I was completely alone during my first trip abroad, I traveled to Paris then Bologna then Rome then went back home to Cairo, Egypt. My trip lasted for 10 days. It was amazing and I wanted it to be longer. I was nervous at first. I didn't encounter any problem except when a man followed me in Paris. It made me anxious, I ignored him until he went away.
Also I had few strangers in Indonesia asking me if I was alone/single. In addition to asking me personal questions like where I am from and how long will I stay. Other than that, everything was great.
Okay here's my list of safety tips for female travelers:
-Google reviews of where you're staying *hotels/hostels* not only on the booking website, search everywhere, go to their Facebook page and look at comments, search on twitter, and find anything that was written about the place online especially from female solo travelers.
-Don't tell anyone that you're alone, don't trust a complete stranger who asks you if there's someone with you (bartender, taxi driver or even some other guest at the hotel). Always say you have people with you. I can't stress enough on the importance of this.
-Choose aisle seat, so you can get up and go to the bathroom on the plane without asking the person next to you to move.
-Be aware of your surroundings, the exits, who is near you, notice everything, don't stress about it so it won't show, but be observant.
-Take a card from the hotel or the hostel that clearly has information about their address and phone numbers, so you can find your way back in case your phone is dead.
-Avoid revealing any details about yourself, and that includes where you're from. If you find yourself in a situation where someone is asking for so many details, pretend you have to go to meet someone.
-Download offline navigation app and test it before your travel or download offline google map. It's vital.
-Charge your phone and have a battery bank. Have a reliable phone with you, not a phone with a battery that drains fast.
-Don't carry a fancy camera that could attract thieves and it is also too heavy. Use a regular/inexpensive camera.
-Don't wear expensive jewelry.
-Don't overpack so you can move swiftly in airports.
-Make sure your family and close friends know where you're staying and places you plan to visit.
-Public transportation is safer but if you need to take a taxi please text their license plate details to your family or friends.
-Write the name of street signs near where you're staying and memorize their names. Know the nearest metro and bus station and the nearest important landmark.
-Don't take a lot of cash with you when you go out and try hiding your money safely.
-Have copies of your important documents including your passport.
-Choose comfort and practicality in clothes, shoes and purses.
-I used to wear a ring that could be passed as a wedding ring to avoid unwanted male attention.
-Lock your door. Put something heavy to make sure it stays locked. I used to put a chair and my suitcase on it behind the door.
-When you check in, make sure there's no one else in the room with you, before you settle in.
-Avoid staying out late, if you have to go to a concert or something similar, ask the hotel staff if they have a transportation service for it.
-Stay alert, don't let anyone near your drinks.
-Don't leave your purse anywhere no matter what. Someone could steal it or put something in it. Keep it on you all the time.
-If a group of people approached on the street to sign a petition WALK AWAY FAST, don't reply, don't make eye contact.
-Know the emergency number in the country (like 911 in USA)
-Memorize the phone number of your family or write them on paper if you need to call them and your phone isn't working.
-If someone is following you, enter the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, restaurant, or any place that has any people to seek safety.
-Try not to look lost or like a tourist, act like you know the place.
-Trust your instincts, that's the most important advice.
It's a long list, but don't let it worry you. This list has many tips that can be used daily, not only during travel.
Have fun and enjoy but stay safe!
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