Travelling alone can be both wonderful and lonely, with the positive side effects far outweighing any negatives. Going solo is a chance to see new places, meet new people and discover a side of yourself that you didn’t know existed. Are you planning a new adventure? Make sure you prepare for every eventuality and look after yourself by following these useful tips for staying safe as a solo female traveller.

1. Plan in advance

Planning all the details in advance will mean you won’t be left with any surprises. As you’re travelling alone, it's important to ensure you have your first night’s accommodation booked so you can arrive without the worry of finding a place to stay. It is also worth looking into organising your airport transfer too if you are arriving late at night. Take a look at other solo travel blogs online and see what they suggest about what to do, what area to stay in and what hotels are safest for women on their own. The information you can find on user review websites can be invaluable!

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2. Keep your valuables on you

Make sure you keep anything valuable on your person at all times. This includes passports and credit cards and electronics if you are staying at a hostel or you are moving from place to place. Never put anything valuable in the luggage hold of a bus, train or plane. If you’re staying at a reputable hotel for a longer period of time, then store your valuables in a locked safe and always keep some cash separate in case of emergency.

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3. Always buy travel insurance

Travel insurance is one of the most affordable ways to stay safe as a solo female traveller. Do plenty of research online to find the most suitable plan for you. Consider whether you will be undertaking any “dangerous” or adventurous activities and go for the policies that will cover you for this. There are so many options available out there and spending just a small amount upfront can save you hundreds in the long run.

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4. Be trackable online

Social media is a great way to check in with all your friends and family all in one go. By simply adding a few photos or checking in to a hotel on your Facebook, you are letting your family know you are safe. It is also an easy way for them to track where you are in case they don’t hear from you for a while. Always agree a timeframe for contact, such as never going longer than five days without checking in.

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5. Trust your instincts

One of the most important travel tips for a solo female traveller is to always - and we mean always - trust your gut instincts. This built-in natural alarm is one of the best tools you’ll have at your disposal!

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6. Watch your drinking

Drinking is one of the main risks to women travelling on their own. Alcohol has a way of dulling the senses and lowering the inhibitions which can make a woman a vulnerable target, particularly in a foreign country. Eat a proper meal to line your stomach before you go out, try and stick to just one or two drinks every few hours and keep hydrated with plenty of water. 

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7. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself

When you’re travelling solo for a long period of time, there will be days when you feel down, tired and homesick. When these days come as they inevitably will, take care of yourself and treat yourself to the things that make you feel good. This could be indulging in a day of retail therapy at a local shopping mall, staying in with a movie and a decadent takeaway or treating yourself to a salubrious spa day. Taking some time and looking after yourself is very important as when you’re travelling solo, you’re the only one who will.

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8. Have a plan B (and C)

One thing you can be sure of: travelling doesn't always go according to plan. There will be hiccups and disasters and you have to stick through it.  While you certainly cannot prepare for everything, you can ensure you have a few backup plans in case of the typical travel issues: stolen handbag, delayed flights and frozen credit cards. Always travel with a wad of cash in different currencies that you keep in a secret place, separately from the rest of your money, and keep copies of all of your documents on a cloud server that you can access at any time. Keep plenty of series on your ipad or books on your kindle to survive long and unexpected bus rides or waits at the airport.

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9. Pack and dress appropriately

When you’re travelling on your own, try and travel as light as possible. Pack just a few neutrally coloured base items, such as black trousers and skirts and pack tops that can be alternated between them. Always do research on the dress code and customs of the places you are going to and pack scarves, long skirts and long-sleeved shirts to cover shoulders, ankles and other body parts required. If you need anything else, you can always buy it as you go along. Having an empty bag means there is room for souvenirs! Visiting a male-orientated country? Pick up a fake ring to wear on your engagement finger - you’ll find you will attract less unwanted attention.

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10. Take a safe handbag

Women are easy targets when they travel on their own as they often have large handbags filled with all the important things a thief would want to steal. Reduce the likelihood of being pickpocketed by keeping your valuables in a fanny pack and choose a handbag with a strap that crosses over your body so that it cannot be grabbed.

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11. Prepare to get homesick

When you’re on your own for a long time, it's not surprising that you will feel a few bouts of homesickness. Just know that this is completely normal. Prepare for this by ensuring you have a way of communicating with friends and family back home, whether that’s with hotel Wi-Fi or a local cell phone.

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The biggest tip we can give any solo female traveller is to trust your instincts. With enough preparation and common sense, you will be sure that you will enjoy one of the most incredible experiences of your life. So go off and embrace the adventure!