Figuring out solo trips as a woman kept freaking me out. Heard too many stories, y’know? Last trip I forced myself to actually document what worked. Here’s the messy process:
The Panic Phase Before Takeoff
Honestly, I almost chickened out. Started doom-scrolling travel forums late at night. Read horror stories about bag snatching in Barcelona and creepy dudes following solo girls in Bangkok. My stomach was in knots. Needed a plan.
Operation Fake Wallet & Secret Storage
First thing I actually did? Raided my old purses. Found a ratty old wallet nobody would want. Threw in some expired store cards and a twenty bucks in local currency – bait money. That became my decoy.
- The real action: Dug out this ancient cloth neck pouch thing I bought years ago. Never used it. Slid it under my shirt. Felt kinda dorky, but shoved my actual bank card, backup credit card, most of my cash, and a photo copy of my passport in there. Hidden assets, baby.
Downloading My Safety Net
Googled “location sharing app.” My brother volunteered to be my anchor point. Downloaded that app right onto my phone. Did a test run showing him my couch via the app. Figured if I vanished, at least someone knew my last ping.
Scoping the Digs Like a Spy
Booked a hostel, but didn’t stop there. Searched the exact address on Google Maps street view. Zoomed in like a maniac. Needed to see the entrance – was it down some dark alley? Nope, looked okay, main road. Checked hostel reviews specifically for “solo female” mentions. Found a couple saying the front desk was chill and the neighborhood felt safe at night. Whew.
Getting Local Savvy (The Hard Way)
Landed in Prague. Grabbed a map at the airport. First interaction with a taxi guy near the arrivals gate – price he quoted was insane. Remembered reading scams happen there. Walked straight past him to the official taxi stand inside, got a fixed rate. Lesson learned instantly: research transport scams before wheels down.
Hotel Room Lockdown Ritual
Checked into the hostel room. Met my roommates, seemed nice, but… habit time. Did a quick scan. Window latches? Working. Main door deadbolt? Solid. I travel with a rubber doorstop. Wedged that sucker under the door from the inside before crashing. Cheap extra barrier. Slept way better.
The “Too Friendly” Moment
Got chatting with a guy at a café near Charles Bridge. Seemed cool, local, knew his stuff. Then he got weirdly insistent about showing me this “hidden bar” down a side street. Alarm bells. Used the classic: “Actually, promised my hostel friends I’d meet them RIGHT NOW.” Grabbed my stuff, paid quickly, walked briskly back towards the main bridge crowd. Better boring than sorry. Trusted that gut punch feeling.
Lessons That Stuck
So yeah, it wasn’t perfect, but I felt way more in control by actually doing things, not just worrying.
- Fake it: Decoy wallet saved my nerves more than once.
- Share it: Knowing my brother could see my dot was comforting.
- Hide it: Neck pouch felt silly but held the valuables safe.
- Check it: Pre-vetting that hostel location? Total peace of mind.
- Learn it fast: Getting ripped off day one sucks. Official taxi stands are your friend.
- Block it: Doorstop is lightweight security theater that works for sleep.
- Trust it: That creepy vibe? Your gut is usually smarter than polite smiles.
Made me realize safety isn’t just luck. It’s packing your decoy, downloading the app, doing the checks, and being ready to walk away fast. Messy prep, but it gets you home.
