Traveling alone as a woman can be a life-changing experience. It can boost your confidence, open up your mindset, help you meet new people, and give you the unique chance of discovering other cultures.

However, all solo travelers should take some health, safety, and hygiene precautions - and this is even more true for women. Plus, as a woman, you may have some unique needs that need to be met!

In this guide, we’ll go over a few tips and strategies that can help you stay safe, comfortable, and protected. So, you can explore new destinations and make the most of your adventures with peace of mind. Let’s dive in.

It All Starts With The Right Destination!

One of the most important aspects to focus on before setting off for the adventure of a lifetime is your choice of destination. When choosing, you may want to consider your level of confidence and expertise with traveling alone. However, some destinations tend to be more or less safe for solo travels, and in particular, for women.

So, before planning your trip, check out some of the best solo female travel destinations, which include fantastic options like Portugal, Vietnam, and Greece! When choosing your destination, also plan your itinerary, so that you can remain in control of the areas where you’ll sleep or stopover throughout your trip.

Use a Menstrual Cup for Convenience

The standards of female hygiene products change significantly from one country to another, and even from one area to another within the same destination! Because of this, it is important to have what you need at hand, especially in more remote destinations.

However, if you are planning to pack light or are going on a longer, multi-destination trip, sanitary pads may not be your best option! They are bulky and just take up too much space in your backpack or suitcase! Here, other options, like a silicone-free menstrual cup may be your best ally! This alternative isn’t just convenient and easy to carry around, but it’s also safer and more environmentally friendly - perfect for eco-conscious adventurers!

Carry a Whistle or Personal Safety Device

Even when traveling to a safe destination and taking all the necessary precautions, uncomfortable situations may happen. In this case, having a whistle or personal safety device with you can help you feel more confident and in control.

A whistle is an excellent option to attract attention - plus it’s easy to carry around, perfectly legal, and inexpensive. If you are planning trekking adventures in remote areas, satellite GPS or tracking devices can help you share your position and stay safe.

There are other options, like keychain alarms and pepper sprays. However, be sure to understand the legalities of these items, and whether you can carry them with you while traveling. Regulations may change from one country to another!

Pack Extra Prescription Medications

If you require prescription medications, it is important to pack enough to last you your entire trip - and some extra ones! As you travel through different climates and move from one accommodation to another, items can get lost or spoiled, and you won’t be sorry to have packed some extra items just in case!

You may also consider carrying with you a note from your doctor, translated into the local language, to be able to find emergency medications when needed.

Choose Breathable Fabrics For Comfort

Synthetic fabrics can affect your skin health, especially when traveling through hot or humid locations. Be sure to opt for soft, natural, and breathable items that allow you to stay dry and comfortable despite temperature changes and long hours of travel.

Consider that it may be better to have fewer items with you, which you can wash often, rather than overpeck and having to travel with a heavy backpack or suitcase!

Also, be sure to protect your skin from strong UV rays, especially when visiting locations in tropical or warm areas!

Keep Hygiene Products at Hand

As you travel, you’ll discover that hygiene standards change from one location to another. Plus, when facing long traveling days and having to spend many hours on buses or trains, you will be grateful to have your essentials at hand.

Here are some of the must-have items you should always have with you in your day bag or backpack:

Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Face tissue
Travel-sized soap
Toothbrush kit
Deodorant
First aid kit

Know Local Women's Health Resources

When traveling, it is crucial to know how to take care of your health. When facing medical emergencies abroad, the entire experience can be stressful and overwhelming, especially as the medical system may be different from the one in your home country and the area can feel unfamiliar.

A great way to prevent unnecessary stress is to familiarize yourself with local healthcare centers and women’s health clinics near you. If you plan in advance, you may also be able to check the clinic’s reviews to check they align with your wanted standards, and assess whether there are English-speaking doctors and nurses in the area. This simple tip can help you navigate an emergency with much more confidence.

Pro tip. Although it’s good for travelers to know where the nearest hospital or clinic is, don’t forget the number 1 tip for staying safe when traveling: getting travel insurance. This can cover costs and ensure you will always be able to access help when needed!

Plan for Hormonal Changes and Balance Activities and Rest

As a woman, you know that your energy levels change throughout your menstrual cycle because of hormonal fluctuations. This isn’t something to overlook when traveling alone! So, be sure to schedule activities in accordance with your menstrual cycle and expected energy levels. For example, if you have an exciting but transous trek ahead, consider planning it for your follicular phase, when your energy levels will be at their highest.

Similarly, you may feel more social and extroverted during the ovulation phase, making this time perfect for social interactions. And, of course, the luteal phase and menstruation are perfect for relaxed, laid back activities!

Wear Clothing with Hidden Pockets

Even when traveling through safe areas, you may need to be conscious about where you keep your phone, passport, important documents, and cash. Having them all in a bag may be the easiest option, but it may make you an easy target for pickpockets. Here’s where opting for clothes that have hidden, zipped pockets can come in handy!

A jacket, vest, or trousers with safe pockets can help you carry your items with confidence, even in busy areas - such as public transportation hubs or busy city centers. Plus, you can always reach into your pocket and have all you need at hand at all times!

Use Essential Oils for Stress Relief

Traveling is certainly a fantastic adventure that will leave you with wonderful memories. However, having to change accommodation often, endure long hours of traveling, and finding your way in new cities or areas can be stressful. Couple this with reduced sleep, disruptions in your normal diet, and increased physical activity and you can see how this experience can quickly get stressful!

Having some essential oils and calming herbal teas at hand can help you regulate your nervous system and manage day-to-day challenges with ease. Some of these oils and herbal teas include:

Lavender
Chamomile
Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Rosemary
Lemon balm
Clary sage
Bergamot

Stay in Safe or Female-Only Accommodations

As a traveler, you’ll know to stay alert and avoid intoxication in public, high-traffic areas. However, it is equally important to be mindful of your accommodation choice. If this is your first time traveling alone or are visiting a remote or less-than-safe area, consider private accommodation or opt for a bed in female-only dormitories. This can give you peace of mind and ensure a secure, comfortable night’s sleep.

Meet With Other Solo Female Explorers!

Last but not least, remember that one of the best aspects of solo female travel is… not to be solo! Or at, least, having the opportunity to meet new friends when you wish for company! So, get out there, take part in social activities, and open up to new connections!

Travel Smart: A Solo Woman's Guide to Maintaining Health and Hygiene on the Road