Solo Female Travel – Safety Tips Against Unwanted Attention

I’m pretty proud to say that I’m a solo female traveler and to be able to share my experiences and safety tips with anyone who might need it. But sometimes, I have to admit that I have to use gimmicks, especially when I’m dealing with unwanted attention.

Because yes, it’s true that being a woman traveling alone is still a little more at risk than a man, as we’re seen like easy prey and misogynistic behavior is unfortunately still common.

Don’t worry, though, with a little common sense and some helpful tips, you’ll soon be able to travel with peace of mind.

Not to mention, these situations of unwanted attention don’t happen that often, but as with everything else, it’s better to be safe than sorry. That’s why I’m going to share with you 9 things I’ve learned on the road to deal with or avoid unpleasant contexts.

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1. Never say you’re alone

Truth be told, I’m usually honest and tell everyone who asks that I’m traveling alone, whether it’s a complete stranger, the waiter in the restaurant, or the local tour guide.

But sometimes, you know, you get this gut feeling that makes you react instinctively, and before you know it, you blurted out to the taxi driver “Oh no, actually, I’m meeting a friend who’s waiting for me at my hostel, and we’re going to be traveling together for a few days”. Like where did that come from? I invented an imaginary friend in a split second, as if it were true. Who knew I could lie so well by the way?

Anyway, if you feel uncomfortable or someone’s too pushy with their questions, making up a friend or a boyfriend/girlfriend is sometimes the way to go. They usually stop pestering you with weird questions after that and you can relax.

2. The Invisible Boyfriend

That’s what I like to call him, because, well, I’m single! But when a man starts getting too clingy and giving me way too much unwanted attention, I like to put a stop to it and tell him that even though my boyfriend and I split up for a few days to travel on our own, I’ll be meeting up with him the next day, so thanks but no thanks, I’m already taken.

Let’s be honest, as a woman traveling alone, I’m sure you’ll meet lots of wonderful people, some of whom will remain your friends for life, but you’ll also meet those irritating people who can’t seem to take no for an answer, as if the word isn’t in their vocabulary.

Hence, the fake boyfriend, which has always worked for me! Jensen, Sam… and probably other names he’s had over the years!

3. Book a tour

Safety essentials can be anything: it can be simple tips, accessories, but also booking a tour. I usually use Klook or GetYourGuide and I’ve never had any complaints so far (I still recommend reading the reviews though).

Traveling to a new and unfamiliar city isn’t easy! Between figuring out the transportation system, the language, and other things, finding yourself alone in a place where you know no one and nothing can be quite disconcerting.

Joining a tour is often all you need to make new friends, feel safe, and avoid unwanted attention, since you won’t have to fend for yourself and will be accompanied by a guide and other people throughout the tour.

4. Fake wedding ring

This is probably one of the most well-known safety tips among solo female travelers.

I haven’t used it much, maybe once or twice, as my invisible boyfriend always did the trick, but I know a few other solo female travelers who swear by it, and with good reason too, because it’s a hack that has been tested and approved by the community.

So, if you’re afraid of encountering unpleasant situations and are looking for a simple but effective method: use the fake wedding ring, it’ll definitely deter the most persistent guys.

5. Travel safety items

Well, there are certainly no better tools for your safety when traveling than insurance and actual accessories. You can pack a safety whistle, a money belt, or any other items that makes you feel safe and that you know can attract attention in an emergency.

If you don’t know where to start, here are my 7 best travel safety items as a woman traveling solo!

6. Use ride-sharing apps

Forget taxis, unless you’re fluent in the language or know your way around the place you’re visiting well enough, i.e., if you’ve lived there before.

As someone who almost got scammed by infamous taxi meters, and having had a not so funny experience with a taxi driver in a couple of countries, I must say that it has put me off taxis.

Plus, you have no real way of knowing where you’re going (besides from tracking your location on Google Maps), or to know whose car you’re getting into when you take a taxi.

That’s the reason one of my safety tips abroad is to always use ride-sharing apps and avoid taxis. At least you can monitor your ride, there’s an in-app emergency button, and drivers are supposed to be pre-screened before being accepted into the app.

Personally, I feel much safer when I use it, and it’s often much cheaper than a taxi: important for my budget.

7. Shouting is the solution

Stuck in an unwanted situation or in real trouble? Shout at the top of your lungs!

I can’t remember who told me this, but I remember this: “the more noise you make, the more attention you’ll attract, and this simple fact can save you, because your attacker will certainly not want to be seen. So if you don’t have anything on you to make noise with, scream as loud as you can!”

Whether it’s shouting “fire” which apparently attracts more attention, or simply saying loudly “leave me alone”, using your voice is in itself a great deterrent.

8. Always have data

I used to travel without data (don’t tell my dad) and only use offline maps: yes, call me crazy or adventurous, but probably more crazy!

But now, I tend to avoid doing that, not only because it’s safer to have data, but also because it’s more convenient and reliable than offline maps.

Always having data is a must if you want to be prepared for any eventuality that might arise during your trip: be it being harassed by someone, getting lost, or any other situation.

Data is a bit like a safety net that reassures you and gives you the means to call for help if necessary.

9. Remember emergency numbers

Knowing and letting people know that you know emergency numbers and can call the police will make it much easier for you to deal with unwanted attention.

Often, people will be more likely to bother foreigners who are traveling alone in a country as they think you’re an even easier target since you don’t live there and don’t know the culture.

Showing them that you can take care of yourself and are willing to call the police will definitely scare them off. I mean, it doesn’t matter where you are, simply mentioning the police is often enough to defuse an uncomfortable situation.

Not to mention that knowing emergency numbers can also help you save lives.

I hope this list of safety tips against unwanted attention will help you plan your trip with greater peace of mind! Don’t hesitate to also check out apps like Meetup to easily make new friends, as well as Facebook groups.

And to take it a step further, here are a few destinations where I felt safe as a solo female traveler!