Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
One of the most common questions I get — especially from those planning their first big international trip — is: “Do you ever feel unsafe when you travel?”
The honest answer? I feel prepared, not scared. I travel with awareness, intention, and a few simple habits that make me feel confident no matter where I am — whether I’m exploring Florence with Max, wandering through Seville solo with a camera, or even just taking an Uber home in Orange County.
These are my personal travel safety tips — the ones I use on almost every single trip, big or small.
Use Uber’s “Share Trip Status” Every Time You Ride Alone
It’s not often that I travel alone or have to Uber solo anymore (perks of being married), but if I do have to take an Uber alone, this is my number one non-negotiable.
I don’t care where I am or how long the ride is; anytime I’m in an Uber alone, I immediately hit “Share Trip Status” and send it to at least two people. For me, that’s usually: my husband (Max), and my dad.
They get instant access to:
- My live location
- Route and ETA
- Driver details
- Car make + license plate
It takes three seconds to share, and it gives everyone peace of mind.
A Note for Female Riders
Uber recently launched a new preference that allows women to be matched with female drivers whenever possible. You simply choose “Women Drivers” when booking your ride, and the app will prioritize pairing women with women.
Why I love this:
- Female riders feel safer traveling alone
- Female drivers feel more comfortable taking rides, especially at night
- It builds confidence for solo travel
I truly think this is one of Uber’s most important updates in years — especially for women traveling abroad or gallivanting around unfamiliar cities!
A Note on Uber in Mexico
To each their own — comfort levels are personal. But personally, I would never take an Uber alone in Mexico. Even in places I absolutely adore, like Los Cabos (and where I’ve traveled many times), I’m extra cautious with transportation.
My recommendation for women — especially solo travelers — is to always move in pairs or groups when getting around in Mexico. Whether it’s an Uber, taxi, shuttle, or walking between spots, it’s just not the place to be alone at night (or any time of day, to be honest).
Send Your Travel Details to Someone Before a Trip
Before I fly anywhere, I always send at least a partial itinerary to someone I trust. Usually, that’s my husband, Max, but depending on where I’m going (or if I’m going with Max), I’ll loop in someone else too, just so more than one person knows where I’m supposed to be.
I don’t always share the full itinerary, but I include things like:
- Flight numbers and times (including connections)
- Hotel names and locations
- Restaurant reservations, if they’re particularly important or late at night
Why? Not because anything is likely to go wrong…but because if it does, someone already knows where I’m supposed to be. It might sound like a lot, but if you plan your itinerary on apps like Wanderlog or even just in a Google Doc, it doesn’t take much time to share it with a loved one for peace of mind.
Learn the Local Emergency Numbers
If you’re a U.S. traveler staying in the U.S., you’re golden — it’s 911 no matter the state. But did you know each country (sometimes continent) has different emergency numbers? For example, most countries in Europe use 112 as their general emergency line; the Italian Police, specifically, use 113, and Mexico is the same as the U.S. — 911.
I always add these to my “Travel” note in my Notes app so I don’t have to remember them off the top of my head. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never use — but you should always have readily available.
Consider Travel Insurance for Trips Abroad
It’s entirely personal preference, but travel insurance is great for various reasons, and we decided to have it when we traveled abroad for our destination wedding in Puglia.
Travel insurance can cover:
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Trip interruptions
- Medical emergencies abroad
- Emergency transportation
- Cancelled tours or hotels
It’s generally inexpensive and often saves you hundreds (or thousands) if you actually need it.
Use Your Hotel Safe (Please!)
I know hotel safes can feel… questionable. But they’re still safer than carrying everything with you, especially in foreign cities. I keep the following locked away:
- Passport
- Nice jewelry
- Electronics that I don’t need that day
If a hotel doesn’t have a safe, I put everything in my BÉIS suitcase and lock it up. Small habit, big payoff.
Other Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
These are tiny things I do automatically now:
- Walk with purpose, even when lost — you can always stop in a shop or café to reorient yourself.
- Avoid headphones in unfamiliar areas and be aware of your surroundings.
- Don’t accept unsolicited “help” at train stations.
- If someone is following you, go into a store or restaurant, not down a side street.
- AirTags in luggage and backpacks. Always.
- Keep copies of Passports and IDs in your email and/or Notes app.
- Carry a portable charger (or two) so your phone never dies while navigating.
It’s the accumulation of these habits that creates a safer travel experience and overall peace of mind for me personally!
My Favorite Travel Safety Products
Everything here is something I personally use, love, or find genuinely helpful — not fear-based, just practical.
- Apple AirTags: These are lifesavers for checked luggage, carry-ons, backpacks, purses, keys, and even rental cars (yes, leave one in your rental car so you can find where you parked).
- Portable Charger(s): Your phone is your map, your lifeline, your Uber access, and your translator these days. A dead phone = instant stress. A portable charger (or two) ensures that never happens! Just be sure to charge them each night with your phone so they’re fully charged and ready to go the next day.
- Small Crossbody Bag with a Zipper: Pickpocketing is most successful when your bag is behind you or unzipped. A zippered crossbody (worn in front) is simple security that works everywhere!
- TSA-Approved Luggage Locks: If your suitcase doesn’t have built-in locks or you want a second lock for extra peace of mind, luggage locks are essential.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Being hydrated keeps you alert and less likely to feel dizzy, disoriented, or foggy while out and about (especially in heat-heavy destinations).
- Mini First-Aid Kit: Nothing crazy — just enough bandages to prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger one! It’s always a good idea to have blister pads and a well-stocked mini medicine kit on hand, too!
Travel isn’t supposed to be scary — it’s supposed to be rewarding and soul-filling. You don’t need to live in fear or avoid beautiful places, either. You just need to be aware, prepared, and confident! These tips aren’t meant to restrict your experiences but to support them, so you can explore the world safely and freely!