Travel Tips to Stay Safe Abroad

Traveling by yourself as a woman can be one of the most empowering experiences, but it can also come with a lot of nerves. The sense of adventure and freedom that comes with exploring new countries and cultures is truly unparalleled. However, it's crucial to prioritize safety while embarking on international adventures alone. From navigating airports to finding your way in a new country, here are ten tips to help you stay safe and secure during your solo travels.

1. Do Your Research Beforehand

Before setting off on your solo adventure, take the time to thoroughly research your destination. Familiarize yourself with the local customs, culture, and potential safety concerns. Understanding the local norms can help you blend in and avoid drawing unwanted attention to yourself.

Try to learn the local language too, at least the basics. Learning a few key phrases in the local language can go a long way in navigating through foreign countries. Being able to communicate essential needs or ask for help can make a significant difference in challenging situations. I'm currently learning Spanish on Duolingo to prepare for our Costa Rica and Peru trips, and would love it if you joined me! No matter what language you're learning, we can learn together. We even have a Duolingo group chat in our community chats, so if you're a registered member you can join in on the learning and we will keep each other accountable!

If nothing else, download a translator app! Even if you've learned some basic/common phrases, having an app that you can either type or talk into and have it translate what you're saying into the local language can save a lot of time and perhaps keep you from receiving the wrong food at a restaurant, or ending up at the wrong hotel from a taxi.

2. Share Your Itinerary

Always share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member back home. Make sure they know your flight details, accommodation information, and any scheduled activities. In case of an emergency, having someone who knows your whereabouts can provide an extra layer of security. This is another time a satellite device such as a Garmin inReach or Zoleo would be helpful as you can keep your tracking on, and if you wind up in an area without cellphone service then you'll still be able to keep in touch.

3. Stay Connected

Invest in a reliable international SIM card to ensure you can stay connected wherever you are. Having access to the internet can help you navigate unfamiliar places, communicate with locals, and reach out for help if needed.

With improvements in how cellphones are made now, you don't need a physical SIM card. This means you don't need to take out your existing SIM card (if you have one) and have to keep track of that tiny thing while using an international SIM card, and you don't need to have a different little SIM card for every country. Now, you can just download an eSIM. There are several companies that you can purchase eSIMs from. I've had success with Airalo during my trip to Mexico in March 2024, and plan to purchase Airalo eSIMs for all my upcoming trips.

If you want to read more about eSIMs, how they work and how to use them, check out this blog post: Travel Tips: Avoid crazy cellphone bills with eSIMs

4. Pack Smart

Pack light and opt for a comfortable yet secure travel backpack. Avoid carrying valuable jewelry or large sums of cash. Instead, opt for a secure money belt to keep your essentials close and safe.

There are lots of travel backpacks on the market that offer different features such as locking and hidden compartments. I personally haven't purchased one of these yet, though I plan to before heading to Costa Rica in November. I have however purchased a Patagonia hip pack (yes, it's a fanny pack) to wear across my chest so that all my valuables are close and within my vision. If you choose to get a fanny pack, be particular about the one you purchase. Make sure there is enough room for your phone, wallet/money/IDs and other essentials. Mine has three pockets that can fit my phone and sunglasses case in the main pocket, my wallet (it's a thin one that only holds cards) in the hidden back pocket that sits against my chest, and little items like lip chap, hair ties and loose change in the small front pocket.

Note: look for a pack with thick straps and a strong clasp. There have been stories of people being robbed of their hip packs by having them ripped right off, or someone having sneakily cut through the strap. Don't make it easy for them, they'll likely move on to someone with less secure belongings.

I can't find the exact Patagonia model of the hip pack that I have, but the High Coast Hip Pack by Fjallraven is the exact same thing, just a different brand.

5. Trust Your Instincts

Your intuition is a powerful tool when traveling alone. If a situation or person feels uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself from that environment. Your safety should always be your top priority. This one is pretty self explanatory, but as women we may have a tendency to not trust our guts and be "too nice" in situations that require some firm-ness. When traveling, especially alone, listen to your gut and be firm.

6. Learn Local Scams

Unfortunately while tourism can be the backbone and highly supportive of some communities, being a tourism can also paint a red bulls-eye on your back for people looking to make a quick buck. Going back to tip #1, doing your research beforehand includes getting to know what scams might be common in an area.

Perhaps the most common scam is the travel interception scam at the airport. You will have this happen in Mexico, Costa Rica, and probably every airport you fly into that has tourism culture. This is where, immediately as you walk out of the airport, you are swarmed with people trying to offer you taxis and shuttles to get you to your hotel/destination. If you take one of these offers you will absolutely be paying WAY more than you should have. When catching a taxi in Thailand you'll want to agree upon a price BEFORE you get in, or you might end up paying way more than you should have. This is likely good practice for any tourism destination.

Wherever you're going, try to talk directly to some people who have gone there and do an online search for "_______ travel scams" - fill in the blank with your destination.

7. Choose Accommodations Wisely

Opt for reputable accommodations with positive reviews and secure lock systems. Consider staying in well-rated hostels or guesthouses that cater to solo female travelers for added security and camaraderie. Though I personally have not stayed in hostels, I've been recommended the use of HostelWorld to find good hostels to stay in. Look for places with not just high ratings, but a high number of ratings. A 5-star rating doesn't mean much when it's only been rated by 1-10 people. However, a 4- or 5-star rating from over 100 reviews gives me confidence that I can rely more on the ratings. Be sure to read the reviews as well to get an idea of if what the hostel offers is suitable for your needs.

This process goes for hotels, too. Don't just trust the ratings you see on booking sites, search for ratings and read the reviews.

8. Stay Vigilant in Public Spaces

Keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded areas, such as airports or tourist attractions, and be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help. Always be mindful of your surroundings, and people-watch. Look at the people passing by you so that they know you're aware of your surroundings.

Like I said above, getting a hip pack can be useful for keeping your most valuable items close to your body and less likely to be snatched away.

9. Have Emergency Contacts Handy

This one is very important. Make a note of local emergency contacts such as the police, embassy, and medical services at your travel destination. Include your personal emergency contacts as well and store these numbers in your phone and keep a printed copy in your wallet for easy access. In the unfortunate circumstance that your phone is stolen, broken or lost, you don't want to lose access to those numbers.

Solo female travel is a transformative experience that allows you to step out of your comfort zone, learn about different cultures and languages, and discover the world through a different lens that you may not have been able to experience without traveling. Following these tips will help you can embark on your international adventure with confidence, knowing that you have taken necessary precautions for your safety and well-being.

What tips would you add? Comment below and let us know!

Happy travels, Wild Woman!

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