As passionate travellers, my colleagues Alexandrine, Aline and I have been lucky enough to travel the world solo on many occasions, and still do so regularly today.
These experiences have taught us that travelling alone women requires special preparation, but remains one of the most rewarding adventures of all.
Over the years, we’ve developed strategies and tricks that allow us to travel with confidence and safety. In this article, I share my personal tips and those of my colleagues to help you plan your own adventures.
The choice of destination is crucial for a first solo trip. According to the Women Peace and Security Index and our own personal experiences, some countries stand out as particularly welcoming to solo female travellers.
According to the report, Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland are considered the safest in the world for women. Within this region,Iceland also offers an ideal environment for exploring solo hiking.
Next, Japan is one of the safest countries that Alexandrine and Aline have visited. The public transportation system is impeccable, with some train cars reserved for women, and the cities are safe even at night, thanks to the extremely low crime rate.
Singapore, with its legendary cleanliness and easy-to-navigate public transportation, is particularly well-suited for novice female travellers.
New Zealand, on the other hand, offers the perfect combination of safety and adventure, ideal for women who want to explore nature while remaining in a reassuring environment.
My advice for a first solo trip as a woman: choose a safe destination with well-developed tourism, where the culture shock won’t be too great.
After more than 10 years of solo travel, if I don’t limit myself to destinations considered the safest, it’s because I’ve gained confidence through each trip in my ability to stay safe, and with the help of the many tips described in this guide.
Preparing your documents is a crucial step that I cannot stress enough. In addition to a valid passport, I have developed a security system that has often saved me.
I always start by making a photocopy of my passport, which I keep in a different place from the original. I also take the time to send a digital copy to my own e-mail address, so I can access it easily from any Internet-connected device.
One practice I strongly recommend is to leave a copy of your documents with a relative back home. This person will be able to help you quickly if your papers are lost or stolen.
I’ve also developed the habit of travelling with two additional pieces of identification, such as my driver’s license and health insurance card, kept separately for added security. These are practices shared by my colleagues.
Finally, I recommend bringing more than one credit and debit card, in case one is blocked by your bank (or swallowed up by an ATM…).
Travel insurance is not an option, it’s an absolute necessity for any solo female traveler. Personally, I’ve often opted for soNomad, an insurance policy that’s particularly well suited to the needs of female travelers.
The most important aspect, which I’ve sometimes learned the hard way, is to understand the claims process before you leave.
I always keep my insurance emergency number saved in my phone, but also written down in my wallet – you never know when your phone might give out (or disappear)!
A crucial point: always contact your insurance company before accepting medical care abroad. This simple step can save you a lot of headaches at claim time.
For her part, Alexandrine takes out emergency medical insurance with the National Bank World Elite Mastercardwhich covers travel for up to 60 days. Unfortunately, she was able to test the claims system with a short hospital visit in Japan. Once back in Canada, the treatment and medication were promptly reimbursed.
I had a similar experience with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card, which allows me to extend the insurance beyond the 25 days included so that I’m covered on my longest trips for remote work.
Choosing accommodation is one of the most important aspects of planning a solo trip. A golden rule I follow religiously: always read reviews and ratings in detail.
I pay particular attention to reviews from other solo travelers. I wouldn’t book at a place that didn’t have any reviews, whether on Airbnb, Booking.com or Expedia.
Alexandrine and I love youth hostels and coliving. They’re great places to meet new people, and are often a great way to find travel partners!
The choice of neighborhood is also crucial. I prefer well-lit, easily accessible areas close to shops and public transport. A quick Internet search helps me identify the safest neighborhood in my destination.
If I’m on my own, I like to stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, not only because I can use my points or my annual one-night free certificate earned through the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card, but also because I always feel very safe there.
Most hotels are located in tourist or safe areas, but it’s worth checking out the location.
Experience has taught me that discretion is our best ally when travelling. Sometimes it’s best to limit the amount of conspicuous jewelry and valuables you wear, but it also depends on where you’re travelling.
In some destinations, in Asia and the Middle East for example, I’ve observed that modest dress (long skirts and shoulder-length tops) considerably reduces unwanted attention and encourages respect from the locals, who appreciate this gesture of consideration towards their culture.
You need to find out about the specific destination. In India, for example, it’s best to cover your shoulders and knees, but it’s okay to expose your stomach.
As for your passport, I think it’s best not to carry it with you at all times. It’s better to leave it at your accommodation, in a safe if possible. The same goes for credit cards and cash; it’s better to keep them in different places in case of a problem. A bag or purse is so easy to forget or steal!
A tip from Alexandrine: she always hides a $20 bill (or the equivalent in local currency) under the insole of her shoe. This little trick ensures she always has a backup plan for a taxi if her bag or wallet were to go missing.
What’s more, she systematically travels with an old cell phone, which she leaves in her suitcase at the hotel – an added safety feature that has come in handy on several occasions (hello, phone that fell into a manhole, an experience I had when I was in Thailand).
Finally, using AirTags to locate valuables and suitcases can be a good way of ensuring that nothing gets lost.
Finally, having a good supply of rewards points for travel, whether with Marriott Bonvoy or another program, allows me to change accommodations if I feel only moderately safe with my first option, without having to fork out extra nights in cash.
The question of transportation is central for any solo traveler. I’ve learned that apps like Uber, Grab, Didi or other ride-sharing services are generally safer than cabs picked up off the street.
These services offer the advantage of tracing the route and identifying the driver. If these options are not available, I always ask my accommodation to arrange transport for me with a trusted driver.
Before every trip, I do some research on transport. Are buses safe? What do the locals think are the safest options? This information often varies from place to place, and is invaluable for making the right choices once you’re there.
I also make sure I know the normal rates for a trip from the airport to the city center, so I don’t get ripped off when negotiating with cab drivers.
It’s also a good idea to have a little local currency on hand when you arrive at your destination, so you can pay for transport to the city center if credit cards aren’t accepted.
Technology has become a precious ally for solo travellers. Several applications have become indispensable to me in my travels:
As a solo female traveler, protecting your data is just as important as your physical security. Public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airports and cafés are rarely secure, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure tunnel for your data, protecting your banking information and personal accounts even over unsecured connections. This type of service also makes it possible to access your favorite programs from abroad.
The travel company G Adventures offers “Solo-ish,” a range of tours dedicated to individual travellers. These trips exclusively bring together participants who are travelling alone, creating a great group dynamic. The program starts with three days of activities designed to facilitate interactions among participants.
Supervised by female guides, the tours alternate between group activities and free time. The package includes arrival transfers and offers a discounted single room option.
Take a look at our off-the-beaten-track destinations, including the Galapagos Islands, Uzbekistan, Sicily and many more!
One of the most rewarding aspects of solo travel is the opportunity to make genuine connections with other travellers. Throughout my experiences, I’ve discovered that there is a real international solidarity among women. No matter where I am, I’ve always been impressed by the willingness of women to help and support each other.
Several apps have become my best allies for socializing while traveling.
Hostelworld, for example, isn’t just about booking accommodation – its community forum is a great place to meet other female travelers.
MeetUp has enabled me to take part in exciting local activities, while NomadHer, specially designed for nomadic women, allows me to network with other solo female travelers.
TravelLadies is another valuable resource, offering the chance to find fellow travelers or even free accommodation with locals.
My favourite way to stay informed and support each other as solo female travellers is by joining these Facebook communities:
Participating in group activities is one of the best ways to meet like-minded people.
Whether it’s salsa classes, yoga sessions, lessons or conversations in the local language, or simply an aperitif organized by your accommodation – these are the perfect moments to break the ice and meet other travelers.
GetYourGuide has become my favorite tool for finding quality guided tours and interesting local activities. These small-group excursions offer an excellent balance between discovery and socialization in a safe environment.
I’ve lost count of the number of fellow travelers I’ve met on a guided walking tour or day trip, with whom I’ve shared other moments (a meal or other excursions).
Keeping in touch with loved ones is essential, both for their peace of mind and for our own safety. Before each departure, I share my itinerary with my family and a few close friends.
I give them my accommodation addresses, flight numbers and general plans. Once I’m on the road, I make it a habit to keep my friends and family regularly informed of my whereabouts, especially when changing town or accommodation.
I also make sure I always have data on my cell phone. eSIM services such as Airalo or GigSky enable me to stay connected as soon as I arrive in a new country, since I don’t need to buy a physical SIM card on the spot.
Many credit cards now offer free data as detailed in our guides:
You can take all the necessary precautions when traveling, but one of the best safeguards is to follow your feminine intuition and instinct.
If a situation makes us uncomfortable, it’s best to withdraw from it, even if it means making up an excuse, like friends are joining us soon or our boyfriend or husband is on his way to pick us up.
From my own experience, I know that when I walk confidently and decisively, and am firm and direct in my interactions, I’m more assertive and less vulnerable.
Even if I don’t necessarily feel this way, I pretend to and instantly notice a change in the way I’m approached. It’s not always obvious, but looking like you know where you’re going makes all the difference.
After years of solo travel and many experiences shared with my Milesopedia colleagues, I can say that travelling alone as a woman is a unique experience worth having. Although it may seem daunting at first, proper preparation and the right tools make all the difference.
What I’ve learned is that the key is to strike a balance between caution and openness. Yes, you have to be vigilant and well-prepared, but you mustn’t let fear stop you from living enriching experiences. The encounters I’ve made, the challenges I’ve met and the moments of pure freedom I’ve experienced while travelling alone have always been worthwhile.
I urge you to take that first step. Perhaps start with a reputedly safe destination, join online communities of women travellers, and let your instincts guide you while you remain cautious. The resources and tools mentioned in this article are there to guide you, but remember that every traveller also develops her own tricks as her experiences unfold.
And above all, don’t forget that you’re never really alone. The community of women travellers is vast, supportive and always ready to help each other. Whether it’s via the Facebook groups mentioned, travel apps or on-site meetings, you’ll always find support when you need it.
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