Last updated on October 7th, 2024
FEEL EMPOWERED + CONFIDENT
Safety Resources for Women Travellers
Safety starts with the right mindset
While women have taken great steps forward in travel, representing two-thirds of all travellers, we still have to plan for our personal safety when we travel. With a safety mindset and careful planning, women can prepare for any situation, at home or abroad.
JourneyWoman has been leading the safety dialogue for almost 30 years, and even created the Government of Canada’s guide for solo travel for women, called Her Own Way, which is still in use today. In 2021, we conducted a global Solo Travel Women’s Safety Survey, showing that 88% of women had been threatened or felt unsafe while travelling.
How do we define safety?
“As a woman, being able to move about freely all over the world without having to worry about personal safety, is my definition of safety in the context of future travel.”
Today, safety includes mobility and accessiblity, transportation and health and hygiene. It also includes online safety, which is why we’ve expanded our resources to include tips on online dating, cybersecurity and more.
We hope this information empowers women to take control of any situation.
Top Safety Tips for Solo Travellers
Latest Articles on Safety
Travel Technology: Does an eSIM Make Travel Safer for Women?
We spoke with Saily CEO Vykintas Maknickas to learn more about the Saily eSIM by NordVPN, which has built-in cybersecurity features.
Want a Safe Ride Home? Tips for Women to Stay Safe When Using Ridesharing Services During Travel
Ridesharing services differ from country to country. Stay safe using rideshare services with these expert tips when you travel.
How Does Artificial Intelligence in Travel Impact Women’s Safety? Is There Too Much Bias?
Canadian AI expert Avery Swartz says that for women to trust AI in travel, more transparency about sources and government regulation is needed.
JourneyWoman Hosts Women’s Travel Safety Webinar on October 21, 2025: Technology, AI and Cybersecurity
Learn about women’s safety at our webinar on October 21, 2025 featuring three female experts in AI, cybersecurity and safety.
Share Your Views in our Women’s Travel Survey: The Impact of AI and Technology on Women’s Safety
Share your perspectives on technology, AI and personal safety in our 2025 Women’s Solo Travel Safety Survey by September 26.
Is it Safe to Travel to the Middle East Right Now?
Our Women’s Travel Directory partners with deep experience in the Middle East share updates on their tours, along with tips for safe travel.
JourneyWoman Webinar: How Older Women Can Get Started in Solo Travel on May 22, 2025
In this webinar, we’ll share our best tips on how women can get started in solo travel at any age, from women who have been there.
Canadian Women Should Expect More Scrutiny on U.S. Travel, Newest Travel Advisory Says
Travel warnings have been updated for Canadians travelling to the US, with guidance to expect more scrutiny at the US border.
Staying Safe in a Digital World: How Women Can Protect Online Privacy
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), facial recognition, wearable technology and apps are making it easier for strangers to learn personal details about us – without our consent.
When Something Goes Wrong: What to Do if You’re Injured While Travelling In Your 80s
Anything can happen on a vacation. Here are some first-hand tips for women to plan for an unexpected injury.
JourneyWoman Webinar: Women’s Safety and Cybersecurity on November 19, 2024
Join our panel of experts on November 19 to learn how to protect yourself against cybersecurity at home and while traveling.
Planning for an Emergency During Travel: Safety Tips for Earthquakes, Forest Fires and More
Unpredictable weather patterns mean that women need to be prepared for natural disasters, from forest fires to earthquakes.
Solo Travel Safety Resource Centre
Cyber Security Safety Tips
Six things to keep your data safe
Self-Defense Tips from an Expert
Lorna Selig shares her top tips to empower you
Staying Safe in Hotels
Women need their own checklist
Sex with Strangers
Tips for ensuring safety
Survey Says Women’s Solo Travel Safety is Still an Issue
Read all the findings here
12 Things Every Solo Traveller Should Pack
Pack light, pack safe
Not all travel has a happy ending
What you need to know
Planning for Natural Disasters
Tips to help you prepare for an earthquake or tsunami
Best Safety Products for Solo Women Travelers Over 50
Stay safe with these products
Six Safety Tips for Online Dating
How to protect yourself from online harrassment
Walking and Mobility Tips
Tips to avoid injury for the ‘slower-moving set’
12 Ways to Trick Thieves
Proecting your valuables on the road
Self-Defense Tips From an Expert
Let’s take back our power
Regardless of where we are, or what age we are, or whether we’re abroad or at home, we need to feel empowered and confident. Safety starts with the right mindset, using proven safety tips and common sense. The next step then is to empower ourselves with self-defense skills so that we can be ready for any situation, at home or abroad. We need not be victims.
Tip 1: Find your voice: scream, yell and shout!
Tip 2: Fight, Punch and Kick!
Tip 3: Run like hell!
Tip 4: Manage Your Adrenaline
Four Keys to Personal Safety
Lorna Selig of Safe4 Life recommends four keys to personal safety to keep you protected and safe, regardless of where you are in the world, of how you’re showing up and what your environment looks like.
#1: Be aware: Put the phone away, make eye contact, briefly, Trust your instincts, Walk confidently
#2: Establish and protect your boundaries: Step back. Walk around and go to the back of the line-up.
#3: Confidence and Skills: Learn self-defense skills and practice them.
#4: Have a Safety plan: It should include fighting, shouting, running to safety, and breathing.
Watch the video of our self-defense training to learn more
