Safety Tips for Travelers

I’m all about arriving somewhere and seeing where the wind blows me, but not when it comes to safety. As a solo female traveler, I just don’t feel like I have that luxury. Every country has different safety concerns and common crimes that you should be aware of before you arrive. As an American, the first place I go for information on safety considerations, important local laws, and a general country overview is Trave.State.Gov. It also has tailored info for travelers with special considerations, like women, LGBTQI+, and people with disabilities (more on this and other helpful sites on my Resources page under “Inclusivity”). Citizens of other countries should check their governments’ equivalent.

Avoid flaunting wealth in public. It’s best to avoid wearing expensive-looking clothing or jewelry and carrying pricey cameras or accessories. If you want to carry a nice camera, GoPro, or smartphone, use your best judgment when taking it out in public places.

Try to blend in. Keep in mind that speaking a different language than the locals signals to others that you are a foreigner and, therefore, an easier target. I usually try not to speak loudly in English when I’m in public abroad. If I’m in a location where theft and robbery are common, I avoid taking photos in public so that I don’t stand out. Another thing to avoid is looking lost or distracted in public. If you need to look at a map or your phone, step inside somewhere to do so or to ask for directions. On that note, check out the “App” section of my Resources page to find out how to use Google Maps without data so you don’t get lost.

Look into the safety of both private and public transportation wherever you’re going. There are places, for example, where it’s not safe to hail a taxi off the street or where women should avoid public transportation because of the risk of gender-based violence.

Always wear a seatbelt if there is one. Road safety and drunk driving are issues everywhere. If you’re unlucky, seat belts make the difference between life and death.

I generally avoid taking taxis off the street in foreign countries. If you need to take a taxi, it’s best to have your hotel, assuming it’s reputable, call a trusted taxi service for you.

In most places, I opt for a ride-sharing app. You have upfront price transparency, can share your ride with a contact on your phone for safety purposes, follow along on the map to make sure you’re going in the right direction, and can report issues in the app.

Having said that, ride-sharing apps are not foolproof. You should always research them first. For example, in Azerbaijan, the cheapest rides on Bolt, the regional ride-sharing app, are often in cars that don’t have seatbelts and where it’s not unheard of for drivers to try to scam foreigners by claiming the online payment didn’t go through and demanding cash.

If you’re traveling alone on a bus or train, it’s best not to sit in the window seat because you box yourself in. Try to stay alert and not fall asleep when on a long bus or train ride.

Be especially careful in overcrowded public transportation. When you’re stuffed like a sardine against other people, it’s easy for someone to slip their hand in your purse or touch you inappropriately. When possible, I try to keep my back against a wall and my bag against my chest to avoid having all sides of my body exposed to the people around me.

In many countries, locals use informal taxi services or shared minivans or buses. These are cheaper, but without local knowledge and language skills, they can be risky. That’s why government officials are usually not allowed to take these forms of transportation.

Steer clear of places with limited lighting or space to maneuver, like alleyways. At night, avoid walking alone and in unpopulated areas, like parks and beaches. You want people to be around in case you need to call for help. Be just as alert in overcrowded areas or during a big public event or gathering, where people can easily brush up against you. Also avoid protests, where the situation can escalate quickly. Once in Paris, I was walking by peaceful protesters during the Yellow Vests protests, munching on macaroons, when the police showed up and tear-gassed everyone, myself included. Not my smartest move!

Alcohol impairs judgment, cognition, alertness, and reaction time. So, unfortunately, the more you drink, the more vulnerable you become. When you’re having a drink (at home or abroad), don’t leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from someone you don’t know well. You should order a drink, watch it be made, and have eyes on it at all times. A good practice to pace yourself is to have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.

Avoid being out in public if you’ve had a lot to drink, especially at night. If you’re going to drink late at night, consider drinking somewhere near where you’re staying. If that’s not an option, go home using a reputable ride-sharing app rather than walking far in public.

Every place has unique activities you’ll want to take part in, like hot air ballooning in Turkey. Look into safety and the service provider first. I’m always happy to spend more money to be safer. Keep in mind that there’s a different level of regulation and oversight in every country, so often you need to use your best judgment. I’ve seen a mother and daughter hospitalized in Indonesia after renting a motorbike without a license to drive one and a teenager permanently paralyzed after cliff diving on an organized tour in Sardinia.

For guidance on how to navigate solo travel, check out Traveling Alone: Advice & Tips.