The reality of solo travel in 2026
I’m tired of hearing people tell women they shouldn’t travel alone because it’s ‘dangerous.’ It’s 2026. The world is more connected than ever, and solo travel is one of the most empowering things a person can do. But, let’s be real: being a woman alone in a foreign city requires a different level of ‘situational awareness.’ It’s not about being afraid; it’s about being smarter than the person trying to scam you.
I’ve traveled to 40 countries alone, and I’ve learned that safety isn’t a set of rules you follow—it’s a mindset you cultivate.
The ‘Digital Shadow’ and how to manage it
In 2026, your biggest safety risk isn’t always on the street; it’s on your phone. We all want to share our trips on Instagram or TikTok, but the ‘unspoken rule’ of solo travel is: **Post it later.**
When you post a story of your beautiful hotel view in real-time, you are literally broadcasting your exact location to anyone with an internet connection. Wait until you’ve checked out of the hotel before you post that view. Wait until you’ve left the restaurant before you tag it. Your ‘digital shadow’ should always be at least 12 hours behind your physical self. It’s a simple shift, but it removes the possibility of someone tracking your movements through your social feed.
The ‘Fake’ Confidence Strategy
If you look lost, you are a target. Even if you are completely, 100% lost, don’t stand in the middle of a sidewalk looking at a paper map or spinning around with your phone. Step into a shop, a cafe, or even a hotel lobby to check your directions.
When you walk, walk like you have somewhere to be. Keep your head up. Wear one earbud—not both—so you can still hear the ambient noise around you but look like you’re on a call or listening to music. This ‘active posture’ signals that you are aware of your surroundings. Scammers and pickpockets look for ‘soft targets’—people who are distracted, confused, or looking at the ground. Don’t be that person.
The Tech Stack for 2026 Safety
Technology is your best friend if used correctly. I always travel with a secondary ‘dummy’ phone. This is an older, cheaper phone that has a local SIM card and maps, but none of my banking apps or sensitive data. If I get mugged (which is rare, but possible), I hand over the dummy phone.
Also, utilize the ‘Live Location’ feature with someone you trust back home. Not just ‘check-ins,’ but a continuous link. Apps like Life360 or even just Google Maps sharing are vital. And here’s a pro tip: always carry a high-quality power bank. A dead phone in a foreign city isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a safety risk. Your phone is your map, your translator, and your lifeline. Treat its battery life like your oxygen supply.
Accommodation: The ‘Floor 3 to 6’ Rule
When booking a hotel or an Airbnb, I have a specific rule: never stay on the ground floor (too easy to break into) and never stay above the 6th floor (fire ladders often can’t reach higher). I also always check the ‘Safety’ section of reviews. If multiple women have mentioned feeling ‘uncomfortable’—even if nothing specific happened—I don’t book it. Intuition is a data point. Use it.
Once you’re in the room, use a portable door jammer or a door wedge. It’s a $15 piece of plastic that prevents the door from being opened even if someone has a master key. It gives you that extra layer of peace of mind to actually get some deep sleep.
Cultural Awareness as a Shield
The best way to stay safe is to blend in. This doesn’t mean you have to dress exactly like the locals, but it means being respectful of the local ‘baseline.’ If the local culture is conservative, and you’re walking around in a crop top and shorts, you’re going to attract unwanted attention. It’s not about ‘fairness’; it’s about practicality. The more you look like a local or a seasoned expat, the less likely you are to be targeted by ‘tourist traps’ and street harassment.
Trusting your ‘Internal Alarm’
The most important tool you have is your ‘Internal Alarm.’ We’ve been socialized as women to be ‘polite’—to answer questions from strangers, to be helpful, to not ‘make a scene.’ Solo travel requires you to unlearn that. If a guy at a bar makes you uncomfortable, you don’t owe him a polite conversation. You can walk away. You can lie. You can tell him your ‘husband’ is meeting you in five minutes.
If a situation feels ‘off,’ it is off. You don’t need a logical reason to leave. Your subconscious is picking up on micro-signals that your conscious mind hasn’t processed yet. Listen to it. It’s better to be ‘rude’ and safe than polite and in trouble.
Summary: You are your own best protector
Solo travel for women isn’t about avoiding the world; it’s about navigating it with skill. With the right tech, the right posture, and a healthy dose of skepticism, you can have the most incredible experiences of your life. The world is yours—just keep your eyes open while you’re enjoying it.