Staying safe as a solo female traveller in Central and South America
i’ve travelled as a solo female through every continent except Antarctica, including some places where the level of safety may be questionable, such as Cape Town, Colombia, Nicaragua, Uganda, and Kenya.
the truth is i get v annoyed when people are shocked that i travel these places alone. or when they tell me to “be safe” and look at me like i’m a ditzy tourist — like oh thank you, “being safe” had never occurred to me. i know they’re just looking out for me but i trust myself and my gut and also i get annoyed with people easily (can you tell now why i travel alone?! lol)
let’s all go knock on some major wood before proceeding, but i have fortunately never encountered any major safety issues while travelling. most problems i’ve had have been self-inflicted. i know a LOT of this is to do with luck and consider myself extremely fortunate, but i also know there is a certain amount of common sense or travel savviness that comes into play.
so after this most recent #wanderlustandwifi trip of travelling through Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, a bit of El Salvador and Costa Rica, and Colombia, i thought i would share my go-to tips for staying safe as a solo female traveller!
Don’t be stupid.
As per point #1, don’t do anything that goes against common sense. sometimes when travelling it’s easier to feel liberated, invincible, reckless — trust me, I know, that’s part of it’s charm! — but travelling solo is even more reason than usual to keep your wits about you. Don’t walk on the streets by yourself at night. Don’t go off with a random guy to buy drugs (maybe just don’t buy drugs in general). Don’t leave your drink unattended, don’t flash your new iPhone around in public. Trust your gut; if it feels off, it’s probably right.
Keep your valuables on you or locked up at all times. Phone, passport, wallet, laptop should always be on your person (cross-body bag, pocket, backpack) while in transit. Lock them up in the hotel safe or hostel lockers during your stay (bring your padlock!).
Make sure you have your offline map downloaded on Maps.Me so you don’t get lost.
Make friends in your hostel and frolic with them. For safety reasons but also for fun, new lifelong bestie reasons. <3
Walk with a purpose. Even if people are trying to haggle or catcall you, chin up and keep it movin’. Don’t stop to give anyone the time of day if it’s not the setting for it.
If a street is empty and feels off, backtrack to walk along the main drag. Even if it takes twice as long.
Use Uber or other forms of rideshare, especially at night. This prevents getting ripped off, but also ensures the driver is clear on your destination and you have their name on record. Taxis are generally okay too — they’re better than walking.
Keep your purse in front of you and always walk with your hand hovering over it. I always always clutch my purse if I’m out in public. I generally never take off my crossbody purse if I’m out and about, and will even keep the strap around my waist while in transit or sitting at a restaurant.
Never take out your phone in public without doing a 360 degree survey of your surroundings. If you have to take it out, hold it with 2 hands, face outwards so you see anyone coming. Also be aware on public transit and even in cars; thieves can snatch it through the window.
Organized tours are safer than exploring on your own for day trips or city tours, but use your discretion, because frolicking solo can be the best ever!
Don’t wear anything flashy; since I’ve been a diehard traveller I’ve given up all designer bags, and only wear my P (#peaceplaypassion) necklace — and even that I tuck under my shirt if I’m in an area that feels sketch.
Obviously do your research and ask fellow travellers/hostel employees where the safe areas are or are not, and any localized tips on each place.
All things considered, I didn’t come across anything in Central or South America that I deemed to be shockingly sketchy. Certainly nothing that should deter anyone from visiting. So if you’re wondering “is it safe?” just remember to proceed with caution, use the above tips, and get out there girl, you are going to have an EPIC time!!!!!
