Safety Tips for Travelers

I’m all about arriving somewhere and seeing where the wind blows me, but not when it comes to safety, especially as a solo female traveler. I am traumatized enough as it is (jk, but really).

Every country has different safety concerns and common crimes that you should absolutely be aware of before you arrive. Don’t be like those people who accidentally stumble over an unmarked border into a hostile country. That’s an extreme example, so here’s another one. In places that suffer from violent crime, fighting back or refusing to give up your belongings when you’re being robbed will get you killed. These are things you should know in advance.

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 information 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’ equivalents.

Try to blend in and not flaunt 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.

There are a couple of other ways you can avoid drawing attention to yourself. First, keep in mind that speaking a different language than the locals signals to others that you are a foreigner. I usually try not to speak loudly in English when I’m in public to make myself less of a target. If I’m in a place where theft and robbery are a risk, I also avoid taking photos in public so that I don’t stand out. Another thing to avoid is looking lost in public. If you’re lost or need to look at a map, step inside somewhere to figure things out or ask for directions. On that note, check out the App section of my Resources page to find out how to use Google Maps offline without data when you’re abroad.

Look into the safety of both private and public transportation where 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.

In general, wear a seat belt if you can. Road safety and drunk driving are issues everywhere. If you’re unlucky, seat belts make the difference between life and death.

I avoid taking taxis because the driver has full control. 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.

I always try to use a ride-sharing app. You have full 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 easily report issues in the app if needed.

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 banned from taking these forms of transportation.

Steer clear of places with limited lighting or space to maneuver, like alleyways. Similarly, it’s best to avoid walking alone at night in most places. Keep away from unpopulated areas, like beaches and parks at night. You want people to be around in case you need to call for help. Also be careful in overcrowded areas or during a big event or public gathering. The more people around, the easier it is for someone to walk very close to you inconspicuously, and the more distracted you are.

Also avoid protests where things can escalate quickly and peaceful activism be met by a violent response from authorities. I was once tear-gassed by police in Paris during the Yellow Vests protests because I wanted a macaroon from a shop people were protesting next to and naively didn’t expect police to use disproportionate force. Yes, that was dumb.

If you see someone coming towards you and feel you might be at risk, trust your gut and move away quickly. The same goes for people who are holding things that could be used as a weapon. It’s a very bad sign in Rio, for example, if someone approaches you with a bottle in their hand.

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.

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 in an Uber or another 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 young woman forever paralyzed after cliff diving on a tour in Sardinia.

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