r/SoloFemaleTravelTips

Where were you treated the best and worst?

I'm on the first solo trip ever as a 55 year old woman. I've always traveled with my husband and kids, brother and sister, grandkids or on girl's trips. I am always the person in charge of logistics, and itinerary planning. But I never get to do what I want, as I'm more of a go with the flow type.

I planned my first trip ever with no one else along. I am so relaxed. I really should have done this years ago.

I know as women, we’re constantly given a long list of things to do to stay safe. I thought it’d be helpful to share some personal safety habits we follow. I’ll go first:

• I never announce my travel plans on social media. I’ll only tell a few close friends in person and wait until I’ve left a place before posting
• I always prebook a taxi service from the airport to my accommodation. I know I’ll be exhausted after a flight and don’t want to deal with negotiating with taxi drivers or figuring out public transportation in a new place. It’s more expensive, but worth it for peace of mind
• I avoid hailing random taxis and stick to Ubers, Bolts, or official metro systems whenever possible.
• I don’t drink (very allergic to alcohol), which naturally eliminates some risks. But even if I did, I’d never accept drinks from strangers or leave mine unattended. (Ie don’t take shots from randos at resorts)
• I never tell strangers I’m traveling alone. If someone asks, I mention that I’m meeting up with friends or family soon. The only time I share that I’m solo is when I join group tours and meet other solo travelers in the same boat.
• When meeting new people, I always choose public places during the day. By the time it’s dark, I’m already back at my accommodation and ready to sleep.
• When choosing to go to a place, I normally read blogs and watch videos from a woman’s perspective during my research process just to get an idea for how they felt
• I pay attention to my surroundings, especially at my hotel or Airbnb. I take note of familiar faces, notice if anyone seems to be watching me too closely, and make mental notes of exits and safe spots.
• I always keep my phone charged and carry a portable charger. If I’m in an area with spotty service, I download offline maps
• I try to blend in and avoid looking too much like a lost tourist. If I need to check my phone for directions, I step inside a store or cafe instead of stopping in the middle of the street.
• If I feel uncomfortable, I trust my gut and remove myself from the situation immediately even if it feels rude. My safety is more important than politeness.

Would love to hear what safety habits others have picked up!

I think everyone has that one dream place they want to see but haven’t been yet.

For me, I’d say it’s Norway

What’s your dream destination you are waiting to explore?

I am going through a breakup and I feel the need to leave and travel. I want somewhere with lots of things to do and see that is safe and budget friendly. I would leave mid July.

About to take my first solo trip in ages and trying to avoid the rookie mistakes. Curious what lessons you’ve learned the hard way so I can (hopefully) avoid a few myself.

For me: always pack painkillers! You never know when you’ll actually need them. AND screenshot directions before leaving Wi-Fi - saved me more times than I can count.

Sorry to bring up the obvious here, but I want to share this with other women solo travellers who fixate too much on "which destinations are safe for women". I learned on my recent solo trip that it isn't the destination you should be so focused on in terms of safety.

I travelled solo to Norway last month and for all of the trip, Norwegian men never gave me a hard time and were nothing but friendly and respected boundaries.

The people who would continually hound me, follow me, or try to advance friendly interactions: other travellers (a mix of tourists, expats, or other short-term travellers). I won't name where they're from because it's not fair to portray "all people from ___" do this. I think anyone from any country will try to push boundaries.

So I've come to take "countries that are safe for women" with a grain of salt. Sure, don't visit a country that's actively going through a war (unless for humanitarian efforts). But I don't think we should choose a solo travel destination based on its supposed "safety rating", or judge based on the locals that live there and their cultures and customs.

I'm curious – women solo travellers – could you think back to times when you were made to feel uncomfortable, unsure, or unsafe – were they locals or were they other travellers/passing through? What were those destinations?

I'm on the first solo trip ever as a 55 year old woman. I've always traveled with my husband and kids, brother and sister, grandkids or on girl's trips. I am always the person in charge of logistics, and itinerary planning. But I never get to do what I want, as I'm more of a go with the flow type.

I planned my first trip ever with no one else along. I am so relaxed. I really should have done this years ago.