While all forms of travel obviously came to a standstill in 2020, prior to the pandemic, the stats were showing that solo female travel was definitely on the rise. Now, as travel returns, solo travel is naturally one of the first segments bouncing back with tour operators reporting an uptick in solo female travel bookings.

So, as the trend naturally continues — and is positioned to come back stronger than ever — what kind of precautions and steps should women, let alone any solo traveler, be sure to brush up on? Global Rescue experts offer up five, essential solo female travel safety tips.

Bring a Communication Device that Works

In addition to bringing your cell phone (which you should make sure works wherever you’re headed), a satellite phone or messaging device can be extremely important in remote areas of the world where there are no cellular networks. They can also save your life in an emergency or disaster where cellular networks become overloaded or disabled.

Do Your Research

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Read maps before venturing out to a new place and be conscious of areas to avoid. Get detailed information on your destinations and find out which neighborhoods have incidences of crime. Women should also be aware of major international hotels or key public locations along your itinerary where you can go if you feel unsafe. A Global Rescue membership includes access to detailed destination reports — covering everything from currency and common scams to travel health and personal security advice — for 215 countries and principalities worldwide.

Purchase a Traveler Protection Membership

If you need to get out of a tight situation, your insurance company isn’t going to do it. If you get hurt and need to be medically evacuated, or need to escape civil unrest, having coverage can save your life (and tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars). And these are only just a few of the benefits associated with a Global Rescue membership.

Alert Friends and Family to Your Itinerary

Do this before departing for your trip. Let people know when they should expect to hear from you next. Also enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the U.S. State Department before your trip.

Brush Up on Practical Safety Tips

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Avoid telling strangers that you are traveling alone. Try not to establish patterns such as leaving or returning to your hotel at the same time every day. Maintain “situational awareness” and avoid walking alone at night. Do not stay on the first floor of a hotel or hostel. When using public transportation (train, bus, or ferry) in an underdeveloped country, if possible, ride in the highest class available.

Other simple preparations include: carrying a whistle; carrying a small flashlight; carrying or wearing comfortable shoes; and carrying an ID, a small amount of cash, and a credit or ATM card on your person and not in your purse in case of theft.