Top tips to stay safe when you travel, especially for women and solo travelers
Solo traveler? Visiting a foreign country for the first time? Learn how to protect personal items, avoid scams, and handle emergencies with confidence. These safety tips will give you peace of mind so you can focus on exploring the world and stay safe when you travel.
Traveling, whether it’s your first trip abroad or your tenth, can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Exploring new destinations, meeting new people, and experiencing different places is exhilarating. And while the world is full of beauty, it’s also smart to remember that personal safety should always be part of your travel plans. Especially if you travel by yourself, like I do.
If you’re a solo traveler, you do need to be aware of your surroundings, and be extra careful in some neighborhoods and countries that might not be as safe as you wish. Awareness is the best way to avoid becoming an easy target, and these safety habits can give you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying the journey. For example, avoid using noise canceling earbuds or headsets on public transportation, so you can hear any emergency alerts or hear what’s going on.
These are my best tips for safe and confident travel, based on years of experience across different continents, cultures, and travel styles. After all, I have flown over a million miles!
1. Lock your hotel room door immediately
The most important tip when you check in? As soon as you walk into your room, lock and latch the door. This applies whether you’re in a luxury hotel in the European Union or a boutique inn in Latin America.
Don’t rely on the assumption that only hotel staff have access. Maintenance workers or previous guests may still have key cards that work. Securing the deadbolt or latch takes seconds and keeps your personal items in the safest place possible.
If you’re concerned, a portable door lock or rubber doorstop is a small but powerful addition to your packing list.
2. Keep your room number private
When you check in, never say your hotel room number out loud in public places. Instead, ask the receptionist to write it down. This may seem like common sense, but in a busy lobby, strangers can overhear your room number and follow you later.
If hotel staff shout your room number, politely request they avoid repeating it. In different places, privacy norms vary, so it’s worth being proactive.
3. Destroy boarding passes and luggage tags
Your boarding pass contains valuable information, sometimes even linked to your credit card company or loyalty account. Before tossing it, rip it into pieces or shred it.
The same goes for luggage tags! These often have your home country, phone number, and sometimes your full name. In the wrong hands, this sensitive information can be used for scams or stalking. Anything with a bar code has personal information.
A safe habit: always remove old tags from your bags before checking in for your next flight.
4. Understand local laws and customs
Before visiting a new country, research local laws, local customs, and entry requirements. Something as simple as chewing gum is illegal in Singapore, and wearing camouflage patterns is prohibited in some Latin American and Caribbean countries. In Japan, many medications require you to travel with a special authorization or permit.
The U.S. Department of State website offers travel advisories for U.S. citizens, listing security risks, common scams, and emergency numbers. This is a great tool for understanding personal safety concerns before you arrive.
Knowing local customs also helps you connect respectfully with locals and avoid misunderstandings. For example, learning a few phrases in the local language is the best way to show respect and may help in emergency situations.
5. Have emergency contacts ready
Always have emergency contacts, both in your home country and at your destination. A trusted friend or family member should know your itinerary and have your hotel’s phone number. A great idea is to keep a printed version of your most important contacts and their numbers in case you lose your phone.
Store the contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy, local police station, and nearest hospital in your day bag and phone. In emergency situations, quick access to these numbers can be a literal safe haven.
For added security, set your phone’s lock screen to display an emergency contact number in case your phone is lost or stolen.
6. Protect your money and documents
When traveling internationally, carry a mix of credit cards, debit cards, and local currency. Keep most of your extra money in a money belt or hotel safe—not in your back pocket.
Leave unnecessary cards at home, and notify your credit card company of your travel plans to avoid fraud alerts or blocked transactions. Keep a copy of your passport in a separate bag from the original in case you need to file a police report or request a replacement at an embassy.
Also, be careful and watch your surroundings before going to an ATM. Avoid dark areas and make sure to be discreet with your cash.
7. Plan for medical emergencies
Medical care in foreign countries can vary greatly from what you’re used to in the United States. For peace of mind, invest in travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, medical assistance, and coverage for medical services abroad.
If you’re heading to areas with natural disaster risks or severe weather, this coverage can be the difference between a stressful situation and a manageable one. Some policies also include medical evacuation, which is crucial if you’re visiting remote locations far from quality hospitals. Many credit cards also include some type of coverage, so ask before you travel.
8. Use Technology Wisely
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or logging into accounts unless you have a virtual private network (VPN) to protect sensitive information. Download offline maps from Google Maps before you arrive in new places so you don’t have to rely on spotty data.
For added security, consider putting an Apple AirTag in your luggage or even your day bag so you can locate it if it’s misplaced or stolen. I also have friends who have a special wallet with an AirTag holder so they can track it in case of an emergency.
9. Stay aware in public transportation and crowded areas
Public transportation is often the cheapest and most authentic way to get around in foreign countries, but it’s also a common setting for petty theft. Keep your bag in front of you, especially in crowded areas.
When taking taxis, especially in your first trip to a new country, use hotel-recommended taxi drivers or rideshare apps for verified transport. This reduces the risk of overcharging or scams. You can also share your ride information with a trusted contact for added safety.
10. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
If you’re a U.S. citizen, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program from the U.S. Department of State is a good idea for every international trip. It’s the best way to receive alerts about severe weather, political unrest, or other security risks in your new country.
It also helps the embassy contact you quickly in case of emergency situations—whether that’s a natural disaster, medical emergency, or victim of a crime situation.
Prepping is key to stay safe
Travel is an incredible way to grow, learn, and connect with the world. You don’t need to let fear hold you back, even if it’s your first solo trip.
The key is preparation: knowing emergency contacts, being aware of common scams, protecting personal items, and understanding local customs. These steps, combined with common sense and a little planning, will help you navigate international travel with confidence and enjoy every moment.
What’s the most important tip you’ve learned the hard way while traveling?
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