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Summer Solo Travel Safety Tips Every Woman Over 40 Should Know
- Anne Marie aka Baldgirlwilltravel
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
There is something incredibly freeing about summer solo travel.
The longer days. The warm weather. The rooftop dinners. The beach walks. The random conversations with strangers in beautiful places. Summer travel can feel light, exciting, and spontaneous in a way that reminds you that life is still meant to be lived fully — especially for women over 40.
But let me say this clearly: freedom and safety must travel together.
As a Black woman over 50 who travels solo often, I have learned that being prepared is not the same thing as being fearful. I am not interested in traveling scared. I am interested in traveling smart.
And unfortunately, women over 40 sometimes make dangerous assumptions while traveling because we feel experienced, mature, or “too old for nonsense.” The reality is that scammers, thieves, predators, and opportunists do not care how old you are. In fact, sometimes they assume women over 40 may be easier to target because we may travel alone more confidently or appear financially stable.
So here are some realistic summer solo travel safety tips that I personally believe every woman over 40 should know before boarding that plane.
Stop Advertising That You’re Alone
This is one of the biggest mistakes women make while traveling solo.
You do not owe strangers your itinerary, your hotel information, your relationship status, or confirmation that you are alone.
You can be friendly without being overly revealing.
If someone asks whether you are traveling alone, sometimes I say:
“My friends are meeting me later.”
“My group is at the hotel.”
“My husband is working remotely today.”
Whether any of that is true is frankly none of their business.
I think many women over 40 were raised to be polite first and cautious second. That mindset can get you into trouble while traveling.
You do not need to continue conversations that make you uncomfortable.You do not need to smile through weird interactions. And you absolutely do not need to explain your boundaries to strangers.
Summer Clothing Can Attract Attention — Be Prepared for That Reality
Now let’s talk honestly. Summer travel often means lighter clothing, beachwear, sandals, sleeveless dresses, and more skin exposure simply because it is hot outside. And while women should absolutely wear what they want, we also need to acknowledge reality.
Some destinations are more conservative than others.Some cultures view clothing differently.And some men interpret friendliness, confidence, or style as invitation.
Again — that is not your fault.
But situational awareness matters.
I personally research cultural norms before I travel anywhere. Not because I plan to erase myself, but because I believe in understanding the environment I am walking into.
You can still be stylish, fabulous, and confident while being strategic.
And honestly? Sometimes safety is about not standing out unnecessarily in certain environments.
Share Your Location With Someone You Trust
I do this constantly.
My family usually knows:
what country I am in
what hotel I am staying at
when I land
when I am taking excursions
when I am expected back
And yes — I check in.
Not because I am incapable.Not because I need permission.But because if something goes wrong, someone should know where to start looking.
I also think women over 40 sometimes underestimate how important digital safety tools are.
Use location sharing.Use WhatsApp.Use hotel safes.Use AirTags in your luggage.Use password protection on your devices. Technology can absolutely enhance your safety while traveling solo.
Stop Carrying Your Original Passport Everywhere
I cannot stress this enough. Unless absolutely necessary, I do not walk around all day carrying my original passport.
I keep it secured and carry:
a passport copy
a photo on my phone
another backup stored digitally
Losing your passport abroad is stressful enough.Getting it stolen while wandering around all day with it in your tote bag is even worse. And please — stop putting passports loosely into oversized bags without organization.
Use a passport holder.Use a crossbody bag.Use a bra wallet if needed.Use bags that zip securely. Summer crowds create perfect opportunities for pickpocketing.
Be Careful With Alcohol in Tourist Areas
Listen. I love a rooftop cocktail.I love a beach club moment.I love a sunset dinner with wine. But I also understand that intoxicated tourists are easy targets. That does not mean you cannot enjoy yourself.I t means stay aware. Watch your drinks. Do not leave beverages unattended. Know your alcohol tolerance in heat. Hydrate constantly.
Summer heat plus alcohol can sneak up on you fast — especially over 40. And ladies… if you suddenly feel “off,” dizzy, disoriented, or unusually intoxicated, trust yourself immediately.
Excursions Are Not Automatically Safe Just Because They’re Popular
Please research your excursions carefully. Read reviews.Look at recent reviews — not just old ones.Research transportation providers.Check whether excursions are solo-traveler friendly.
And personally? I book many tours through Viator or 'GetYourGuide because I can read extensive reviews beforehand and see what other travelers experienced.
I also pay attention to:
pickup procedures
return transportation
group size
safety concerns mentioned repeatedly in reviews
Your instincts matter too. If something feels chaotic, disorganized, or unsafe, leave.
Your Hotel Choice Matters More Than You Think
I think women over 40 often prioritize aesthetics over logistics.
The hotel may look beautiful online, but:
Is it in a safe area?
Can you walk safely at night?
Is transportation easy?
Are there restaurants nearby?
Are other solo travelers staying there?
Does the property have strong reviews from women?
Sometimes paying a little more for location and safety is worth every penny.
I also prefer hotels with:
24-hour front desks
secure entry access
strong solo female traveler reviews
good lighting around the property
Pretty is not enough.
Summer Travel Requires More Physical Preparation Over 40
And yes — we need to talk about this too. Travel hits differently now than it did in our 20s and 30s. Long walking days. Extreme heat. Jet lag. Dehydration.Heavy luggage. Poor sleep.
All of it can impact your awareness and safety. I now prioritize:
comfortable shoes
breathable fabrics like linen and cotton
portable fans
electrolyte packets
rest days during trips
realistic itineraries
Because exhaustion can make you vulnerable. One reason I wear my heaviest shoes on the plane is because I refuse to waste luggage space, but also because supportive shoes matter when you are navigating airports, cobblestone streets, and long walking days. Cute matters. Comfort matters too.
Trust Your Gut Faster
This may be the most important tip in this entire post.
Women are often socialized to override their instincts in order to avoid seeming rude, dramatic, or paranoid.
Stop doing that.
If a situation feels wrong:leave.
If a driver feels unsafe:get out.
If someone is making you uncomfortable:remove yourself.
If accommodations feel unsafe:book somewhere else.
Your intuition is one of the greatest travel safety tools you have.
Use it.
Final Thought
I truly believe solo travel can change women over 40 in beautiful ways. It can make you braver.More independent.More joyful.More confident.More connected to yourself.
But confidence should never replace preparation. I want more Black women over 40 traveling the world boldly — not fearfully — but intelligently.
Because the goal is not just to have amazing experiences. The goal is to come home safely so you can do it again and again and again.
Ready to Plan Your Own Solo adventure?
Whether you want to join one of my curated BaldGirlWillTravel meet-ups or plan a custom solo itinerary designed just for you, I help Black women over 40 travel safely, stylishly, and intentionally.
Whether you want to join one of my BaldGirlWillTravel group adventures or create a custom solo itinerary just for you, I can help you plan the trip you’ve been dreaming about — stress-free, stylish, and unforgettable.
I now offer custom travel planning for women who are ready to explore the world on their own terms—with safety, style, and confidence.
Want to Travel Even More Confidently?
If you want a deeper dive into staying safe — especially as a solo traveler — I’ve put everything I’ve learned over years of traveling into my guide:
This guide covers:
Practical safety strategies before and during your trip
How to reduce risk without limiting your freedom
Situational awareness tips that actually make sense in real life
How to move confidently — not fearfully — while traveling
It’s designed for women who want to explore the world prepared, informed, and unbothered.
Because travel should expand your life — not stress you out.
👯♀️ Prefer group travel with like-minded women?
Join one of my 2026 or 2027 Girls Trips curated just for Black women 40+.—and yes, payment plans are available!
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Because travel is the best self care there is!!
Thank You For Reading!
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