![Woman with hair in a bun walking along a city street](https://images.followalice.com/1MQV8QJDOcPHq0Flu4gqo9/6c4cbd0b56f12ba8004e66e7123947d3/Woman_with_hair_in_a_bun_walking_along_a_city_street.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=1200&h=1200)
11 safety tips for solo female travellers
We women have to take our safety seriously, especially when travelling alone. But a little research and some smart decisions, together with a dose of caution and common sense, lets us enjoy safe trips. Here are 11 safety tips for solo female travellers!
![Woman in beanie at a winter outdoors Christmas market](https://images.followalice.com/7xGMZ0dzITeNLwSDamm7z1/35e46944f5f261befbb0afec5b2a96bd/Woman_in_beanie_at_a_winter_outdoors_Christmas_market__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
1. Choose your destination with care
Where to start
![Woman sitting on a roof with a hot drink in Turkey](https://images.followalice.com/6zZignj4j3Weuhg9Jq9QmH/a9466a6c5362e191ca224e1d852677cc/Woman_sitting_on_a_roof_with_a_hot_drink_in_Turkey__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=646)
Go deeper
![GEOSURE IPHONE](https://images.followalice.com/1ClnON3H9WMGzXESd2gwTW/86a5964572b4eeef03e36bfa828f2be1/GEOSURE_IPHONE_v2_500_476.png?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=762)
Research transport options
How am I going to get around safely? (Research the best and safest transport options and download any useful apps, look at reviews) How safe are the roads? And do I need an off-road car to navigate them safely? Is rail travel safe as a solo female traveller? Are private taxis and minibus-style taxis safe to use as a solo female traveller?
![Woman traveller getting onto a train](https://images.followalice.com/3vLyQtvZzwfYbPG8hnPt1C/08a15eca026c295cde839a829f5fa385/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4907602__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=534)
![Woman pointing at a place on a map](https://images.followalice.com/3UWhsKXa3RAUEraN8atGCO/60b9fb343070f549a9ca88f250fa745c/map-g052d133c0_1280.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=531)
Look into health concerns
![Woman watching hot air balloons](https://images.followalice.com/4PgFk4MDbiXS3DCkRfHFIL/7f24f6e6608e5eedb6935e52235b2346/Woman_watching_hot_air_balloons.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
2. Consider using a travel agent
![Man walking through Zurich Airport](https://images.followalice.com/3B3CRDr3vtRFR003oQHyM9/be90b6f2bd29dfcdd25e46771c27c81c/airport-335589_1280.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=531)
3. Download a safety app or two
Depending on your destination, a well-chosen app can be a game changer in terms of safety.
![Young woman sitting on grass near ruin](https://images.followalice.com/P6Mmo2x5S494GkPNCuOaK/83e04bc622a2938981773632205c6b27/Young_woan_sitting_on_grass_near_ruin__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=744)
A news alert app
![Breaking news text on red background](https://images.followalice.com/3FcpWxK5sIQ9jnERmf4tqO/72bfe60e968eca76f20263ce46c50d96/Breaking_news_text_on_red_background.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=500)
A location-sharing app
A tracking app is a really great idea when travelling alone.
![Woman peering down from high up in a forest setting](https://images.followalice.com/5hwISasXlsGto3Vz4ZaAv1/adcbae4966b02f58b043f8fbc2a891f9/Woman_peering_down_from_high_up_in_a_forest_setting__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
A panic button app
![Red panic button on a keyboard](https://images.followalice.com/2ns1t5yMKVJDCE2Xhk0wUn/8d416480cb0a4af8808d47ce52252505/keyboard-114439_1280.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=566)
A VPN app
A VPN ensures you can engage in sensitive activities like online banking with peace of mind.
4. Ensure your bank knows where you're going
![Close up of padlock and bank cards on keyboard](https://images.followalice.com/2PQLJ3Gsmjfk539y1tLGwq/a17833476e1b93650b430002091da7d2/Close_up_of_padlock_and_bank_cards_on_keyboard.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=568)
5. Think about your phone
![Black woman in coat looking at shop window on a city street](https://images.followalice.com/5Tz5ow6ohY2RdCqdsGpCmc/6612ba2065cfd25bbca03f07835dd273/Black_woman_in_coat_looking_at_shop_window_on_a_city_street__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
6. Take out comprehensive travel insurance
![Woman in sunhat and sunglasses holding a coffee cup and looking out from a ship at the ocean](https://images.followalice.com/77l6hYCZuPQnmaTSM0Hf1C/632889ce8b8a6a8c09073d18d3cee121/Woman_in_sunhat_and_sunglasses_holding_a_coffee_cup_and_looking_out_from_a_ship_at_the_ocean.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Give someone a copy
7. Connect with other travellers
![Young woman in warm clothes looking pensive by ocean](https://images.followalice.com/my3DS43mfSJPcsN8z9Ik6/f6bfd1e4288cc834f1b64a5db7a23d45/Young_woman_in_warm_clothes_looking_pensive_by_ocean.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=534)
Go online, of course
![Three women posing for a selfie](https://images.followalice.com/7CzMFZlKAicYCee79WMrKZ/10b33c60d893c4c6ba5565649e1a6e2f/Three_women_posing_for_a_selfie_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=500)
Volunteer or take a class
Join a volunteering project or visit an NGO. Take a class like beach yoga, cooking, weaving or pottery. Join a day tour or a group activity like a tea ceremony.
![Hands working on pottery](https://images.followalice.com/3Qih1jwsl7csuEav5PhbZC/90463596c9fbdb530ec4695abe38d0c2/Hands_working_on_pottery.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=517)
Stay in a hostel
Once connected with other travellers, you can do certain things together, which will enhance your safety.
8. Connect with locals
![Park full of picnickers](https://images.followalice.com/6nCirVvIqPkNDe1O3Hs5ED/62620ebac0144e048b5fbd508103de01/Park_full_of_picnickers.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=600)
Choose your accommodation thoughtfully
![Riverside thatched home and garden](https://images.followalice.com/7jh90mfpwZQqDenM8P8QiS/8b87cb9c92685b80caa409a67464a48e/house-g7ad9f21f9_1280.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Look for helpful apps
![Hands eating food from a shared grill](https://images.followalice.com/2kY80itX5MzjezCwQZYpRq/7d8b53dc23c1e10253735d6e8889b418/friends-g25d5edcb5_1280.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=534)
Use your social media networks
![Young Asian woman smiling for a photo in a park](https://images.followalice.com/11QM6HyVbjwlFF9tFqyYu9/850073aae6544275e1cf8ce40498000c/Young_Asian_woman_smiling_for_a_photo_in_a_park__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
9. Consider joining a tour group
Accompanied by a guide (preferably a local) who knows the do's and don'ts of the area and whose primary job is to keep you safe. Travelling in a group, and of course we all know that there's safety in numbers!
![Trekking group photo Nepal Everest Base Camp trek cost](https://images.followalice.com/2kHRuLFh8tgMcQqI53nVly/e87aead0530b06d0aaac03668943c93e/Oangdi-Nepal-Local-Leader-4-e1568053760113-1024x854.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=667)
Some trips really require a tour guide
Hand over all of the logistics to the tour operator. Split the cost of the vehicle and safari guide between the group. Let the tour guide take on the responsibility of keeping you safe.
![Group photo on safari vehicle](https://images.followalice.com/7ofuhf8IfjlXDKjZ2NyPkK/3eab8d78de10403a8001e4f094468994/e43aa895-481f-46a1-9104-a9020ffe87cf-1024x768.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=600)
A tour guide's number one job is to keep you safe. Ideally he or she should be a local who really knows the landscape and its people.
![Hikers on Sipi Falls hike in Uganda](https://images.followalice.com/7nrYigWvp9n2rG6XYtRK2L/8e54333aa15dd71161ffd85dd6be6855/Trail_guide__local_leader_Simon__back___Anne_and_Seraina_on_Sipi_Falls_hike__Uganda.jpeg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=601)
We think tour guides are a great idea not just for female solo travellers, but for all travellers (even those travelling with others), when going on an adventure holiday.
10. Pack lightly, but include these items
Too much luggage is distracting and it also prevents you getting around quickly and easily.
![Blonde woman on moving pavement in airport](https://images.followalice.com/28TUWILel5gVIxyZT03ojF/71aa8d908273dc5fb5aa87479f5cd5fe/Blonde_woman_on_moving_pavement_in_airport.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Pepper spray Money belt Travel safety box Personal safety alarm Smartwatch, if you have Medical alert bracelet, if relevant International adapter Power bank Selfie stick Appropriate clothing First aid kit A dumbphone (as backup)
Pepper spray
![Red pepper spray and keys](https://images.followalice.com/2UOcQnnKeJ1e5rpSiHV0TC/ab1c3a067448e324064c374262af984b/Red_pepper_spray_and_keys.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=488)
Money belt (or neck wallet)
Travel safety box
There's a big variety of portable safety boxes to choose from, so browse around for one that will suit your purposes.
![Portable safety deposit box](https://images.followalice.com/5k4r1RGaqDoSy52bztLmvy/55662fb30278eed7ccfe46f6938fde87/Portable-Combination-Lock-Surfing-Travel-Lockbox-Waterproof-Case-Mobile-Cell-Phone-Beach-Safe-Box.jpeg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=532)
Personal safety alarm
A fake 'excuse to leave' phone call. A tracking app that shares your location with emergency contacts. Access to a live support rep.
![Birdie+ She's birdie personal safety alarm, lavender new app keychain phone](https://images.followalice.com/4hXcBfnqrSehCwOjKw6iQy/639d379899f2e91edf1513513f4eb3bb/Birdie__lavender_newapp_keychain_phone_1200x__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=800)
Smartwatch, if you have
![Close up of a smart watch on a woman's wrist](https://images.followalice.com/7KCyItUUr1pEWT45mR71uE/3be48244b7ee1d04f96cc6c70919c97d/smart-watch-ge8e565b28_1920.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Medical alert bracelet, if relevant
![Medical alert bracelet](https://images.followalice.com/4vl0EfErddrPkbb4i13kA7/af05714c44179a42e51f497f1f1c2ac9/Medical_alert_bracelet.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=640)
International adapter
![Two universal travel adapters](https://images.followalice.com/4W5Y9XqcPFKMRhImeAQgmO/dbd5be6b3b9449bb7cb1f884fa33f29b/Ours._Two_universal_travel_adapters.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=534)
Power bank
![Power bank charging a smartphone](https://images.followalice.com/2uokqD7hbfGxTDXE3DPhU9/f4c854612e84982ffe67cf8b4afaf42e/POwer_bank_charging_a_smartphone__2_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=512)
Selfie stick
![Young Asian woman touching a marble statue and taking a photo with a selfie stick](https://images.followalice.com/1zkn3uE5oBEBvzHpa4T0WI/6df840900325f1bdefb3b32e7c4c6b62/Young_Asian_woman_touching_a_marble_statue_and_taking_a_photo_with_a_selfie_stick.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Appropriate clothing
![Girl with tattoo putting on jersey in desert](https://images.followalice.com/6ITEtMTe1wydnFvKykG1MM/1ca66ca004f25b29ed16f1f8b75de872/Girl_with_tattoo_putting_on_jersey_in_desert.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
First aid kit
![Small first aid kit against a pink background](https://images.followalice.com/3JcsDhWTIarj54mNPR5Urq/4e0b2f1cbb60b5078f52663d7e4e83f2/Small_first_aid_kit_against_a_pink_background__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Take extras of any chronic medications you're using in case your return home is delayed for any reason.
A backup dumbphone
![Old Nokia phone on white background](https://images.followalice.com/7xvi9f3dgrFVtlpQvIqgpH/3d72cbfddf94484a76efb35e4e0310e1/nokia-1280-g611f0ffa5_1920.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
11. Follow these practical do's and don'ts
![Tourist in hat taking a photo in an alley](https://images.followalice.com/4hlBfXhx9TWIWzKkvX9owa/5795e5fbd8a13c4007d436f30518e5b0/Tourist_in_hat_taking_a_photo_in_an_alley__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
![Close up of woman-s hand with ring on wedding finger holding open a book](https://images.followalice.com/3npNHGQmPVT6XHQaE9JGe8/a8b730458c4450e5f0572460ce608b22/Close_up_of_woman-s_hand_with_ring_on_wedding_finger_holding_open_a_book__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Don't be shy to ask certain questions
![Woman in warm clothes haling a taxi](https://images.followalice.com/7crpOExTMiH1lD2eyngwkh/b17997e92ec3fae180d89f7108e99bcc/Woman_in_warm_clothes_haling_a_taxi__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=610)
Do be a little suspicious
![Woman holding phone on city street being approached by yellow taxi](https://images.followalice.com/7MwzMPnLsDwgDgneYd0Nbb/ed7d59ae072174ebe2993fe81d214858/Woman_holding_phone_on_city_street_being_approached_by_yellow_taxi.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)