Traveling to foreign cities or countries can evoke a mix of excitement and anxiety. As a female traveler, the stakes often feel higher (and let’s not even start on the complexities of traveling while black…lol). Despite the risks, solo travel remains a passion of mine. The desire to explore new places outweighs the fear. Through my experiences, I’ve gathered some invaluable tips for staying safe on the go.

1. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely: When it comes to hotels, prioritize safety over savings. Opt for accommodations in well-known, secure areas with easy access to public transport or rideshares. For me, staying in the heart of popular areas reduces the need to venture far from my accommodation, making getting around easier, as I can walk around.
2. Handle Money Matters Carefully: If you’re traveling to a destination you’re unfamiliar with, it’s wise to exchange some currency before your trip. This can help you avoid drawing unwanted attention when you arrive. In many countries, tourists using airport currency exchange services may be targeted by scammers or thieves. To prepare, contact your local bank ahead of time to inquire about how to exchange money before leaving. At the very least, you should have some local currency on hand upon arrival to cover basic expenses, such as transportation to your accommodation. If the local currency for your destination isn’t available, US dollars are widely accepted around the world and can serve as a reliable backup. Safety is a priority, even if it means paying a bit more. Before you travel, research reputable currency exchange providers, and once you’ve settled in, you can visit these locations for better rates—generally, exchange rates are more favorable outside airports.
3. Embrace Independence with Caution: Utilize apps for navigation to avoid signaling that you’re traveling alone by asking people for help. Google Translate is a fantastic tool for overcoming language barriers. Additionally, inform your bank of your travel plans and keep digital copies of essential documents in case of emergencies. Personally, I always ensure I have a working phone and extra cash on hand for added peace of mind.
4. Exercise Caution with Personal Information: Unless necessary, avoid disclosing that you’re traveling alone. It’s unfortunate but safer to imply you’re with someone else, preferably a male, especially when dealing with strangers and let them know that he is close by.
5. Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your gut feelings. If something feels off, it probably is. Your subconscious often alerts you to potential dangers—heed its warnings.
6. Mind Your Nightlife: Enjoying the nightlife is part of the adventure, but do so responsibly. Stick to popular areas near your hotel, avoid excessive drinking, and never leave your drink unattended. Utilize legitimate rideshares for safe transportation back to your accommodation.
7. Be Cautiously Friendly: While meeting new people can be enriching, be mindful of sharing personal details. Create a separate persona until you feel comfortable with someone. Revealing too much information could make you a target for opportunistic crimes. Building relationships on the road is part of the experience, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety above all else.
8. Travel Light and Discreet: Minimize the valuables you carry, and refrain from flaunting expensive items on social media. Avoid sharing your location in real-time to prevent unwanted attention. Remember the incident involving Kim Kardashian getting robbed in Paris? Shortly after flaunting her diamonds on social media, she was targeted. Practice caution and avoid posting expensive belongings online. It’s better to keep a low profile and protect yourself from potential threats.
9. Educate Yourself About Your Destination: It’s easy to forget certain precautions when transitioning from quieter cities like Houston to bustling metropolises. For instance, in crowded areas like train stations, the risk of pickpocketing increases significantly. Before exploring such destinations, refresh your knowledge about common scams and safety tips. Stay alert and safeguard your belongings, especially in high-traffic tourist spots. Being proactive in learning about the specific risks of each location can help you navigate unfamiliar territories more confidently.
10. Plan Ahead and Travel Light: Before embarking on your journey, take the time to craft a detailed itinerary and get acquainted with the attractions you’ll be visiting including having offline maps saved. This serves as a safeguard against potential scams and mishaps. Additionally, remember to pack light, especially when exploring crowded tourist spots. Having fewer belongings to manage allows you to keep track of your possessions. I used to be the girl with a phone, a purse and DSLR camera and a tripod. Now, I take a crossbody purse that can fit money, ID, a phone and sunglasses and I tour light and happy.

By adding these tips into your travel routine, you can explore the world with confidence while prioritizing your safety. Happy travels!

Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Washington D. C.