Travel Safety Tips for All My Solo-Traveling Girlies!
Ladies, we need to talk. Solo travel is one of the most empowering, life-changing experiences you can have, safety should always be a top priority. Whether you’re sipping espresso in Paris, exploring hidden gems in Italy, or backpacking through Eastern Europe, being prepared is key. So, grab your travel journal, and let’s dive into some life-saving travel safety tips!
Random Tips That Can Save Your Life
1. Don’t Flash Your Smartphone Too Much
Keep your smartphone close to your body, preferably in a bra pocket. Pickpockets these days are so skilled that you will not even notice your phone is staying in Italy way longer than you, maybe forever.
2. Share Your Location with Family and Friends
Always let someone know where you are, whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a solo traveler’s Facebook group. Apps like Life360 or Find My Friends can be lifesavers.
3. Fake a Phone Call
Feeling uneasy? Pretend to call a friend and mention your exact location.
4. Blend In
Blend in as much as possible. Research local fashion trends and adapt accordingly. It helps you avoid unnecessary attention. For example, in France, the majority of people don’t dress up. Adapt to how people walk, try to wear simpler outfits, in general, to look less like a tourist. That way you have a lesser chance to become a target.
5. The “Wedding Ring” Trick
Even if you’re single, a fake wedding ring can deter unwanted attention in certain places. Sad but true.
6. Prevent Catcalling
As someone who lives in France, I was at first shocked by the amount of undesirable attention on the streets of some parts of France. If you do receive catcalls, responding assertively can sometimes deter the behavior. A simple “Non, merci” can be enough. Always stay alert, especially in less populated areas. If you feel uncomfortable, try to move toward places with more people or into stores or cafés.
Safety Hacks for Popular Solo Travel Destinations in Europe
Here’s a breakdown of daily costs (approximate) and important safety tips for some of the most popular travel destinations:
France
- Daily Budget: €70-100 ($75-110)
- Safety Tip: Watch out for pickpockets in Paris, especially around the Eiffel Tower and metro stations. Keep your bag zipped and wear a crossbody purse with a theft-proof design.
Italy
- Daily Budget: €60-90 ($65-100)
- Safety Tip: Scammers love tourists. Be wary of “friendship bracelet” tricks in Rome or Venice, where someone tries to force a bracelet on you and demand payment.
Spain
- Daily Budget: €50-85 ($55-95)
- Safety Tip: In Barcelona, bag snatching is common. Never leave your phone or purse on a café table, even for a second. And if you rent a bicycle, for the love of god, don’t put your purse into that bicycle bin. There’s a big chance your purse is going to be snatched.
Portugal
- Daily Budget: €45-75 ($50-85)
- Safety Tip: Lisbon’s trams are amazing but also a prime spot for pickpockets. Keep your valuables secured.
Germany
- Daily Budget: €55-100 ($60-110)
- Safety Tip: Public transportation is safe, but always validate your ticket—ticket inspectors don’t play around.
Greece
- Daily Budget: €50-90 ($55-100)
- Safety Tip: Stick to well-lit areas at night, especially in Athens. Some neighborhoods can get sketchy after dark.
Netherlands
- Daily Budget: €60-110 ($65-120)
- Safety Tip: Cyclists rule Amsterdam—watch out for bike lanes! You don’t want to get run over while admiring the canals.
gear to help you stay safe
Self-Defense & Travel Gear Every Girl Needs
1. Anti-Theft Backpack
Ever had that mini heart attack when you can’t find your wallet or phone in your bag—only to realize it just sunk to the bottom? Now imagine that, but in a crowded metro in Paris, except this time, it’s actually gone. Yeah, no thanks.
An Anti-Theft Backpack is your travel BFF. Hidden zippers keep sneaky hands out, RFID-blocking pockets protect your cards from digital pickpockets, and some even have slash-proof material. Yeah, bag-slashing is a thing. It still looks chic, so you’re not rocking that obvious “tourist” vibe. Trust me, future-you in that charming Italian alleyway (with all your stuff still intact) will thank you.
2. Portable Door Lock
Ever checked into a budget hotel or Airbnb and thought, Hmm, that lock looks like it’s seen better days? Been there, seen that, huh. To secure yourself, check out a portable door lock. It’s lightweight, and zero tools needed to install. Pop it in and you are good to sleep in peace. No one’s getting in unless they’re Spider-Man (and even then, he better knock). Sorry for that, that was lame, I know. There’s also a door stopper alarm that you can get instead a door lock. It wedges under the door, and if someone dares to open it during the night 120d alarm screams bloody murder. Instant intruder repellent. Perfect for solo travel, sketchy hostels, or just peace of mind. Because waking up to room service is nice, but waking up to an uninvited guest? Not so much. And that stuff is dirt cheap for something that gives so much peace of mind.
3. Personal Safety Alarm
Ever walked alone at night, clutching your keys like a makeshift weapon? Yeah, same. But instead of channeling your inner action hero, just grab a personal safety alarm like Birdie. One quick pull and a 130dB siren blasts through the air, louder than a fire alarm, plus a flashing strobe light to attract attention. Perfect for scaring off creeps or just making sure everyone in a 3-block radius knows you exist. Hope you will never need to use that in your life. But it’s cool to have just in case.
4. Money Belt or Bra Wallet
Want to keep your valuables safe but not ready to drop $$$ on an anti-theft bag? Check out the money belt and bra wallet. Those tiny, discreet, and way cheaper than a fancy backpack with hidden zippers. A money belt sits hidden under your clothes, keeping your passport, cards, and cash out of reach. Prefer something even more low-key? A bra wallet tucks into your bra so no pickpocket is reaching there (and if they do, that’s a whole different problem). Pair it with a regular bag for everyday stuff, and keep the important things hidden. Thieves will walk away empty-handed. Voila, you just saved a chunk of your travel budget for actual fun.
5. Travel-Sized Pepper Spray (Where Legal)
Check local laws, but if allowed, this can be a solid self-defense tool.
6. Download Offline Maps
Google Maps allows you to download maps for offline use. If you lose the signal, you won’t be lost!
7. Learn Basic Self-Defense Moves
A few simple techniques can help you escape dangerous situations. Consider taking a class before your trip.
Travel Smart, Stay Safe & Have Fun!
Solo travel is incredible, but staying aware, prepared, and confident is the key to having the time of your life. Remember: you are in control of your journey. Now go book that flight, explore the world, and make those travel dreams come true safely.
