Solo Female Travel: 9 Women Share The Safest Places, Checklists, & More

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“What’s it like being a woman?” — no, I’m not about to go on a rant about that (tempted, though). But it’s a question we’ve all been asked. Some bias here, some prejudice there — it shows up everywhere. And when it comes to safety, well, that’s one area where the world hasn’t exactly been kind to us.

But has that ever really stopped women? Yes and no. Many of us (writer included) haven’t yet gathered the courage to travel alone. Sure, some just don’t like the idea of solo travel — fair enough. But if safety weren’t such a looming concern, a lot more of us would’ve at least given it a shot, maybe even loved it.

To my surprise, I’ve been seeing so many women finally taking the plunge and showing interest in travelling solo. It’s their newfound love for experiencing new things, meeting new people, and doing it all on their own — without waiting for someone else to join in. And if you’ve been toying with a similar idea, take this as your sign. I spoke to women who’ve actually done it — those who’ve travelled solo, found safe destinations, picked up smart hacks, and learned valuable lessons along the way. Consider this your go-to guide (and maybe a little nudge) to kickstart your own solo adventure!

Radhika Nomllers

Radhika Nomllers

1. What’s the safest place you’ve travelled to?

Honestly, there are many, but my favorite has to be Sikkim - my first solo trip back in 2016-2017. That experience gave me so much confidence and made me realize that the world isn’t as scary as it seems. 

2. What’s on your solo travel safety checklist?

I always:

- Inform my parents about my itinerary

- Share flight and hotel details with them

- Download offline maps before leaving

- More than carrying a safety tool like pepper spray, I believe you are your biggest safety measure - your awareness, confidence, and presence of mind matter most. For example, if a street feels empty or unsafe, simply avoid it.

3. Have you ever joined travel groups? If yes, which ones would you recommend?

I haven’t joined travel groups regularly, but I did go on a trek to Tarsar Marsar with Indiahikes - and it was an amazing solo experience! If you’re planning treks, always go with reputed trekking organisations. You can start by joining shorter 1–3 day hikes to get comfortable before attempting longer ones.

4. Do you use any apps or tools that make solo travel easier/safer?

Yes! I love Maps.me for offline navigation - it’s super helpful, especially when network coverage is poor. It often shows trekking paths and smaller routes that Google Maps doesn’t, like when I was hiking in New Zealand with my brother.

5. What’s the best advice you’d give to women planning their first solo trip?

If you’re heading somewhere new or remote, always:

- Download offline maps

- Keep a physical guidebook

- Write down your itinerary and hotel bookings

Preparation builds confidence. Follow women who’ve done solo travel before to get inspired, and most importantly, start small. You don’t have to take a big leap right away - my first trip was 5 days in Sikkim, and much later I did 15 days in Italy. It’s all about baby steps.

Mousree Paul

Mousree Paul

1. What’s the safest place you’ve travelled to?

I live in Bombay so that already sets a fairly high standard for women safety but however, I was comfortable stripping down to a bikini on Gokarna beaches. Internationally, I found Indonesia quite safe for female solo travelers.

2. What’s on your solo travel safety checklist?

I remember having such a checklist for my first solo trip - pepper spray, a torch, a male friend even wanted me to carry a pocket knife! But eventually, I dropped these items and started relying solely on my hyperawareness instead. I mostly stay at hostels, preferably ones with a female dormitory. As a rule, I don't share digits or socials, no matter who it is. I also find comfort and safety in dressing modestly when I'm traveling within the country but that's simply a personal preference :)

3. Have you ever joined travel groups? If yes, which ones would you recommend?

Yes, I have. JustWravel organises their trips very well, would recommend. Same for The Flapper Life which does only-women group trips. I also admire how female travel influencers like Sharanya Iyer and Srishti Tehri host very thoughtful group trips, some even only-women trips as well. Harleen Singh also does an admirable job at organising group trips. 

4. What’s the best advice you’d give to women planning their first solo trip?

My advice would be to not plan at all. Just book your travel and stay and show up. Don't fuss over an itinerary, over ticking the list of 'top ten things to do in the city'. Sleep the day off on a beach hammock if that's what your heart desires!

As women, we're always multitasking - our brains are by default running a hundred different tabs. Debunk the idea of 'having to do things' on a vacation too.

Pro-Tip: The Cultural Diagnosis Of A 9-To-5 Woman, Maxed Out & Seeking Dopamine

Tanvika Saini

Tanvika Saini

1. What’s the safest place you’ve travelled to?

Bir. What was meant to be a five-day solo trip became thirty-five. And honestly, I didn’t know how to explain that to anyone - that I wasn’t stuck, I just didn’t want to leave. Bir is this strange mix of silence and belonging. You wake up to paragliders above you, drink chai with strangers who instantly feel like friends, and somehow, every conversation feels easier. 

2. What’s on your solo travel safety checklist?

- Pepper spray + Swiss knife 

- Pee Safe spray 

- Essential medicines (basic antibiotics, painkillers, ORS, allergy medication)

- Protein bars/dry snacks 

- Quick-dry towel + pillow cover 

- Wet wipes

- Offline Google Maps

- A power bank

- A small notebook with emergency contacts (technology fails, ink doesn’t)

- A dummy wallet 

- A safety pin + whistle on your keychain 

- One “blend-in” outfit

- One trusted local.

3. Do you use any apps or tools that make solo travel easier/safer?

I keep it simple — Google Maps offline, Uber/Ola, bSafe, and Reddit. But the underrated tool? Notes. I write things down - names of locals, their numbers, where I ate, and how I felt.  Also, WhatsApp live location is non-negotiable. Share it with one person who actually cares, not just someone who’ll panic.

4. What’s the best advice you’d give to women planning their first solo trip?

Start small. Pick a place that feels emotionally calm and familiar. Familiarity with people, food, or language builds confidence. Please skip “Instagrammable” places — go where your nervous system feels safe, not where your photos will look good. And while solo travel is about meeting new people — be mindful of what you share. You don’t need to lie, but you don’t need to tell everyone where you’re staying, travelling next, or that you’re alone.

Pro-Tip: The Ultimate Bir Itinerary: Things To Do In India's Paragliding Capital

Khushi Kabra

Khushi Kabra

1. What’s the safest place you’ve travelled to?

I’ve only travelled solo to two countries so far — the US and Austria. Both were incredible in their own ways, but I think I felt much safer in Austria. Everything just felt... easy. Like I didn’t have to be on high alert all the time. If we’re talking about that feeling of safety while travelling solo, Austria definitely stood out.

2. What’s on your solo travel safety checklist?

I always share my itinerary and accommodation details with someone back home.

- I make sure my phone has data or at least offline maps downloaded.

- Portable charger is a must. Can’t let my phone die!

- I try to stay in nice hotels with good reviews, ideally in the city center. 

- I avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, even if the city feels safe.

- I trust my instincts. If something feels off, I don’t question it.

3. Have you ever joined travel groups? If yes, which ones would you recommend?

I do! A few apps have made solo travel way easier for me. Google Maps (obviously!) is a lifesaver for getting around and bookmarking spots. I also keep my WhatsApp location shared with someone back home the whole time. And the Google Translate app has come in handy more times than I can count!I’m definitely a planner - I love putting together a full itinerary before I travel. It helps me feel more confident and organised, especially when I’m on my own. So I also map out each day in my Notes app.

4. What’s the best advice you’d give to women planning their first solo trip?

The best advice I’d give? Plan in a way that makes you feel secure and excited - not stressed. You don’t have to wing it if that’s not your thing. Book your stay in advance, look up the neighbourhood, put together a rough itinerary, and share it with someone back home. Even small things - like arriving during the day, staying somewhere central, or walking like you know where you’re going (even if you don’t!) - can make a big difference to how comfortable you feel.

Rashi Choudhary

Rashi Choudhary

1. What’s the safest place you’ve travelled to?

Honestly, Vietnam surprised me the most. I could walk through the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh late at night, explore Hoi An’s lantern-lit alleys, or even take a solo scooter ride and never once did I feel unsafe. People there are genuinely warm and helpful.

Apart from that, Singapore has to be one of the safest cities in the world, spotless, super organised, and you can move around at any hour without worry. And then there’s Dubai, whether you’re shopping till late, taking the metro, or exploring alone, safety is something you instantly feel in the city.

2. What’s on your solo travel safety checklist?

Before every trip, I have a small checklist I follow:

- Share location with family.

- Keep passport, visa, and tickets saved in Google Drive.

- Book stays with good reviews and safe neighbourhoods.

- Carry a cross-body bag with zippers to avoid petty theft.

- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, even a simple “hello” or “help” goes a long way.

3. Have you ever joined travel groups? If yes, which ones would you recommend?

Yes, a few times when I wanted company for hikes or day trips. GetYourGuide experiences, Headout tours, and even hostel walking tours have been great. They’re safe, organised, and the best part is meeting like minded travelers without pressure. 

4. Do you use any apps or tools that make solo travel easier/safer?

- Google Maps (offline mode): lifesaver when there’s no internet.

- Google Translate: helps in countries where English isn’t widely spoken.

- Uber/Bolt/Grab: safer than random taxis.

- Skyscanner: great for comparing flights, hostels, and homes.

- Apple Calculator: sounds simple, but perfect for quick currency checks.

5. What’s the best advice you’d give to women planning their first solo trip?

Pick a destination known for safety and friendliness, not just what’s trending. Trust your gut, say yes to new experiences, but never hesitate to say no if something feels off. Walk with confidence, even if you’re unsure, it makes a big difference in how people perceive you. And remember, solo travel doesn’t mean lonely travel; it’s about discovering how capable, independent, and brave you really are.

Raksha Laddha

Raksha Laddha

1. What’s the safest place you’ve travelled to?

Rajasthan

2. What’s on your solo travel safety checklist?

Always share your itinerary with someone you trust, keep digital copies of your documents, and have emergency contacts saved offline. Have handy safety kits with you.

3. Have you ever joined travel groups? If yes, which ones would you recommend?

Yes! I’ve joined a few communities like TrekPanda, Trekchievers, Thrillophilia, MakeMyTrip, and Kesari Tours

4. Do you use any apps or tools that make solo travel easier/safer?

Google Maps, Community apps, flight radar, Booking Apps, Ola, Uber, rapido, etc.

5. What’s the best advice you’d give to women planning their first solo trip?

Start small, maybe a weekend getaway to a nearby city. Learn to enjoy your own company, stay alert but not fearful, and don’t overplan. The best moments usually happen when you allow a little room for magic. Live each moment, breathe & discover yourself! 

Tisha Kohli

1. What’s the safest place you’ve travelled to?

I’ve travelled solo to Udaipur, Kedarkantha, Bir, and McLeodganj. Out of all, I felt Bir was the safest. It’s a small town you can cover end-to-end on a bicycle, so moving around is simple—most people either walk or rent cycles since there aren’t autos or cabs. That said, as a woman in India, I wouldn’t call anywhere completely “safe.” Vigilance naturally becomes part of our system, no matter the destination.

2. What’s on your solo travel safety checklist?

I carry pepper spray with me all the time, I share my location to my close family and friends so In case something happens they can locate me, I research about the safety numbers of that particular city I am travelling and have that on speed dial. 

3. Have you ever joined travel groups? If yes, which ones would you recommend?

I went with Boketto Travels, I would really recommend them, they have a small group and they always keep the woman: man ratio equal, everything else was also taken care of by them.  

4. Do you use any apps or tools that make solo travel easier/safer?

There are some apps that some of other solo travellers recommended like 112 India, b safe, etc. I haven’t used them yet. I usually share my location with the “find my iPhone” app, it’s very accurate. I carry sharp objects with me, and pepper spray. 

5. What’s the best advice you’d give to women planning their first solo trip?

Don’t overthink it—this is your life. At the end of the day, it’s you who will live with your choices, so make yourself happy. Take that trip. Go out, explore, sit by a river or a beach, soak it all in. If going solo feels overwhelming at first, start with a group trip—that’s what I did. Along the way, you’ll meet new people, step outside your comfort zone, and discover new sides of yourself. And that’s the most rewarding part—you end up meeting you.

Aishwarya Damaraju

Aishwarya Damaraju

1. What’s the safest place you’ve travelled to?

The safest place I have travelled to is Jaipur, it has the most welcoming, warm people and is extremely safe to travel at night as a solo traveller. There is so much culture to soak in, in every corner and nook, and the safety element makes it so worthwhile to explore the many facets of this majestic city. 

2. What’s on your solo travel safety checklist?

Keeping friends and family informed of my latest whereabouts is absolutely integral to safety when on a solo trip, whether local or international. 

3. Do you use any apps or tools that make solo travel easier/safer?

Yes, 112. With a 24-hour emergency response mechanism, the app offers assistance from local volunteers, and is a must have when traveling solo in the interiors of India.

4. What’s the best advice you’d give to women planning their first solo trip?

Hostels are always a great idea to meet like-minded women and have the best time. I have met so many amazing people during my solo stays in hostels who later became good friends! The best part is you can create plans and merge itineraries with these new buddies, to make your adventures across the world even more fun. (It helps so much with the safety element as well!)

Pro-TipHere's Your Guide To An Awesome Day In Jaipur

Moumita Nandi

Moumita Nandi

1. What’s the safest place you’ve travelled to?

Sikkim has been one of the safest places I’ve ever travelled to. The culture of respect, efficient systems, and overall sense of security made moving around, whether late at night or in quieter neighborhoods, feel incredibly safe.

2. What’s on your solo travel safety checklist?

- Always share my itinerary and accommodation details with a trusted friend or family member.

- Keep a digital and physical copy of important documents (passport, IDs).

- Research safe neighborhoods for accommodation before booking.

- Stay mindful of local customs and dress codes.

- Carry a small safety tool (like a whistle or pepper spray) and keep emergency numbers handy.

3. Do you use any apps or tools that make solo travel easier/safer?

- Google Maps (offline downloads) – for navigation without data.

- GeoSure - provides safety ratings for neighborhoods.

- WhatsApp live location – to share my whereabouts in real-time with family.

4. What’s the best advice you’d give to women planning their first solo trip?

Start with a destination known for being solo-travel friendly, and ease yourself into it. Trust your instincts, stay confident, and don’t be afraid to say NO when something feels off. At the same time, allow space for spontaneity, you’ll be surprised at the kindness of strangers and the confidence you’ll build along the way.

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A literature and fashion grad who is powered by mitochondria and mocha. With almost 4 years of experience in writing all things fun, this is your spot for the top-notch recs!