Navigating Safety as a Black Woman Solo Traveler

Hiking in El Chorro, Spain (2024)

Traveling is one of the most powerful ways to explore the world and deepen your connection with yourself. It teaches resilience and confidence. But for Black women and others, travel comes with an added layer of complexity. Beyond the typical safety concerns, there’s the reality of navigating unfamiliar cultures where you may encounter racism, sexism, or both. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go anywhere. It means you should make smart choices. With careful planning and a few essential tools in your travel kit, you can have an amazing journey that’s as safe as it is unforgettable. 

It Starts with Smart Research

Traveling safely begins long before you board the plane. If you limit your planning to scrolling through TikTok for beautiful beaches or cozy coffee shops, you might be in for a surprise. It’s important to understand the cultural attitudes of your destination, especially toward race, gender, and sexuality. In some places, you may attract curious stares; in others, you could encounter microaggressions or discrimination. Preparation is key!

Spend time exploring travel forums, particularly those created by and for Black women or solo travelers. These spaces offer firsthand insights and honest advice about destinations, everything from which neighborhoods to avoid to what kind of reaction you might expect from the community. One especially helpful community is the Reddit subgroup r/blacktravel, it is a great space where you can even ask questions. 

When choosing where to stay, think beyond cost and convenience; location and safety matter just as much, if not more. Start by reading reviews and comments on cleanliness, staff friendliness, neighborhood safety, and how inclusive the environment feels. Not all neighborhoods are the same. The area known for nightlife or culture may not be the best place to stay. Research the local area before booking, including how you'll get around and how close transit is to your accommodation. Hotel staff and tour guides can even offer invaluable insights on which areas to avoid after dark and where they’d recommend staying for first-time visitors.

As a Black woman solo traveler, I’ve learned just how powerful this preparation can be. On a recent trip to India, a country where solo female travelers are advised to exercise extra caution, I leaned heavily on online reviews and forums to guide my choices. By reading through the experiences of other women, I discovered an incredible ashram that ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. I might never have found it without doing that deeper research. 

Ashram in Rishikesh, India (2023)

While researching race relations in Ireland before my visit, I came across something unexpected: Barack Obama Plaza. This roadside service area is located in Moneygall, Ireland, which is the ancestral hometown of Obama’s great-great-great-grandfather. I was so intrigued, I added it to my itinerary. Seeing something so familiar and culturally significant in an unexpected place helped dissolve some of the nervousness I had about traveling to Ireland as a Black traveler. While I had always heard that African American travelers are generally welcomed, I was also aware of the more negative reactions often directed toward people from Africa. This was often tied to the country’s shifting immigration patterns.

I was worried that my experience might echo what I encountered in Chile, where I was frequently assumed to be Haitian and followed around stores, until people heard my American accent. Then their demeanor would shift, and they'd suddenly become friendly. That tension, too, stemmed from changing attitudes around immigration. But my time in Ireland was nothing like that. Before even revealing my American identity, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality. 

Barack Obama Plaza in Moneygall, Ireland (2024)

When Discomfort Arises 

My experience in Chile was hard. I had never encountered discrimination like that before in all my travels, and it really shook me. I found myself doing everything I could to appear American, like talking loudly on the phone in English as I walked into stores. I stayed for over four months, not because it was always easy, but because, unlike in America, the racism didn’t make me feel unsafe. I knew that if something escalated, the police would be there to help me. What made it bearable and even meaningful, was that the warmth and kindness I experienced from so many Chileans far outweighed the negative encounters. 

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember that you are not powerless. There is always something you can do: adjust how you present yourself, educate others when you feel up to it, or walk away entirely. There is absolutely no shame in leaving if it is too much. When I can, I lean toward educating, especially when it comes to stereotypes about Black people.  Have had to gently but clearly speak up many times.

In Thailand, for example, people would often touch my hair without asking. I would simply say, “Hey, that makes me uncomfortable. My hair takes a long time to do and touching it can mess it up or transfer oils from your hands.” Not once has anyone reacted badly to me saying something like this. In fact, many people apologize or begin asking harmless questions about my hair, which is something I never mind.

When I say there is no shame in leaving when uncomfortable, I come from experience. I left Delhi, India early because I didn’t feel safe at my hostel or in the city. I was staying in an all-girls room, but there was no lock on the door, and there was only one other girl in the entire hostel. Another time, in Colombia, I was about to get into a taxi when I noticed another driver subtly shake his head. I’d already had some doubts about the driver I was about to use, but I was exhausted from traveling and my bags were already in the car. As soon as I closed the taxi door though, I immediately got out. I chose a different taxi. The driver was upset by the inconvenience, but after that other driver’s silent warning, there was no question about the discomfort I felt. No matter how tired you are, how much of an inconvenience it might be, or how expensive it is, safety should always come first!

Use Technology to Your Advantage

One of the most valuable gadgets for travelers, especially those who love the outdoors, is the Garmin inReach Mini. This compact satellite device allows you to send SOS messages and share your live location, even in areas without cell service. It’s a game-changer for off-the-grid adventures or for traveling in regions where the internet is unreliable.

However, if you’re traveling internationally, it’s crucial to check the local regulations around satellite devices before packing one. I unfortunately learned this the hard way. Satellite phones and devices like the inReach Mini are prohibited in India. Bringing one into the country can lead to serious trouble, including confiscation or legal issues. 

Garmin Inreach Mini 2

Even if you’re sticking to more urban areas, it’s a smart habit to share your live location with someone back home. Keep your travel details in a shared Google Doc, including hotel addresses and activity plans. This can be incredibly helpful in case of an emergency. You can even schedule regular check-ins with loved ones for added peace of mind.

Another often-overlooked safety step is to register your trip through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), offered by the U.S. State Department. This service is free and lets you receive real-time alerts about political unrest, natural disasters, and other emergencies in the country you are traveling in. It only takes a few minutes to sign up at step.state.gov.

A few non-technological safety items can make a big difference too when you're on the go. Personal safety alarms or whistles are discreet and effective at drawing attention if you ever feel unsafe. A portable door stop alarm is another underrated safety tool. You can wedge it under your door, and it will sound an alarm if someone tries to enter your hotel room or Airbnb. 

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to keep your phone charged at all times! I also learned this the hard way while solo traveling in Costa Rica. After getting off a night bus in a new town, my phone died completely. I couldn’t access the address of my hostel, call for help, or find a place that was open where I could charge up. It was one of those moments that could have been avoided with a little more preparation.

Ever since then, I don’t travel anywhere without a portable charger, sometimes even two. Your phone is your lifeline for navigation, translation and emergency contact, so keeping it powered is a safety essential.

Various portable chargers 

Don’t Skip First Aid or Medications

Your health is non-negotiable, and having your medical essentials in order is part of your safety strategy. Bring a basic first aid kit that includes items like Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, allergy medications, and remedies for stomach issues, motion sickness, and mild pain.

When it comes to prescription medication, please plan ahead! Pack enough for your entire trip and a few extra days in case of delays. Always keep medications in their original packaging with your name clearly visible. Make sure to carry a doctor’s note that explains your medical condition and the necessity of the medication. If you’re traveling to a non-English-speaking country, you might want to have that documentation translated into the local language as well. This is particularly crucial if your medication is classified as a controlled substance, such as ADHD medication or certain painkillers. While legal in the U.S., they are heavily regulated or even banned in some countries. Bringing such medication into these places without the proper paperwork can result in serious legal consequences.

Don’t let your need for medication hold you back from traveling. Most airlines don’t count your medication bag toward your carry-on limit, so you can keep it with you at all times. I take advantage of this every time I travel because I’d much rather have the medication and not need it than need it and not have it.

While it’s ideal to bring all your medication with you, it’s not always the end of the world if you can’t. As a long-term traveler, often on the go for 3+ months at a time, I’ve run into limitations where my pharmacy in the U.S. wouldn’t authorize more than a 90-day supply. When that happens, I bring a copy of my U.S. prescription and head to a local pharmacy to see if they can fill it. This approach doesn’t work in every country or for every medication, but it’s definitely worth trying. When it does work, it’s often surprisingly easy and incredibly affordable.

Don’t Skip on Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is another essential. Whether you're navigating delayed flights, lost luggage, or an unexpected illness abroad, the right policy can save you time and money. And if you're an adventure traveler like me, it's even more important. Personally, I pay extra on top of regular travel insurance to add search and rescue coverage through my Garmin inReach Mini subscription, just in case something goes wrong in remote areas.

When choosing a plan, make sure to do your research. The best travel insurance is one that not only covers everything you need like medical care, trip cancellations, and evacuation, but also offers primary coverage. That means the insurance company pays the hospital or provider directly, instead of you having to front the full cost and wait for reimbursement. In a stressful situation, this could make all the difference. 

Final Thoughts

Traveling as a Black person, a woman, or a solo traveler can be both liberating and complex. It’s a powerful act of freedom, it’s an opportunity to see the world on your own terms. Yes, it comes with extra layers of planning and awareness, but that doesn’t take away from the magic of travelling. In fact, it protects it.

Packing wisely goes beyond deciding how many shoes to bring or what fits in your carry-on. It’s about protecting your safety, so you can focus on the joy and the power of going to places where you might not be expected, but absolutely belong.