Travelling solo is one of the most rewarding experiences you can give yourself — the freedom to roam at your own pace, the chance to meet new people, the time for self-reflection and adventure. For Australians heading overseas on their own, the world is open. But with that freedom comes responsibility. In this guide for solo travellers, we’ll cover how you can stay safe, protect your belongings, meet interesting people, keep friends and family updated, and make your journey memorable for all the right reasons.
Physical Safety: Stay Aware, Stay Prepared
When you’re travelling solo, physical safety becomes a primary concern simply because you don’t have a travel companion to watch your back constantly. Here are some key considerations:
• Plan your arrival and first night. It’s best to land during daylight if you can and have your first night’s accommodation already booked. Check official advice for solo travellers on the Smarter Travel guide.
• Use official transport. Arrange airport transfers ahead of time, use licensed taxis or ride-share services, and avoid hitchhiking or jumping into private vehicles. See the Australian Government Smartraveller page for tips on safe travel abroad.
• Know your surroundings. Use Google Maps or offline maps, identify safe walking areas, avoid poorly lit or deserted streets at night, and trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right, leave.
• Let someone know your plans. If you’re heading out for the evening, especially somewhere unfamiliar, send someone your destination and expected time back.
• Stay sober and alert, especially when you’ve arrived in a new place and your body is still adjusting. Excessive alcohol or late-night adventures in unknown areas increase risk.
• Use simple safety devices: a portable door alarm or travel lock for your room or hostel, a small personal alarm or whistle, a power bank to keep your phone charged. See World Nomads travel safety tips.
Keeping Your Belongings Safe & Avoiding Robbery
When you’re solo, you don’t have someone distracting or watching your bags while you do something else — so it’s extra important to keep your stuff safe.
• Keep your passport, extra cards, and cash secure — consider a neck pouch or hidden money belt.
• Use hostel lockers, hotel safes, or luggage locks for bags when left in your room or common areas.
• Avoid flashing expensive items: high-end cameras, jewellery, watches or designer bags can make you a target.
• Walk with your bag in front of you or cross-bodied rather than over your shoulder, especially in crowded areas or on public transport.
• Be wary of distraction theft: someone might bump you, spill something, or ask a question to divert you while an accomplice takes your stuff.
• Back up your travel documents and important photos — keep digital copies securely (in cloud storage) and a printed copy separate from originals.
• Use location-sharing or tracking apps for your valuables if you carry trackers (especially helpful if you’re using expensive gear).
Additional Tips for Women Travelling Solo in More Conservative Countries
Travelling as a woman solo adds extra layers of consideration, especially in countries with different cultural norms and expectations.
• Dress conservatively according to local customs — avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
• Be particularly careful with where you go at night, and whether you venture out alone. Opt for reputable transport and well-lit areas.
• When socialising, maintain your personal safety boundaries. Just because someone seems friendly doesn’t mean you owe anything. Instant trust can lead to vulnerability.
• Stay in reputable accommodation, preferably with good reviews by other female travellers.
• Make sure someone knows where you are, when you expect to be back, and how to contact you.
• Use peer-to-peer travel networks or female-traveller groups to get current local advice on safe areas, culturally appropriate behaviour, and companionable activities. For further tips, you can have a look through this helpful Solo Female Travel Guide.
Social Safety: Meeting Other Tourists and New People
One of the joys of solo travel is meeting other travellers and locals — and it’s absolutely possible to do this safely and intentionally.
• Stay in social accommodation like city hostels, guesthouses, or small hotels where you can meet others.
• Join group tours, local cooking classes, walking tours, or day-trip activities where you’ll be with other people and guided.
• Use your judgement. If someone you’ve just met invites you to something unfamiliar late at night, pause and assess: is it safe, public, and does someone back home know your plan?
• Share your social plans with someone you trust: “I’ll meet X at Y at 7 pm and will check in by 9 pm.”
• Use public and busy venues for initial meet-ups rather than isolated bars or remote spots.
• You can still enjoy spontaneity — strike up chats in cafes, on the bus, at markets — but always keep personal safety first.
Keeping Loved Ones Informed & Location-Sharing Tools
Travel is more enjoyable when your family and friends at home feel confident you’re safe. Keeping them informed is simple, effective and reassuring.
• Before departure, share your full travel itinerary with someone trusted — flight numbers, arrival times, accommodation names and contact details.
• Set daily check-in times: a quick text or call to say you’re OK helps build trust and means they don’t worry.
• Use location-sharing apps so someone back home can see where you are if necessary. For example, with Google Maps you can share your real-time location and even “share trip progress” so someone sees your route and ETA.
• Another popular option is Life360 which allows friends or family to view your location live and includes safety features if your phone’s battery is low or you’re offline.
• Inform someone when you’re changing plans: if you decide to stay longer in a destination, move on early, or take a different route — send an update.
• Keep portable power with a power bank — a dying phone means lost connection and increased risk.
• Consider storing local emergency contact numbers (embassy, local police, medical services) in your phone and in a written note.
Why Travel Insurance Matters (Especially When Solo)
Travelling alone means you don’t have a companion to help pick up the pieces if something goes wrong — that’s where solid travel insurance becomes indispensable.
Accidents, illness, theft, flight cancellations, or unexpected events can turn an exciting trip into a stressful one. With no one else to rely on, your insurance is your safety net. That’s why we recommend you consider cover from Go Insurance, which provides options tailored for Australians travelling solo overseas. Their policies cover medical emergencies, lost baggage, trip disruptions, and more — giving you peace of mind so you can focus on adventure, not what-if scenarios.
Places That Are Relatively Safe & Great for Solo Travellers
Here are some destinations that tend to be friendly to solo travellers, with good infrastructure, welcoming communities, and fewer obvious risks. Always check current conditions before you go.
• Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) — exceptionally safe, efficient transport, cultural richness.
• Canada (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal) — friendly locals, strong tourism systems, English-speaking.
• New Zealand (Wellington, Queenstown, Auckland) — very safe, solo-friendly activities, stunning nature.
• Germany (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg) — well-developed, easy to navigate, good hostel and tour networks.
• Singapore — ultra-safe urban travel, perfect for short solo stops or layovers.
• Portugal (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve) — warm locals, solo traveller friendly, good value.
• Australia (Adelaide, Hobart, Brisbane) — familiar security, ideal domestic legs or prep for international travel.
Enjoy the Freedom, Stay Smart
Solo travel can be life-changing. You’ll push your comfort zone, meet fascinating people, and return with stories that belong entirely to you. But freedom comes with responsibility. Be aware of your physical safety, protect your belongings, meet others smartly, keep loved ones in the loop, and make sure you’re covered by travel insurance.
Plan ahead, travel with confidence, and embrace each day of your journey. The world is wide open. Safe travels, enjoy every mile — you’ve got this.