Travelling alone gives you freedom: your own pace, your own plans and more chances to meet locals. It also means nobody else is watching your back, so solo travel safety deserves some preparation. These seven tips cover the basics, from research before you leave to staying alert at night, so you can travel with confidence instead of worry.
1. Research Your Destination Before You Go
Start with your government’s official travel advice for the country, for example the UK’s foreign travel advice or the US State Department’s travel advisories. They cover safety and security, local laws and customs and entry requirements, and they are updated when the situation changes.
Then read recent experiences from other solo travelers in forums and travel groups. Look for warnings about specific neighbourhoods, common scams and local customs you should respect.
Note the local emergency numbers and save them in your phone and on paper. They are not the same everywhere: 112 is the common emergency number across the European Union, while many other countries use their own numbers. Also note the address of your country’s embassy or consulate.
Download an offline map before you leave, so you can find your way without mobile data. Google Maps, for example, lets you download an area for offline use. In the free ToTourist app for Android, the “On the way” mode shows the emergency numbers and arrival essentials for 196 countries, and you can download an offline map of your destination with one tap.
2. Pack Smart for Safety
Pack light. A heavy, overloaded bag slows you down and makes you look like an easy target. A carry-on and a small day pack are enough for most trips; choose bags with lockable zips and wear your day pack in front in crowds.
Never carry all your valuables in one place. Split cash and cards between different pockets and bags, and bring a spare card from a different bank, so losing one wallet doesn’t leave you stranded. Keep your bank’s phone number for reporting a lost card.
Keep copies of your passport, visa, insurance policy and bookings separate from the originals. In ToTourist you can store your travel documents on your phone, where they are kept encrypted. Useful extras: a portable door lock or door wedge for budget rooms, a small padlock for hostel lockers, a basic first-aid kit and a power bank.
3. Choose Safe Accommodation
Your accommodation is your base, so don’t save money on safety. Read recent reviews, especially from other solo travelers, and look for mentions of secure entrances, 24-hour reception, lockers and the neighbourhood after dark. Repeated complaints about security are a red flag.
Hostels are great for meeting people; many offer female-only dorms and private rooms. A central, well-lit location may cost a little more but saves you long journeys back at night. Compare places to stay on Trip.com hotels and check the location on a map before you book.
When you arrive, check that the door and windows lock properly. If something feels wrong, move: losing one night’s payment is better than staying somewhere you don’t feel safe.
4. Blend In
Pickpockets and scammers look for people who seem lost or distracted. Dress like locals do, leave flashy jewellery at home and respect local dress customs, especially at religious sites and in conservative countries.
Check your route before you set off, or step into a café to look at your phone rather than standing in the middle of the street. Walk with purpose, ask shop or restaurant staff for directions, and politely decline unsolicited offers of help, tours or deals. Learning a few words in the local language – “hello”, “thank you”, “excuse me” – also helps.
5. Stay Connected
Your phone is your most important safety tool. Before you travel, check that it works abroad, either with a local SIM or eSIM or with a roaming plan, so you always have data for maps and messages.
Share your itinerary with someone you trust: flights, accommodation addresses and plans. Check in regularly, especially when you move between places. Google Maps, for example, lets you share your real-time location with a chosen contact for a set time.
Keep your phone charged and carry a power bank. Have a backup plan if your phone is lost or dead: write down important numbers and your accommodation’s address – ideally in the local language too, to show a taxi driver.
6. Be Extra Careful at Night
You don’t have to stay in every evening, but plan ahead. Know how you’ll get back to your accommodation before you go out, ask your accommodation staff which areas to avoid after dark, and stick to well-lit, busy streets.
Keep your alcohol intake low – it dulls your judgement in an unfamiliar place – and never leave your drink unattended. Save the number of a reputable taxi company or use a ride-hailing app. Going out with people you met during the day, for example on a walking tour or at your hostel, is often safer and more fun.
7. Trust Your Instincts
If a person, place or situation makes you uncomfortable, leave – you don’t owe anyone politeness at the cost of your safety. Meet new people in public places, let someone know where you’re going, and agree on a code message with a friend or family member that means “call me with an excuse to leave”. Don’t let the fear of missing out push you into something that feels wrong; there will be other invitations.
Travel Smart, Stay Safe
Solo travel is one of the most rewarding ways to see the world. Research your destination, pack smart, choose safe accommodation, blend in, stay connected, take care at night and trust your instincts – safety is about awareness, not fear. For help planning the route, see how to plan your trip itinerary in 7 steps and, if you’re visiting several places, our multi-city trip planning guide.
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