This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s no secret I\u2019m a big solo travel advocate. If I hadn\u2019t taken that first solo trip at 18, I would\u2019ve missed out on so many unforgettable experiences. Since then, I\u2019ve moved to Canada solo (twice) and spent months travelling through Europe, the US and Asia on my own. Safe to say, I\u2019ve picked up a few tricks<\/a> along the way. So here are my top tips for solo female travellers.<\/p>\n You can never take too many photos and videos capturing new experiences, people you meet and how you feel while travelling solo. Clipify<\/strong> is a free, easy-to-use, automatic video editing software<\/a> for all skill levels. Using both photos and videos, the software helps you trim clips, adjust speed, and boost image quality. Keep your videos private or share them on social media.<\/p>\n Just like you would when travelling with your partner, family or mates, solo travel still calls for research and planning. For Australians, start with Smart Traveller<\/a>. It\u2019s your go-to for local scams, cultural dos and don\u2019ts, government advice and visa information. You\u2019ll also find embassy details and the local emergency number. It\u2019s all about being prepared, not panicked.<\/p>\n As a solo traveller, I\u2019ve mostly stayed in hostels, and I\u2019ve even written a blog post packed with top hostelling tips<\/a> for solo female travellers. Hostels tick a lot of boxes: they\u2019re usually in central, well-populated spots and they make it easy to meet fellow travellers. But if hotels or Airbnbs are more your style, just ensure your accommodation is in a safe and convenient area. Read the reviews and choose what suits you best.<\/p>\n One thing I stress in that blog post: timing your arrival. If you\u2019re getting in late, book an airport transfer through Booking.com<\/a> or organise an Uber ahead of time so that you can share the trip details. But arriving during daylight, ideally close to check-in time, is always the safest bet.<\/p>\n Pro tip: <\/em>If you\u2019re booking shared accommodation on Airbnb, my personal safety tip is to stick with female hosts. It\u2019s an extra layer of comfort and peace of mind when travelling alone as a woman.<\/p>\n Staying connected while travelling solo is easier (and cheaper) than ever. No more wandering around looking for an internet cafe! Pick up a local SIM or eSIM<\/a> so you can call for help, book transport, and use Google Maps on the go. I\u2019m all for free WiFi, but it won\u2019t save you when you need to share your Grab driver\u2019s details in Bali. Trust me, get the SIM, download WhatsApp, and you\u2019re set.<\/p>\n A further safety tip is sharing your itinerary or key travel plans with a family member or close friend. It doesn\u2019t need to be exact; just a rough plan will suffice. A simple solution is connecting through Find My Friends. When travelling solo, it\u2019s always better to be a little overprepared.<\/p>\n Pro tip: <\/em>Another key safety tip is making sure your phone stays charged and ready. A flat battery won\u2019t help if you\u2019re stuck or need directions. A power bank or portable charger (this is my personal slimline power bank<\/a> with carry bag) is worth its weight in gold when travelling alone.<\/p>\n Trusting your gut is crucial when travelling solo. Pay attention to that inner voice and stay aware of your surroundings, whether you\u2019re in a packed tourist spot where pickpockets lurk or deciding whether to walk home after dark. If something doesn\u2019t feel right, don\u2019t second-guess it. Your instincts are one of your best safety tools.<\/p>\n This ties back to trusting your gut. Treat yourself abroad like you would at home. Don\u2019t share where you\u2019re staying or personal information with strangers, avoid accepting random drinks, and steer clear of walking alone in poorly lit or deserted spots. If it\u2019s not something I\u2019d do in Melbourne<\/a> or Townsville<\/a>, then I don\u2019t do it in London<\/a> either.<\/p>\n Travelling solo means you\u2019re the one carrying all your belongings. Not a big deal on a weekend trip, but for my three-month stint in Europe<\/a>, I stuck to a handbag, backpack, and suitcase. It meant one hand was always free, and the smaller suitcase (15 kgs is its safe zone) was manageable on public transport. Trust me, dragging a 25kg bag up hostel stairs is not the vibe.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pro tip: <\/em>Packing cubes<\/a> are the love of my life. Organise by clothing item, roll everything, and thank me later.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSafe transportation\u201d means different things to different people. Personally, I prefer walking or using public transport in busy, touristy areas. At night, I\u2019ll only use ride-shares if I have no other option, and I always share the trip details with someone. That\u2019s what makes me feel safest, but you might feel more comfortable sticking with ride-shares throughout your trip. As always, trust your instincts.<\/p>\n Other solo female traveller tips include pretending you\u2019re on the phone while walking to deter unwanted attention, or even wearing a fake wedding ring. I\u2019ve never used these strategies myself, but if they make you feel more secure, go for it. Do what works best for you and your peace of mind.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t specific to solo travel, but I swear by a cross-body bag (this is my actual handbag<\/a> from City Beach). It\u2019s easy to keep in front of you in busy areas, and it makes theft a little harder. I also leave valuables (passport, travel documents, emergency cash stash, and a spare card) locked up in my room, whether that\u2019s in a suitcase or hostel locker. When I\u2019m out, I just carry the essentials and a small amount of cash.<\/p>\n One of the most essential tips for solo female travellers is to stay social. It helps fend off loneliness, and let\u2019s be honest, shared experiences make travel even better. I\u2019ve met most people while staying in hostels. As an introvert, I get that it can be intimidating, but start small. Chat to your dorm mate or someone in the common rooms. Ask where they\u2019re from, where they\u2019ve been, or what they\u2019re doing tomorrow.<\/p>\n I have a whole post on how to meet people while travelling alone<\/a>, but a free walking tour, group tours, and organised day trips through GetYourGuide<\/a> are also great ways to make connections with other single women.\u00a0<\/p>\n By blending in, I mean doing your best to respect local customs, both in terms of your dress and behaviour. This might mean covering your shoulders in religious sites or avoiding flashy outfits in more conservative areas. Not only is it respectful, but it also helps you avoid standing out as a tourist (especially important when travelling solo).<\/p>\n The less attention you draw to yourself, the less likely scammers or pickpockets are to target you. It\u2019s also about being aware of your surroundings, walking with purpose, and not waving your phone or camera around like a beacon. Confidence is key, even if you\u2019re faking it a little.<\/p>\n This is one of those female solo travel tips that\u2019s totally personal, but if carrying a personal alarm<\/a> or something similar gives you peace of mind, go for it. Just double-check it\u2019s legal at your destination before packing it.<\/p>\nWith 40+ countries under my belt\u2014mostly solo\u2014you\u2019ve come to the right place for solo female travel tips and to learn how to travel alone as a woman.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Tips for solo female travellers<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
1. You can never take too many photos and videos\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Do your research ahead of time<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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3. Choose your accommodation wisely<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Stay connected<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Supertree](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hayleyonholiday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Singapore-2.jpg?resize=850%2C567&ssl=1\")
5. Trust your gut<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Avoid risky situations<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
7. Pack light<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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8. Use safe transportation<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
9. Protect your valuables<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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10. Stay social<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
11. Try your best to blend in<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
12. Consider a personal safety tool<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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