16 Ways to Stay Safe While Traveling As A Woman
Traveling the world can be an exhilarating and empowering experience. But no matter where you’re headed or how long you’ll be gone, your safety and well-being should always be a top priority. By adopting a proactive approach and following these essential safety tips, you can enhance your travel experience and ensure a smooth and memorable adventure.
16 travel safety tips for women in 2024
Keep reading for our list of the 16 best ways to stay safe while traveling as a woman.
1. Do research in advance
Ahead of your travels, you should always do a bit of research about your destination (especially if you’re visiting for the first time). With just a quick internet search, you can familiarize yourself with the local customs, traditions, and potential safety concerns specific to that area. Having this knowledge in advance will help you make more informed decisions once you’re there, and it can also help you bypass risky situations — like avoiding certain neighborhoods or tourist traps.
2. Always trust your gut
Your intuition is a powerful tool you’re wise to pay attention to. If a person or situation feels uneasy (or suspicious) in any way, always trust your gut and remove yourself from that environment as soon as you have an opening. Your safety is paramount, and it's a whole lot better to be cautious than to take unnecessary risks. The bottom line: stay in tune with your body and listen to what it’s trying to tell you. Chances are, your body knows best.
3. Your safety comes before being polite
Sure, you’ll probably want to make a polite, positive impression while you’re traveling — but you should never put kindness before your personal safety. If someone is making you uncomfortable with their words or actions, take yourself out of that situation as quickly as possible. You don’t owe that person an explanation or an apology. Meaning, you can simply leave on your own terms, and get yourself to another location that puts you at ease.
4. Share your travel plans
They say sharing is caring, right? Well, that phrase definitely applies to times when you’re traveling. In short, you should always share your travel itinerary (including accommodation details and transportation plans) with a trusted friend or family member. It’s also a good idea to regularly update them about your whereabouts — particularly if/when you change locations. That way, someone always knows where you’re at and can reach out in case of an emergency.
5. Stay charged and connected
There’s nothing worse than when you’re out sightseeing and you get hit with a low-battery notification on your phone. If your phone dies on you, you’ll have a tough time getting back to your accommodations (or ordering a car to take you there). That’s why it’s so important to invest in a portable charger, so your maps and apps are available whenever you need them. Bonus points if you save the numbers for emergency services and your essential contacts.
6. Dress respectfully
As you’re doing your initial research, hopefully, you’ll find some info about clothing do’s and don’ts for your travels. If you know about these norms ahead of time, you can pack clothes that’ll help you blend in with the locals (and minimize unwanted attention). For example, if you’re planning to visit any churches in Italy, you’ll need to cover both your shoulders and your knees. This is not only a sign of respect, but it also gives you permission to enter those buildings.
7. Avoid traveling alone at night
Whenever you’re exploring somewhere new, try your best to avoid venturing out alone at night. That said, sometimes being on your own after dark is unavoidable. In those situations, make sure to stick to well-lit areas, and opt for public/private transportation services rather than getting around on foot. Taking a bus or trusted rideshare service is often a better option than walking alone, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area and are more likely to get lost.
8. Choose reputable accommodations
We love scoring a deal on great accommodations — but there’s no benefit to paying less if it puts your safety and comfort at risk. Instead, choose reputable hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs that prioritize security via surveillance cameras and 24-hour staff. A great way to vet potential accommodations is by reading their reviews, which allows you to learn from others’ experiences (or their mistakes). When possible, try to book on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th floor for added safety.
9. Use reliable transportation
In some parts of the world, you’ll have people offer to give you a ride as you’re just walking down the street. But while a handful of offers might be sincere, others are more likely to be a scam situation. For that reason, you should always go with licensed and reputable transportation options, like registered taxis or ridesharing services. If you’re traveling alone, make it a point to sit in the back and keep all your bags or belongings close to you.
10. Stay alert in crowded areas
When you’re traveling somewhere new, it’s tempting to get lost in the sights and sounds all around you. But as much as you can, you need to stay alert in crowded areas like tourist spots and public transportation. These are exactly the sorts of places pickpocketing tends to happen, so you need to be extra aware of your surroundings and watch out for suspicious behavior. Even better if you keep your bag to the front and maintain a firm grip on your belongings.
11. Withhold personal information
There could come a time when you strike up a conversation with a stranger, like the waitstaff or a tour guide. As friendly as those folks might seem, you should always tread lightly when it comes to sharing your information with anyone you’ve just met. That is, avoid disclosing travel details (like your accommodations) or personal info (like the fact that you’re traveling alone). By maintaining your privacy, you can minimize the risk of becoming someone’s target.
12. Secure your valuables
One of the best ways to avoid theft is by concealing your valuables — namely your phone, money, and IDs. There are a lot of secure, anti-theft backpacks and bags out there to choose from, whether you want a secure travel purse, backpack, or crossbody style. By investing in these anti-theft accessories, you can carry your passport, cash, and other important documents with a lot more confidence since they’ll be protected by slash-proof straps and RFID-blocking materials.
13. Be cautious with your drinks
Going out and socializing with your friends can be a really fun part of the travel experience. However, you need to be cautious when there’s drinking involved. Stick to well-known bars and restaurants, and never leave your drink unattended. It’s not necessarily your friends you have to worry about, but all the other people who could potentially come in contact with your order. Simply put, be sure to exercise extra caution when alcohol is part of the mix.
14. Learn some basic self-defense
You can literally take safety matters into your own hands by learning some basic self-defense techniques. If you want to go the extra mile, you could enroll in a self-defense class — although watching an online tutorial will work nearly as well. With just a few essential tips and maneuvers, you’ll know how to protect yourself and feel more empowered while you travel. Alternatively, you could also carry a small self-defense tool like a defender ring or a personal alarm.
15. Have a plan for emergencies
Maybe you’ve heard it said to expect the unexpected — meaning, anything might happen while you’re out exploring the world. While it’s true the unexpected could be something magical, it could also be something less desirable (AKA an emergency situation). Prepare for your trip by researching local emergency services, healthcare facilities, and your embassy's contact information, and keep a copy of your passport (plus travel insurance) in a safe place. You may never need to use them, but on the off chance you do, you’ll be glad you made a plan.
16. Participate in group trips
These days, there are tons of incredible travel groups for women that facilitate once-in-a-lifetime trips all over the world. Participating in group travel helps you meet like-minded people, form lasting friendships, and feel a sense of safety and security while you’re away from home. Group travel can be especially nice when you’re headed to a remote area, but it’s also just great to have that built-in support and companionship no matter where you’re traveling to.
Wrapping up
The keys to staying safe while traveling as a woman are trusting your gut, paying attention, and being prepared. By sticking to these safety tips, you can make the most of your travels while minimizing risks at the very same time. So go ahead, embrace that sense of adventure! Just be sure to prioritize your safety along the way to guarantee an enjoyable and worry-free journey.