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This Solo Traveler Shares Amazing Tips How She Keeps Herself Safe Abroad & You Need To See It Before Your Trip

By Malaika Aman
March 8, 2018
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Traveling alone is quite fun.

I mean I get that traveling with family and friends has it’s advantages, but sometimes you just want alone time in another country. And that is perfectly fine. Sure, you might think that you’ll probably get robbed or harassed if you are alone and a women on top of that.

Well, there is always a chance for that, but you can try to be cautious. That is why Ciara Johnson, a blogger and world traveler has some tips for us. Now, I don’t know about you but I’ll definitely keep these in mind when I embark on my first adventure.

After all, safety comes first.

Im a woman and I travel the world alone, from Mexico to Morocco to Cuba to Bosnia to many other countries. Here’s a thread on how I stay safe: pic.twitter.com/ANnxNlWTYr

— Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) March 1, 2018

It might sound crazy but it is probably an amazing feeling.

It’s made me hyper aware of my surroundings. There’s no other option. Pay attention to the people in your surroundings, both near & far. Scan your surroundings. Is someone walking close to you? Does someone appear to be watching you? Did that car just pull beside you & slow down?

— Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) March 1, 2018

That is great advice regardless of the fact that you’re living or traveling alone.

When I’m walking, I’m fully aware of what’s happening around me. I keep an eye on cars driving past me or anyone that slows/quicken their speed near me. I listen to footsteps & watch shadows. Mind you, this all applies to a woman who lives on her own too.

— Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) March 1, 2018

It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If I’m walking in a quiet street and I see that a man is about to walk closely past me I’ll even cross to the other side of the street if no one else is around. It’s better to look a little paranoid than be harassed, robbed, or worse.

— Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) March 1, 2018

Research is the key.

I do lots of research before I go – cultural norms, customs, how to dress, scams, natural disasters, political climate, etc. Instead of listening to people who’ve never visited these places before, I look for first hand knowledge from other solo female travelers.

— Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) March 1, 2018

Never pull out your phone when you’re alone.

Thanks to 2018 tech, I use google maps, translation apps, and drop my pin to friends/family often. I’m not above using my phone to stay safe, but I avoid pulling it out on the street or walking around with my head down bc I gotta be aware.

— Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) March 1, 2018

Do I see a hint of product placement here?

Thanks to Tmobile, I have free texting & data around the world. Family & friends are literally a text or phone call away. Make sure someone, anyone…knows where you are & where you're staying.

— Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) March 1, 2018

You truly never know who’s lurking around.

Women around the world really look out for each other though & It's heartwarming. I sit next to women on buses. If I need directions, I usually ask a woman. This is not to say all women can be trusted, but I feel more comfortable trusting a woman on first instinct.

— Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) March 1, 2018

Do remember that not all women can be trusted.

Women around the world really look out for each other though & It's heartwarming. I sit next to women on buses. If I need directions, I usually ask a woman. This is not to say all women can be trusted, but I feel more comfortable trusting a woman on first instinct.

— Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) March 1, 2018

Reviews are always the most important part.

Read reviews for hotels, airbnb, hostels, etc. Once again, all reviews aren't real but it's better to have some frame of reference. I specifically look for reviews written by women and I'd never book a place that has no reviews.

— Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) March 1, 2018