Table of Contents
Introduction
Travelling solo has been one of the most empowering experiences of my life. However, I would be lying if I said that safety isn’t always on my mind. It is always on my mind. And whether I’m in Southeast Asia, Europe, South America or Africa. Travelling solo as a Black British woman does come with its own unique set of challenges. My confidence with travelling solo has got better and thus, over the years I’ve picked up strategies that help me travel boldly, but smartly solo.
In this post, I’ll share how I’ve stayed safe while travelling solo and the importance of staying safe while solo travelling. If you’re thinking of taking your first solo trip, or you want to feel more confident on your next one. Then you’re in the right place because this post is just for you.
If you are looking for more safety tips for solo travellers read – Travel Solo with Confidence: 7 Must-Have Tools for Your Journey
How Staying Safe While Solo Travelling Works
Travelling solo and staying safe while solo travelling is sooo important to me and it should be important to you. Here are my solo travel safety tips on how to start solo travelling and how I stay safe:
1. I Do My Research
Before I book flights or accommodation, I do a deep dive on:
- Local scams
- Cultural norms (especially dress codes or solo female expectations)
- Areas that are best to avoid
- Emergency contacts in that country
- Find out where my local embassy is
I simply do a quick Google search on [the country] and then go ahead and look at some blogs, travel forums, and social media (especially TikTok and Instagram Reels) for recent traveller feedback. I tend to always stay up-to-date with the news so I’m usually aware of whats happening globally.
2. I Dress Appropriately
While I love fashion, mainly travel fasion. I also consider safety first, especially in conservative countries. I dress respectfully for the culture and avoid flashy jewellery or expensive bags. It does not mean you can’t travel solo looking good, but feeling secure solo and not attracting unnecessary attention is important. Dress well, dress appropriately.
Living in Morocco I recall when I first moved there and the heat was getting to me LOL. I had to be mindful of the clothes I wore to ensure I wasn’t always attracting unnecessary attention. I’m getting better now, trust me. Read- What to Wear in Morocco as a Woman: A Useful Guide From Someone Who Lived There
3. I Always Share My Location
I use Google Maps‘ live location sharing to update a close friend or family member. Don’t go sharing this with your associates. Make sure you truly trust who you’re sharing your location with
I have my ‘Find My Iphone’ location turned on for my mum, dad and a few close friends. So they always know where I am.
Whether I’m out sightseeing or just going for dinner, someone always knows where I am especially if I’m in a new country.
4. I Use Uber, InDrive, Careem & Reputable Transport Apps
I avoid random taxis when travelling solo. Across Morocco for example, different cities use different apps (some don’t use Careem and some cities don’t use InDrive). I use Uber in most countries. In Morocco Uber doesn’t exist so I use Careem or InDrive depending where I am. Things to check before you get into the car:
- Double-check the license plate
- Sit in the back
- Send the ride info to a friend
5. I Book With Tour Guides
I always book my tours with companies like Viator or GetYourGuide. This ensures that I’m not alone when I travel because I’m picked up by a travel company and end up travelling with lots of other travelers that are also usually travelling solo too.
6. I Book Accommodations With Strong Reviews
I always filter for safety when booking Airbnbs or hotels. I:
- Look for reviews mentioning safety, especially from solo travellers
- Make sure it’s in a well-lit, busy area
- Check if there’s 24/7 reception
- Tend to stay in hotels above 4*
7. I Carry Two Bank Cards and Keep Cash Separate
Losing access to your money abroad is not the one. I’ve thankfully never lost my cards abroad, but I do tend to lose cash when I have it. So I always carry:
- Two bank cards in different place
- A small amount of emergency cash
- One card in my purse, another hidden in my luggage
8. I Use Discernment
If something feels off, I leave. I don’t go out to much in the evening unless I’m close by or I can blend in easily. For example as a Black woman going out in Casablanca is easy because there are so many Black people here.
Whether it’s a conversation, a bar, or a dodgy alley. I just don’t ignore that feeling. I act on it.
9. I Pray About My Travels
This ties in with number 7. Praying about my solo travels is so important to me. I pray about everything, but when it comes to booking the flight, booking the hotel etc. I have to let God know that I’m alone and I need guidance and protection – always.
Staying Safe While Solo Travelling Tips
Solo travel safety tips makes it is seem like travelling solo isn’t safe, but it actually really is. Travelling solo doesn’t have to be scary. In fact it can be liberating. It can be the very thing you didn’t think you needed. You just need be smart about it.
These tips have helped me stay safe across 10+ countries, and I hope they empower you to travel solo with confidence.If you’ve travelled solo before, what are your go-to safety tips?
And if you haven’t, what’s really stopping you?
Let’s discuss in the comments. And not that you have some traveler solo travel tips safety advice stories and destinations can be found – 16 Best Countries for Black Women to Solo Travel (Safe & Real Experiences).
Want a downloadable checklist of my top solo safety steps? I’m working on something just for you subscribe to the blog to get it first. And please sign up for my Solo Travel Challenge as I don’t want anyone feeling left out! I will be sharing tips, ticks and building your confidence to get you on you solo travel.
Happy travelling solo,
MBVs x
