15 Safety Tips for Muslim Solo Female Travelers

It’s 2 a.m., and I’m standing in a dimly lit train station in Marrakesh, clutching my hijab and a lukewarm mint tea, wondering if I’ve lost my mind. My phone’s at 5%, my train’s delayed, and a guy across the platform keeps staring. As a Muslim woman traveling solo, I’ve had my share of heart-pounding moments—and I’ve learned a thing or two about staying safe. That night, I made it to my riad unscathed, but not without some quick thinking and a few tricks up my sleeve. If you’re a Muslim woman itching to explore the world alone, I’ve got you covered.

I’m a senior travel writer for The New York Times, and after years of crisscrossing the globe—from Istanbul’s bustling bazaars to New Zealand’s quiet trails—I’ve nailed down 15 safety tips that’ll keep you secure, confident, and ready to own your solo adventure. Traveling solo as a Muslim woman isn’t just possible; it’s amazing—if you play it smart. Let’s dive into these game-changers so you can hit the road with swagger and peace of mind.

Related: How Can Muslim Females Travel Solo?

1. Research Like a Pro Before You Go

Knowledge is your shield. Before I jetted off to Morocco, I spent hours digging into local customs—did you know staring’s just a cultural quirk there, not always a threat? Google “safety for women in [destination]” and skim travel forums like Tripadvisor or Reddit. For Muslim-specific vibes, check HalalTrip or CrescentRating—they dish on prayer spots, halal food, and women-friendly zones. Knowing what’s normal keeps you calm when things feel off.

2. Dress Smart, Not Scared

Your hijab’s your crown, but blending in can be your superpower. In Paris, I stuck to a sleek headscarf and trench coat—modest but local-ish. Research dress codes ahead—loose tunics rock in Egypt, while a colorful abaya fits Dubai. Avoid flashy jewelry; it screams “tourist.” Pack a light scarf to layer up if a place feels sketchy. You’re not hiding—you’re strategizing.

3. Pick the Right Place to Crash

Where you sleep matters. I book hotels or Airbnbs with “women-friendly” or “family-oriented” tags—think prayer rugs, no-alcohol vibes, and staff used to solo sisters. HalalBooking’s my go-to; it filters for safe, faith-first spots. In Tokyo, I snagged a women-only hostel capsule—cheap, secure, and oddly cool. Read reviews like a detective—look for “safe for women” mentions.

4. Share Your Plans (But Not With Strangers)

Before I left for Jordan, I emailed my itinerary—hotels, trains, everything—to my sister and a friend. I use WhatsApp to ping them daily: “Hey, made it to Petra!” If something goes sideways, someone knows where I am. But on the ground? I’m tight-lipped. No chatting up randoms about my solo status—keeps the creepers at bay.

5. Master the Art of Saying No

Solo travel’s a confidence boot camp. In Cairo, a guy offered to “guide” me—pushy, loud, no thanks. I smiled, said “La, shukran” (No, thank you), and walked off like I owned the place. Practice a firm, polite “no” in the local language—it’s your get-out-of-awkward-free card. Confidence shuts down hassle fast.

6. Pack a Safety Kit

My purse is a mini fortress. I carry a whistle—loud enough to scare off trouble—a small flashlight for dark alleys, and a portable door lock (Amazon, $10, lifesaver). Pepper spray’s tricky—check local laws—but a shrill “help!” works anywhere. Toss in a power bank too; a dead phone’s a rookie mistake I made once in Lisbon. Never again.

7. Blend In With the Crowd

Standing out’s fun—until it’s not. In Rome, I ditched my bright red backpack for a muted tote and watched people instead of maps. Walk like you know where you’re going (fake it ’til you make it). Earbuds in, no music—just listen. You’re a local with a hijab, not a lost tourist.

8. Trust Your Gut—It’s Smarter Than You Think

Your instincts are a built-in alarm. In Bangkok, a “friendly” tuk-tuk driver gave me bad vibes—too pushy, too smiley. I bailed, found a legit cab, and later heard he’d overcharged others. If a place, person, or vibe feels wrong, bounce. No excuses needed.

9. Stay Connected, Stay Safe

Data’s your lifeline. I grab a local SIM or eSIM (Airalo’s clutch) the second I land—cheap and instant. Google Maps offline? Downloaded. In Istanbul, I used it to dodge a sketchy shortcut. Apps like HalalTrip track mosques for salah breaks too. A charged phone’s your safety net—don’t let it die.

10. Travel Light, Move Fast

Lugging three suitcases screams “target.” I roll with one carry-on and a crossbody bag—easy to haul, hard to snatch. In Madrid, I zipped through a crowded market while others wrestled giant bags. Light means quick, and quick means safe.

11. Know Your Emergency Numbers

Every country’s got a 911 equivalent—learn it. In the U.K., it’s 999; Japan, 110. I save ’em in my phone and scribble ’em in a notebook with my embassy’s number. In Dubai, I once called the tourist police (901) over a lost wallet—fast, friendly help. Prep beats panic.

12. Avoid the Nighttime Solo Stroll

I love a good sunset, but wandering alone after dark? Risky. In Cape Town, I skipped a late-night souk walk—heard thefts spiked then. Stick to daytime adventures or group tours if it’s late. If you’re out, cab it—Uber or local apps like Careem in the Middle East are my faves.

13. Buddy Up When You Can

Solo doesn’t mean isolated. In hostel common rooms or mosque visits, I’ve met other travelers—sisters, couples, even grannies—and tagged along for day trips. In Malaysia, a local auntie showed me her fave halal food stalls. Instant crew, instant safety net.

14. Learn a Few Local Words

A little language goes far. In Morocco, “sala” (hello) and “shukran” (thank you) turned strangers into smiles. “Help” in Spanish—“ayuda”—got me out of a Barcelona jam once. It’s not fluency; it’s connection. Locals warm up, and you feel less alone.

15. Own Your Space—You Belong Here

Here’s the big one: You’re not an imposter. I used to shrink in busy places, worried my hijab made me a target. Then, in New York, I strode through Times Square like I’d built it—head high, shoulders back. Confidence isn’t just safety; it’s power. You’re a Muslim woman conquering the world—act like it.

I’ve had hairy moments. That Marrakesh station? I found a women’s waiting area—empty, safe—and napped ’til my train rolled in. In India, a guy trailed me ’til I ducked into a busy café and called a friend to fake a meetup. But the wins? Hiking solo in Jordan, praying fajr in a quiet Petra cave, eating tagine with a family I met in Fez. Safety let me live those joys.

Travel’s not a luxury—it’s a right. But for us, solo trips come with extra layers: faith, modesty, stereotypes. These tips aren’t about fear; they’re about freedom. The world’s yours—Turkey’s mosques, Italy’s gelato, Canada’s forests. Prep smart, and you’ll come back with stories that’d make your cousins jealous.

Ready? Pick a spot—I’d say start small, like a weekend in a nearby city. Book that halal-friendly hotel. Pack light, plan tight, and strut out there. You’ll mess up (I did!), but you’ll learn fast. Share your wins with me at The New York Times—I’m rooting for you.

Solo travel as a Muslim woman isn’t crazy—it’s epic. These 15 tips are your armor, your map, your hype squad. From dodging creeps to finding peace, you’ve got this. So, where’re you going first? Grab that passport, and let’s make it happen—safely, boldly, you-ly.