Staying safe while solo traveling is more about trusting your gut not social rules.
Solo travel can be an empowering journey. It teaches you how to move through the world on your own terms, .
But let’s be clear: for women, solo travel also means carrying the weight of hyper awareness.
We don’t just pack bags, we pack instincts, backup plans, and mental scripts for what to do if someone crosses a line.
Let me tell you what happened to me recently.
The Sand Dunes and The Silent Warnings
I was out doing a solo photoshoot on a set of beautiful, deserted sand dunes an open landscape with miles of space. The Ocean was on the other side as a backdrop but you had to climb down to get there..
I uploaded my beautiful champagne dress to Chat GPT to get some recommendations on where to wear it.. To my surprise it said the Madalay Beach where they had sand dunes... I went alil further down then the actual location it suggested where it wasn't a crowd.. very peaceful... Until it wasn’t.
First, a man saw me walking up the dunes. There was no reason for him to take the same path but suddenly, he was.
I didn’t wait to find out his intentions. I turned right back to my car that was still in view, grabbed my mace, my stick, and swapped to a larger bag so I wouldn’t be fumbling with multiple items in my hands if I needed to act quickly. I actually waited for another 30 mins before I went back to scout a location..
Then bout 40 minutes later, I noticed the birds started flying over me and chirping.. I looked where they were coming from then I saw him, walking directly towards me, within feet. Through my shoot. Again miles of open space, he chose to be that close. He smiled and said Hello...
Let me be clear: I didn’t smile, I didn’t speak. I gave him a look that said: I’m not the one as I held my bag in my hands, with my "back away quickly" in the other.
Some might say I was rude. I say, I was prepared and this is a reminder that you should be too on your solo traveling journey..
Here Are My Real Solo Travel Safety Habits
(That I don’t see enough people talking about.)
1. Don’t Be Nice to Strangers Just Because They're Smiling
You don’t owe anyone access to your energy, your name, or your smile especially men.
Politeness has put many women in unsafe situations.
If your gut says “don’t engage,” listen to it.
2. Look Alert, Not Distracted
Move like you’re aware because you are.
When I’m shooting or walking alone, I constantly scan my surroundings. I make it obvious that I see people and am tracking movements.
3. Carry What Makes You Feel Safe
For me, it’s:
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Mace
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A stick (yes, a real one)
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A single, spacious bag (not multiple small ones I can drop or fumble)
Choose tools that work for you, and keep them accessible not buried at the bottom of your purse.
4. Trust the Vibes. Seriously.
We’re taught to second guess ourselves, to not assume the worst. But if someone gives you a weird feeling even if they don’t do anything trust it.
I’ve dodged situations simply because I moved before things got weird.
5. Have an Exit Plan for Every Spot
Before I start any shoot or exploration, I check:
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Where’s the closest road or public area?
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Can I get to my car quickly?
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What would I do if someone followed me?
It’s not fear. It’s strategy.
You Can Be Soft and Still Have Boundaries Like Steel
Solo travel doesn’t mean you have to harden up completely.
It means you move wisely. You stay grounded. You don’t apologize for not being friendly.
You’re not paranoid. You’re prepared.
You’re not cold. You’re clear.
Final Word:
To the women who want to travel solo:
Yes, go. Do it. Take the trip. Explore. Heal. Expand.
But also be sharp. Be honest about the world we live in.
And never feel guilty for putting your safety over someone else’s comfort.
Because your life, your peace, your return home that’s the priority.
I wrote another blog on why about being nice and demure to the wrong person isn't wise... Click here... The Soft Life ain't always pretty or Solo Travel as a Smart Woman Part 2
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