Safety isn't about fear.
It's about preparation.
The most confident solo travelers aren't fearless — they're prepared. Here are the six areas that matter most.
General Safety
Trust your instincts. Share your itinerary with someone at home. Use licensed transport. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid visible displays of expensive items in crowded areas.
Digital Safety
Download offline maps, translation apps, and local emergency numbers before you land. Screenshot insurance documents and accommodation bookings. Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi and enable 2FA on banking apps.
Transport Safety
Use official taxis, verified ride-hailing apps (Uber, Grab, Bolt), or pre-booked transfers — especially at airports and late at night. Verify driver and plate number before entering any vehicle.
Night Safety
Research which neighborhoods are safe after dark before you go. Stick to well-lit streets, avoid walking alone with earphones in, share your live location with a contact when exploring at night.
Medical Prep
Get destination-specific vaccinations at least 6 weeks before departure. Carry a basic first aid kit. Know the location of the nearest hospital to each accommodation. Always have comprehensive travel insurance.
Emergency Contacts
Save local emergency numbers (police, ambulance) for every country before you arrive. Register with your country's embassy in high-risk areas. Keep a printed emergency card in your wallet at all times.
Before you leave:
the solo safety checklist
Run through this list at least two weeks before departure. Early preparation means a relaxed, confident departure.
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
- Register with your country's embassy for high-risk areas
- Leave a detailed itinerary with someone at home
- Scan and email all important documents to yourself
- Download offline maps, translation, and emergency apps
- Research safety climate of your destination
- Identify nearest hospital to each accommodation
- Set up international access on bank cards and phone
- Share accommodation bookings with your emergency contact
- Establish a regular check-in schedule
Download the Sola Safety Checklist
A printable PDF version of our complete solo travel safety checklist — one for each destination type.
Get the ChecklistWomen traveling solo — empowered, informed, free.
Solo female travel is one of the fastest-growing travel movements in the world. Millions of women travel alone safely every year. With the right preparation, the world is yours to explore on your own terms.
Our dedicated women's safety guide covers destination ratings, community resources, accommodation tips, and the specific considerations that make solo female travel both safe and deeply liberating.