5 Tips for Female Solo Travelers to Stay Safe

Imagine...you just finished driving all day through a snow storm in the mountains in an area not familiar to you. You pull into a half full campground, unaware how to reserve a site, how to choose which site is safest, and you are running low on water. This was the situation I put myself into Day 1 of my trip. I felt completely in over my head but I made the choice to dive in head first into this journey and lessons needed to be learned on the fly.

So, to keep you from learning some of these lessons the hard way, here are 5 essential tips that have helped me feel secure and confident while exploring new places alone.

1. Research Your Destination

On my trip, I decided to camp within each National Park, which meant most camp sites were first come first serve since I was traveling during "off season". This meant I needed to pay in cash (with no opportunities to get cash back) and claim my spot with a piece of paper found on the billboard typically at the front of the campground. Knowing these tips prior to arriving to each location allowed me to prepare by; carrying small bills to pay exact amounts and knowing where to look for the paperwork once I arrived at the campground. The next big hurdle is to decide which campsite to choose. I never wanted to be right next to the bathroom to limit the amount of traffic around or sometimes even through my campsite. I always like to fly under the radar and having people constantly walk around my campsite made me feel uncomfortable. I typically would pick a site 3 to 4 spots over from the bathroom; close for me to walk there but far enough away that people wouldn't need to walk through my campsite to access the bathrooms. This distance and comfort level will be different for each person, figure out where you feel most comfortable and stick with that. If there was space to have an empty campsite between me and my neighbor I would prioritize that, you are looking for a balance of privacy without being too secluded.

Recap:

• Research how to pay and how much it will cost to have exact cash if needed.

• Understand where to look for registration paper and/or if there is an office.

• Online resources and forums are valuable for gathering updated safety information about your destinations.

• Choose a spot within your comfort zone, mine is 3 to 4 spots away from the bathroom, preferably with one empty spot between me and my neighbors.

  
  

2. Trust Your Instincts

Trusting your gut is one of the most important rules when traveling solo. Second, being to never dismiss you gut, even if its silly, even if it doesn't make sense. Listen To Your Gut! If a spot makes you uncomfortable and you can't pinpoint why, leave. If someone in a crowd is making you uncomfortable but you say you'll be fine since there are people around, leave. If you are in a public place and the back of your neck begins to tingle with the feeling that someone is watching you, leave. No questions asked, just listen. I truly believe trusting my instincts has kept me safe but also allowed me such great experiences with the people I meet along the way.

Recap:

• If something feels off, I've learned to listen to that feeling and leave.

• To track specific situations that have made me uncomfortable, I keep a journal so that I reduce the risk of putting myself in those situations again.

• I'll say it again: Listen To Your Gut!!

  
  

3. Stay Connected

My parents and many of my parent's friends were quite concerned when I told them I was traveling on my own, in my car, for 2 months in the most remote areas of the country. I don't blame them, it was one of my fears as well. I absolutely love my parents though because they never said I couldn't go. They never limited my dreams or crushed my aspirations, they just highly suggested specific safety precautions to help them sleep at night. The first being a SPOT satellite messenger which allowed me to send prewritten text messages to them every night which also gave my exact coordinate location. I also gave my parents a rough timeline of each park I was going to and where I was sleeping during my time there. With new technology, such as Starlink, and the ability to send satellite messages with your iPhone, staying connected can be much easier. It may feel silly telling someone where you are going but it's a good way to double check your safety. No one plans or expects the unexpected to happen. But, if it does, telling someone you trust where you should be can make it easier to bring you back to safety and help from afar. Also, in my case, I think it helped my parents sleep at night :)

Recap:

• Share your travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member.

• Share your location and/or a message with family/friends as you go as back-up support if needed.

• If available, utilizing technology such as location-sharing apps, ensures someone knows where you are at all times.

  
  

4. Choose Accommodations Wisely

When choosing where to sleep while on my own, I typically tried to avoid campgrounds outside National Parks that could have people that live there full time. I felt safer in an area where everyone was doing the same thing as me...staying for a couple nights and then moving on. This of course wasn't always an option which is when I reviewed the campgrounds online to make sure I was going to feel safe while there. Most places have reliable online reviews that can help you determine the best place to stay. Once a week I chose to pre-book a hotel or place I could shower, do laundry, and reset. Since I was living out of my Subaru Ascent with no running water, this once a week reset help me feel human again and keep my space clean.

Recap:

• Opting for reputable accommodations reduces the likelihood of unsafe situations.

• Reading reviews from other travelers provides invaluable insights.

• Staying in locations with good security measures, like 24-hour reception, contributes to peace of mind.

  
  

5. Plan Transportation Carefully

During my trip, most areas were accessible by driving my car but that isn't always the case when travelling to National Parks. For example, Zion National Park requires you to take a shuttle up into the canyon with specific shuttle passes required to ride. Pre-planning some of these transportation rides made these more complicated travel days go smoother.

Recap:

• Knowing reliable and safe transportation options helps avoid potential hazards.

• Utilizing rideshare services or reputable taxis can provide an extra layer of safety.

• Avoiding isolated public transport routes during late hours enhances security.

  
  

Conclusion

• By implementing these five tips, solo female travelers can enhance their safety on the road.

• Each practice not only promotes security but also empowers women to embrace their independence.

• I hope my experiences encourage you to explore the world confidently and safely.