The Go-To Guide For Female Solo Travellers
Many women contemplating travel often inquire about the safety of solo female journeys. Questions arise regarding the safety of specific destinations and whether it's feasible to embark on solo adventures, especially when friends and family express concerns. If you're a woman yet to venture into solo travel, it's common to find yourself entangled in hypothetical scenarios and doubts, potentially hindering the prospect of embracing an incredible solo travel experience.
So, here is a quick guide to help you avoid unwanted situations as a solo female traveller.
10 Travel Hacks Every Solo Female Traveller Will Need
#1 Start with nearby destinations
If you're new to solo travel, consider beginning with smaller ventures to gradually acclimate yourself to this mode of exploration. Choosing a destination that is relatively close to home, or where the predominant language aligns with your own can be advantageous for a start, before taking the plunge into solo international travel.
#2 Opt for the all-female transportation options when available
Several cities around the world have introduced all-female transportation options to enhance safety and comfort for women travellers such as:
- Pink Taxis in Cairo, Egypt: Cairo has introduced pink taxis, driven by female drivers, to offer a safer option for female passengers.
- Women-Only Cars on Public Transport (Global): In various cities worldwide, certain public transportation systems have designated women-only cars during specific hours. This is common in countries like Japan, India, and Brazil.
- SheTaxis (SheRides) in New York, USA: An initiative in New York City, SheTaxis (also known as SheRides)
- Pink Taxi in Dubai, UAE: Dubai introduced a "Pink Taxi" service, driven by female drivers and exclusively serving female passengers and families.
- Pink Rickshaws in Pakistan: In some cities in Pakistan, there are initiatives to introduce pink rickshaws driven by women to provide safer transportation options.
- Taxis Rose in Paris, France: Taxis Rose is a service in Paris that provides female drivers for female passengers. It offers an alternative for women who prefer female chauffeurs.
- Women-Only Buses in Mexico City, Mexico: Mexico City has implemented women-only buses on its public transportation system to address concerns about harassment.
#3 Seek directions from fellow women or mobile map apps
Getting directions from other women can offer a feeling of safety, as solo female travellers may find it more reassuring to communicate with someone of the same gender.
Meanwhile, mobile map apps offer immediate updates on routes, traffic conditions, and alternative paths, enabling solo female travellers to make well-informed decisions and navigate effectively. This reduces the time and unwanted attention of approaching strangers for directions in unfamiliar or potentially unsafe areas.
#4 Join all-female social groups
Engage with social media communities tailored for female travellers to connect with a supportive group in case you require assistance during your travels as a solo female traveller. Some examples include Solo Female Traveler Network and Girls Love Travel.
#5 Stay in exclusively female accommodations
Several accommodations around the world cater specifically to female solo travelers, examples include:
- Hotels or resorts which are completely for women or with women-only floors like Bliss Sanctuary for Women in Bali, Som Dona Hotel in Spain, Luthan Hotel and Spa in Saudi Arabia and Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya in Tokyo
- Female-only guesthouses cater exclusively to female travelers, offering shared or private accommodations. For instance, Akasaka No Sato Tokyo in Japan.
- Women-only Bed and Breakfasts like Duncot Bed and Breakfast in the UK, and Orsa Maggiore in Italy
- Women-only guest rooms in homestays which can be booked via specific female-only platforms like "GoWonder" or "Host a Sister"
#6 Tap on credit cards travel benefits which cater to women
Credit cards which cater specifically to women like the UOB Lady’s Card and DBS Woman’s Card provide benefits including reward points which can be converted to air miles, cash back benefits or other forms of rewards like grocery shopping vouchers and more.
Moreover, some premium credit cards provide access to airport lounges, and concierge services that can assist with travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, and other logistical details. These benefits can be valuable for solo female travelers who may appreciate additional support during their travel journeys.
#7 Use Multi-Currency Accounts (MCAs)
If you hold any of the renowned female-specific credit cards like UOB Lady’s Card or DBS Woman's Card, you may want to consider getting multi-currency wallets (MCAs) which are offered by your credit card issuing bank. DBS multi-currency debit card or UOB Mighty FX, for even greater convenience. Otherwise you can go for other MCAs like YouTrip, Revolut and Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) which are notable multi-currency account providers too.
Such MCAs have security features like encryption and two-factor authentication or even competitive exchange rates, potentially leading to savings on currency conversion fees. All these features give an additional layer of safeguarding for your funds, a critical aspect for solo female travellers, particularly in unfamiliar or crowded settings.
#8 Buy travel insurance
Travel insurance is extremely essential for you as a solo female traveller as it gives some form of emergency support and financial protection against unexpected emergencies, medical expenses, and trip cancellations, plus other important factors which include:
- Personal safety through liability coverage which safeguards solo female travellers in case they unintentionally cause harm to others or damage property. This aspect contributes to their personal safety during travel.
- Emergency evacuation coverage that is especially critical for solo female travellers, considering the absence of a companion to assist in emergencies. This insurance guarantees their transportation to an appropriate medical facility when needed.
- Coverage for unexpected medical expenses that can help to cover unforeseen medical costs, encompassing hospitalisation, doctor visits, and prescription medications. This is particularly crucial for solo female travellers seeking access to quality healthcare in foreign countries, ensuring they receive necessary medical attention without facing excessive expenses.
- Financial protection for trip interruption or cancellation: Travel insurance can offer reimbursement for expenses that are non-refundable and associated with trip interruption or cancellation. This provides financial security for solo female travellers who lack a travel companion to share unexpected costs.
#9 Stay connected with loved ones
Take photos subtly for security’s sake whenever needed. For instance, communicate your travel plans to a loved one or a close friend back home, providing details such as your Airbnb host's information or hotel phone numbers. Alternatively, share your location on your mobile phone every now and then. Also, prior to entering an Uber, taxi, or Lyft, take a photo of the vehicle's licence plate and share it with a loved one or a close friend.
#10 Pack light and bring portable security devices
Having fewer belongings minimises the risk of theft and reduces the need for constant vigilance over numerous possessions, it is also easier to navigate public transportation, walk longer distances when unburdened by excessive luggage. It is also great to travel with portable security devices such as a small wedge-shaped door alarm which can be placed a tiny bit away from the bottom of the door, so if someone tries to enter your room, this little device will give off a loud sound to alert you.
Best Travel Insurance For Solo Female Travellers
Tiq Savvy
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$500,000
- Travel Cancelation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$2,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$4250% Off - S$21
[GIVEAWAY | FLASH SALE]
Enjoy 50% off Single Trip and 80% off COVID-19 add-on Annual Trip. Discounts valid till 31 Dec 2024. T&Cs apply
Get S$30 Revolut cash reward with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Silver
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$500,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$10,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$5,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$48.3660% Off - S$19.34
[Prizes worth over S$13,500 | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Enjoy 60% off your Single Trip policy premium.
Get over S$115 worth of rewards including:
• Up to S$50 via PayNow OR an Apple AirTag (worth S$45) with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• S$30 Trip.com Hotel Coupon*
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Ready to Travel ANYWHERE for FREE?
• Score a Holiday (worth up to S$5,000)
• Apple AirTag (worth S$45). T&Cs apply.
• S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
Allianz Travel Silver
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$500,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$4653% Off - S$21.62
[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get over S$80 worth of rewards including:
• Up to S$45 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy Standard
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$34.560% Off - S$13.80
[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get over S$80 worth of rewards including:
• Up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Score exciting gifts on top of existing rewards:
• Apple iPad 10.9-inch 64GB (10th Gen). T&Cs apply.
• S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
Zurich Travel Insurance Basic
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$50,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$2,500
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$2,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$15.6610% Off - S$14.09
[Prizes worth over S$13,500 | FLASH SALE]
Get over S$60 worth of rewards including:
• Up to S$25 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Ready to Travel ANYWHERE for FREE?
• Score a Holiday (worth up to S$5,000)
• Apple AirTag (worth S$45). T&Cs apply.
• S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
INCOME Standard Classic
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$42.1860% Off - S$16.87
[Prizes worth over S$13,500 | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Enjoy 60% off your Single Trip policy premium and get additional 50,000^ STAR$® with worldwide plans purchased. Valid till 11 Dec 2024. T&Cs apply.
Get over S$45 worth of rewards including:
• S$10 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Ready to Travel ANYWHERE for FREE?
• Score a Holiday (worth up to S$5,000)
• Apple AirTag (worth S$45). T&Cs apply.
• S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
Check Out The Best Travel Insurance in Singapore
Best Travel Insurance Benefits Coverage For Solo Female Travellers
Best for | Travel insurance plan | Estimated premium rate |
---|---|---|
Overall good value | Bubblegum travel insurance plans | From $34 |
Budget travel | FWD Premium plan | From $22 |
Flight diversion/cancellation/postponement | Singlife Travel Plus and Prestige plans | Column 3 |
Overseas medical coverage | Allianz travel insurance plans | From $36 |
Pre-existing conditions | MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex plans | From $44.50 |
Family | DirectAsia travel insurance plans | From $30 |
Elderly | Tiq Pre-Ex travel insurance plans by Etiqa | From $27 |
Travelling while pregnant | MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex plans | From $44.50 |
Extreme sports | Starr TraveLead Comprehensive plans | From $30 |
COVID-19 coverage | AIG Travel Guard plans | From $38 |
*Estimated premium rates are based on a 4D3N single trip plan to a Southeast Asian country, data last updated in November 2023. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get travel insurance as a solo traveller?
- Yes. Although travel insurance is mostly not required to travel to many countries now, it is still strongly recommended. Having a travel insurance plan with adequate coverage will allow you to claim for medical and hospitalisation expenses, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation and more, so it’ll definitely prepare you better for such unexpected situations.
What are some female-only platforms to book accommodations for female travellers?
- Specific female-only platforms like "GoWonder" or "Host a Sister" are websites where female travellers get connected with local female-only hosts who can provide them with a more personalised and authentic experience including accommodation, meals, local insights and cultural activities.