Solo travel safety tips – practical advice for travelling alone

Research before you go

Good safety starts at home. A little research means you arrive knowing what is normal, what to avoid and who to call if something goes wrong.

Official travel advice

Read your own government's travel advice for the country, for example gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK travellers, travel.state.gov for US travellers or smartraveller.gov.au for Australians. These pages cover local laws, areas to avoid, common scams, health issues and emergency numbers. Advice changes, so check again shortly before you travel.

What else to find out

• The local emergency number and the contact details of your embassy or consulate.
• Local laws and customs that may differ from home, including dress codes, alcohol rules and photography restrictions.
• Which neighbourhoods are recommended for staying, and any areas people suggest avoiding at night.
• How reputable taxis or ride-hailing apps work in the city.
• Common scams reported by other travellers in that destination.

Travel forums and recent traveller accounts can be helpful, but they are personal experiences. Use them for practical details and weigh them against official advice rather than letting a single story shape your whole view of a place.

Finally, register with your government's traveller registration service if one is offered, and make sure your travel insurance covers the destination and activities you plan.

Choosing safe accommodation

Where you stay has a big effect on how safe and relaxed you feel. When you travel alone, a good location is often worth paying a little more for.

What to look for

• Location: a central, busy and well-lit area close to public transport, so you are not walking far at night.
• Recent reviews on major booking platforms, especially from other solo travellers, that mention the area, security and staff.
• A staffed reception or a clear way to contact the host at any time.
• Secure storage, such as a room safe or lockers in hostels.
• Female-only dorms or floors if you prefer, which many hostels offer.

Habits once you arrive

• Check that doors and windows lock properly. A small portable door wedge can add peace of mind.
• Note the fire exits and keep a torch or your phone light handy.
• Avoid saying your room number out loud at reception; ask staff to write it down if needed.
• Keep valuables locked away and carry only what you need for the day.

If anything about a property makes you uncomfortable when you arrive, you do not have to stay. Leaving and paying for another night elsewhere is a reasonable price for feeling safe.

Getting around safely

Transport is one of the areas where solo travellers are most likely to be overcharged or feel unsure, especially on arrival. A bit of planning removes most of the risk.

• Plan your arrival. Know how you will get from the airport or station to your accommodation, and try to arrive during daylight.
• Use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps where they operate. In apps, check the car number plate and driver details before getting in.
• Sit in the back of taxis and share your trip or location with someone you trust.
• Keep your bag close on buses and trains, ideally on your lap or within sight rather than in an overhead rack you cannot see.
• On overnight transport, choose a reputable company, keep valuables on your body and lock luggage where possible.
• Avoid accepting rides from people who approach you at airports or stations offering transport.

When walking, carry yourself with purpose and check maps before you set off rather than standing on a corner staring at your phone. If you feel lost, step into a shop, cafe or hotel to check directions.

Road safety deserves attention too. In many countries, traffic accidents are a more common risk to travellers than crime. Use seatbelts where available, wear a helmet on any scooter or motorbike, and be cautious about riding a scooter for the first time abroad. Check whether your insurance covers it.

Protecting your money, phone and documents

Petty theft and scams are among the most common problems travellers report. They are usually more frustrating than dangerous, and a few simple habits make you a much harder target.

Money

• Carry two or more bank cards and keep them in different places.
• Keep a small amount of cash for the day in an easy pocket and the rest hidden or locked away.
• Use cash machines inside banks or shopping centres where possible, and cover the keypad.
• When paying by card, choose to pay in the local currency to avoid poor conversion rates.

Phone and documents

• Use a screen lock and enable remote tracking and wiping.
• Keep your phone away from table edges in cafes and avoid holding it out near roads.
• Store digital copies of your passport, insurance and bookings in a secure place you can reach from any device.
• Leave your passport in a safe when you do not need it, unless local law requires you to carry it.

Common scams

Scams vary by country, but familiar patterns include unofficial guides, taxis without meters, distraction techniques in crowds, and friendly strangers steering you to a particular shop. A polite but firm no and walking away is usually enough. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If something is stolen, report it to the local police to get a report for insurance, cancel cards straight away, and contact your embassy if your passport is lost.

Nights out, alcohol and meeting new people

Meeting people is one of the joys of solo travel, and most people you meet will be friendly and genuine. It is still sensible to keep a few habits when you are alone and in an unfamiliar place.

• Drink less than you would at home. You need your judgement to get back safely, and drinks may be stronger than you expect.
• Watch your drink being made and keep it with you. If you leave it, get a new one.
• Plan how you will get home before you go out, and keep enough money or phone battery for it.
• Keep personal details vague with new acquaintances, such as exactly where you are staying, until you know them better.
• Meet new people in public places, particularly when meeting someone from an app or online group.
• Tell someone your plans, whether a friend at home, a fellow traveller or staff at your accommodation.

Group activities such as walking tours, pub tours run by hostels, classes and group trips can make evenings easier, because you go out with others and often return together.

Above all, trust your instincts. You do not owe anyone your company or an explanation. If a situation feels wrong, leave, head for a busy public place, or ask staff at a bar, restaurant or hotel for help. Saving the local emergency number in your phone means you can call quickly if you ever need to.

Safety tips for women travelling alone

Women travel solo all over the world, and many find it one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Most of the advice in this guide applies to everyone, but some situations are more likely to come up for women, and a few extra steps can help.

Before you go

• Read official travel advice, which often includes a section for women travellers, and look for recent accounts from women who have visited.
• Learn about local dress norms. Dressing in a similar way to local women in conservative areas can reduce unwanted attention and shows respect.
• Choose accommodation with good reviews from women travellers, or consider female-only dorms or floors.

On the trip

• Unwanted comments or staring can happen in some places. Not responding and walking on with confidence is often the most effective reaction.
• Some women wear a plain ring or mention a partner to deflect unwanted questions. This is a personal choice, not a requirement.
• Sit near other women or families on public transport where possible. Some cities have women-only carriages or sections.
• Be cautious about sharing your accommodation details or plans with people you have just met.
• Carry a charged phone and share your live location with someone you trust when you are out late or travelling between places.

Joining a group trip, including women-only group trips, is another option some women choose, especially in places that feel challenging to navigate alone. It is not the only safe way to travel, but it can make certain destinations feel more relaxed.

What to do if something goes wrong

Even with good preparation, things can occasionally go wrong. Knowing what to do in advance helps you stay calm and act quickly.

Keep these to hand

• The local emergency number and the number for your embassy or consulate.
• Your travel insurance emergency assistance number and policy number.
• Your bank's number for reporting lost or stolen cards from abroad.
• The address and phone number of your accommodation.
• An emergency contact at home who knows your rough plans.

In an emergency

• Medical problem: call local emergency services, then your insurer's assistance line as soon as possible. Many policies require you to contact them before or during treatment.
• Theft or loss: get to a safe place, cancel cards, and report the theft to police to obtain a written report for your insurer.
• Lost passport: report it to police and contact your embassy or consulate about an emergency travel document.
• Feeling threatened: move to a busy public place, a shop, a hotel or a restaurant, and ask staff for help or call the police.

If you are on a group trip, tell your tour leader or the operator's emergency contact straight away. They usually know local services and can help with translation, transport and paperwork.

After any incident, give yourself time to rest. It is normal to feel shaken, and talking to someone at home can help.