Solo Travel Safety: The Complete 2025 Guide

Solo Travel Safety Considerations for Women

In 2025, solo travel, especially for women, feels more accessible than ever. Even so, awareness around safety has evolved: it’s less about fear, and more about empowerment. When you’re prepared, you can explore confidently, not cautiously.

This guide is structured around three critical phases of safe solo travel:

1. Selecting Where to Go: The smart way to evaluate whether a destination suits your solo adventure and at what level of risk.
2. Planning Your Trip: Strategic preparations that keep you safe from the moment you book to your first step on foreign soil.
3. While You’re There: On-the-ground tactics to stay secure, healthy, and mentally well until you return home.

At the end, you’ll find a FAQs & 2025 Safety Trends section, spotlighting new concerns like tracking devices and drink tampering, plus thoughtful tricks, like making a restroom run before your meal when dining solo to keep your food and belongings secure.

Let’s begin with the foundation: how to choose where to go wisely and confidently.

1. Selecting Where to Go: Building Your Green, Yellow, Red Safety Filter

The Green / Yellow / Red Framework

** Green = Low Risk (Solo-friendly)**
These destinations are known for being safe, accessible, and welcoming to solo travelers—especially women. Think strong infrastructure, transparent customs, accessible amenities, and a proven track record of safety. Iceland, Japan, Portugal, and parts of Canada often fall into this category.

** Yellow = Caution Advised (Consider Partial Support)**
These locations can be awesome, but may require extra awareness. They often involve navigating cultural norms carefully, dealing with less-developed infrastructure, or facing periodic unrest or elevated petty crime. Examples: Egypt, Morocco, parts of Southeast Asia. In these places, solo travelers should adopt extra safety measures or book small‑group components (like day tours) where helpful.

** Red = High Risk (Reconsider or Travel Within a Group)**
This category includes destinations with active travel advisories, high violent crime rates, or failed infrastructure for emergencies. If a place falls here, weigh your priorities carefully. Consider postponing until conditions improve or traveling with a trusted group.

How to Categorize Your Destination (DIY Safety Filter)

1. Start with Official Sources
   • Check U.S. State Department travel advisories for country‑level guidance.
   • Use the Smart Traveler app, where you can enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) and get real-time updates, essential for U.S. citizens.
2. Neighborhood-Level Insights
   • Use GeoSure, one of the top-rated apps for understanding local safety landscapes. It delivers hyper-local scores, including women’s safety, theft, health risks, and more, across over 65,000 cities and neighborhoods.
   • Look for areas flagged as less safe (yellow/red). You might still stay nearby, but plan activities during daylight or with a group.
3. Community & Review Signals
   • Vet neighborhood safety through recent Airbnb/hotel reviews, especially those mentioning safety.
   • Tap into traveler communities, Reddit, local Facebook groups, solo travel groups, for firsthand intel on suspicious or concerning spots.
4. Cultural & Practical Considerations
   • Understand local norms: Is solo female travel accepted? Are there dress codes or specific etiquette to follow?
   • Assess transportation safety: How easy and reliable is it to get from the airport to your lodging? Do streetlights, ride-share services, or taxis feel safe?
5. Red Flags to Watch For
   • Poorly lit neighborhoods without eyes on the street or few businesses.
   • Sparse review counts for accommodations (fewer than 10–15), especially from solo travelers.
   • General reports of scams targeting solo women, though these might vary by region.

Use This Snapshot to Decide:

Safety Level	What It Means	What You Can Do
Green	Feel confident traveling solo, with standard precautions.	Go solo! Book well-reviewed lodgings, stay alert, and enjoy.
Yellow	Requires more caution or group support.	Plan daytime exploration, use guided tours, or have backup plans.
Red	High risk—strongly consider rescheduling or joining a group.	Wait for conditions to improve, or opt for a group-based tour instead.

2. Planning Your Trip: Pre-Departure Safety Prep

Once you’ve chosen your destination, the next step is planning how to stay safe before you ever board a plane. Smart planning gives you peace of mind and helps you enjoy more freedom once you arrive. Here’s how to set yourself up for success.

Where to Stay: Picking Safe Accommodations

Your accommodation choice can make or break your sense of safety.

• Read Reviews Carefully: Look for properties with lots of recent reviews, ideally from other solo travelers. Be cautious if you see fewer than 10 reviews or vague feedback.
• Check Safety Features: A 24/7 front desk, secure keycard entry, well-lit surroundings, and visible security cameras are all good signs.
• Avoid Hidden Risks: Couchsurfing and unverified homestays may save money, but they can put you in vulnerable positions. If you love the idea of local immersion, book homestays that are verified and reviewed on established platforms.
• Tip: On sites like Booking.com or Expedia, filter by “solo travelers” in the review section to see how other women felt about the property.

What to Do: Activities & Planning Ahead

Safety isn’t just about where you sleep, it’s also about what you do.

• Book a Few Anchors: Choose a couple of structured activities (walking tour, cooking class, group hike) to balance out your solo exploring. This reduces feelings of isolation and gives you built-in safe social time.
• Vet Tour Companies: Stick to reputable sites like GetYourGuide or Viator that show verified reviews and cancellation policies.
• Have a Plan B: For every major activity, have a backup idea, like a nearby museum or café, so you’re never stranded if something feels off.

What to Pack: Safety in Your Bag

Packing with safety in mind helps you handle unexpected situations with ease.

• Anti-Theft Gear: Crossbody bags that lock, slash-proof straps, or RFID-blocking wallets.
• Personal Safety Tools: The Birdie personal alarm is small, discreet, and effective for drawing attention if needed.
• Health Essentials: A mini medical kit with pain relief, band-aids, electrolytes, and any prescriptions.
• Smart Extras: A door wedge or portable lock for hotel rooms, a power bank for keeping your phone charged, and copies of your ID/passport stored in a separate bag.

Before You Leave: The Safety Checklist

A little work before your trip makes the journey smoother.

• Share Your Itinerary: Give a trusted friend or family member your hotel details and flight numbers.
• Sign Up for STEP: U.S. citizens can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the State Department to receive travel alerts and connect with the nearest U.S. embassy.
• Download Helpful Apps:
  • GeoSure: Get real-time safety scores by neighborhood, including women’s safety ratings.
  • Google Translate & Maps Offline: Essential for getting around in non-English speaking countries.
  • WhatsApp/Signal: Secure communication apps that work abroad.
• Digital Security: Turn on two-factor authentication for important accounts, back up your documents to the cloud, and consider using a password manager.
• Insurance: Don’t skip it. Trip + health insurance protects against everything from canceled flights to unexpected hospital visits.

Mindset: Build in Flexibility

Finally, safety isn’t only about avoiding bad situations. It’s about feeling prepared. Give yourself permission to:

• Rest when you arrive (jet lag can cloud judgment).
• Say no without apology.
• Trust your gut and change plans if something doesn’t feel right.

With these planning steps done, you’ll step onto the plane already ahead of the curve. Next, we’ll cover what to do while you’re there, from the moment you land to the day you return home.

3. While You’re There: On-the-Ground Safety

You’ve done the prep, packed smart, and arrived at your destination. Now comes the part that matters most, navigating your trip safely while still enjoying every moment. Here’s how to stay confident and cautious without letting safety overshadow the adventure.

Arrival & Accommodation Safety

The first hours in a new place set the tone.

• Getting to Your Hotel: Confirm license plates and driver info before getting into a rideshare or taxi. If possible, arrange airport transfers directly through your hotel.
• At Check-In: Avoid announcing your room number out loud. If the staff does, politely ask them to be discreet.
• In Your Room: Check that doors and windows lock properly. Know where the emergency exits are. If available, use a door wedge or portable lock at night.
• Room Selection Tip: Solo travelers often prefer rooms near elevators rather than at the end of long hallways for easier access.

Out and About

Exploring is the heart of solo travel, just do it with awareness.

• Food & Drink: Never leave your drink unattended, even with a bartender. If you’re dining alone, try using the restroom before your meal arrives or after you finish, so you don’t need to step away while food or drinks are on the table.
• Meeting People: New connections are part of the fun, but meet in public spaces. If someone offers to “show you around,” suggest a café or group tour instead of going alone.
• Social Media: Share your adventures after you’ve left a location, not in real time. This prevents strangers from knowing exactly where you are.

Transportation & Money Safety

Getting around is often where risks sneak in.

• Rideshares & Taxis: Always double-check the license plate and driver photo before entering. Sit behind the driver rather than in the front seat.
• Public Transport: Keep valuables close in crowded areas. Use crossbody or zippered bags.
• Cash vs. Cards: Have a small stash of local cash in small bills for emergencies, just not all in one place.
• Fake Wallet Trick: Some solo travelers carry a decoy wallet with a little cash and old cards. In the rare event of a theft, it gives you something to hand over without losing your essentials.

Tech & Digital Safety

Your phone is your lifeline when you travel solo. Protect it.

• Use a VPN on hotel or café WiFi to avoid exposing your data.
• Be Wary of Scams: Watch for phishing messages disguised as hotel or airline updates.
• Hidden Cameras: Do a quick sweep in rental apartments or unfamiliar rooms. A flashlight on your phone can help detect unusual reflections.

Health & Wellness on the Road

Taking care of your body is a safety step many travelers overlook.

• Stay Hydrated: Especially in hot or high-altitude destinations.
• Know Emergency Numbers: They’re not the same everywhere (for example, 112 works in most of Europe, while 911 is U.S. only).
• Seek Help Early: Don’t try to “tough it out” if you’re sick. Delaying medical care can make things worse quickly when abroad.
• Emergency Support: The U.S. Embassy can help identify trusted doctors and medical translators in an emergency. For non-English-speaking countries, the Jeenie app connects you with on-demand medical interpreters right from your phone.

Mental Safety

Your mindset shapes your experience as much as your itinerary.

• Solo Fatigue: It’s normal to feel drained after constant decision-making. Build in downtime.
• Safe Solo Activities: Opt for things that naturally bring people together, such as guided hikes, cooking classes, or photography walks. These let you connect without pressure.
• Trust Your Gut!: If something feels off, it probably is. Say no, leave, or change plans. Your safety comes before politeness.

Heading Home

• Final Checks: Before leaving, double-check your luggage for unwanted items.
• Airport Transit: Keep valuables close during your final rides, when fatigue can make you less alert.
• Reassure Your Contact: Let your emergency contact know you’ve landed safely back home.

Staying safe while traveling solo isn’t about constant vigilance, it’s about small, smart habits that keep you confident and free to enjoy the adventure.

4. Safety FAQs & 2025 Trends

Even the most seasoned travelers run into new questions, and safety trends evolve every year. Here are some of the most common concerns women travelers ask about in 2025.

What are the newest safety scams to watch out for?

• AirTags or trackers slipped into bags – Always check your belongings if something feels off. iPhones will alert you if an unfamiliar AirTag is traveling with you, but Android users should download the Tracker Detect app.
• Phishing emails posing as hotels or airlines – If you get a “schedule change” email, log in directly to the official site or app instead of clicking the link.
• WhatsApp or Instagram “friendship” scams – New contacts may offer tours or invite you to events that don’t exist. Stick to verified booking sites.
• Tampered taxi meters – In some regions, drivers overcharge by manipulating meters. Ask for flat rates when possible or use trusted rideshare apps.

Should I trust strangers to watch my drink or bag?

No. Always keep drinks and valuables with you.

• If dining solo, some travelers suggest using the restroom before your meal arrives or after you finish eating to avoid leaving food or drinks unattended.
• For bags, use small crossbody styles or a hook that clips under the table to keep your belongings off the floor and within sight. Don’t make it easy for someone to snatch your bag while you aren’t looking. They are very quick.

What’s the biggest red flag in accommodations?

• Very few reviews (under 10–15).
• Vague descriptions or photos that don’t match the listing.
• Multiple reports of poor security (broken locks, strangers accessing rooms).
  If you’re ever unsure, trust your instincts and book elsewhere.

What’s the most overlooked safety step?

• Building in rest time. Fatigue makes you less alert and more vulnerable. Schedule buffer days or low-key mornings so you’re not always rushing or overtired.

Where can I turn in an emergency?

• U.S. Embassy or Consulate: They can connect you to vetted doctors, lawyers, or translators in urgent situations.
• Jeenie App: Provides live, on-demand translators, including medical interpreters, when you’re in a non-English-speaking country.
• Local Traveler Communities: In some cases, reaching out to a reputable and trusted Facebook travel group for immediate advice can point you to safe resources fast.

What’s the best way to protect my money?

• Carry multiple payment methods (credit + debit + small cash).
• Don’t keep everything in one place!
• Consider a fake wallet with a small amount of cash and expired cards, handy if you ever face a theft situation.

Scams and safety concerns evolve, but the basics never change: stay alert, prepare for the “what ifs,” and trust your gut. A little awareness goes a long way toward a safe, empowering solo adventure.

Conclusion: Safety Unlocks Freedom

Traveling solo isn’t about being fearless, it’s about being prepared. The more you plan ahead and know what to watch for, the more freedom you’ll have to explore, relax, and enjoy your trip.

At Just Go Solo, we believe safety is the foundation of every great adventure. Use this guide as a starting point, then tap into our resources and others to take the next step:

• Check out our Solo Friendly Destinations suggestions
• Download our Packing Checklist so you don’t miss a single safety essential
• Take our Solo Travel Quiz to find your ideal trip style, from totally solo to “solo-ish” (<– Coming soon!!)

Most importantly, share your voice. If you’ve learned a safety tip or had an experience other travelers can learn from, we’d love to hear it. Your story might be the one that empowers another woman to take her first solo journey with confidence. You can share your travel tips at our Submit Travel Tips page.

Adventure is waiting, and you don’t need anyone else’s permission. Just Go Solo!