How to Choose Safe Accommodation When Traveling Alone

If you check the neighborhood and less obvious risk factors upfront, your trip runs smoother. Pair this guide with our solo travel safety checklist and solo travel guide. Before booking, get travel medical insurance — useful if something goes wrong at check-in or on the road.

Before you book, look into the area's safety record. The cheapest options often sit on outskirts or in industrial zones that may feel unsafe for evening walks.

Use Google Maps or similar tools to check street lighting and distance to the nearest public transit stop. Local expat chats and forums are also valuable — residents will tell you which blocks to avoid.

Tourist centers are not always the safest, but they usually have more people around and better police presence. Planning multiple cities? Cross-check areas with our multi-city route guide and seasonal destination picks.

The right type depends on your priorities, but each option has distinct safety trade-offs. Book through vetted platforms — hotels and hostels with strong reviews.

Ratings matter, but the devil is in the details. Do not waste time on glowing reviews about a pretty window view.

Look for feedback from other solo travelers — many platforms filter by traveler type. Pay attention to mentions of door locks, in-room safes, building entrance lighting, and break-in attempts. Reviews mentioning "suspicious people at the entrance" are a red flag.

Once you cross the threshold, your safety check is not over.

• Verify that windows and balcony doors close securely, especially on lower floors.
• Hang a "Do not disturb" sign on the door handle — it suggests someone is inside even when you are out.
• If the door has a peephole without a cover, tape it from the inside to block corridor viewing.
• Set up Share Location and offline maps using our smartphone travel prep checklist.