Recently, we asked the BuzzFeed Community to share safety tips every woman should keep in mind when traveling alone. Here's what they had to say:
1. "I always use plural pronouns when talking with anyone about my travel before and during the trip. They may not see you actually with any others, but it gives the implication that you're with friends or are staying with people you know."
2. "I wear a wedding band. Once, some drunk rando came up to me when I was traveling alone, and I told him my husband would be back from the bathroom any minute. He left immediately."
4. "Prioritize a central location for accommodation, even if it means having to spend more and save money in other areas. I chose a farther away Airbnb when I went to Rome, got lost, the sun had already set, and cried, all on my first ever solo trip."
5. "Don't tell anyone you are traveling alone. Tell a couple friends your entire itinerary including airline info, where you are staying, and when you are going back home. Text them frequently."
6. "Do a Google Maps aerial tour of the surrounding areas of your accommodation. First time I traveled solo, I didn't do this, and I ended up in some VERY sketchy places because the interior of the place looked 'nice.'"
"Doing Google Maps/street view run-throughs of getting to the hotel and to attractions/public transport stops really helps me not to look lost when I'm walking around as well."
—klmy
7. "I always use a fake name if someone random comes up and asks."
8. "Pack light, don't pack heels, and always wear comfy shoes and clothes. If I need to carry cash or my passport on me, I put it in a dive-proof pack around my waist. It sits flatter than a fanny pack, and I can take it with me everywhere."
—Anonymous
9. "If the idea of eating alone is intimidating and you aren't looking to talk to strangers for whatever reason, carry a book with you."
10. "Always do research about the area you're going to, even while you're there. I always talk to hotel or restaurant staff about what areas to avoid and what areas not to miss. Most people want to talk about their hometown/city and will give good tips. When I was in New Orleans, I got the best tips on my first night there from the guy who brought me my room service."
11. "Do not display large amounts of money. Take a small amount for incidentals and keep it handy. Handle money and directions efficiently."
12. "My number one tip is never look confused! Especially international travel, but it really applies anywhere. People look for vulnerable individuals, so 'fake it 'til you make it.' If you are super confused, just go to a bathroom stall and use the Wi-Fi until you know EXACTLY what your next step is. Locals tend to be friendlier as well."
13. "Tape your passport to your arm."
14. "Agree on a time to be in touch with people during the day, even just a text. If you are going to be out of touch for a while, let someone know."
15. "ALWAYS speak as if you're with a group. Example: If someone asks, 'What are you doing today,' don’t respond with 'I'm going to...' but instead 'we're going to..., my friends and I…' Also, when walking into an Airbnb, hotel, or accommodation, I yell 'I'm back!' or 'I'm here!' giving the impression that I’m speaking to someone in the room."
—Anonymous
16. "I am a huge baseball fan who likes to visit a different ballpark every year. I always go to a day game and stay at a hotel near the stadium. There are always fans of either team at the hotel, so I walk over to the hotel with them and arrange to walk back with them after the game."
17. "Always be aware of your surroundings."
18. "Remember that just because you're taking a break from regular life and doing things you wouldn't normally do that you can't let your guard down. Don't flaunt your money or jewelry, don't get too drunk, know where you're going and how to get there. Group tours are a great option for having safety in numbers and will likely help you meet with other solo women travelers."
Do you have any other solo travel tips? Share them in the comments!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.