Sometimes you just want to go it alone.  It can be a fun and exhilarating travel experience.  These suggestions are mostly aimed at women not traveling solo on an organized tour but traveling totally alone.  That said, many of the hints are helpful for all travelers.

Unfortunately, a woman traveling alone has to be constantly vigilant in most countries. There are many things you can do to have a wonderful experience and feel secure.

Here are twelve ways to play it safe:

Before you go:

1. Do your homework.

Spend time researching the places you want to go. Go on line. Watch YouTube videos. Look at tour company sites. Most of them will have a good itinerary and have videos of the areas they visit. Do your research thoroughly. Besides helping you feel comfortable with where you are going, you probably will pick up a few tips on how to save money, what to see near by and where to eat. Learn what areas to avoid. Understand the local customs, cultural norms, and any safety concerns specific to that area. Knowledge about the local environment will help you make informed decisions.

2. Learn about local customs and culture. For example, in many countries a woman cannot enter a church unless her shoulders and knees are covered. Always carry a large scarf or shawl that you can cover yourself with. In Japan, you cannot go to the most onsens (bathhouses) if you have a tattoo. Be respectful.

3. Choose safe accommodations: Read reviews about what are the safest neighborhoods. Check out hotels on hotel sites and read reviews from readers who indicate that the hotel is safe for solo travelers. See if there are reception services and front desk services 24/7.

4. Before you leave, let people back home know where you are going.   If you have an itinerary it is wise to give it to several people.   If you don’t know where you are going each day or if you have an itinerary change, text or email each day a few of your designated friends/family so they know where you are going. and where you are at.  This is not only a good idea for your own safety but also if there is an emergency back home a friend/family member and you need to be reached quickly. Also, make a copy of your passport and airline tickets just in case your lose them or lose your phone too.

Include information about your insurance, your doctor and any medication you are taking.

5. Consider sharing your whereabouts with several people back home by using location-sharing apps on your phone such as Google location sharing. That way if you have a change of plans or forget to send an update, others will at least have some idea of where you are.   Be sure to keep your location sharing on “on”.  

6. Make copies of your passport. Take a photo on your phone.

7. Keep emergency contact information in your purse and/wallet and also on your phone.  You should have a list of any medications you are taking, any allergies, and your insurance information.   

8. Learn a few words in the language of the country you are visiting.  Often people will say they don’t speak English but once they hear that you are trying to speak their language they will often respond in English much better than you do in theirs.  (This will also make your trip much more enjoyable.)  There are many free YouTube videos and language apps that will help you learn basic traveler language skills.

Also, download a translating app. It can be very helpful in communicating with people both when you speak and when they respond.

9. Hire a reliable service to pick you up and deliver you to your first hotel.   This is an especially worthwhile expense if you are unfamiliar with the city, might be arriving late, and are likely to be tired after a long flight. It’s truly wonderful to have someone there with a sign and an extra hand to help with luggage and get you to your destination with the least  hassle.

If you are taking an Uber, make sure that you are getting the right car. Check you phone for the type of car and name of the driver. Also, let the driver ask if you are the person s/he is looking for, not the other way around.

10. Don’t take too much luggage.  Minimize everything.  It’s much easier to maneuver if you have less to deal with. You will be less likely to be accosted on the street if you look like you are not struggling with your belonging.  Wear comfortable shoes. Take a backpack that isn’t too big or a bag the fits and attaches to your suitcase handle. Make it easy.

  11. Purchase an inexpensive wedding band.  Whether you are married or not, it might be beneficial to wear a simple band.  Also, in many countries, married women are treated with more respect than single women.  Also, you will be able to fend off Lotharios more easily.

12. Always, always keep your passport on you. When you get to the airport, train, etc. it’s always a possibility that you may be separated from your carry-on.

13. Check out the U.S. State Department Site for Travel Alerts and level of caution for the country/countries you are visiting. Be sure to register with the State Department’s STEP Program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program).

The State Department lists the benefits of enrolling in the program:

Benefits of Enrolling in STEP The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

• Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.

• Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.

• Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

You’re all set to go! Your prepared, have a good idea of where you are going and what you want to do. Have given all your necessary information to family and friends. Shared your location and are keeping your location “on” on your phone. You’ve learned several words and downloaded a language app for the countries your are visiting. You’ve arranged for a car to pick you up once you get to your destination or your know there is Uber or Lyft that you can contact. You are traveling light and have comfortable shoes. And you’ve packed a ring band in case you need it.

Next: PART 2 - How to Stay Safe Once You Arrive.