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Traveling alone, whether domestically or internationally, can be a thrilling and liberating experience. However, it's important for solo female travelers to prioritize safety and take precautions to ensure their well-being. I have spent many years on the road alone, whether training in customer service for hotels or trying to stay incognito as mystery shopper. I typically spend about half the year on the road and have stayed in more than 300 hotels. Here are some valuable tips to help you stay safe on your journeys.
Avoid staying on the first floor: When booking your hotel room, consider requesting a room on a higher floor. Staying on the first floor can make you more vulnerable to unauthorized access and potential security risks. Higher floors can offer an extra layer of security. Avoid rooms that are close to stairwells too. Similarly, for hoteliers, avoid assigning solo female reservations on the first floor unless requested.
Secure your room number: After receiving your room key, take a quick photo of it on your phone to remember the room number. However, when you're in public areas, use a blank key packet to prevent others from seeing your room number. For example, if you leave it on the counter while grabbing coffee or working out no one will see your room number. You can also use a card holder to protect credit cards and hotel room keys from unwanted access. Additionally, hotel staff should also be discreet when confirming your room information, avoiding the public announcement of room numbers or last names.
Use a peephole cover: Carry a peephole cover with you, which can be purchased from Amazon. This small, inexpensive device adds an extra layer of privacy by preventing anyone from peering into your room through the peephole. It's a simple yet effective security measure.
Latch your door: Always use the latch inside your hotel room for added security. Mistakes can happen, such as staff giving out the wrong room key or accidentally entering your room without knocking. The latch provides an additional barrier against unwanted intrusions. There are also door stoppers for travelers now that make it difficult to open the door from the outside, such as these portable door locks.
Travel with reusable straws: As more resorts embrace sustainability and eliminate disposable straws, it's a good idea to carry your own reusable straw. This not only helps the environment but also ensures that your lips only touch the straw, reducing the risk of contamination when consuming beverages. I was traveling to a destination where "tainted beverages" was recently in the news. So, I made sure to order any beverage that was in a can or bottle that I would open and then use my straw, so my lips only touched the straw too and I was on the safe side.
Stay secure on hotel Wi-Fi: Be cautious when using open Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airports, or other public places. These networks can be vulnerable to hackers and other folks with malicious intent. Protect your online privacy by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which encrypts your internet connection and shields your data from potential threats. You can also use a portable travel router to set up your own private Wi-Fi network.
Secure your valuables: When staying at hotels, use the in-room safe to store your valuable items. Avoid using easily guessable combinations or personal information like your birthday. Instead, use a friend's or family member's birthday as a code. Additionally, consider using a TSA-approved luggage lock and a smart tracker for your suitcase to keep track of your belongings.
Have travel pre-arranged or use ride-share apps: Before arriving at your destination, consider pre-arranging your transportation from the airport or train station to your accommodation. Alternatively, use reputable ride-share apps to ensure you have a safe and convenient way to reach your destination. Research the available ride-share options in the area before your trip to make informed choices; RideGuru is a search engine for finding available options in your area.
For hoteliers, keep room lights on: Hotel room safety is a top priority, and well-lit entrances can significantly enhance your security. Many hotels now prioritize providing adequate lighting in room entrances and vanity areas to ensure guests feel safe upon arrival, especially solo female travelers. This simple precaution can make a big difference in your overall comfort. Recently, I was working with a hotel on the standard for what lights to have on for the room entrance. It was interesting because the Hotel Manager mentioned he would want the entry light and entrance to the vanity area lit because he looks at it in terms of how he would want his daughter to feel safe when traveling alone.
Trust your instincts: If you ever feel uncomfortable or sense something is amiss, don't hesitate to seek assistance from hotel employees or management. Your safety should always be your top priority, and hotel staff are there to help and ensure your well-being.
Bottom Line: Travel Smart & Stay Safe!
Traveling solo as a female can be empowering and fulfilling, but it's essential to take precautions to stay safe. By following these tips, you can enhance your security and peace of mind while enjoying your journeys. Remember that your safety should always be a priority, and don't hesitate to seek assistance or guidance whenever you need it. Travel smart and stay safe!
Stephanie Leger is the Founder and Chief Excellence Officer of First Rate Hospitality, a hospitality training consultancy. She has nearly 20 years of experience in the hotel industry globally, including with Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, Forbes Travel Guide, and AAA, and has trained more than 20,000 hospitality employees worldwide.