Are you thinking about taking a solo trip to a major city sometime soon? That’s awesome! Traveling on your own can be such an incredible experience. 

But we all know that traveling alone comes with some risks too. You don’t have the safety of your travel crew watching your back. And big cities in particular can feel a bit intimidating to navigate by yourself.

In fact, most of solo travelers report feeling safer when they are vigilant about their environment.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the top safety tips for solo travel in major cities. We’ll cover how to prepare, get around safely, stay alert, respect local cultures, and deal with emergencies. 

Research and Planning

The key to safe solo travel is being prepared. Do your homework before you go!

Get to Know the City

Start by researching your destination. Learn about which neighborhoods are safest, any areas you should avoid, and the top things to see and do. Dig into blogs and travel sites for insider tips. Being familiar with the layout and vibe of the city helps you feel way more oriented when you arrive.

Book Smart Accommodations

One big decision is where you’ll stay. Make sure to choose accommodations in an area that is well-lit and secure. For hotels, look for ones with 24 hour front desk staff, keycard door access, and rooms off interior hallways. If you opt for a hostel, read reviews to confirm it’s located in a low-crime district.

Map Out an Itinerary

Once you have your accommodations set, start planning out what you’ll do each day. Look up must-see attractions and eateries near your hotel. Plot the most efficient routes between them. Having an itinerary minimizes wandering aimlessly, which can be risky.

Getting Around Securely

Public transportation and taxis make getting around efficient but also pose safety concerns. Here are some tips to navigate the city stress-free.

Use Common Sense on Public Transit

Subways, buses, and trains are great ways to cover ground. But avoid empty stations or cars at night. Look for transit cops or an attendant. Sit near others and be alert. Research different lines’ safety records beforehand.

Take Precautions with Rideshares

Uber/Lyft are convenient options, however in recent years, a significant number of passengers have reported incidents of sexual harassment or assault. Before getting in any car, verify the license plate and driver’s name. Share your trip details with a friend. Avoid conversing and sit in the backseat if alone.

Walk and Bike Wary of Surroundings

Traveling by foot or bike allows you to explore the city dynamically. Stick to populated routes along main streets, especially at night or if lost. Be hyper aware of who is around you. Keep valuables concealed and wear a bag across your chest to deter theft.

Personal Safety Tips

Beyond getting around safely, you need to be smart during your entire trip.

Listen to Your Intuition

If someone or something doesn’t feel right, get away. Don’t worry about being polite. Your safety is #1. If strangers persist trying to talk to you, pretend you don’t speak their language. Follow your gut instincts, even if it means changing plans.

Blend in with the Locals

Try not to look like an oblivious tourist. Dress modestly, leave flashy jewelry at home, and keep your smartphone put away unless using it. Refer to maps discreetly. Not calling attention to yourself makes you less of an easy target.

Avoid Isolated Areas

Use caution around anywhere deserted – parks, parking garages, alleys, etc. Even during the day, stick to busier sections. At night, take most direct routes between populated areas and your hotel. Empty areas put you at higher risk of crime.

Carry a Safety Device

Personal alarms and pepper spray are smart precautions. Carry one concealed in your coat pocket or bag. Learn how to use it ahead of time. Only take it out if you actually feel threatened and are ready to deploy it to defend yourself.

Tell People Your Plans

Give your itinerary to family/friends before leaving. Set times to check in with them via text so they know you’re okay. Provide them with your accommodations address. That way if anything seems off, they can contact local authorities.

Cultural Considerations

Blending in also means being respectful of local customs. Do some quick research to avoid offending residents or calling extra attention to yourself.

Learn Key Phrases

Memorize a few basic words and phrases in the local language. Locals will appreciate you making an effort to respect their mother tongue.

Observe Etiquette and Dress Codes

Each culture has its own etiquette around things like greetings, dining customs, attire, etc. Do some research so you don’t accidentally do something considered rude or strange.

Immerse Yourself Respectfully

Definitely say yes to experiencing the local culture – try the food, see the sights, and talk to the people. But avoid risky situations just for the sake of a cool photo or story. Use good judgment!

Emergency Preparedness

With preparation, you likely won’t need to use any of these. But it pays to be ready just in case!

Know Emergency Numbers

Save the local police, medical, and embassy numbers in your contacts. Add ICE (In Case of Emergency) before the names. Also look up the number for your hotel and keep your phone charged.

Download Safety Apps

Apps like Noonlight and Situ let you discreetly trigger an alarm and alert emergency responders to your location if you’re in trouble. Other apps like Life360 let chosen friends view and track your location.

Final Thoughts

When you take the right precautions, solo travel can be just as safe and way more fun than going with others.

Carry a mini first aid kit, flashlight, epi-pen if you have allergies, and several days of any vital prescriptions in your go-bag. This allows you to treat minor issues yourself until you can reach medical care.

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