Advice for Secure & Worry-Free Adventures

Thinking about taking off on your next adventure but feeling a little anxious about staying safe? Trust me—I get it. Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, road-tripping across the U.S., or booking a solo weekend escape, having the right travel safety tips can make all the difference. Fear of the unknown is totally normal, especially when you’re heading out alone—but with a few smart strategies and the right mindset, you can trade anxiety for confidence and explore with ease. That’s why I put together this travel safety guide. Inside, I’m sharing the exact tips, habits, and little tricks I’ve used to stay safe—and feel safe—on every adventure I’ve explored. In this guide, I tackle 33 travel safety tips to help you have your best adventure.

Let’s dive in and get you ready for worry-free adventures.

Why Travel Safety Matters—And How It Builds Confidence

You don’t have to be paranoid to be prepared. In fact, I think being proactive about safety is one of the smartest things you can do as a traveler. The goal isn’t to expect danger—it’s to feel empowered. Because once you’ve got the basics down, your mind is free to enjoy the real magic of travel.

Travel Mindset: Fear Isn’t the Enemy—It’s the Compass

Before we dive into gear, apps, and travel safety tips, let’s talk about something just as important: your mindset. Because here’s the truth—fear is normal. Especially when you’re stepping out solo for the first (or even the tenth) time. But I’ve learned something powerful: fear usually shows up right before something incredible is about to happen.

If you’ve been wondering, “How do I get over the fear of traveling alone?”, my short answer is this: get prepared, stay smart, and lean into solid safety practices. My longer answer? Keep reading.

Packing Smart for Travel Safety: Travel Light, Travel Right

Here are a few tips for packing smart:

1. Essentials-Only Rule

The more you pack, the more you worry. I always ask myself: “Do I really need this, or am I packing fear?”

I am a fan of NOT checking bags. I like to travel light. I typically only bring a carry on suite case and a backpack, even for trips up to 2 weeks long. If you struggle to carry your bags, I recommend packing less.

2. Safety Items You Should Always Carry

• A small first-aid kit
• Doorstop alarm (especially in hostels or guesthouses)
• Portable phone charger
• TSA-approved lock
• Emergency whistle
• Personal GPS tracker (I love mine for remote hikes)

3. Create a “Go Bag”

This is your must-grab pack in an emergency. It should include:

• Passport + ID
• Some cash in local and home currency
• Power bank
• Printed emergency contacts

Destination Research: Be Curious, Not Clueless

Before you travel somewhere, I recommend doing a little research:

4. Know the Local Landscape

I always spend 30 minutes Googling:

• Common scams
• Unsafe neighborhoods
• Emergency numbers (every country has a different “911”)

5. Government Travel Alerts

Before I travel, I check my government’s travel site for advisories. It’s not to scare myself—it’s just about knowing the climate.

Accommodation Safety: Where You Sleep Matters

Here are some tips for booking accommodations:

6. Book Hotels and Stays From Reputable Sources

I am a huge fan of booking accommodations from reputable sources (like hotels.com, VRBO, booking.com, etc.)

7. Vet Your Stay Before You Book

Whether you’re a hotel loyalist or a die-hard hostel fan, always:

• Read recent reviews (filter for “safety” and “location”)
• Choose well-lit areas near transport
• Avoid ground-floor rooms if solo

8. Airbnb/Guesthouse Pro Tips

• Message the host to confirm check-in process
• Screenshot the location and directions before your arrival
• Always lock internal doors

Getting Around Safely

Here are a few travel safety tips for getting around safely:

9) Modes of Transpiration

I like to rent my own car, but there are times that’s not possible. If I need a rideshare option like Uber or a Taxi, I always go through a safe, reputable app to get one. It’s a good idea to not just choose one that’s in front of you (you never know).

10. Transit Tips That Save Stress

• Use rideshare apps with built-in safety (like Uber or Bolt)
• Sit in the back seat, always
• Don’t flash your phone on public transit

11. Learn the Local Transport Vibe

Ask locals (or your host) whether taxis are regulated. In some countries, flagging a cab is totally normal. In others? Huge no-no.

Tech Tools That Have Your Back

Here are some tech tips you should consider when traveling:

12. Apps I Never Travel Without

• Google Maps (offline mode!)
• Google Translate (download the language in advance)
• WhatsApp (for global communication)
• Smart Traveler or your embassy app
• Airalo or Nomad eSIMs – easy access to data = instant safety net

13. Share Your Location

I always share my live location with a close friend or family member when I arrive at a new place. It’s easy, free, and builds peace of mind.

Solo Travel Safety: Confidence Is Built, Not Born

It’s good to start small and work your way up. Here are a few tips for doing that:

14. Start With Baby Steps

If you’re worried about solo travel, I suggest:

• Taking a solo day trip
• Booking a one-night solo staycation
• Going to dinner or a museum alone in your hometown

These little steps build big confidence.

15. Solo Doesn’t Mean Silent

I love solo travel, but I never isolate myself entirely. Join a walking tour, attend a hostel social event, or strike up a convo at a co-working café.

Travel Safety Tips for Women (From What I’ve Learned Watching My Fellow Travelers)

While I travel solo as a guy, I’ve met and talked with dozens of women on the road who’ve shared their unique experiences—and I’ve paid attention. Women travelers often navigate the world with a different set of safety concerns, and I think it’s important we talk about it openly.

Here’s what I’ve learned from the smart, brave women I’ve met around the globe:

16. Dress to Blend, Not Stand Out

In many places, especially more conservative areas, it’s smart to dress in a way that respects local customs. I’ve seen how something as simple as having a scarf handy can shift how locals respond—and make women feel way more comfortable exploring.

17. Gut Instincts Are Gold

This one applies to everyone, but especially women: if something feels off, it probably is. I’ve heard travelers say that the best thing they packed wasn’t a gadget—it was their ability to read the vibe and act fast when needed.

18. A Firm “No” Is Enough

No explanations necessary. Several women have told me they practice saying “No, thanks” in a calm, clear tone—and leave it at that. Body language matters too. Standing tall, staying alert, and walking with purpose makes a difference.

Travel Safety Tips for Men (Yes, We’ve Got to Think About This Too)

It’s easy to assume we’re invincible just because we’re guys. But trust me, travel humbles you real quick. I’ve had my share of “what was I thinking?” moments, and I’ve seen other dudes walk into trouble because they didn’t consider the risks.

19. Know the Cultural Codes

Every country has its own idea of what’s acceptable male behavior. Sometimes, it’s small things—like hand gestures, eye contact, or how loudly you speak. I make it a point to learn the social norms before I land. Respect is a safety tool.

20. Skip the Tough Guy Routine

I’ll be honest—I used to think walking through sketchy streets late at night made me look bold. Now? I know better. Avoiding unnecessary risks isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

Safety in the Wild: Hiking & Adventure Travel Safety Tips

21. Never Hike Alone (Without Prep)

If you must hike solo, do this first:

• Register at the ranger station
• Screenshot trail maps
• Tell someone when you’ll return

22. Gear Up Right

I don’t go anywhere without:

• Headlamp (or a flashlight. A phone flashlight can be used as a backup, but I recommend a dedicated light for battery purposes)
• Multi-tool (just make sure it’s allowed to go through the airport)
• Whistle
• Water purifier (or large water bladder. My 3L water bladder is great for hikes under 10 miles where I’m not camping overnight)
• Emergency blanket

23. Respect Wildlife + Terrain

Know what animals roam your destination, and avoid dusk/dawn solo treks in risky zones. While I have hiked solo after sunset, it probably wasn’t the best idea (with black bears roaming). In that case, there were several other hikers out so I at least had people nearby in case anything happened.

24. Bring Snacks and Water With You

I ALWAYS bring snacks and my 3L water bladder with me on any hike on any hike over 3 miles. Typically the hikes under 3 miles are more touristy in nature, so there are people around to help if you need it. I like to bring a few protein bars, beef jerky, and some kind of candy (like gummy bears!).

Common Scams (And How to Outsmart Them)

Here are a few common scams to look out for:

25. “You Dropped This”

A stranger “returns” something you dropped, then tries to pickpocket you while you’re distracted. Solution? Don’t engage.

26. Overfriendly “Guides”

You’re approached by a helpful local who suddenly wants money. Always clarify cost before accepting any service.

27. Credit Card Skimming

Use ATMs inside banks or major buildings. I also use travel credit cards with fraud protection—highly recommend. Most credit cards come with fraud protection already. It’s a good idea to set an alert to receive an email or text for transactions more than a certain amount that you set. In some cases, I’ve set this amount to $1, especially while traveling.

Cultural Intelligence = Travel Safety

28. Learn These Key Phrases

Even a few local words help:

• “Help!”
• “I need the police.”
• “I’m allergic to…”
• “Where is…?”
• “No, thank you.”

I like to print off a 1 page language cheat sheet before I go to a new country. I try my best to learn a few phrases on the plane ride over.

29. Watch the Locals

How do they cross streets? Interact with vendors? Order food? Mimicking respectful behavior keeps you safer and earns respect.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Let’s hope it doesn’t get to this point, but things do happen when traveling. Here are a few tips:

30. Stay Calm First

You’ve prepared. You’ve got this. Breathe. Then act.

31. Have a Backup Contact Plan

I keep hard copies of contacts + embassy info in my bag. Cloud access is great, but offline backups win in a pinch.

32. Contact Local Authorities (And Your Embassy)

Don’t be afraid to get help. Most countries have tourism police, embassy liaisons, or emergency helplines. Use them.

33. Create a “Safety First” Travel Kit

Here are some additional smart safety ideas you could implement:

• RFID-blocking wallet
• Safety pins (so versatile!) – These are generally allowed on planes according to the TSA
• Collapsible water bottle (I use my 3L hiking water bladder all the time)
• Decoy wallet with a few small bills

Final Thoughts: Travel Safety = Freedom

Thank you for reading through this travel safety guide to have your best adventure. Here’s the truth no one told me at first: the more you prioritize safety, the more freedom you actually gain.

I used to think that focusing too much on safety would make my trips feel rigid or restrictive—like I’d be constantly on guard or stuck in “worry mode.” But it’s been the opposite. When you know you’ve got systems in place, when you’ve planned smart, and when you trust yourself to handle curveballs, that’s when you unlock real, grounded confidence.

Because here’s the thing: fear doesn’t disappear overnight. It still pops up. Sometimes it sneaks in before a solo dinner, during a wrong turn in a new city, or when you’re halfway up a mountain trail thinking, “Am I in over my head?”

But over time, your preparation becomes your peace. Your self-awareness becomes your compass. And your small wins? They stack up into a kind of calm courage that shows up when you need it most.

So don’t see safety as something you have to “deal with”—see it as the thing that unlocks your ability to be spontaneous, to say yes, to roam further, and to be fully present. It’s the foundation for all those unforgettable, life-changing, soul-shifting moments that solo travel brings. So go ahead—book the ticket. Trust your gut. Pack smart. Plan well.
Then? Let go and explore like you were born to.

Happy Wandering!