Okay, real talk: when I told my mom I was backpacking through Peru alone, she literally gasped and asked if I’d watched Taken one too many times. 😂 But here’s the tea, ladies—solo travel doesn’t have to be a horror movie plot. After 14 countries, 3 continents, and one very questionable overnight bus in Vietnam, I’m here to spill my unfiltered safety secrets that’ll make you feel like Jason Bourne (but with better skincare).
First: Your Gut is GPS 🧭
I used to roll my eyes at the whole “trust your intuition” thing—until that night in Marrakech. A “friendly” shopkeeper insisted on walking me to my riad, but my stomach did a full Olympic gymnastics routine. I politely dipped into a crowded café instead. Spoiler: He wasn’t just being chivalrous. Your gut is like that overly protective bestie who’s always right—listen to her. Pro tip: Practice the “Resting I’ll-Cut-You Face” in the mirror. Neutral expressions = magnet for unsolicited attention.
Accommodation Hacks That Aren’t Basic 🛎️
Hostels? Yes, but with strategy. I always book female-only dorms with 24/7 reception. Apps like Hostelworld let you filter reviews for “solo female safety.” Bonus: Those “free walking tours”? Goldmines for meeting other travelers. I met my current Berlin brunch squad through one! But here’s my weird trick—I arrive at new places during daylight. Navigating sketchy alleys at 2 AM? Hard pass.
The Art of Strategic Lying 🎭
“Is this your first time here?” Cue my Oscar-worthy performance: “Oh, I’m meeting friends later!” Adjusts imaginary Apple Watch. Always have a fake husband/BFF/local “cousin.” I even photoshopped a fake wedding ring pic for my lock screen. Creepy taxi driver asks if I’m alone? “My martial arts instructor is waiting at the hotel.” (Thanks, YouTube Krav Maga tutorials).
Tech to the Rescue 📱
My holy trinity:
1. Sitata (real-time travel alerts)
2. Noonlight (discreet panic button that texts your location to emergency contacts)
3. Maps.me (offline maps that work in the Mongolian wilderness)
But the real MVP? A $20 decoy wallet with expired cards and small cash. Got “mugged” in Barcelona—handed it over while my real passport and credit card were safely tucked in my menstrual cup stash. 💅
Cultural Homework = Power Move 📚
That time I accidentally flipped off a temple in Thailand? Yeah. Research local scams (looking at you, “broken taxi meters”), dress codes, and emergency phrases. In Japan, I learned “tasukete” (help) but never needed it—because I knew to avoid empty train cars during rush hour. Knowledge = confidence = less “lost puppy” vibes.
The Unsexy Stuff Nobody Talks About 🩺
Jet lagged and alone with food poisoning in Mexico City? Been there. Now I pack:
– Activated charcoal (works faster than your Tinder date’s excuses)
– A laminated emergency card in the local language (“I need a doctor”/“I’m allergic to ___”)
– Extra prescription meds (with a doctor’s note—TSA isn’t messing around)
Why This All Matters
Here’s the radical truth: The world isn’t more dangerous for women—we’re just conditioned to fear it. Did you know solo female travel has increased 230% since 2015? We’re rewriting the narrative, one boundary-pushing adventure at a time. Yes, be smart. But don’t let fear steal your sunsets over Santorini or spontaneous tango lessons in Buenos Aires.
Final thought? The scariest risk isn’t traveling—it’s staying home wondering “what if.” Now go book that flight and tag me in your “I did it!” post. 😉🌺