Senior Women Traveling Solo - Part 2: 12 Ways to Stay Safe Once You Arrive at Your Destination

At the airport and on the plane (or train): 

1. Never be parted from your passport. Do not put your passport in your carry-on. There is always a chance that once you get to the gate or on the plane, a flight attendant will tell you that your carry-on has to be put in the plane’s cargo. Even if you put in in the overhead (there is a chance) though small small someone might tamper with your suitcase. It’s best to keep it on your person or in your personal item which is never out of your sight.

Upon arrival:

2. If you are taking a Uber/Lyft make sure you are getting in the right vehicle. Take a screenshot of the info for your ride that way if you should unfortunately leave something behind you have the information to locate it.

3. When you arrive at your hotel or destination take a business card right away and then take a photo of it on your phone.  This makes it much easier to get back to your hotel.  Just show the card or phone to your taxi driver or the person you are asking directions from. Make sure you keep a card or two just in case you can’t get a connection on your phone.  Don’t assume that just because you are staying at a name-brand hotel that the taxi service will know where it is.  In many cities, there is more than one Hilton, Marriott, Sofitel, etc.

4. Take a photo of what the front of the building looks like.

5. Walk with intention. Don’t look like you are lost or wandering.

6. Ask for directions or assistance in getting a cab at hotels even if you aren’t staying at that particular hotel. In some countries, cab drivers can be unlicensed or not what they appear to be.  The staff behind the hotel desk are likely to have better communication skills and perhaps a map to help you. They are also best at ordering a legitimate taxi service for you.

7. When eating out depending on the type of restaurant you are dining in, the bar, if meals are served there,  might be the most fun and safest place to dine. You need to carefully assess the situation.  Depending on the country, the bartender will try to make sure you are comfortable and not annoyed by others at the bar (unless you want to engage with them.) You can have a good conversation with the bartender asking about places to see and eat and also where not to go. If you feel uncomfortable at the bar you can always ask to be moved to a table for your meal.  Some women feel uncomfortable sitting at a table by themselves and are often given the worst seat in the house.

8. Don’t look like a tourist.  Try to blend in with locals. Dress appropriately. Don’t wear expensive jewelry or costume jewelry that might look expensive.

9. Stay connected: Carry a mobile phone with a local SIM card and keep it charged. Ensure you have access to emergency contact numbers, both local and from your home country. Install safety apps that allow you to share your location with trusted contacts.

Be cautious with personal information: Avoid sharing excessive personal information with strangers, especially about your travel plans, accommodation details, or solo status. Use discretion when using social media, as sharing real-time updates can compromise your safety.

10. If you don’t want romantic attention from another person, put on your wedding band.

         11.  When talking about where you are staying or going it’s best to use words like “we” or “us.”  It’s usually not a good idea to let strangers know you are in a strange city alone. 

12. Check out some day or multi-day trips with a travel site such as Viator.  Tired of seeing the sites alone or finding you are wasting too much time and money on navigating your own way to see them? Check out companies that make it easier.  There are group and private experiences that you can enjoy.  Everything from food tours to seeing local sites on full or half day tours, or taking multi day tours.  Also, most hotels will let you know of local companies that will provide these tours for you.

   Most of all, trust your own instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe for any reason, get out of the situation as soon as possible.  Usually, your instincts are correct.  Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. 

You’ve got this, now go travel!