How I stay safe as a solo female traveller

As a solo female traveller, safety is of utmost importance. It’s essential that I take the necessary precautions to ensure my safety while travelling. To make sure I stay safe, I always follow certain rules when travelling alone. Here are some things I’ve learnt along the way.

Never walk around with multiple bank cards - I only have my Revolut card and a little bit of cash

In today's increasingly cashless society, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with carrying multiple bank cards. Carrying multiple cards can put you at risk of losing them or having them stolen, as well as making it difficult to keep track of your spending. For this reason, I recommend that you only carry one card - my preferred choice is the Revolut card - and a small amount of cash in case of emergency. By doing so, you will be able to keep your finances secure while still being able to access the money you need when needed. If someone was to take my revolut card, they wouldn’t be able to access my bank accounts or top up the money without the app on my phone.

Never drink alcohol with strangers

Drinking alcohol with strangers can be a risky activity. It can put you at risk of being taken advantage of, or even worse, becoming the victim of a crime. When drinking with strangers, it is important to remember that you may not know who they are or what their intentions are. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol with strangers altogether if possible.

It is also important to remember that even if someone appears friendly and trustworthy, they may still have malicious intentions. Furthermore, alcohol impairs judgment and can lead to making poor decisions that you may later regret. Despite this, I like to believe the good in people and after getting to know people, having a beer and going to a bar can be fun!

Let people know where you are

Keeping your family and friends informed of your whereabouts is important. It can help to keep them updated on what you are doing and where you are going. You can easily let people know where you are so they know when to expect you back or if something unexpected happens. I usually set an alarm when I’m catching a flight or getting on a coach and send my family the google maps location of where I’m staying so they have the address and phone number just in case.

Whether it's a long trip abroad or a short weekend getaway, having the ability to let people know where you are is essential for staying safe and connected with those closest to you.

Be careful with your phone

Walking around with your phone on display can be risky, as it can easily get stolen if you're not careful. It's important to take precautions when carrying your phone in public, such as keeping it in a secure pocket or bag, or holding it close to your body. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings and avoid using your phone while walking in areas that may be dangerous. Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of having your phone stolen while you are out and about. In certain situations sometimes I prefer to ask people for directions instead of using my phone if I don’t feel safe. I also have a spare, old phone in my backpack in case something happens to my iPhone. Sim cards are easily available in many countries - especially South East Asia.

I very rarely tell people I’m alone

Everyone’s seen that film taken right?? Ok a lil extreme but it always reminds me to never tell random people that I’m travelling alone. Of course I like to remain positive and after 7 months there has only been a few occasions where I have felt unsafe. But it is important to be aware of our surroundings and to take the necessary steps to ensure our safety. One way to do this is by not letting people know when we are alone, as this can make us vulnerable and a potential target. For example when I’m in a taxi and making conversation I usually say I’m going to meet colleagues or my boss (which sometimes is true) - even when I check into my accommodation I may book a single room but I always say I’m travelling with work (which I guess is also true).

Ok after reading this myself I sound a lil negative. Don’t get me wrong most people are nice and normal. Everyone I’ve met so far has been awesome and I have been surprised at the kindness of strangers - but sometimes being a female alone in a different country can suck. If I had a pound every time someone has asked me if I’m scared or told me it was dangerous I could probably pay off my student debt. But I truly believe women should travel solo at least once in their lives. I’ve learnt to overcome my fear of being alone and gain a unique sense of independence.

Rare photo of me hiking in New Zealand.

This is what I normally look like, trying to move my hair out of the way to take photos!