Safe Solo Travel: A Guide for 2025

More travelers than ever are discovering the freedom and excitement of exploring the world on their own terms and schedule. Solo travel isn’t just a trend either:

• Solo travel market expected to grow at 9.1% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) between 2023-2030
• 59% of travelers are looking to venture alone in 2024 (according to Booking.com)
• 27% plan to go solo on their next trip – double from previous years (according to Globus)

It’s a dramatic shift, as evidenced by the numbers, and solo adventures now account for more than double the planned trips compared to previous years.

With this newfound independence comes the solo responsibility of staying safe while traveling. Whether you’re a veteran solo traveler or just starting out, this guide will walk you through the essential safety strategies that let you embrace the solo travel experience while staying safe.

Before you go: smart tips to prepare for a solo adventure

The foundation of any solo trip starts well before you pack your bags. Think of this preparation stage as designing your personal safety strategy and a safety net. The stronger you make them now, the better you’ll be protected later.

Here are the essential pre-trip steps that experienced solo trippers swear by.
 

1. Create a digital travel documents folder

This folder will contain the files you may need on any trip. It’s not just about safety; it’s about having receipts, confirmation numbers, and lodging information at your fingertips. 

You’ll be glad you have the name and address of your hotel when your plane is delayed, and you land, jet-lagged and tired, in the dark in an unfamiliar city – trust me!

Store these files in your digital travel folder:

• A copy of your passport page (in case it’s lost or stolen, so you can replace it)
• A copy of your visa, if you have one for this trip
• A copy of your travel insurance plan
• Flight confirmations
• Hotel reservation confirmations
• A health safety sheet with essentials like your primary doctor’s contact info, medications you take, allergies – anything a physician treating you away from home might need
• A list of emergency contacts, including name, address, and phone number (if your phone goes missing, you’ll be glad you have this). Be sure to include the local emergency numbers for each destination (911 is not universal).
• Any other reservations you make before your trip

Share the entire folder with a trusted person back home. Set your phone’s ICE (in case of emergency) contact to that trusted contact. If something happens to you far from home, emergency services will contact that person, and they can share the necessary information to keep you safe.

Pro tip: Print a copy of the health safety sheet and list of emergency contacts and keep it with you when you travel. This will allow first responders to access your health information quickly in an emergency.

2. Set up a communications plan

A solid communications plan is your lifeline when traveling solo. Of course, you didn’t want a solo trip only to check in with people every minute, right?

The key is finding the right balance. Staying connected enough for safety while enjoying your independence. 

Here’s how to create a practical system that works for you and your loved ones:

1. Choose your communication method: group text, daily photo share, or brief voice message.
2. Agree on a check-in frequency: when you land, once a day, or once a week after that, on your way home. Remind your loved ones that, in most cases, no news is good news.
3. Establish what you will do if you are out of range so they don’t call in the local rescue squad.
4. Define an emergency protocol: designate one person as the main point of contact at home (this is the person you share your digital docs folder with). Everyone else knows to call that person in an emergency.
5. If needed, set up an international phone plan or eSim so you have connectivity.

3. Review the latest news and scams

Thieves and pickpockets are notoriously adaptable, regularly changing their operations to catch travelers off guard. Read up on the latest local news and travel scams so you can spot them if they occur.

While traveling: stay safe while exploring

The thrill and freedom of solo travel come with the responsibility of being your own safety officer. All the seemingly small decisions you make throughout every day can make a big difference in staying safe on your solo adventure.

Here are the essential steps that experienced solo travelers use:

1. Choose accommodations wisely

Where you sleep and leave your belongings can make the difference between a relaxing trip and an anxious one.

• Read the reviews of other travelers
• Research the surrounding neighborhood – is it safe?
• Request rooms away from the ground floor, if possible
• Do not mention you’re traveling alone
• Verify that there is 24/7 security or front-desk service
• When you arrive, identify the emergency exits

Pro tip: Text yourself the room number and floor. It’s easier than trying to remember after a long day.

2. Implement room safety

Room safety habits may seem excessive at home, but they’re imperative for solo travelers.

• Use all the door locks and alternative locking devices
• Keep the windows locked and curtains closed when you’re away
• Lock valuables in the room safe after ensuring it’s really safe to use
• Put the ‘do not disturb’ sign on your door
• Keep your room key away from anything referencing the hotel or the room number (if the key is stolen, the thief won’t know where to find you specifically)

3. Daily planning steps

As a solo traveler, you must balance adventure with awareness.

• Check the weather and dress appropriately
• Map out your route before leaving and download maps
• Carry a portable phone charger
• Take only the cash and card you need for the day – secure the rest in the safe

4. Navigation and transportation safety tips

The key is developing safety habits that become second nature.

• Keep your phone and day pack secure – close all zippers
• If using earbuds, keep one out so you can stay situationally aware
• Use official taxi stands or verified ride apps and track your route while riding
• Don’t look lost (even if you are) – stop in a store or cafe if you need to check your map

Pro tip: Practice regular safety pauses to look around and be aware of your surroundings. This will help you stay aware without feeling paranoid.

Your intuition is one of your strongest safety tools when traveling solo. If something doesn’t feel right or raises a ‘red flag’, that’s all the reason you need to seek a safer place or change your plans.

Of course, much of the information I’ve shared here applies to any traveler – solo or not; however, it’s especially critical for solo travelers. If you don’t have someone with you who can act on your behalf, you’re less safe if there’s an accident while you’re traveling. Protect yourself by taking these precautions with every trip you take.

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