I don’t want to scare you, but unfortunately, bad things can and do happen, so it’s best to be prepared for them. That said, I don’t think that travelling alone is any more dangerous than living and working in my own city – I use most of these solo travel safety items wherever I am in the world and will continue to do so.
While I know it can be unpleasant having to think about all of these possible scenarios, I am determined that I will keep travelling alone, and at the same time do everything I can to stay safe! I hope these solo female travel essentials will help you to do the same.
Practical Solo Travel Safety Items for Women
Doorstop Alarm
A doorstop alarm is a wedge-shaped device you place under the door when staying in hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs. If someone tries to open the door, the wedge blocks it and triggers an alarm (around 120 decibels).
It’s lightweight and adds an extra layer of security, or if you want a low-tech version even a simple plastic door wedge can do the job of stopping the door being opened from the outside. When I first went backpacking around South America I used my door-stop everywhere!
Portable Door Lock
This portable door lock is a simple, compact device that can be attached to most doors, preventing them from being opened from the outside, even with a key. It’s particularly useful in situations where the locks may be unreliable or if you’re staying in shared accommodation, but you can also use it in hotels and any other accommodation for extra peace of mind.
Personal Safety Alarm
Personal safety alarms are small, easy-to-carry devices that emit a loud siren (up to 130 decibels) when activated. It’s non-lethal and can help scare off an attacker or alert others nearby to danger. Most are keychain-sized, making them convenient for everyday use so you can attach them to your bag, keys or phone easily.
When I was backpacking I had several of this style of alarm with me, as well as when I was sleeping in my campervan – I was always terrified someone would come and break in while I was asleep! (Thankfully I have never needed it yet!)
Whistle
A basic but powerful tool to attract attention in emergencies or threatening situations, whistles are loud enough to be heard from a distance and can be kept on a keychain or worn around your neck for easy access.
Many hiking backpacks also have a whistle built into the design of their chest clips, so have a look at your gear and see if you already have one!
Drink Cover
A simple but effective solo travel safety item, a drink cover is usually a small, reusable, and portable cover that fits over most cups or glasses. It prevents anyone from slipping anything into your drink when you’re not looking.
Some are stretchable or adhesive and come with a straw hole for easy sipping without having to remove the cover. You can also get drink-spiking test kits that change colour and alert you if a substance is added to your drink.
If you like to go out partying these can give add an extra layer of safety for you – but I’d still recommend not accepting drinks from people you don’t know, especially if you’re travelling alone!
Filtered Water Bottle
A water bottle with a built-in filter can remove bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, ensuring access to safe drinking water at all times.
I carry my Water to Go filter bottle with me everywhere, and I can drink tap water from anywhere in the world, fill up from a pond or stream, and even a muddy puddle and still know I have safe drinking water.
Get Your Reusable Water Bottle
Flashlight or Headlamp
A small light is essential for getting around in dimly lit areas or if power outages happen. A headlamp keeps your hands free, making it more practical than a handheld torch when you need to carry items or hike in the dark.
While all smartphones have a torch these days, I still like to have a separate headlamp with me if I’m going somewhere rural or where I know I’m going to limited access to electricity so I don’t drain my phone battery unnecessarily.
Brightly Coloured Clothing
This is more for remote locations when you might be hiking, or perhaps out on the water swimming – but bright colours are so much easier to spot than dark blacks and blues. I love my bright red jacket that I wear for hiking, it’s a small detail that could save my life if I fall somewhere or get lost.
I also read about wearing bright colours while swimming – I’d not thought about it before but having a bright or neon-coloured swimsuit means you will stand out better against the dark sea should you get swept out in the waves.
Pepper Spray or Self-defence Spray*
I wasn’t sure whether to include this as I have never used or carried pepper spray myself. Pepper spray can disable an attacker, giving you time to escape, but it is illegal in some countries so make sure you check local laws. Alternatively, you could use other legal self-defence sprays like dye sprays.
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Anti-Theft Items
Phone Case with Long Strap
This simple addition to my phone has changed my life – I will never go back to a normal phone case! I love how the long strap keeps the phone attached to my body, reducing the risk of me accidentally dropping it, losing it or having it snatched while I’m using it in public.
I still like to put the phone in my pocket or bag (while it’s attached to me) as an extra layer of security, I don’t like it just dangling around in case someone does try to grab it!
Money Belt & Hidden Pocket Clothing
Designed to be worn under your clothes, a money belt keeps your cash, cards, and important documents like your passport safe and hidden from pickpockets. However, pickpockets and thieves are now wise to them, so other hidden pocket items can be better for you.
I love my Waypoint travel scarf with a hidden pocket, it comes in a variety of colourful patterns and helps me to feel safe in the knowledge my passport and cash are safe too!
There are lots of other kinds of hidden pocket clothing and accessories where you can hide money and valuables while travelling. I’ve got a list of my favourite theft-proof items on Amazon here, or check out these:
Anti-theft Bags & Backpacks
Anti-theft bags and backpacks are made with slash-proof material and include lockable zippers, hidden pockets, and sometimes cut-resistant straps. Some models also feature RFID-blocking compartments, which also stop electronic theft of credit card information.
If you have a normal backpack, keep it on your front, or invest in a theft-proof backpack like these which are slash-proof and can’t be easily opened without you noticing.
For small bags and purses, I’d recommend using a small theft-proof bag like this cross-body if you like to keep things light, or get a larger theft-proof bag that can carry more things you might need, like a water bottle and sunscreen.
Travelon is a great brand for pickpocket-proof bags and has a range of styles and colours to choose from. I’ve just bought one of their anti-theft cross-body bags and I’m very happy with it so far.
If you don’t want to get a brand-new backpack or bag for travelling, these anti-theft zipper clips can clip to zips on a bag and attach it to another part of the bag to make it harder to open – or clip two zips together so they can’t be unzipped.
RFID-blocking Wallet
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is used in contactless credit cards and passports, and these kinds of RFID blocking wallets stop thieves from scanning your information without your knowledge. It’s a necessity in crowded tourist areas and a simple device that can save you a lot of hassle!
Padlock
Having a suitcase or backpack that can be padlocked shut is very useful when travelling, and puts off most opportunistic thieves. These padlocks are TSA-approved so you can lock your luggage for flights as well as on buses or trains, and while it’s in your accommodation or anywhere else.
Of course, someone could just take your whole suitcase, but there’s not much you can do about that! If you’re staying in a hostel then having a padlock is absolutely essential so you can keep your belongings in a locker.
Apps & Technology
Portable Charger (Power Bank)
Keeping your phone charged is crucial in case you need to make an emergency call, use navigation apps, or contact someone. My phone is my lifeline and I always carry a portable charger (and the correct lead!) with me.
Portable chargers are lightweight and some can recharge your phone several times on a single charge – choose the right size for your needs, which is usually just enough for one charge unless you’re going to be without electricity for long periods.
If you need to conserve battery then you can set up battery saving options on your phone to shut down background apps and turn down the screen lighting, and any unnecessary power usage like location or wifi if you’re not using it.
eSIM or Data to Stay Connected
I have become so dependent on my phone I hate not being able to get online when I need or want to – and travelling to different countries often means either my phone data doesn’t work at all, or roaming charges are stupidly expensive.
Before you travel, check if your phone contract includes roaming in whichever countries you’re travelling to, and if you have any data allowance to use while you are abroad. To avoid excess charges for roaming data use, an eSIM is a cheap and useful way to make sure you stay connected, as long as your phone is eSIM compatible.
Airalo is super easy to set up and sends you email notifications when your eSIM is about to expire so you can top up easily if needed. Their eSIMs for European countries start from $4.50 for 1GB of data which lasts for 7 days.
You could also get a free eSIM from GigSky which comes with 100mb of free data, then top up the same eSIM easily without needing to install a new eSIM each time. Prices start from $4.49 per GB, valid for 7 days. Save 10% on your first top-up with the code CLAIRESTURZ
WhatsApp / Other Calling Apps
One downside of eSIMs is that they are usually data only, so don’t give you the option to make calls. However, using an internet based call service like Whatsapp, Skype or FaceTime means you can still make app to app voice and video calls and speak to friends and family instead of just sending messages.
Unfortunately, scammers can target loved ones with messages asking for money, so being able to make a call and speak or see the person asking them for money means that they can avoid scammers and really help you if you need it!
I’ve also agreed a “safe word” with my family that I should use if I ever do need to get them to send money or help me, as scammers get more sophisticated and can use AI to create life-like copies of our voices and even faces, a simple safe word that only you and your loved ones know can be peace of mind.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Using a VPN like NordVPN encrypts your internet connection when you’re on public Wi-Fi networks (e.g., cafes, airports, hotels), preventing hackers from accessing your personal data like bank details, emails, and social media accounts.
You can set them up on your phone and on other devices like laptops and tablets to stay safe no matter where you get online. I also tend to use them when I’m in my accommodation – an added bonus is the chance to stream content from platforms like BBC iPlayer when I’m travelling abroad.
I use NordVPN and am very happy with the service, and you can install it on up to 10 devices so you can even share your account with family members and all know you’re safe while browsing online.
Find My Phone
There are various apps that will track your phone should it get stolen, and they can also be used to track where you are if both you and your phone are somewhere together. I have Google My Device set up so I can track my phone and my spare should one go missing, and my Dad can also track my phone through his Samsung account.
Google Maps Offline / Maps.me
When you’re travelling in areas without reliable internet, you can download maps in advance and access them offline. As well as giving you your location you can also plot routes to other destinations meaning you can navigate confidently, even in remote locations or when you don’t have access to data. I’ve used this in various countries, including while driving around Jordan and it got me where I needed to go no problem.
Uber/Lyft/Bolt etc
I’ve heard a lot of horror stories about taking taxis in other countries and how unsafe hailing a cab can be, but apps like Uber, Lyft, Bolt and others can be a safer alternative for solo female travellers.
Different countries often have different options available, so do some research before you go to make sure you have the right apps downloaded.
Apps like this are usually safer than random taxis, especially late at night, as they have have built-in safety features, including the ability to share your trip details with someone, track your route, and report safety issues, as well as pay online so no money exchanges hands.
Google Translate
Going to a country where you don’t speak the language can be unnerving, so it’s useful to learn a few words before you go, like hello, please and thank you, but having a translator at your fingertips is the best!
If you need to ask help from someone you can type or speak into the app and it will translate for you, and they can do the same with a response – having a conversation in two languages has never been easier!
It’s also super useful as it can read text on signs, posters and menus so you can read in a different language too, so it’s particularly useful if you have any special dietary requirements.
What3Words
This app is essential if you aren’t sure of your exact location – it will pinpoint where you are using your phone’s GPS and give you a unique 3 word code to a specific 3 metre x 3 metre area. This means that anyone else using the app can find exactly where you are, so you can find friends easily, get precise directions and tell emergency services your location.
Hotel Booking App
We’ve all heard stories of people having their hotel bookings cancel, or finding out that their Airbnb doesn’t exist, or being stuck at the airport with no flight and no customer service! Having a hotel booking app on your phone ready to go is really useful in case of emergencies like that, and if you book all your accommodation through it, it also has all of your booking details there and ready to go.
Smart Traveller (U.S.) or Foreign Office Travel Advice (UK)
Government apps provide important travel safety information, including travel advisories, embassy contact details, and real-time updates about security risks in your destination that can be useful, especially if there is some kind of natural disaster or large-scale event like a terrorist attack. You can also register your travel plans so embassies can reach you in an emergency.
I hope these solo travel safety items will help give you peace of mind and stay safe while travelling – while you should be aware of the risks and take precautions as you would anywhere, don’t be afraid to travel alone!
