Making sure you’re safe when traveling alone is one of the most crucial factors to take into account, particularly when selecting lodging. Your accommodation should offer comfort, safety, and peace of mind as a female traveler traveling alone so that you can concentrate on having fun. To assist you in selecting lodgings that put your safety and wellbeing first when you’re traveling alone, I’ve included some useful advice and personal anecdotes in this guide.
1. Research, Research, Research
Always conduct extensive research before making any reservations for lodging. Start by looking through reviews from reliable websites like Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Google. Take note of remarks regarding the property’s location, cleanliness, and security. Because they frequently cover safety issues you might not have considered, reviews from other female travelers traveling alone can be especially helpful. Investigating the general safety of the neighborhood where the lodging is situated is also a smart idea because some neighborhoods might not be suitable for female travelers traveling alone, particularly at night.
Pro Tip: Look for accommodations with high ratings from other solo travelers and avoid places with recurring negative comments about safety or unsavory incidents.
2. Choose Safe, Well-Reviewed Areas
One of the most crucial aspects to take into account while selecting lodging is location. As a woman traveling alone, I always try to reserve accommodations in frequented, secure areas, preferably near public transportation or well-known tourist destinations. Steer clear of isolated locations, particularly if you’re new to the city or the countryside. Even while they might appear serene, rural areas might make you feel alone, especially if there aren’t many people nearby to help in an emergency.
Pro Tip: Use online tools like Google Maps to gauge the safety of the neighborhood. You can also research the area on travel forums and ask fellow solo travelers for advice.
3. Opt for Trusted Accommodation Brands
While independent hostels or guesthouses can be charming, I often find that well-known chains—whether it’s a reputable hotel chain or a trusted hostel brand—tend to have higher security standards. These lodgings frequently have trained staff accustomed to serving lone travelers, more reliable security methods (such key card entry and surveillance cameras), and 24-hour reception services. They are typically found in tourist-friendly, safer regions, and you’ll frequently run into other lone travelers, which can give you even more peace of mind.
Pro Tip: Consider booking with accommodation providers that are part of a larger network, like Hostelling International or chains like Hilton, Marriott, or Ibis.
4. Secure Your Room with Additional Measures
It’s important to take extra precautions to safeguard your room after you’ve checked into your lodging. I, along with many other female travelers who fly alone, always carry a portable door lock or a door jammer, which provides an additional degree of security while in your room. These low-cost devices are convenient to pack and offer comfort, particularly when visiting locations with less stringent security than you would prefer.
Furthermore, never open your room door to strangers, even if they pose as hotel employees, and always lock it when you are in your room. Before allowing someone to enter if they knock and appear suspicious, ask the front desk to confirm their identity.
Pro Tip: Consider using a hotel safe to store valuables such as passports, money, and electronics when you’re not in your room. If there is no safe in your room, ask the front desk to store your valuables for you.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Trusting my gut is one of the most important things I’ve learned from my travels. Don’t be afraid to switch accommodations or leave the property if something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s the atmosphere of the lodging, the conduct of other visitors, or the neighborhood. Priority should always be given to safety, and perhaps paying a little bit more for peace of mind is worth it.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about a booking, consider booking a place for just one night initially. If it doesn’t feel right, you have the flexibility to move on to a different location without being locked into a longer stay.
6. Stay Connected with Family or Friends
When traveling alone, it’s important to keep a sense of freedom, but I always make sure that someone is aware of my accommodations. Give a family member or close friend the specifics of your lodging, such as the address, phone number, and check-in and check-out timings. Tell them when you intend to return to your lodging each night as well, particularly if you’re going out late or touring a new city.
Pro Tip: Keep your phone charged and with you at all times. If you’re staying in a place with unreliable Wi-Fi or poor signal, consider investing in a local SIM card with data, so you can stay connected even in more remote areas.
7. Stay Vigilant, Especially at Night
I always make it an effort to be alert when I’m traveling alone, especially after dark. Even though I try to avoid it, there are situations when I can’t avoid going for a nighttime walk by myself in new places. In these situations, I always make sure to be in well-lit locations, keep my possessions near to my body, and steer clear of distractions like staring at my phone. Whenever feasible, I take cabs or ridesharing services (like Uber or Lyft) instead of walking back to my lodging.
Pro Tip: If you’re going out after dark, plan your route ahead of time, and try to return to your accommodation well before it gets too late.