an hour+ and it's Cuban warm, that money for a beverage is a great tip!"
  • On Cuba Travel ~ 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Go, Gordon Mitchell said "Over the last few years The $25 departure tax has been included in your airfare. Make sure you convert your cash at the airport so you can buy a cold beer on the bus on your way to the resort. They will take canadian money but not loonies and toonies. "


Blogs We Love

beautiful Vancouver, British ColumbiaCheck out our GoGirlfriend Facebook page to follow us as we seek new adventures and create memories in our own part of the world.








Advertisement