The story on safe solo travel (and group travel) was updated on January 22, 2023.

If you live in or travel to a big city like New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Chicago, Sydney or Berlin, you’ll quickly have to gain your street smarts. Unfortunately, I have a feeling one of the last things on your to-do list is reading up on staying safe in a big city after the age of 50.

One of the most important things for anyone traveling or living in a big city is situational awareness. Being aware of your surroundings is essential for recognizing threats and protecting your life and well-being.

As you plan your travel adventure, I know you are thinking about how to avoid overpacking. Or if you are planning on going out for the day, you are making a list of things you need. You’re deciding where to make a lunch reservation with a friend or calling your manicurist as you race out for a manicure late. The last thing most people prepare for — and the most important — is their safety in every big city. Every tip in this article is meant to help you protect your life and overall well-being.

And, for those of you who are contemplating or already planning a solo trip, I have some sound advice for you.

Solo Travel After 50

Travel doesn’t lose its magic as we get older—in fact, for many of us, the urge to explore only grows stronger after 50. Solo travel can be a liberating experience, offering the freedom to set your own pace and follow your own interests. But as exciting as it is to wander the world’s big cities, it’s essential to be street smart and prepared for anything that might come your way.

Being street smart means more than just knowing how to read a map or book a hotel. It’s about paying attention to your surroundings, especially when walking through busy streets or unfamiliar neighborhoods at night. Before you set out, take time to research which areas of the city are best avoided after dark, and always stick to well lit, populated streets where you’ll feel safer and less vulnerable.

Confidence is key—walk with purpose, keep your head up, and trust your instincts. Consider taking self defense classes before your trip; not only will you learn practical skills, but you’ll also gain the confidence that comes from knowing you can handle yourself in a pinch. Always carry your cell phone with easy access to emergency numbers, and keep small bills handy for quick purchases or unexpected situations. Remember, being aware and prepared is the best way to enjoy your adventures and make the most of every moment on the streets of the world’s great cities.

Shopping on Fifth Avenue in New York

I decided to muse on the topic because I am off to New York next week with my ultimate concierge. He has a has a meeting at the United Nations discussing the topic of worldwide affordable housing. While there we are going to attend a performance at Carnegie Hall, see the Michael Jackson show, and have dinner with friends.

As a lucky and grateful world traveler, my many years of travel experience have taught me valuable safety practices. But also unexpected scares pertaining to safety. While I am not traveling solo, as a woman over 50, I understand the importance of taking precautions.

I recall a shocking experience I had in New York on Fifth Avenue. I was walking down the street with my husband on a beautiful sunny fall day. Fifth Avenue was packed with smiling pedestrians and we looked forward to a day of shopping and an evening at the theatre.

One does not think of a robbery or crime occurring when you are walking down a busy, upscale street. I am putting you on notice that they do, so please beware.

I was wearing a crossbody handbag that fell to my waist. As we walked down the street, I felt a nudge against the right side of my body, the side where my purse hung. Naturally, I glanced down when I felt the nudge and automatically stepped closer to my ultimate concierge.

When I looked down, my eyes immediately came up as I watched a woman little person run away! My purse was at a perfect level for her to open my handbag to rob me. Fortunately, the purse had two flaps with two locks. As soon as she opened the outer lock, I quickly moved towards my husband and honesty won over dishonesty!

I purposely use that handbag when traveling. So, my darlings, when traveling to large cities, I recommend carefully selecting a purse that provides double security.

En Route to Sacre Coeur — Traveling Safely

My husband and I boarded the train from the center of Paris to travel to Sacre Coeur. We were the last to board, my husband behind me. He felt a nudge and swiftly swung around. Three young men jumped off the train just as the doors were about to close. They attempted to steal my husband’s credit card case from his back pocket.

My husband, a street-savvy guy, felt the nudge and instantly knew what was about to happen. I watched the whole ordeal as my ultimate concierge swirled around. Those young guys never suspected who they were dealing with and my husband was more than prepared to handle the situation.

The moral of this story: never be the last one to board a bus, train or any other type of vehicle. You become disadvantaged and a target because your prey can easily jump off and disappear into the crowd.

If you ever feel threatened while walking, consider crossing the street or moving in the opposite direction to put distance between yourself and a potential threat.

Tip: For increased safety and awareness, always walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic.

Unexpected Happening in The City of Light and Barcelona

Even in the most enchanting cities like Paris and Barcelona, surprises can happen when you least expect them. As a solo traveler, you might find yourself lost in a bad neighborhood or approached by random strangers who make you feel uneasy. In these moments, your street smarts become your best friend.

If you ever feel unsafe or unsure, don’t hesitate to cross the street to a more populated area or head straight for the nearest police station. It’s always better to trust your instincts and take action than to ignore that little voice in your head. Carrying a decoy wallet with a small amount of money can be a lifesaver if you’re targeted by pickpockets—keep your real valuables tucked away and only carry what you need for the day.

Learning a few basic phrases in the local language, like “Where is the police station?” or “How do I get to the city center?” can be incredibly helpful if you get lost or need assistance. Remember, being aware of your surroundings and prepared for the unexpected will help you navigate the streets like a seasoned traveler, even when things don’t go according to plan. Stay alert, stay smart, and don’t let a little detour ruin your adventure.

Unexpected Happening in The City of Light  and Barcelona

On another trip, my girlfriend and I were walking down the street in Paris. It had just turned dark on a beautiful winter evening with lights aglow in the City of Light. That did not stop a thief from pickpocketing my girlfriend as we waited at a stoplight. He took all of her identification: her credit cards, driver’s license, and money. Tourists are often targeted for these types of crimes, especially when they appear distracted or unfamiliar with their surroundings.

We hurriedly walked toward our destination, a small boutique where we knew the owner. She was a French Countess, at least that is what she told us each year we visited her in her gorgeous boutique shop! She was a great help. Although my girlfriend had to suffer the consequences, thankfully, she left her passport in her hotel room.

My advice is to take a picture of all your identification, including your passport. And only carry the photographs and one hidden credit card in your handbag. Avoid carrying large sums of money, as this can make you a target. And, at a stop light, put your hand on your bag. Also, try not to behave like a tourist—appearing lost or gawking at sights can make you stand out and increase your risk.

Yet another time, I was with my girlfriend from Australia. We were walking down the street in Barcelona. She was wearing a cross-carry bag with the bag in front of her body. That did not stop a thief from coming up behind her and cutting the strap. Her bag fell to the ground and he ran off with her handbag with her passport inside. She spent the next few days at embassies getting a new passport. She was unwise not to take a photo.

11 Safety Tips from an Experienced Traveler – Solo Travel or Otherwise

Here are a few of the travel tips I live by:

1. Make certain your cell phone is charged. Carry your charger and a portable battery so you always have a backup.
2. Do not carry your passport in your purse, carry a photographed copy.
3. Wear your purse in front of your body. I wear a small, belted purse around my waist and carry a lightweight, empty bag for packages. My important items including my identification, my credit cards, and cash are all in my belted, small purse. A few of my friends have Pacsafe bags that hide the zipper and include double hooks for protection.
4. Leave ALL of your valuables at home.
5. I always have my SafeSound personal alarm in my purse. It’s lightweight, small and the alarm ensures you can quickly notify those around you for help.
6. Locate the country’s Embassy in advance. Here is a link with every country’s US Embassy location.
7. Use ATMs inside the bank and avoid ones on the street.
8. Carry pepper spray. If you are unfamiliar with pepper spray, this one is beginner-friendly!
9. Take a self-defense course.
10. Always trust your intuition; be alert.
11. Dress plainly. You can still feel beautiful! Put on your smile and walk confidently with purpose.
12. If a stranger approaches you, be cautious and never share personal information.
13. Always know your directions before heading out. Use reliable sources like official maps or ask a cop or trusted employee for directions rather than random strangers.
14. Keep your music volume low or use only one earbud so you can hear what’s happening around you and maintain situational awareness.
15. Pay close attention when handling money, especially at ATMs or in public places, to avoid scams or theft.
16. Keep at least an arm’s length distance from unknown individuals to protect your personal space.
17. Be able to identify a real cop and understand how to interact with cops in a foreign city. Watch for official uniforms, badges, and vehicles, and don’t hesitate to ask for identification if unsure.
18. Remember, street smarts come from real-world experience, not just book smarts. Practical knowledge often keeps you safer than theory alone.
19. Listen to advice you’ve heard from experienced travelers and locals—they’ve often heard it all and know what works.
20. Hone your hearing to pick up on environmental cues, like footsteps or sudden changes in noise.
21. Stay alert and make sure you can hear what’s happening around you, especially in busy or unfamiliar areas.
22. Listen for footsteps behind you as an early warning sign of someone approaching.
23. Be aware of cars, both parked and moving. Watch for suspicious cars, avoid walking too close to parked vehicles, and be cautious when crossing streets.
24. Be extra cautious near your house or accommodation, especially when arriving late or if you notice anything unusual.
25. Only park in well-lit, secure park areas and avoid trusting unofficial parking attendants.
26. Be careful at red lights, both as a pedestrian and a driver, as some drivers may ignore traffic signals.
27. Stay alert in crowds or when there are too many people around, as this can increase your risk of theft or other dangers.

How to Protect Yourself When Traveling Solo Over 50

Traveling solo in an unknown environment in today’s world is always a cause for concern. Getting in your car to go to the market can be dangerous! So, flying off to an unknown country or hiking a trail or taking a solo driving trip takes double preparation and organization. When navigating unfamiliar environments, speaking confidently and assertively can help you project confidence and deter unwanted attention. Always be willing to speak up if you feel uncomfortable or need help—clear communication is a key part of staying safe.

I know I would never travel solo and if I decided to, I would travel in a solo group that piqued my fancy.

De-escalation Techniques for Solo Travelers

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may find yourself in a situation that feels tense or even dangerous. Knowing how to de-escalate can make all the difference. If you encounter someone who seems aggressive or suspicious, keep your composure—avoid direct eye contact, maintain a calm and respectful tone, and keep a safe distance, ideally at least an arm’s length away.

Your body language matters: avoid standing with your arms crossed or hands on your hips, as this can be seen as confrontational. Instead, keep your posture relaxed and non-threatening. If you feel the situation escalating, look for an escape route—cross the street, move toward a group of people, or head for a well lit area where there are people nearby. If you need help, don’t hesitate to seek out a police station or ask a friend or bystander for assistance.

Above all, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t wait—take action to remove yourself from dangerous situations, whether that means waiting in a safe place, calling for help, or simply walking away. Practicing these de-escalation techniques will help you stay safe and confident as you explore the world, one city street at a time.

Advice From Friends Who Travel Solo

I do have a few admired friends who travel solo. The women I spoke to travel alone.  I asked them to give me their advice. Here are some of their personal opinions.

First they all told me the first step in traveling solo is to believe in yourself. They did not let fear stop them. They acknowledged that it is intimidating when you leave your comfort zone for the first time, but over time they grew and are continuing to grow from their experiences. One said, ” I feel invincible.”

I asked them about loneliness when traveling solo. They all said they learned to feel comfortable in their own company. And they all sparked up conversations in restaurants and on tours, and in their hotels. One made a lasting friendship.

They have their itinerary mapped out to a tee because they all said the more organized they were, the less vulnerable they felt. They also mentioned being especially vigilant when exploring downtown areas, where staying alert is crucial.

Tips on Solo Travel From My Friends

1. When you leave the country, they advise you to share your travel itinerary with your family or friends and …stay connected every day by phone.
2. They take out good travel insurance with Medivac.
3. These women all employ a well-traveled travel agent who has been to the city(s.)  They plan their detailed itinerary with their agent from beginning to end.
4. They dress down so as not to stand out in a crowd.
5. These women talk to people using their wizened experience after 50
6. They carry a safety whistle. They have a safety word besides help. Fire!
7. They have one and only one cocktail at dinner!
8. When they get into conversations, they do not give out their hotel or address.
9. One registers with her local embassy.
10. They become friendly with hotel staff.
11. They carry the hotel business card with their address and phone contact. The police and ambulance numbers, too.
12. They avoid walking through a shady neighborhood, and if they must, they stay extra cautious and aware of their surroundings.

These women told me that their solo travel experiences have been stellar. And, on a personal note, they told me they learned to feel comfortable in their own company enjoying the peace and quiet and solitude to simply be.

While your safety is of the utmost importance, please remember to enjoy your travels. Have a wonderful time on your adventure with your companion, family or…yourself. Bon Voyage.

How do you stay proactive when traveling solo or with a group in larger cities? Comment with your tips below.

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