Is Solo Travel Safe for Women? Q&A

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00:00 Intro
00:28 Is traveling alone as a woman safe?
01:18 What are your top safety tips?
04:16 How do you decide if a destination is safe?
05:38 Good destinations for beginners?
06:47 Airbnbs or Hotels?
07:48 Do you see other women traveling solo?
08:09 Hardest part of traveling alone?
09:01 Is dining alone awkward?

[allisonanderson]

Thanks for watching! Drop your best solo travel tips in a comment below!

[MacTravellers]

I think for women alone there’s a whole category of unwanted attention and harassment that needs to be considered separately from safety.

[debbic]

Great video. I’ve been traveling alone for many, many years. I’m 71 and will continue as long as I’m able. My biggest tip is never tell anyone you’re alone. People assume you’re with someone else so don’t tell them anything different.

[Toriano]

I've travelled internationally solo at least 4 times and it has always been safe for me.
The tip I'd give is for the solo traveller to always respect the traditions, norms and culture of the country they're going to. I say this mainly because I've travelled to Arab and Moslem countries often; UAE, Egypt, Lybia,

[cozyhome]

I took a solo trip from Wyoming to Galveston Texas several months ago. I felt totally safe the whole time. I never stayed out after dark. I always locked up the airbnb I stayed at, whether I was there or not, but I too feel safer in a hotel. I did rent a car so I could do my own thing and not necessarily have to chat and end up telling a stranger I was in the area alone. I did dress very casually and didn't carry all of my cards and cash on me. I was in almost constant contact with my husband as well. I DID wake up early for sunrises and long walks on the beach. There was never anyone around, (it was February) it was magical and a very fun trip. I did dine alone, I'm 40 so I've done it before. It was fantastic. I'd love to travel alone again asap! -I'd love to go to Savanna!

[veebee]

Nothing is safe. Nothing is promised. And nothing lasts forever. Live your life now!

[travelmurmur]

"Is being a woman safe?" That really is the right question 💔 I think all your tips are super helpful! I would also say that female clothing usually doesn't include pockets and if whatever you're wearing has pockets they're either too small or too loose so be careful when you put things in your pockets like a phone or credit cards. And never assume you're safe just because there are people around. That's what I learned the hard way!

[jennahoran]

I travel alone quite a lot, mostly within the US, and often in remote areas. Always be aware of your surroundings, try to never look lost, act like you know what you are doing. Book hotels in advance so that you have a known destination and check in online if that’s possible, so that the hotel knows to expect you. ALWAYS update someone in your life regularly with your location, especially if driving or flying. Lock your car doors, even when getting gas. At night, stay close to well lit entrances if you’re parking or entering/exiting a building. Separate cash and cards among multiple bags, in case something is stolen. Carry back up chargers for your phone.

Confidence is key - look and act like you are from there and know what you’re doing. If something feels wrong, assume it is wrong.

[michellecherie]

Canadian here, and gotta say, I don't feel the safest travelling alone in many US cities these days.

[alison_]

Agree with all these points! 100% recommend some solo travel to anyone thinking about it.
Also, if you're apprehensive, start small with a weekend trip.

[AnnaAnna]

"I'd rather be sitting on the beach in Portugal" I felt like you spoke to me because I'm going to Portugal in a few weeks and your blog post and a video about your trip there is why I decided to go 😅

[Robyncavallaro]

I took my first solo trip when I was 18...40 years ago, I worked for the airline and flew to Miami for the weekend. My channel is about Florida Real Estate, food and fun and have decided to add a Solo Travel component. I know so many women who will not travel on their own and feel it limits them. I want to empower women, especially over 50, to get out there and do it. Love your content and you're are an awesome photographer!

[lisas]

Pretty much all my travel has been solo and I've never really felt unsafe. One of my biggest tips not covered in this video, is to always carry a well-charged power bank. That way you can always recharge your phone if the battery starts dying after all that Google mapping and train schedule checking. I also never post on social media where I am or where I'm going. I just text my contacts or make a good old-fashioned call. I stay at hostels because I'd rather spend my money on experiences than a bed. However, I do make sure it's in a good central, busy location. And, last but not least, try to dress like the locals to avoid standing out too much.

[kimcamp]

I never thought of considering whether women work outside the home to reflect on the level of safety for women travelling there, but it totally makes sense to ask that question

[maevee]

Have solo traveled 3 times internationally this year as a 20 year old woman (because you inspired me!) it is so empowering, yes it can be safe or unsafe, and I have had some dodgy and scary moments but I always pretend I have friends nearby/pretend to be on the phone/and yes save your data! Be willing to change your plans- I don't plan in advance, I have a rough idea but I plan my route as I go along so I don't feel pressured to get somewhere for the night. This also comes with its own risks financially!! Currently solo travelling around Greece then onto Italy, loving it!

[birgitsmetana]

Thank you Allison for sharing your tips & tricks. I like that way to check whether a place is safe ... I started solo-travelling many years ago - when I recognized that if I always wait for someone to join in, I'll never go anywhere. Many, many, many trips later, I can only say, this has been the right decision. I'd say I never felt unsafe - yet, of course I ran into one or the other dodgy situation, yet luckily it always worked out fine. If you're thinking of whether you should go or not - do it! It's so worth it! (and still today, I usually think, when I'm supposed to go to wherever for the weekend "what on earth should I do there by myself?!?" - after months and countless solo-trips, I can assure you, I've always found something to do, see or learn) (Solo-)Travel is beautiful! ❤

[lostpinemedia]

Another tip that goes along with the itinerary, is to write down a list of clothes/outfits you take with so, so that if you do go missing or get lost or stranded, at least people have a general idea of what you might be wearing!

[AsianGargamel]

Awesome advice, thanks for sharing. Just getting into travelling solo. Found it weird the first time and at times I wished I would be able to share a nice moment with somebody. However for concentrating on photography and getting creative juices flowing, it is almost crucial to be by one’s self and don’t have guiltily feelings because someone is waiting for you to take the 50th shot from yet another angle.

[Musimakeup]

100% agree that the stats confirm that in most cases the place in question actually has a lower crime rate than where you live. (Won't even comment if you're in the us).. only point is in your own urban area you know where the dodgy / dangerous places are, so you're relatively safer.

[lenajc]

I recently travelled solo and I agree with all your tips. I also found myself doing takeout at the end of a long day :)