Key Takeaways

  • Learn the top safety tips for choosing accommodations when traveling solo.
  • Discover the best types of hotels, hostels, and rentals for solo travelers.
  • Get insider advice on how to stay safe while staying alone abroad.

Staying Safe While Traveling Solo: What You Need to Know

Traveling solo is one of the most liberating experiences. As a solo traveler, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace, take detours, and indulge in personal adventures. However, the freedom that comes with solo travel also requires more attention to safety, especially when it comes to choosing accommodations.

As a travel agent with over a decade of experience helping Filipino travelers plan their trips, I know that staying safe starts with booking the right place to stay. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing accommodations that prioritize your safety, whether you’re exploring bustling cities in Europe or seeking serenity in tropical destinations.

1. Prioritize Hotels with Strong Security Features

When traveling solo, security should be your top priority when booking a hotel. Look for accommodations that offer 24-hour front desk services, keycard access to rooms, and security cameras in common areas. These features ensure that unauthorized people can’t enter the building or access guest rooms.

Key Safety Features to Look For:

  • 24/7 staff presence and reception.
  • Keycard access to rooms and floors.
  • CCTV cameras in hallways and entry points.
  • In-room safes for valuables.

Pro Tip: Before booking, read reviews from other solo travelers to see if they felt safe during their stay. You can find these insights on TripAdvisor or Booking.com, where safety is often mentioned in reviews.

2. Consider Hostels with Private Rooms

Hostels have become popular among solo travelers for their affordability and social atmosphere. However, if safety is a concern, choose hostels that offer private rooms with lockable doors. Many hostels also provide lockers for your belongings, so be sure to bring your own padlock.

Why Hostels Can Be Safe for Solo Travelers:

  • They often have social events where you can meet other travelers, reducing the feeling of isolation.
  • Staff are usually available around the clock.
  • Some hostels offer female-only dorms for added peace of mind.

Pro Tip: Check the hostel’s policies on security, such as ID checks at the door and restricted access to non-guests. Hostels in destinations like Tokyo and Amsterdam are known for their excellent safety standards.

3. Choose Central Locations to Minimize Risks

For solo travelers, location is crucial. Opt for accommodations in central, well-lit areas where you can easily access public transport, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Avoid staying in isolated areas or neighborhoods with poor reputations, even if the prices are tempting.

Benefits of Staying in Central Locations:

  • Easier to navigate the area, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local language.
  • Reduced risk of walking through unsafe or poorly lit streets.
  • Access to nearby services like hospitals, police stations, and embassies.

Pro Tip: Use Google Maps to research the surrounding area before booking. Make sure the hotel is near main roads, transportation hubs, and tourist-friendly areas.

4. Solo-Friendly Hotels Offering Female-Only Floors

Many hotels around the world have introduced female-only floors, which can be a great option for solo female travelers. These floors are often secured by keycard access and offer extra amenities such as enhanced lighting, additional locks, and safety alarms in rooms.

Top Hotels with Female-Only Floors:

  • Marina Bay Sands – Singapore: Offers enhanced security features for solo female guests.
  • Kowloon Shangri-La – Hong Kong: Known for its dedicated female-only rooms with security features.
  • The Premier Hotel – New York City: Offers female-only floors and additional amenities for female solo travelers.

Pro Tip: When booking, don’t hesitate to contact the hotel directly and ask about their security features and female-only accommodations. This will give you peace of mind before you arrive.

5. Look for Verified Short-Term Rentals on Trusted Platforms

If you prefer the homey feel of an Airbnb or vacation rental, make sure to book verified properties from hosts with positive reviews. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer verification badges and user reviews that give insight into the safety and reliability of the host and the property.

Safety Measures for Solo Travelers in Short-Term Rentals:

  • Always choose verified Superhosts with excellent ratings.
  • Check for security features like deadbolts, window locks, and smoke detectors.
  • Confirm that the rental is in a safe neighborhood by researching the area in advance.

Pro Tip: Airbnb offers a solo traveler safety feature that allows guests to share their reservation and trip details with friends and family, so they know where you’re staying.

6. Trustworthy Apps to Ensure Your Safety

When traveling alone, your smartphone can be a valuable safety tool. Several apps are designed to keep solo travelers safe, helping you navigate unfamiliar areas, find emergency contacts, and share your location with loved ones.

Must-Have Safety Apps for Solo Travelers:

  • bSafe: Allows you to share your location and send SOS alerts to selected contacts.
  • GeoSure: Provides safety ratings for neighborhoods based on factors like crime, political stability, and health risks.
  • TripWhistle: Displays local emergency numbers for police, medical help, and fire services in over 200 countries.

Pro Tip: Always have your phone fully charged when heading out for the day and save important local contacts, including the nearest embassy or consulate.

7. Check Reviews and Use Solo Travel Platforms

One of the best ways to choose safe accommodations is to rely on feedback from fellow solo travelers. Websites like Solo Traveler World or Facebook groups for solo travelers often provide up-to-date reviews and recommendations on accommodations that cater to safety-conscious travelers.

Why Solo Travel Communities Help:

  • Solo travelers share detailed tips on which accommodations made them feel safe.
  • You can ask questions and get real-time feedback from other travelers.
  • Some platforms even allow you to connect with others traveling to the same destination.

Pro Tip: Join online communities before your trip to gather valuable insights into the safest neighborhoods, hotels, and hostels for solo travelers.

FAQs

Hotels with strong security features, such as 24/7 reception and keycard access, are typically the safest. For budget-conscious travelers, hostels with private rooms or female-only dorms can also offer a secure option.

Yes, as long as you choose verified hosts with excellent reviews. Always look for properties with strong security features, such as secure locks and neighborhood safety.

Before booking, research the neighborhood using Google Maps and online reviews. Check if the area is well-lit, close to public transport, and frequented by other travelers.

Avoid booking accommodations in isolated or poorly reviewed areas, even if they are cheaper. Stay clear of properties that lack basic security features, like 24/7 reception or secure entry systems.

Travel Safe and Confidently: Your Adventure Awaits!

Traveling alone is an incredible experience that allows you to embrace new cultures, meet people, and enjoy life on your own terms. However, ensuring your safety starts with booking the right accommodation. By choosing secure hotels, verified rentals, or hostels with great security features, you can have peace of mind while exploring the world.

Ready to plan your solo trip? Let me help you find the safest accommodations tailored to your needs and preferences. Contact me today to start your journey!