What you Need to know about Hotels as a Female Solo Traveler
Traveling is fun and thrilling, but when you are traveling solo as a female safety over-shadows any trip that you take. See here for the best tips for staying in hotels as a female solo traveler.
Ensuring safety is a top priority for solo female travelers when selecting hotels. While the majority of hotels are probably safe for females traveling alone, things can still happen.
Even in the safest of cities, things happen. This doesn’t always have to be with malicious intent. Sometimes a wrong key and room number is given to a guest, people go the wrong rooms etc.
Here are some considerations and tips to help you choose safe accommodations:
Research the Neighborhood: Before booking a hotel, research the safety of the neighborhood where that particular hotel is located. Look for areas that are well-lit, have a lower crime rate, and are known for being safe for tourists. Read reviews from other travelers to get insights into the neighborhood and hotel’s safety.
Choose Reputable Hotels: Opt for well-established and reputable hotels, as they often have better security measures in place. Look for reviews that specifically mention safety and security.
Read Reviews: Read online reviews and forums to learn about the experiences of other solo female travelers who have stayed at the same hotel. Their feedback can provide valuable insights into safety and comfort.
Check Security Measures: Inquire about the hotel’s security measures. These may include secure entry points, 24/7 front desk staff, surveillance cameras, and well-lit public areas. Consider accommodations with card-key access for added security.
Location: Choose accommodations that are centrally located, allowing you to be closer to attractions and well-traveled areas. Being in a bustling area with people around can make you feel far more secure.
Don’t stay on the first floor. The first floor of any hotel has easier access from many points in a hotel. It is safer for females to stay on higher floors.
Hide your Room Number. Don’t have your room number displayed prominently on the card holder that is given to you when you check in. If staff have written the room number on the outside, take a photo of it to remember it, then cover over it with pen or a marker. This way if you place the card down somewhere like the gym, or you are in an elevator with somebody with the card out, they won’t know where you are going.
Emergency Information: Upon arrival, request emergency information from the hotel, such as the nearest hospital, embassy or consulate contact, and local emergency numbers. Keep this information easily accessible.
Cover the Peep Hole. Peep hole covers should be covered with a simple inexpensive device that you can purchase from Amazon. That gives you a little more security.
Use a Door Stopper: Carry a portable doorstop alarm with you. It can provide an additional layer of security by preventing unwanted entry into your room.
Latch the door. Always use the latch on the inside of the door for safety when you are inside the room.
Keep Valuables Secure: Use the hotel’s safe for your passport, money, and valuable items. When leaving your room, consider using a hotel room safe or carrying these items with you.
Privacy and Housekeeping: Use the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door to maintain privacy. Request housekeeping to come when you are in the room to avoid unexpected interactions with staff.
Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings. Read the policy carefully and understand what is covered.
Online Reviews: Read reviews on websites and forums, but keep in mind that one negative review doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of safety. Look for patterns in reviews, and consider the overall reputation of the hotel.
Be secure on hotel wifi. Open wifi networks in hotels, airports, cafes and other open spaces can leave you vulnerable to hackers. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to stay safe when using wifi. A VPN will encrypt your internet connection and hide your personal data to protect you. You can also purchase a portable travel router which will allow you to set up your own private wifi network.
- Remember that while these tips can enhance your safety, nothing can guarantee absolute security. Trust your instincts and exercise caution when traveling alone. Notify someone you trust about your whereabouts, and always have a plan for emergencies. With the right precautions, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable stay at your chosen accommodations as a solo female traveler.
