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Solo travel is one of the most liberating experiences a woman can have. It’s empowering, transformative, and, let’s be honest, a little addictive. But while the freedom of solo travel is exhilarating, it also requires careful planning to stay safe. As a woman who has traveled the world alone, I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping myself secure on the road. Here are my top five travel security tips to help you feel confident, prepared, and protected on your next adventure.
1. Purchase the Travel Insurance—No Excuses!
If there’s one thing you should never skimp on, it’s travel insurance. We live in unpredictable times, and the last thing you want is to be stuck abroad with unexpected expenses due to illness, flight cancellations, lost luggage, or worse. Whether it’s an accident, a sudden change in plans, or even a natural disaster disrupting your trip, having the right coverage can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.
Not all travel insurance policies are created equal, which is why I always recommend shopping for coverage through Squaremouth. Squaremouth is not an insurance provider—it’s a comparison site that lets you search, compare, and choose the best travel insurance plan based on your specific needs.
Here’s why Squaremouth is the best place to buy travel insurance:
✔ Side-by-Side Comparisons – You can easily compare multiple providers to see which offers the best coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.
✔ Customizable Coverage – Whether you need COVID-19 protection, high medical limits, or extreme sports coverage, Squaremouth helps you filter policies so you only pay for what you actually need.
✔ Best Price Guarantee – Policies sold through Squaremouth aren’t marked up, meaning you’ll get the lowest possible price for the same plan you’d buy directly from an insurance provider.
✔ Real Customer Reviews – Get insights from real travelers on how each insurance company handled claims and customer service.
✔ $250,000 Zero Complaint Guarantee – If a provider doesn’t handle your claim fairly, Squaremouth will advocate for you—or pay up to $250,000 out of pocket.
That’s the kind of customer support that gives me peace of mind! When choosing your plan, make sure it covers trip cancellations, emergency medical care, and medical evacuation & repatriation. No one wants to think about worst-case scenarios, but if something happens, the last thing you want is your family struggling with unexpected medical bills or complex logistics.
Click here to compare travel insurance plans on Squaremouth and find the perfect coverage for your next trip. Trust me—this is one travel expense you’ll never regret.
2. Have an Itinerary—And Share It with Someone You Trust
One of the smartest safety moves you can make as a solo traveler is to have a well-documented itinerary. Whether you’re visiting multiple cities or staying in one place, keep a record of your flights, accommodations, and any planned activities. Write down your hotel’s name, address, and contact details, along with any tours you’ve booked or restaurants you plan to visit.
Even more important? Share that itinerary with someone you trust. If anything unexpected happens, your check-in person will know where you were supposed to be and when.
I personally use TripIt to keep my itinerary organized in one place, and I always share it with a relative and a few close friends.
This small step ensures that if something goes wrong—whether you lose your phone, get sick, or simply go off-grid for a while—someone back home has a way to track your whereabouts and raise the alarm if necessary.
3. Designate a Check-In Partner and Emergency Contact
As much as we love the idea of disappearing into a new adventure, staying connected is critical. Before you leave, designate at least one person to check in with daily. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation—just a simple "Good morning" or "Checking in for the night" text will do.
I have three people I check in with every day when I am traveling. A quick message in the morning and another before bed keeps them in the loop. I also share my itinerary with them, so if I ever go MIA, they know exactly where to start looking.
4. Pack These Travel Safety Essentials
Your travel gear can play a huge role in your safety. I never leave home without a few key items that have saved me more than once.
A mini flashlight is a must-have, especially in places where streetlights are scarce or power outages are common. And because sometimes smartphones run down having a separate flashlight is a good thing to have. You may never realize how essential one is until you’re fumbling in the dark in an unfamiliar place. My go-to is this pocket-sized flashlight that fits into my personal item bag.
A first aid kit is another non-negotiable. It doesn’t have to be bulky—just a compact pack with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, antibacterial ointment, and charcoal pills (trust me, food poisoning is no joke). I swear by this travel-size first aid kit that fits easily in any bag.
Something most travelers don’t think about? A portable smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Many boutique hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals don’t have them, but you can bring your own travel-size carbon monoxide and smoke detector for peace of mind.
And finally, never underestimate the power of a personal safety alarm. If you ever feel unsafe, a loud, ear-piercing alarm can startle a potential threat and draw attention to your situation. I carry this ultra-loud personal safety alarm at all times—it’s small, lightweight, and gives me extra confidence when I’m out alone.
5. Exercise Situational Awareness and Stay Low-Key
The best way to avoid trouble is to stay alert and blend in. Situational awareness is everything. Always be mindful of your surroundings, who is walking near you, and whether anything feels off.
One of my golden rules: Never wear headphones while walking alone. It might seem harmless, but it limits your ability to hear what’s happening around you. If you must listen to something, keep one earbud out. I also avoid flashy jewelry and expensive-looking designer bags when traveling solo. Standing out as a tourist—especially one who appears wealthy—can make you a target for pickpockets or worse. If I do choose to carry a design handbag I stick to something nondistinct (quiet if you will) when traveling solo.\
Especially if venturing into large crowds I stick to inexpensive costume jewelry and a sturdy crossbody handbag. Especially in high travel season, I like to use an anti-theft crossbody like this one that has RFID-blocking pockets and slash-resistant straps.
And when it comes to socializing, moderation is key. Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink excessively, especially when you’re out alone or in unfamiliar settings. If something feels wrong, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation immediately. Your intuition is a powerful tool—use it.
Here is a link to ALL my favorite Travel Safety Essentials. I travel with many of these items regularly.
Final Thoughts
Solo travel is one of the most rewarding things you can do, but safety should never be an afterthought. With the right precautions, you can explore the world confidently and enjoy every moment without unnecessary worry.
By investing in the right travel insurance, keeping an updated itinerary, carrying essential safety gear, and staying aware of your surroundings, you can minimize risks and focus on the joy of discovery.
Download the Travel Safety and Security Guide for Solo Female Travelers
For more detailed information on how to stay safe while exploring the world solo, check out my guide Travel Safety and Security for Solo Female Travelers. This guide covers everything from cultural norms to situational awareness, empowering you to travel confidently.
This resource is packed with expert advice to empower solo female travelers with the knowledge to explore the world confidently and safely.
Thinking about travel but not ready to go completely alone? Check out my Meet Ups!
Hang out with me and some Fly 40+ Sistas in some cool places.
Visit my dedicated Meet Up Page to learn about my upcoming girls' trip for Fly 40+ women!
Interested? Link HERE for more details!
Grab a spot today! We are going to have a Time!!!
Thank You For Reading!
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