Article Highlights:

  • Hotel vs. Airbnb: Hotels generally offer better security, including staff presence and controlled access, compared to peer-to-peer home-sharing services like Airbnb or VRBO.
  • Key Safety Features: Choose hotels with key card elevator access, 24-hour staffed lobbies, and rooms on higher floors away from corridors.
  • Travel Gadgets for Safety: Essential items like portable travel door locks and door stoppers provide extra room security during solo trips.
  • Cultural Awareness: To blend in and reduce risks, obey local customs, dress appropriately, and avoid advertising that you are a solo tourist.
  • Avoid Public Attractions in Hotels: Opt for accommodations without public-access gyms, bars, or restaurants to minimize potential unwanted encounters.

Solo Female Travel: Why Accommodation Safety Matters

Traveling alone as a woman is a liberating and enriching experience, but it requires careful planning to ensure safety. Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or embarking on your first independent trip, choosing the right accommodations is crucial. Hotels generally provide more security features than peer-to-peer home-sharing properties, which often lack 24-hour staff and controlled access. This article explores best practices for booking safe accommodations, essential safety tools to pack, and tips for blending in while traveling alone.

 

Hotel vs. Airbnb: The Security Debate

Solo female travelers often prefer hotels due to their superior security features. In contrast, peer-to-peer home-sharing accommodations usually lack such safeguards, leaving guests more vulnerable. While Airbnb offers unique and affordable options, it lacks the structured security of hotels. Hosts may not have professional staff or security systems in place, making it challenging to verify who has access to the property.

Most reputable hotel chains offer 24-hour staffed lobbies, security personnel, and key card elevator access to guest floors, ensuring non-guests cannot freely roam the property. Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and security director for Global Rescue, emphasizes the importance of secure elevator access and discreet check-in procedures.

“You should be given your key by a staffer who does not say your room number out loud. Elevators from garages should not access guest floors,” he advises. These features are rare in Airbnb properties, making hotels the safer option for solo female travelers.

 

Choosing the Right Hotel

Not all hotels are created equal when it comes to safety. Here are key factors to consider:

  • Key Card Access: Ensure the hotel has elevators that require key cards to access specific floors.
  • Room Location: Avoid ground floors and rooms at the end of corridors. These areas are more accessible to potential intruders.
  • Limited Public Access: Choose hotels without public-access gyms, bars, or restaurants, as these attract non-guests and increase potential risks.
  • 24/7 Staff Presence: Opt for accommodations with around-the-clock staff and lobby security to monitor who enters and exits.

 

Hotel Safety Gadgets To Pack

Solo female travelers can enhance their safety by bringing along these essential travel tools:

  • Travel Door Lock: This portable gadget provides an extra layer of security by reinforcing your door against unauthorized entry.
  • Door Stopper: Use the room-provided door stopper and a portable one to secure your space further.
  • Personal Alarm: A small, portable alarm can alert others if you feel threatened.
  • Flashlight: Useful during power outages or emergencies.
  • Masking Tape: Tape over peepholes to prevent spying.

 

In-Room Safety Practices

Once in your room, take these precautions:

  • Use the deadbolt and door stopper provided by the hotel.
  • Always lock balcony doors, especially when sleeping or leaving the room.
  • Avoid opening the door to unexpected visitors; verify their identity with the front desk first.

 

Blending In and Cultural Awareness

Solo travel is booming, with 59% of travelers opting for independent trips. While it’s empowering, blending in is key to staying safe. Avoid advertising your tourist status by dressing modestly and leaving expensive jewelry at home. Carry a small crossbody bag instead of a large handbag, and keep your belongings minimal.

Dianette Wells, a Global Rescue member and frequent solo traveler, emphasizes the importance of respecting local customs. “I do my research and make sure I dress appropriately. It’s not necessary to carry elaborate jewelry; blending in helps reduce risk,” she advises.

 

Booking Smart: Always Plan Ahead

Solo travelers should always book accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons. This guarantees a room and gives you time to research the hotel’s safety features and reviews. Avoid last-minute bookings in unfamiliar areas, as this can leave you with limited and potentially unsafe options.

 

For Women Traveling Alone: Why Hotel Security Matters

Hotels catering to solo female travelers often prioritize their safety by offering:

  • Female-only floors or room sections.
  • Partnerships with women-friendly travel organizations.
  • Staff training on gender-sensitive issues.

Travelers like Amanda Burrill, a former Navy lieutenant and Global Rescue member, highlight the importance of preparation. “If you do your research, follow customs, and take proper safety measures, you can significantly lower the risks,” she says.

 

Benefits of Solo Female Travel

Traveling alone empowers women to explore new places, build confidence, and experience the world on their terms. According to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, 70% of women have traveled solo at least once. These journeys often provide personal growth and lasting memories, making the extra effort to ensure safety well worth it.

 

Final Tips for Women Traveling Alone

  • Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to leave or ask for help.
  • Stay Connected: Share your travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member.
  • Have an Emergency Plan: Know the local emergency numbers and the nearest embassy location.

By following these best practices, women traveling alone can enjoy their journeys with peace of mind. Whether staying in a luxury hotel or a cozy Airbnb, prioritizing safety ensures a rewarding and secure travel experience.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

The Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, which tallied 1,500 responses from the most experienced travelers in the world, reported seven out of ten women have traveled solo for leisure in their lifetime. ”People aren’t waiting for their travel partners; they’re just going,” said Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful, a global community and lifestyle brand specializing in helping women travel the world.

No matter who you are (male or female, young or old) or how you are traveling (solo or with family), you should travel prepared with a Global Rescue membership. As a member, we want you to contact us whether it’s a major emergency or something minor.

“A lot of solo travelers deal with ‘what ifs.’ Having Global Rescue takes so much of the stress associated with the ‘what ifs’ away because you know you’ll have 24/7 access to help,” Wells said.