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When I started traveling solo in my fifties, safety was the first thing on my mind, and probably yours too. There’s unique freedom in booking a room or an Airbnb just for yourself, but traveling alone can bring up real safety questions, especially for women. Confidence makes all the difference, but so does preparation. Over the years, I’ve picked up practical hotel safety tips for solo female travelers and ways to make every stay as secure as possible. These aren’t just important tips; they’re habits that keep me safe and help me enjoy my trips with peace of mind.
So whether you travel completely solo, or travel with a women’s only travel company like Sisterhood Travels, these tips will give you peace of mind when you travel.
The way you choose, book, and secure your hotel room plays a big role in your solo travel experience. Here’s how to stay safe in a hotel alone, keep your room secure, and travel with the right tools and attitude, especially as a woman over 50.
I always start by looking for safe accommodations for solo travelers. The location matters. Research the hotel location beforehand. Pick a place in a well-lit, busy area, preferably near key landmarks or transport. Stay away from hotels tucked far from the city center or in quiet alleys. You can do this using Google Street View in Google Maps. It’s one tool that I use most when researching my next trip.
Reading past guest reviews gives me real insight. If there’s mention of bad lighting, break-ins, or staff ignoring concerns, I move on. I also like to see active, friendly front desk staff who answer the phone quickly and take security seriously. Staff presence acts as an extra layer of hotel security.
One of my go-to habits is asking for a room on higher floors. I avoid ground floor rooms if I can help it. The upper floors (floors two to six) are less accessible to potential intruders, but not too high that fire escapes are tough to reach. Researching a hotel’s security features, such as keycard entry, cameras in public spaces, and extra lock options, helps me filter out risky choices.
Room safety starts with the door. When I enter, I check the room for door safety. I pack a doorstop with me. It takes up no room in my bag, but adds security fast. I’ll set one up as soon as I lock doors and settle in. Some people skip this, but I always use the hotel safe for my passport and extra credit cards. I leave valuables at home when I travel.
I never open the door unless I’m certain of who’s on the other side. If anyone knocks, even someone in uniform, I call the front desk to double-check before opening up. When I walk in, I take a minute to scan the room for hidden cameras by looking closely around the TV, air vents, and smoke detectors. I close the windows and double-lock at night, no exceptions. These safety precautions become second nature after a while.
As a woman over 50, I keep habits that help me blend in and keep my plans private. I avoid door signs like “Cleaning Needed,” which tell everyone I’m out. I don’t mention my room number or share too much about my location in public spaces. When someone at the hotel asks if I’m alone, I smile and say I’m meeting friends later.
I carry essential safety tools, like a small flashlight and a personal alarm, and place my phone by the bed every night, charged and ready. Trust your gut: if something feels off, ask to switch rooms or even move hotels. My comfort and safety come before everything else, and yours should too.
For more on avoiding mistakes while traveling solo, check out my favorite advice on common solo travel mistakes.
Airbnb offers unique stays in cozy neighborhoods, but “Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb alone?” is a smart question. With the right Airbnb safety tips for women and a bit of planning, your stay can be just as secure as any hotel.
Before booking, I look for Superhosts with verified profiles and plenty of detailed reviews, especially from solo female travelers. Any mention of strange behavior, missing locks, or poor communication is a red flag. I read through neighborhood descriptions and use online maps to check safety ratings and street views.
Direct communication with the host matters. I keep messages within the platform and avoid sharing my phone number right away. Asking about security features like lockboxes, deadbolts, and motion lights gives me a sense of how much the host values guest safety. This level of vetting helps me answer for myself how to check if Airbnb is safe.
Arriving, I check that all locks work, windows close tightly, and exits aren’t blocked. I walk through fire escape routes and spot the nearest hospital on a map, just in case. I take a quick video of the place for my own records and share it with a family member along with the address.
I keep in touch with my husband and daughter, sending them a copy of my itinerary. If anything feels wrong, I contact Airbnb support right away and don’t hesitate to leave. It’s better to be safe than polite.
You’ll find more resources for safe solo trips on the Sisterhood Travels blog.
Vigilance, confidence, and good habits keep solo travel safe and rewarding for solo female travelers over 50. After years of traveling solo, I trust myself and my tools, from hotel safety tips for solo female travelers to Airbnb routines and always having a plan. Preparation brings freedom, not fear.
Wherever you’re headed, know that each night’s rest and every adventure is yours for the taking. For more on staying safe and building confidence, visit the links throughout this post. You’re ready now; go claim those travel dreams.
Who are our Sisters? Well, we’re you! We value old friendships but love making new ones. We’re intellectually curious and love a unique adventure to parts unknown. We may be single, divorced, widowed, or simply have a partner who doesn’t want to travel. Most of all, We’re kind, compassionate women who look forward to cultural immersion, exclusive adventures, lots of laughs, and the magic of Sisterhood.
