Thinking about taking your first solo trip? Take it from someone who has done tons of those; it’s quite exciting and a little nerve-racking at the same time. But that’s completely normal!
The idea of heading out on a trip alone, figuring things out as you go, and also knowing that your safety is entirely up to you can feel both thrilling and overwhelming in equal measure. I remember feeling exactly the same way before my first solo adventure.
Now, I’m not here to scare you. The truth is, most solo travellers (myself included) go through their trips without running into any real trouble. But that doesn’t mean we don’t think about safety – it just means we take a few smart steps beforehand. Trust me, a little preparation goes a long way toward making your travels smoother, fun, and most importantly, safer.
I want your upcoming trip to go as smoothly as possible, and that means ensuring that both you and your belongings are safe. So, I’ve put together 12 proven solo travel safety tips that I have always followed on my solo travels. I know nobody can guarantee safety with absolute certainty, but these easy-to-follow steps will most certainly make you feel safer, or at least be aware of the environment at all times, which is pretty important when you want to enjoy the trip.
Proven solo travel safety tips for your belongings
When you go on a solo trip, not only will you be looking out for your own safety, but you will also be keeping your belongings secure. These are things like money, personal documents, and other personal items like your phone. Both are important, and both deserve a little planning ahead. I mean, losing your passport or getting your bag snatched can turn an amazing trip into a stressful one real fast. With that said, let’s first look at how to keep your belongings safe;
- Please, never flash your valuables around – It might be tempting to wear your best jewellery or show off your brand-new phone, but when you’re solo, blending in is much safer. Flashy valuables can make you an easy target for pickpockets or petty thieves. Keep it simple and discreet, and save the bling for when you’re back home.
- Use a cross-body bag (and keep it in front) – a cross-body bag that zips shut and stays in front of you is way harder for someone to snatch than a loose backpack or shoulder bag. I always choose one that’s lightweight but sturdy – something I can hold onto easily in busy streets or public transport. Bonus points if it’s slash-proof or has locking zippers. But if you have a backpack, consider carrying it on your front, not back.
- Split up your money and cards – never keep all your money and cards in one place! I usually keep a little cash in my main wallet, a second stash hidden deeper in my bag, and sometimes even a backup card tucked inside my shoe or bra. That way, even if something goes missing, you’re not left stranded.
- Lock up your stuff in hostels or hotels – if your accommodation offers a locker, a safe, or even just a sturdy closet, use it. Lock up your passport, spare cash, and anything else important when you are not carrying them. It’s a simple habit that makes a huge difference in how relaxed you’ll feel while you’re out exploring.
- Carry a backup credit card (and stash it separately) – having just one credit or debit card on you can be risky – lose it, and you’re stuck. I always travel with a second card that stays hidden deep inside my luggage or even sewn into a hidden pocket. This has saved more than once! I remember a time when my card was temporarily disabled due to an issue I had with my bank. The backup card was quite instrumental!
- Avoid back pockets like the plague – it’s crazy how quickly something can disappear from a back pocket, especially in crowded places. I learned this the hard way in a busy market once – luckily, it was just a cheap sunglasses case, not my wallet! Now I always keep important stuff zipped up and in front of me where I can see it.
- Use RFID-blocking sleeves or wallets – some thieves don’t even have to touch you to steal your credit card info – they use electronic scanners to “skim” data from your cards. Using an RFID-blocking wallet or a simple sleeve is an easy way to prevent this. It’s one of those small precautions that you’ll never regret taking.
- Take photos of important documents – before you even get on the plane, take clear photos of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and tickets. Save them on your phone in a secure folder, and you can also email copies to yourself, just in case. If something gets lost or stolen, having those backups makes dealing with authorities way easier.
- Keep a small “decoy” wallet – a decoy wallet is a genius little trick I picked up from another traveller. You keep a cheap wallet with a little bit of cash and maybe an old gift card – enough to satisfy a potential thief if the worst happens. Meanwhile, your real valuables stay safely hidden elsewhere.
- Don’t trust every “friendly stranger” – most people you meet while travelling will be genuinely kind, but it’s smart to stay a little guarded, especially if someone seems too curious about your plans. He/she could be a thief! Try to keep your accommodation details vague and avoid oversharing about where you’ll be going next. Friendly is great – but cautious is even better when you’re solo.
Solo travel safety tips for your personal safety
Now that we’ve covered how to keep your belongings safe, let’s talk about something even more important – YOU. While losing stuff can be frustrating, nothing matters more than your own safety and well-being when you’re travelling solo. Luckily, just like with protecting your belongings, there are a few solo travel safety tips you can follow to remain safe throughout the entire trip. They are as follows;
1. Research where you’re going
Before any solo trip, I spend a bit of time learning about the place, not just where to get the best photos, but real stuff like common scams, safe neighbourhoods, how to get around, and any cultural dos and don’ts. Reddit threads, solo travel blogs, and even travel Facebook groups are full of honest, real-life experiences that go way beyond what guidebooks say.
Armed with all this honest, first-hand info and experiences, you will be able to plan your trip accordingly. This is a very important step that so many travellers ignore! When you ignore, you might be lucky and your trip will go on smoothly, but there are also many instances where travellers encounter horrifying experiences. I have watched a lot of documentaries about this! So, make sure you research the place you are about to visit to make sure you are not about to go into a warzone unintentionally!
2. Share your itinerary with someone you trust
Even if you’re going completely off-grid for a while, it’s always a good idea to let someone back home know your general plans. Consider sharing your flight details, hotel bookings, and a rough idea of where you’ll be each day with a friend or family member. The idea here is in case anything goes sideways, they’ll at least know where to start looking – plus, it just gives them peace of mind.
3. Trust your gut (seriously, don’t brush it off)
If something feels off, it probably is! Could be a person, a place, or a situation – whatever it is, listen to that gut feeling and get out of there. I can’t count how many times my instincts have told me to walk the other way or say no, even when nothing obvious seemed wrong. I’m not going to pretend to be an expert in human psychology, but I do believe your intuition is like your internal safety alarm, and it’s almost always right.
4. Don’t share too much with strangers
It’s totally fine to chat with locals and meet fellow travellers, but be mindful about what you reveal, especially about where you’re staying or your travel plans. Try to keep things vague, like saying maybe you are meeting someone later or pretending that you’re only in town for the day, etc. While this may seem insignificant, this small habit can help create a little safety buffer without being rude, something that’s very necessary in today’s world!
5. Stay sober (or at least in control)
No judgment here – I enjoy a glass of wine while travelling just like anyone else. But I’ve learned to pace myself and avoid getting drunk when I’m alone, especially in unfamiliar places, and not just on a solo trip, even when I am at home. When you are drunk, you are very vulnerable, and that’s the last thing you want for yourself when you are in a place where you know nobody! Being alert means you’re more in control and less likely to stumble into situations you can’t easily get out of.
6. Dress to blend in, not stand out
You don’t have to completely change your style, but being aware of local dress norms can go a long way in helping you blend in. In some countries, showing too much skin or wearing flashy clothes might draw unwanted attention. And that’s the one thing you seriously want to avoid when you go on a solo trip. So, when researching your would-be destination, you may want to know the dress code so that you can know what to bring.
7. Stay aware of your surroundings (yes! That means taking out the ear buds)
This is prevalent in today’s digital age! When travelling, jogging, or walking in the streets, so many people tend to have earbuds on with their favourite playlist playing. Our tip here is to avoid this when you go on your solo trip. When I’m walking around solo, I try to keep my senses sharp – no blasting music in both ears or getting totally absorbed in Google Maps. And it’s not that I’m usually paranoid, just aware. I mean, the more you notice what’s going on around you, the quicker you’ll be able to react in case of anything or catch anything that feels off.
8. Have a local emergency number saved
Before you arrive somewhere new, be sure to look up the local emergency services number (like 112 in Europe or 911 in the U.S.) and save it in your phone – just in case. It is also recommended that you save the number and address of your country’s embassy or consulate, especially if you are staying for a while. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but if something serious does happen, you’ll be glad you have it ready.
9. Avoid wandering alone at night (unless it’s a very safe area)
Exploring a new place by moonlight can sound magical, but the vibe changes at night, especially when you’re on your own. I mean, criminals mostly operate at night! I usually wrap up my solo adventures before it gets too late. And if I have to be out or am already out by nightfall, I stick to busy, well-lit areas where other people are around. In addition, if you really want to go out at night, join a group tour or make friends at the hostel. The goal here is not to be alone at night!
10. Use ride-share apps instead of hailing cabs
When planning to go somewhere, consider using apps like Uber or Bolt simply because the rides are tracked, drivers are verified, and there’s a record of where you went. It’s way safer than flagging down a random taxi off the street, especially if you’re in a new city or town where scams are common. Also, with a random taxi, you really don’t know who is behind the wheel, or their intentions with you. So, better to be safe than sorry! Plus, with an Uber or Bolt, you can send your trip details to a friend in real time – easy peace of mind.
11. Keep a fake phone or old backup on you
This one might sound dramatic, but carrying a cheap old phone (even if it doesn’t work) is a clever move. In a worst-case scenario, you can hand that over in a mugging while your real phone stays hidden. I haven’t had to do it, but knowing I have it usually helps me feel a bit more in control in higher-risk areas.
12. Act confident, even when you’re not sure where you are
One of the best things I’ve learned from solo travel is how far confidence can get you. Even when I’m completely lost, I try to walk with purpose, like I know exactly where I’m going. If I need to check a map, I’ll step into a shop or café instead of pausing awkwardly on a quiet street corner. Looking unsure can make you seem more vulnerable – but confidence? That keeps the bad guys, who may be lurking, guessing! And that’s what you want!
Conclusion
Solo travel has a way of changing you – in the best possible ways. It teaches you to trust yourself, enjoy your own company, and see the world through a different lens. And while the safety concerns might feel like a lot at first, most of it becomes second nature once you’re out there. The truth is, most solo trips go smoothly, and many travellers come home feeling empowered and already planning the next one. So don’t let fear hold you back – just be smart, stay aware, and go see the world on your own terms. With these solo travel safety tips, you will be safe. You’ve got this!