6 safety tips for solo female travellers
Ladies, when you’re on the road you need to think carefully about your safety. Travel is much safer than it used to be, but it’s still not entirely without risk. Here are our top tips.
1. Plan transfers carefully
Forward planning is essential so you don’t end up in a situation that could be dangerous. If you’re arriving to an airport or train station late at night, have a transfer arranged so you can head straight to your hotel. We’re not suggesting that every foreign taxi driver is trying to rip you off (or worse), but it can be intimidating to get in the car with a stranger when you’re on your own and don’t know where you’re going.
2. Think about hotel security
Everyone’s idea of security is different, but at the very least you’ll want a good lock on the door. When in doubt, use your own padlock if you can. If you are travelling in a more dangerous country, find out if the hotel has security guards at the door 24 hours a day. Some hotels now even have women-only floors that are accessible with a keycard, giving you an extra layer of security.
3. Dress like a local
To avoid standing out as an obvious tourist, try to adopt some of the local dress codes and customs. In conservative countries, keep your arms and legs (and potentially head) covered. Avoid wearing flashy jewellery or large cameras, as these are easy marks for thieves. Being respectful and discreet means you’ll blend in with the crowd.
4. Avoid staying out too late
Women on their own are easier targets at night, so avoid finding yourself alone in unfamiliar streets well past dark. Of course, in many European or Latin American countries dinner doesn’t even begin until 10pm so you can feel safe while the streets are still vibrant. But when the locals start to head home, so should you. And avoid becoming too intoxicated – it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
5. Keep in contact
You don’t need to call every day, but a quick note on Facebook or post on Instagram lets your family and friends know that everything is okay. Apps like WhatsApp allow you to keep in touch with messages over Wi-Fi and avoid huge phone bills. It only takes a few seconds but will give everyone involved some peace of mind.
6. Trust your gut
If something makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation. You might think you’re being silly but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don't be afraid to say ‘no’ to someone because you’re worried you’ll hurt their feelings. Excuse yourself politely and return to your hotel or, if you’re really concerned, the police station.
Do you agree with these safety tips? Are there any that you would add to our list? Let us know in the comments section below, we’d love to hear from you.
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