Travel can feel like fresh air for the mind, but sometimes it brings moments that shake your sense of comfort in a way you never saw coming. The recent story from Sri Lanka showed how fast things can change and how people started talking again about women solo travel safety. A New Zealand traveler named Molly, someone who spends a lot of time on the road, learned this lesson when her trip took a turn she definitely wasn’t expecting.
She had been driving her tuk tuk around the country while sharing small clips of her adventures. The scenery looked peaceful and she felt fine most of the time. But then, out of nowhere, almost, a young man on a scooter began following her. He rode past her, slowed down, circled back, and then got even closer. When she stopped for a moment on a quiet road, he stopped too. This already made her nervous.
The man asked for sex. Molly said no. He then exposed himself and began masturbating right beside her tuk tuk like it was normal. Molly stayed calm enough to record him, which is honestly impressive considering the situation, and she went to the police after. Her video spread all over the internet and people reacted fast. Some were furious, others were scared. Many felt exhausted because these stories keep happening.
Authorities Took Control
The Sri Lankan police moved quickly. They looked at her video, figured out which scooter it was, and searched multiple areas. They arrested the suspect a few days later. Reports said he changed his appearance and where he was staying because he wanted to hide. Officials apologized to Molly and said they know tourists, especially women traveling alone, must feel safe.
Molly did not stay silent about the online response. Some people, even women, blamed her for traveling alone. Others said she should have known better or acted differently, and that made her angry. She said harassment happens everywhere, not only in Sri Lanka. This could have happened in New Zealand or anywhere else. She reminded people that the real problem is the men who choose to act this way, not the women who dare to explore the world. You can see her full post on Instagram.
Her message hit home. Women shared their own worries and frustrations. Many said they were tired of being told to shrink their lives because someone might behave badly. Others wanted more advice on safety. People wanted details, guidance, and steps that felt realistic.
If you are planning to travel alone, here are some helpful tips to make sure your adventures are safe and memorable.
Understanding the Local Environment
Different places run at different speeds. Some cities feel relaxed and open, while others feel crowded and noisy. Learning how a place functions makes travel much easier. It also helps solo women with travel safety because you know what to expect before arriving.
Government advisories help a lot. They explain safety conditions and any important updates. Blogs and videos show real experiences without too much official wording. Online groups share tips that come from people who have just been there. When you read enough from different sources, the picture becomes much clearer.
Another part of learning a place faster is paying attention to everyday patterns that locals follow without thinking. Some cities empty out early at night, while others stay awake until sunrise. Certain neighborhoods feel relaxed in the morning but crowded in the afternoon. When you pay attention to those rhythms, you start to understand how to move through the area without standing out too much.
It also helps you figure out which streets feel lively and which ones feel oddly quiet. Many travelers say they get a better sense of safety when they slow down and watch the details around them. These small observations help more than you expect.
Trusting Early Instincts
Instinct is funny, because it often notices things before you fully understand them. If your stomach tightens or your mind says something feels off, listen to that. These moments matter. If someone follows you too closely or asks things that feel strange, take action sooner rather than later.
You can change direction, step inside a store, or just keep moving away. Many times, the smallest step breaks the tension. Molly’s instinct to record her encounter helped police identify the suspect. You might not always be able to film, and you never need to if it feels unsafe, but trusting your gut is one of the strongest tools you have.
Choosing the Right Accommodation
A place to sleep should give you some sense of relief. You want somewhere that lets you rest without too much worry. Look for hotels or guesthouses with good reviews from women. People often share information that official sites do not mention.
Check the room once you arrive. Test the locks, look at the windows, and make sure everything feels secure enough. You do not have to be suspicious of everything, but these small checks help create calm. Good accommodation supports solo women with travel safety in a simple but important way.
Blending In Without Disappearing
Being yourself is important, but blending in helps reduce unwanted attention. You can dress in a simple way, and avoid showing expensive jewelry or gadgets. Walk like you know where you are going, even if you feel lost. Confidence, even when imperfect, gives you a layer of protection.
Watch how locals behave and notice how they talk or move. Adopting small bits of local behavior helps you feel more comfortable too. These actions support travel safety for women who are travelling solo without asking you to change who you are.
Safer Transportation Tips
Transportation can be tricky. Most harassment happens when people move from one place to another. Using approved taxis or rideshare apps helps because the driver is identified and the route is tracked. It gives you more control.
When you take public transport, stay close to families or other women. Avoid empty train cars. At night, choose transportation instead of walking long distances. During the day, try not to pull over in isolated spots. That isolation made Molly more vulnerable and it is a reminder that crowded spaces are safer.
Staying Connected to Someone You Trust
Solo travel does not mean isolation. Tell someone your basic plans and let them know if those plans change. You do not need a detailed schedule; just a simple outline is enough to keep someone aware of where you should be.
Share your location through a trusted app and send a check in message when you reach a new place. These steps give you support even when no one is physically with you.
Some travelers also create a simple code phrase with someone back home. It is usually a short sentence that sounds normal but signals that something feels off. It works well when you want help without drawing attention.
Other people choose to check in through voice messages instead of text because the tone of your voice can tell someone a lot more than written words. These small habits create another level of support that stays in the background until you need it.
Using Technology for Protection
Technology can be a quiet safety net. Safety apps make it easier to contact someone fast. Navigation tools help you avoid getting lost. Translation apps help you ask for help in languages you do not speak well.
Some apps tell you which neighborhoods have lower crime rates. Others help you call emergency services with one tap. These tools do not solve every problem, but they offer steady support for solo women and travel safety during long trips.
It also helps to keep a backup battery or small power bank in your bag. Phones drain faster in hot weather or when you use maps for hours at a time. Losing power at the wrong moment can leave you without navigation or a way to contact someone. Some travelers even keep emergency screenshots on their phones so they still have maps or directions when the signal drops. Technology feels simple until it suddenly matters more than anything.
Handling Harassment in Real Time
Harassment can catch you off guard. If it happens, politeness is not required. Your goal is to get away and create distance. If ignoring works, use that first. If not, move toward other people. A strong voice can help too, but use it only if you feel safe enough.
If you record the interaction, do so when you are at a safe distance. Once you are away, report the incident. Many countries have police trained to help tourists. Reporting helps protect others and gives you closure.
Women Supporting Women Abroad
Women often help one another without hesitation, no matter the country. If you feel uncomfortable, approach a woman nearby. Ask for directions or simple help. Many women take these requests seriously because they know how it feels.
Image credit: Shutterstock.
Some cultures have a tradition of looking out for women traveling alone, even when they are strangers. You might meet women who offer to sit beside you on buses or walk with you through busy markets. These gestures can feel surprising at first, but they often come from a genuine place of care. Accepting help does not make you weak. It creates moments of connection that make the world feel a little safer and a little kinder.
Protecting Yourself Online
Posting in real time might feel fun, but it reveals your location to strangers who may not have good intentions. Share your posts later, once you have left the area. Avoid showing hotel names or room numbers and adjust privacy settings on your apps. These steps support how women can stay safe while traveling solo, especially in a digital world where information spreads fast.
Preparing for Emergencies
Preparing for emergencies does not mean expecting something terrible. It just means being smart. Keep copies of your passport and save important numbers on your phone. Write down your accommodation address in case your phone dies.
It also helps to learn where the nearest pharmacy or medical clinic is when you arrive in a new area. You never know when you might need basic supplies like bandages or stomach medication, especially if you ate something unfamiliar.
Image credit: Shutterstock
Keeping your health stable during a trip makes every part of travel easier. Some travelers also save notes about local laws or cultural rules so they do not accidentally break them. It is not about fear, it is about being a little prepared in places that operate differently from home.
Carry a small amount of extra cash, just incase. Learn basic emergency phrases in the local language. These little preparations make difficult moments easier to handle.
Read More: 14 Must-Visit Destinations for Women Traveling Alone
Knowing When to Leave a Situation
Sometimes leaving early is the safest option. If a stranger asks too many personal questions or stands too close, walk away. You do not need to justify leaving. Your comfort matters.
This simple act helps protect your boundaries and supports travel safety for solo women more than you might realize.
Finding Joy in Solo Travel
Traveling alone gives you strength in ways that stay with you long after the trip ends. You learn how to make choices on your own and discover new sides of yourself. You meet people who surprise you with their kindness.
Many women return from solo trips with more confidence and peace in their lives. They feel brave, grounded and free. Molly herself said she would still recommend Sri Lanka because one man does not define a country.
The Bottom Line
The Sri Lanka incident sparked fear for many travelers, but it should not stop women from experiencing the world. Instead, it should motivate more honest conversations about support, education, and accountability.
Travel is still beautiful and meaningful as it connects you to new parts of yourself. With the right tools, clear awareness, and guidance, solo adventures are still and option.
So pack your bags. Trust your instincts. Keep your phone charged. Lean on the power of other women, and travel in a way that feels right to you. The world is waiting, and you deserve to explore it on your own terms.
Read More: Best U.S. Destinations for Solo Travelers Looking for an Epic Adventure