12 Solo Travel Safety Tips for First Timers

If the idea of adventuring alone terrifies you, my first of many solo travel tips would be to start by dipping your toes in somewhere familiar or comfortable. For me, having been to Europe a few times before and having a bit of a Central European family background, that was Austria.

For you, if that means it’s spot closer to home, a far-off city escape, or somewhere in the great outdoors, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you find a spot you’ll feel you can get your bearings easily.

Once you’ve narrowed down on your location, research and compare. I always look out for Visa + travel requirements, exchange rates, culture, weather, language, time of year and SAFETY.

Like the location itself, your definition of safety is personal. It can mean something different to you than it would to me or anyone else.

One of my biggest solo travel tips is to book your accommodation in advance and look up how to get there from the airport. If not for all the places you’re traveling, at least do it for your very first hotel, hostel or Airbnb.

P.S. another added bonus to pre-booking is that you’re going to save yourself a few hours of last minute searching during your trip, which means more time for exploring and enjoying your destination to the max.

Safeguarding your room is fairly simple to do and so important – especially if you’re a solo female traveler.

First, check that the peephole is installed the correct way – it should be easy to see outside the room, not in.

Second, scan your room for anything that feels like its out-of-place and/or might be hiding a camera. Turning your phone’s flash on and shining it toward an object is a good way to look for hidden cameras, which will give off a bluish tint in the light.

Third, keep all outside entrances and windows are always shut and locked when inside your accommodation and after leaving.

Finally, one “bonus” tip is to pack a door stopper alarm or external door lock before leaving on your trip. These are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased on Amazon, just make sure to buy batteries for the stoppers before you leave!

It’s so tempting and sometimes feels much less awkward to check your phone or play music while you’re alone in public. But even if you’re only looking at your screen to navigate to the next spot on your itinerary, try to keep your head up, ears open and eyes alert. Doing so will make you much less likely to fall into any precarious situations along your way.

If you need to use your phone for directions, plug in the address on Google Maps before leaving your current location. You can then minimize time spent looking at the map on your screen by using one airpod or headphone, not both, to hear the directions as you go. Just make sure the app’s Sound & voice mute state is set to “Unmuted”.

Venturing off solo can be incredibly scary, but remember to take a few deep breaths and act confident everywhere you go. Looking unsure, nervous or even downright terrified could signal that you’re a potential target to anyone looking to cause harm.

So, even if you’re so anxious you can visibly see your arm hair standing on end, here are a few tips to help you fake it ’til you make it:

• Before venturing out each morning, blast some Billie Eilish or even a badass soundtrack to get yourself ready to seize the day. There’s nothing like a little music to change your mood.

• Channel the most badass celebrities you can think of, and explore your destination as if you’re them. My personal favorite celebrity for this? Cate Blanchett. Works every time like magic!

• When all else fails, and as long as it isn’t too dark outside, put on some sunglasses. They provide comfort of anonymity and security, while also allowing you to fully take in your surroundings.

Learn a few local words and phrases, dress conservatively if that’s common, remember that you’re on vacation and a guest in someone else’s home. You do not necessarily have to be an expert, but having a general understanding of and respect for the culture while traveling will get you far and make you less of a target.

Whenever I travel, solo or not, I always wake up early. Not only have I found that you’ll beat the crowds and be able to get that coveted snap near the Colosseum without the tourists, but you’ll also be more inclined to end your day earlier as well. This means less time walking around an unfamiliar place at night, less temptation to just have “one more glass” of wine at dinner, etc.