Solo Travel Safety: A Woman’s Guide to Peace of Mind

The experience of traveling solo is something we wish for every woman. From the sense of empowerment solo travel evokes to the total freedom of doing things your way, traveling by yourself is the perfect way to uncover hidden gems—and not all of them are external.

Impressively, women are the largest demographic of solo travelers. From gap-year backpackers to retirees, women are more likely to indulge in travel and less likely to let obstacles stand in their way. Travel safety is a frequent concern of solo travelers, so we've made this guide to compile our top strategies for women traveling alone.

Research Your Destination in Advance

Travel confidence begins with preparations. Proper planning should include accommodations for lodging and transportation. We also suggest making a backup plan for both. Where will you go if your hotel gives you the creeps? Who should you call if your rental car breaks down?

Familiarize yourself with your destination's customs, cultures, and laws. Safety plans should focus on the big picture. You don't have to plan where to eat every meal, but you should be aware of current health risks associated with your destination's food or water supplies. Check updated travel advisories and health guidelines to assess these risks.

It's important to seek advice from multiple trusted sources. For a personal take, speak with someone who has visited your destination before. When it comes to solo travel for women, we strongly suggest seeking this advice from other women.

Remember that each source and conversation only provides context to a larger picture. Ultimately, your travel experience will be unique to you, and that's a good thing!

Learn to Pack the Essentials

Packing light is a significant roadblock for many prospective travelers. The true trick lies not in knowing what to pack, but in knowing what to leave behind.

Here are some easy ways to simplify your packing game:

• Use packing cubes. Our top tip for suitcase organization! With packing cubes, you'll start your trip with immaculately organized luggage, then stay organized along the way. Trust us, the real magic of packing cubes is revealed during the repacking that happens mid-trip.
• Beware of bulk. The items that eat up the most space shouldn't go in your luggage at all. Instead, wear them on the plane. Flying in your jeans, sweater, jacket, scarf, and bulkiest pair of shoes will save space and keep you warm on the flight.
• Keep it simple. You don't have to forgo jewelry and makeup to travel, but simplifying here goes a long way. Opt for comfortable jewelry that you can wear around the clock, like flat-back earrings. Keep makeup products, and other travel minis organized in a cosmetic pouch.
• Packability. Packing smart isn't only about packing light. Wrinkle-prone materials like cotton won't pack as well as nylon or wool. When you're shopping for vacation, keep packability in mind. (Pssst–Our friends at Wallaroo Hat Company make the best packable sun hats!)
• Divide and conquer. Shoes and clothing should go in your luggage, while tech, toiletries and other travel accessories should be packed in your personal item bag. This will help with airport security and ensure you have the essentials on hand in case of lost luggage.

Protect Your Valuables with Anti-Theft Bags

Sherpani's Anti-Theft Collection was born from the desire to help women travel with greater peace of mind. Our best-in-class anti-theft features respond directly to every common type of bag theft.

Sherpani anti-theft bags include:

1. Reinforced bottoms that stop slashing schemes.
2. Cut-proof crossbody straps that prevent a cut-and-run.*
3. A chair lock to deter purse snatching and ensure patio peace of mind.
4. RFID blocking technology to thwart cyber scams and stop hackers.
5. Locking zippers that tell pickpockets you're no easy target.

*Specific to crossbody designs.

Every day, women traveling alone put their trust in Sherpani. We take this responsibility seriously; we are honored to play a role in women's travel safety.

It must be said that not all anti-theft bags are created equal. Often, bags with sufficient security fall flat in areas like comfort and style. Beyond security, Sherpani anti-theft bags are lightweight, durable, and backed by our Fearless Lifetime Warranty. They come in a variety of sizes, from a minimalist 4L crossbody purse to a 10L travel sling to a spacious 18L convertible backpack. Most designs can be carried in multiple ways, and all are available in signature colorways inspired by adventure.

We outfit women with premium travel bags that do it all!

Share Your Itinerary With Someone

We understand the temptation to treat travel as an escape, but that doesn't have to mean going completely off-grid. A shared itinerary is a basic safety measure that shouldn't be overlooked. Loop in a friend or family member to your travel plans, including the addresses of where you're staying and any excursions you have planned.

This doesn't mean your itinerary has to be regarded as law. Some of the best travel delights happen when unexpected opportunities arise! Using your phone to share your location with someone is an excellent way to prepare for the spontaneous.

Don't let strangers in on the fact that you're traveling solo. If necessary, there are many strategies to throw people off. Ask for a second hotel key upon check-in, or call a "friend" in your taxi to let them know you're on your way to meet them.

A customer recently shared that her grandmother, a solo backpacker in the 70s, used to set out a pair of men's boots with her own to give the impression that she wasn't alone. While the vulnerability of women is another discussion altogether, we have to appreciate the creative hack of this trailblazing grandma.

If you plan to share your solo travel experience online, do so carefully. Travel bloggers know how to travel alone, and a common practice is not to publicly post your location until after you leave. Sharing with your "Close Friends" list on Instagram is a great fix until you've moved destinations.

Be Aware & Learn How to Set Boundaries

It's important to stay aware and alert anytime you travel, but it goes double when traveling solo. Limit distractions such as phone use and keep your head up. Remember, you don't have to post content in real time; fussing with a caption in a crowded place isn't a good idea. Skip the headphones and take in the soundscape of your destination.

These habits take practice to break, so consider implementing a reminder. One example is to place a small sticker on your shoe to catch yourself when you look down at your feet. When you catch sight of the sticker, pick your head back up and take in your surroundings.

Body language transcends spoken language barriers; use yours to communicate competence. Stand at your full height, take pride in your stride, and avoid looking lost (even if you are). When it comes to spoken language, there is more to this than the words themselves. Speak in a calm, clear tone to signal confidence and increase your chances of a respectful encounter.

Saying no doesn't always come easy, especially for women, but saying no is a skill that can be cultivated through practice. Before you travel, work on saying no and enforcing your boundaries in your daily life.

Connect With Other Women Travelers

Today, the world is full of solo female travelers (and we wholeheartedly believe the world is better for it!). Online, many groups, forums, and networks specifically focus on solo travel for women. We are partial to the Solo Female Traveler Network group on Facebook. It's great for sharing tips, gauging the safety of a destination, and making connections.

Contrary to how it may sound, solo travel doesn't have to be done alone. Meet up with other women traveling alone and explore together! You already have the common ground of being drawn to your destination.

When meeting a new travel buddy, confirm their identity via phone call or FaceTime. It's also a good idea for first meetings to occur in a public place. Above all, trust your gut.

Empowering Benefits of Traveling Solo as a Woman

There is so much to gain from learning how to travel alone! Sure, you'll collect memories, passport stamps, and photo ops, but by far, the most powerful souvenir is a sense of empowerment.

Trust us, your solo travel experience will result in:

• Confidence Boost. All solo travel signs point to coming out of your trip a more confident woman than you started, even if things go awry.
• Self-Discovery. You'll learn just as much about yourself as you do about the world. Spending time alone is by far the best way to get to know yourself. And that lady? She's pretty great.
• Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills. Solo travel will help you build and trust your creativity while you navigate obstacles.
• Empowerment and Self-Reliance. Willing yourself outside of your comfort zone significantly impacts your sense of self-worth. The more you do, the more you understand how capable you are. That momentum is not to be underestimated.
• Flexibility and Freedom. When you have dedicated time and space to yourself, and yourself is the only person you're responsible for, and your whims are guiding the way… it's a good time. Warning: you're going to want more.
• Cultural Immersion. Connecting with other cultures will expand your worldview and increase your compassion. There is wisdom to be found in every corner of the globe; local people will help you uncover it.

 

Discover More from the Sherpani Travel Blog

Read about the emotional side of solo travel in Solo Travel: The Good, The Bad, & The Lonely

Discover a first hand solo female travel story in Embracing the Moment, Tokyo Style.

Find the perfect bag for your solo travels in Airline Size Requirements Matched with Sherpani Bags.

 

 

By women for women, the Sherpani Travel Blog talks about all things travel (& all things Sherpani!). Explore topics like solo travel, destination guides, women's travel safety, personal essays, and much more! This is a space to amplify female voices and celebrate our belief that travel restores the human spirit.