Solo Travel Is Booming, and So Is Situational Awareness

Article Highlights:

• Solo travel is rising globally, but safety drives destination and accommodation decisions.
• 33% of travelers have experienced crime abroad, yet 65% feel safe traveling solo in most places.
• Due to safety concerns, Mexico, Egypt, Turkey and China are the most avoided destinations by solo travelers.
• 93% of solo travelers prioritize situational awareness; 78% adapt dress to local norms for added security.
• 45% of travelers say crime levels “almost always” or “most of the time” impact where they choose to travel.

The allure of solo travel is stronger than ever. Whether it’s the freedom to explore on one’s terms or the empowerment of navigating foreign cultures independently, more travelers are heading out alone. But along with that independence comes heightened concern for travel safety, especially in an increasingly unpredictable world.

A recent Global Rescue Spring 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey confirms what many experienced globetrotters already know: safety concerns are now one of the most significant factors shaping how and where solo travelers move around the globe. For many, situational awareness isn’t just a tip, it’s a necessity.

“Solo travel is on the rise, but so is traveler vigilance,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “Travelers prioritize situational awareness and taking concrete steps to protect themselves when they venture out alone.”

Solo Travel Is on the Rise

Solo travel is no longer a niche market. From digital nomads to retirees and first-time adventurers, more people choose to go alone. It offers unmatched flexibility, deeper cultural immersion and a chance for personal growth. But freedom doesn’t come without its risks.

The Global Rescue survey found that 65% of respondents feel safe traveling alone in most destinations. Still, that leaves a significant portion who do not, particularly when faced with crime, political unrest or limited emergency medical services.

Travel Safety Risks for Women and Men

Men and women face different challenges when traveling solo, but both groups are impacted by the same root issue: vulnerability.

For women, threats may include harassment, assault or being followed, particularly in countries where gender norms and legal protections are vastly different from home. For men, solo travel risks are often tied to robbery, scams or getting caught in politically volatile situations.

The survey found that 33% of travelers have been victims of theft, scams or other crimes abroad. And for those traveling alone, these incidents can be more challenging to manage without support.

While many destinations are making strides in accommodating and protecting solo travelers, others remain on the “do not visit” list for seasoned adventurers. According to the Global Rescue survey, 38% of solo travelers have avoided countries entirely due to safety concerns. Respondents most frequently mentioned Mexico, Egypt, Turkey and China as countries avoided.

These countries, though rich in culture and natural beauty, suffer from a combination of high crime rates, political instability, surveillance or limited legal support for foreigners. In contrast, survey respondents said destinations like Japan, Portugal, Iceland and New Zealand were increasingly favored by solo travelers for their safety, transparency and traveler-friendly infrastructure.

Solo Travel Safety and Destination Decision-Making

For solo travelers, destination safety is often the deciding factor in travel planning. According to the survey:

• 45% of travelers say safety “almost always” or “most of the time” impacts where they go.
• 41% say safety “sometimes” factors in.

Whether it’s political stability, emergency medical access or the threat of petty crime, the perception of safety significantly redirects where travelers spend their time, and money.

Richards adds, “Most travelers seriously consider safety issues when deciding where to go. That’s a huge factor in how travel trends develop, especially for solo adventurers.”

This shift is already visible in tourism data. Countries with lower crime and better healthcare are seeing an uptick in solo visits, while those perceived as unsafe are experiencing dips in solo travel bookings, even if they remain popular among groups or package tours.

Solo Travel Protection Tips

Despite the risks, most solo travelers aren’t deterred. Instead, they’re getting smarter, and safer. The overwhelming majority (93%) say maintaining situational awareness is their top priority. That means being alert in public spaces, staying off their phones when walking alone, avoiding poorly lit areas and researching local scams in advance.

Other major precautions include:

• Dressing conservatively or modestly to align with local customs (78%)
• Hiring only reputable taxi or ride-share services (68%)
• Choosing accommodations with 24-hour security (44%)
• Prioritizing hotels with elevator keycard access (33%)

When it comes to safeguarding valuables, travelers are equally strategic:

• 65% use zippered pockets
• 61% separate and secure valuables across bags
• 52% use RFID-blocking gear
• 49% rely on money belts or travel wallets

These tactics reflect a high level of preparedness that mirrors how global travelers now approach routine trips.

Solo Travel and the Importance of Medical Facilities

In addition to crime, access to medical care also ranks high on the list of solo traveler concerns. The Global Rescue survey revealed that 52% of the world’s most experienced travelers are comfortable traveling to places with limited medical infrastructure, but 48% are not.

For solo travelers especially, the lack of immediate access to emergency care can be a dealbreaker. Without a companion to help in the event of an injury or sudden illness, a poorly equipped or inaccessible medical system can pose life-threatening risks.

The Global Rescue Connection

Travel alone, but not unprepared. That’s the new mantra of solo adventurers in 2025. As solo travel continues its upward trend, destinations looking to attract this segment must go beyond marketing and invest in real safety infrastructure: visible law enforcement, multilingual support, trustworthy transportation networks and reliable emergency services. Likewise, travelers should include a Global Rescue membership for traveler protection for field rescue, medical evacuation, medical advisory, destination reports and event alerts.

“This is a call to action for destinations to enhance infrastructure and invest in solo traveler-friendly experiences that inspire confidence without compromising on culture or adventure,” said Richards.

Safety is not just a personal concern, it’s a global travel economy issue. How countries respond will shape the future of solo travel for years to come.