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Quick answer: For most people, solo travel is safe enough to do and rewarding. It is not risk-free. The most common problems are petty theft, scams, getting lost and loneliness. Serious crime against tourists is much less common, but it varies a lot by destination. Your choice of place, your preparation and a few daily habits make the biggest difference.
The reality of solo travel safety
Millions of people travel alone every year. Your risk depends on three things: where you go, how well you prepare and how aware you are once you are there. Be wary of any single statistic claiming that solo travel is “X% safe”. Crime data differs between countries and cities, and it is rarely reported by traveller type. Your government’s travel advice is the best starting point for a specific country.
The main risks
- Petty theft: pickpockets target busy places, stations and transport.
- Scams: unofficial taxis, fake guides, overpriced goods. See our guide to solo travel safety.
- Harassment: unwanted attention, which women and LGBTQ+ travellers report more in some places.
- Health emergencies: illness or injury without someone to help.
- Getting lost: especially at night or without a local SIM.
- Loneliness: real, and manageable.
- Violent crime: uncommon for visitors in most places, but higher in some areas.
How destination changes the picture
Some places are easier for a first solo trip because they have good public transport, clear signage, widespread English, a developed tourism industry and low crime against visitors. Examples often suggested to beginners include Japan, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Iceland and New Zealand. This is a general guide, not a ranking, and conditions can change. See best solo travel destinations for city exploration.
Safety also varies inside a country. A big city, a small town and a rural area can feel very different, and so can day and night. Research your exact destination, not just the country.
How your profile affects the experience
Women travelling alone
Many women report unwanted attention such as catcalling or persistent approaches, especially in some regions. Most incidents are low-level but unpleasant. Helpful habits: choose well-reviewed accommodation, arrange transport before dark, trust your instincts, and do not feel obliged to be polite to someone who makes you uncomfortable.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Laws and attitudes differ widely. Same-sex relations are criminalised in some countries, and public displays of affection can be risky even where they are legal. Check your government’s travel advice and LGBTQ+ travel resources for your destination before booking.
Younger and older travellers
Younger travellers may be targeted by scams and drink-related risks. Older travellers may be targeted for theft or fraud. In both cases, official transport, well-reviewed accommodation and a communication plan help.
Practical steps for first-timers
- Book your first night before you arrive, and know how you will get there.
- Share your itinerary with someone, and check in regularly.
- Get travel insurance that covers medical care and theft.
- Keep copies of key documents, digital and paper, apart from the originals. See how to protect your travel documents.
- Carry money in more than one place.
- Use official taxis or ride apps, particularly at night.
- Watch your drink, and be cautious with strangers’ offers.
- Stay connected. A local SIM or eSIM makes maps, translation and calls available. See how to stay connected while travelling abroad.
- Trust your instincts. If a place or person feels wrong, leave.
Useful safety gear
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Zipped crossbody bag or hidden pouch | Keeps valuables close in crowds |
| Small padlock | For hostel lockers and bags |
| Door stop or travel door lock | Extra security in some rooms |
| Personal alarm | Draws attention if you need it |
| Portable charger | Keeps your phone working |
Carrying pepper spray is illegal in many places. Check local laws before you pack anything of this kind.
If something goes wrong
- Lost or stolen passport: report it to the police and contact your embassy or consulate.
- Theft: get a police report for insurance and call your bank to freeze cards.
- Illness or injury: use your insurer’s emergency line and local emergency numbers. In the EU, 112 works across all countries.
- Feeling unsafe: move to a busy place, a hotel or a shop and ask for help.
Common first-timer mistakes
- Not researching local laws or customs
- Skipping travel insurance
- Over-packing
- Showing valuables or cash in public
- Trusting strangers too fast
- Posting your live location on social media
- Not checking visa and entry rules
More in 5 mistakes to avoid when traveling alone.
Pros and cons
Pros: freedom, confidence, flexibility and new friendships. Cons: no built-in backup in an emergency, occasional loneliness, and more planning because every decision is yours.
Is solo travel right for you?
If you are comfortable deciding alone, can stay calm when plans change, and are willing to prepare, solo travel can suit you. If you are unsure, start with a short trip to an easy destination, or a small-group tour. See traveling alone for the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Is solo travel safe for women?
It can be. Choose destinations with a good track record for solo women, research local customs, and avoid late-night risks. Most problems are low-level, but preparation matters.
What if I get sick abroad?
Contact your insurer, find a local clinic or hospital, and ask your accommodation for help. Keep a list of your medication and any allergies.
How do I avoid scams?
Research the local ones in advance, use official services, and be wary of pressure and “special” offers.
Is public transport safe?
Usually, yes, but keep your bag close and be careful late at night.
How can I meet people safely?
Join tours, classes or hostel events, meet new people in public places, and tell someone your plans. See how to meet people when you travel solo.
Keep planning
Hi, I’m Lily, a solo traveller, slow travel advocate and writer based in Wales. I’ve been exploring Europe independently for 9 years, mostly by train, mostly without a rigid itinerary, and almost always alone.
I’ve taken 55+ solo trips through France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, the Balkans, the Baltics and Scandinavia. I speak French and Italian, both learned on the road rather than in a classroom, which means I’m better at ordering wine and arguing with train conductors than I am at formal grammar.
My particular passion is the parts of Europe that don’t make the Instagram highlight reels: the underrated cities, the regional trains that no one takes, the local markets, the restaurants where you’re the only foreigner and the menu isn’t in English. I’ve eaten alone in some of the world’s best restaurants and some of its scruffiest tavernas, and I firmly believe solo dining is one of the great underrated pleasures of travel.
I write practical guides for solo travellers who want to actually experience a place, not just tick it off a list.