🧳 Solo But Not Scared: How to Stay Safe While Traveling Alone (Without Becoming a Netflix Documentary)

So... You Want to Travel Alone and Live to Tell the Tale?

First of all: YES, queen. You’re planning to travel alone, and that’s already brave AF. But if you’ve ever casually mentioned your plans to someone over 40, you’ve probably heard something like:

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

“You better not talk to strangers.”

“Have you SEEN Taken?”

Let’s be real — safety is important. But it’s also important to know that traveling solo doesn’t mean you’re automatically walking into a Liam Neeson movie. I’ve solo traveled through over 15 countries as a 28-year-old woman and somehow managed to return with my passport, dignity, and no dramatic rescue missions.

Here’s how.

1. Trust Your Gut (Even When It’s Jet-Lagged)

If something feels weird, it probably is weird. That sketchy street with no lights? Don’t go down it. That guy who keeps insisting you join him for drinks after you say no? BYE.

On my first solo trip to Colombia, I followed my gut and turned down a “locals-only” salsa club invite from a guy I met on a bus. Turns out, he wasn’t trying to dance — he was trying to sell me something else entirely. No gracias.

You don’t need to explain or apologize. Your gut is your first-class bodyguard.

2. Be Mysterious... Like, Spy-Level Mysterious

You’re not obligated to tell anyone where you’re staying, what your travel plans are, or if you’re alone. My go-to line when someone gets nosy?

“I’m meeting up with my boyfriend later.”

(Plot twist: there is no boyfriend, but there is a very real hotel security camera and a sense of self-preservation.)

3. Download These Life-Saving Apps

• Google Maps (download offline maps)

• GeoSure (real-time safety ratings by neighborhood)

• SmartTraveler (from the U.S. State Department)

• Flush (because solo travel panic = bathroom emergencies, ok?)

• WhatsApp with location sharing on for a close friend or family member

Bonus: I once used Find My iPhone to avoid a guy I met on a walking tour who wouldn’t take the hint. High-tech ghosting. Bless.

4. Stay Somewhere That Has a Front Desk — and Locks

As fun as remote jungle hostels sound, I prefer places with actual doors, receptionists, and Wi-Fi that doesn’t require me to stand on one foot near a banana tree.

Also, if you're booking through Airbnb or similar, read every review. My red flag checklist:

• No reviews? Nope.

• “The host was overly friendly”? Nope.

• “Felt unsafe”? NOPE.

5. The “Call Me Later” Trick

Before you leave for the day, text someone close and say:

“I’ll check in tonight — if you don’t hear from me by 10, call me.”

It’s a small thing, but it makes you more mindful about checking in. And honestly, it helped my mom sleep through the night during my month in Southeast Asia, which also meant fewer panic texts about organ trafficking.

6. Bonus Badass Tip: Walk Like You Own the Place

Head up. Shoulders back. Walk like you just got promoted to CEO of “I’m Not the One.” Confidence deters creeps more than pepper spray (but bring that too).

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Traveling solo as a woman is empowering — but it’s even better when you feel safe doing it. So be smart, be confident, and don’t be afraid to say no thanks to anything (or anyone) that gives you the ick.

And remember, if something ever goes wrong…

Liam Neeson isn’t coming.

You are.