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In this guest post, I’ve invited Meggie Tran, a travel and mental health blogger at mindfulmeggie.com, to share her safety advice for solo female travelers. Even though she has OCD and social anxiety, she believes solo female travel is enriching and fun!

One of the most freeing experiences in a woman’s lifetime is traveling solo. While the company with the people you love should be cherished, sometimes we need a break by ourselves to recharge our batteries.

Discovering new places on your own time and decisions liberates you. Plus, not only do you learn about the world, you rediscover yourself.

Safety is always a consideration, especially for solo female travelers. You don’t have to be afraid of the world as you’re exploring it. Just follow some precautions to hold yourself accountable for your own safety.

Here are my top five tips for staying safe:

Stay vigilant, not complacent

Not only does vigilance keep you mindfully grounded and fully present in the moment, it also keeps you safe.

Do not distract yourself when you’re out in public, especially as you’re walking around town. The worst distraction is a headphone set or earbuds. Music may be fun and relaxing, but it zones you out from reality. You can’t hear what is happening around you! Your sense of hearing protects you, so don’t disregard it.

Keep your eyes open. Notice your surroundings and the people who happen to be there with you. Chances are, dangers are not posed, but it doesn’t hurt to be aware. Sometimes, your observations and gut tell you that something is off. They may save your life!

My first solo female trip was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Upon arriving at my hotel, a police car was parked outside. Something seems off, I thought. A moment later, I saw a policeman standing behind the lobby desk, watching each client check in. I had zero clue what was happening, but at least I knew to be wary.

Look and be confident

When you’re out and about, don’t slouch or stare down. Try to pose your body in a way that makes you feel bigger and most importantly, more confident. Lift your head and chest and put your shoulders back. Even if you are not feeling confident, just pose your body in this way. You’ll automatically feel some natural confidence, as a result! Passersby will see you as a very capable wanderer!

However, none of this guarantees your absolute safety. In times that someone is stalking or harassing you, don’t be afraid to back down. There is a narrative in our society that says women should always be polite and nice. Throw away that narrative when you are in danger. Manners don’t count anymore. You need to stand up for yourself and make it out safely.

In Eastern Turkey, a friend of mine made the mistake of being polite. Although she was traveling with another female friend, they both got into deep trouble. Two men who introduced themselves as friends started to follow them everywhere. None of the ladies ever stood up to these stalkers. Eventually, the stalkers knew which hotel room they were in and stood outside all night long, trapping the two travelers. In the morning, the friends found the stalkers waiting outside the hotel with their cars. On foot, they got out of that area as quickly as possible!

The good news is that the ladies made it out alive and unharmed. But they were left shook from that frightening encounter.

I reacted differently in a similar situation. Let’s return to Fort Lauderdale. After checking in my room, I headed down to the lobby to ask the receptionists some questions about local attractions and transportation logistics for tomorrow’s fun day in the city. Then, as I was walking up the stairs to my room, I had a lone stalker behind me, too close for comfort. So, he was why the police were here!

I might have died if I stopped at my hotel room, so I walked right past it until I reached the elevator and tapped the down button. While waiting for the elevator, I let my assertiveness surface. I probed the stalker with questions, such as, “Are you following me? Do you have a room?” He immediately stumbled with the words, “I don’t know,” and kept slouching with uncertainty.

Having fended him off, I still felt scared but sensed more confidence in me. When the elevator arrived, I hopped in (the stalker didn’t jump in, thank goodness) and waited as it took me down to the safety of company at the lobby.

In moments of danger, be assertive and act fast so you can survive the situation. There’s no room for politeness or backing down.

Let people know where you are

Send a trip itinerary to someone you trust, such as a family member or friend. They’ll know all your possible locations and times. Take it a step further by texting them when you’re leaving a place and have arrived at your destination.

It doesn’t hurt to tell the desk staff at your hostel/hotel about your plans for the day. If you don’t return by the intended time, they’ll know something is off and will take further action. Unlike your family and friends, they are in your vicinity.

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Rideshare

Whenever possible, rideshare with a company like Uber or Lyft, rather than use a taxi, which is less accountable.

Make sure that all the information listed on your phone’s app matches the vehicle in front of you before you step in. This means, for example, running to the back to check the license plate number.

When you step in, sit in the backseat and keep all your belongings with you. If you feel insecure for some reason and need to get out of there, you’ll still be able to grab your stuff!

Do not travel at night

The same place in the daytime can look totally different at night. Cut yourself some slack by traveling by day. It will be easier to navigate around places. Additionally, more people will be out and about. You may be a solo traveler, but that doesn’t mean you have to be all alone.

You may make yourself more vulnerable if you’re alone or one of the few out at night. And as most of us know, a different set of people, the more shady, unsetting kind, may come out in times of darkness.

If you must travel by night, it is best not to walk. Instead, take vehicular transportation. (Ridesharing counts!)

If you must be out walking, try to hang around a group of people. I immediately felt safer walking behind a family when I was stuck on a street in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, that had gangs of rowdy, young people wandering around.

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It all comes down to making smart, safe, assertive decisions and looking out for yourself. Also, solo female travel doesn’t necessarily mean cutting off from the world. Let others know your whereabouts in case of an emergency.

Especially as a first timer, the nervous energy may be present. But remind yourself that instead of having a travel companion with whom you have to consult the plans, the travel choices are all yours. Go where you want, when you want! Embrace your independence!

If you can enjoy your solo female trips in a safe manner, you’ve just proved that the world has been your oyster. You’ve collected the pearl of epic experiences, newfound confidence, and liberation.

The world won’t wait for you, though. Get started as soon as you can.

This being the COVID-19 pandemic, if you are traveling, please be responsible. Follow safety guidelines and visit nearby places that are deemed safe enough. Otherwise, do not travel for the sake of your health and others.