Traveling with your best girlfriends is a dream come true—until it’s 2 a.m., you’ve lost half your group, one friend is texting a mysterious stranger, and another is trying to negotiate with a cab driver in broken Spanish. Group travel is thrilling, empowering, and filled with unforgettable moments, but when you’re a group of women, safety has to be just as much of a priority as scouting the best brunch spots.
So how do you travel together without ending up in a chaotic “lost in translation” scenario? Here’s your ultimate guide to staying safe while still having the time of your lives.
1. The “No One Left Behind” Rule
Think of this as your golden travel rule: no woman left behind. Ever. Whether you’re club-hopping, taking a midnight stroll, or haggling in a market, always do a headcount. Designate a “mom friend” of the group who ensures no one mysteriously disappears with a charming stranger (at least not without a buddy system in place).
2. Safety in Numbers (But Not Too Obvious)
Being in a group is naturally safer than solo travel, but it also makes you a target if you look like a pack of confused tourists. Walk with confidence, look like you know where you’re going, and avoid loud, overly touristy behavior that attracts attention.
3. Set Up a Group Chat (With a Catchy Name)
Before you even leave the airport, create a group chat for instant communication. Whether it’s on WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage, this chat is your lifeline. Drop locations, share hotel details, and have a safety code word for emergencies (bonus points if it’s something amusing like “Pink Flamingo”).
4. The Buddy System: Because We’re Not in a Horror Movie
No one goes anywhere alone. Period. Even if it’s just to the restroom in a bar, always have a friend with you. This isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about being smart. (And avoiding those horror movie clichés where people wander off alone and never return.)
5. Have a Meeting Spot for Every Outing
Night out in Barcelona? Beach day in Bali? Always establish a designated meeting spot in case someone gets separated. That way, if the Wi-Fi fails, phones die, or someone gets sidetracked by a street performer, there’s a fail-safe plan in place.
6. Drinks? Keep an Eye on Them (And Each Other)
We love a well-crafted cocktail, but we don’t love shady situations. Keep an eye on each other’s drinks, never accept open beverages from strangers, and if a friend looks like she’s had too much, intervene before things get messy.
7. Plan Transport in Advance
Uber? Taxi? Walk? Figure out your transport situation before heading out, so there’s no last-minute panic. If using rideshares, confirm the driver and car details before getting in. If using taxis, agree on a price beforehand, and never take unregistered cabs.
8. Share Your Itinerary (But Not With Everyone)
Let someone back home know your general plans and check in regularly. But avoid oversharing on social media in real-time—posting your exact location can attract the wrong kind of attention.
9. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
Hostel, Airbnb, or hotel? Whatever you pick, make sure it’s well-reviewed, in a safe neighborhood, and has proper security measures (like keycard access or 24-hour reception). Consider booking places with multiple bedrooms or at least secure shared spaces.
10. Have a Code Word for Uncomfortable Situations
If one of you is feeling uneasy—whether with a person or a situation—have a code word to signal the group to act fast. “Let’s get pizza” could be code for “Let’s get out of here NOW.”
11. Keep an Eye on Valuables
Pickpockets love distracted groups of tourists. Keep your bags zipped, wear a crossbody purse, and consider money belts for extra security. If you’re carrying a backpack, wear it in front in crowded areas.
12. Be Aware of Cultural Norms
What’s acceptable in one country might not be in another. Before your trip, do a little research on dress codes, local customs, and safety tips for women in that country. Respecting cultural norms can help you blend in and avoid unwanted attention.
13. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Rude
If a stranger is making you uncomfortable, you don’t owe them kindness. Ignore, walk away, or firmly say “no.” And if they persist, escalate—be loud, get help, or involve authorities.
14. Know Emergency Numbers and Have a Backup Plan
Save local emergency numbers in your phone. Also, have the address of your accommodation written down in case your phone dies. Knowing where the nearest embassy or consulate is can also be a lifesaver in tricky situations.
15. Trust Your Gut (It’s Your Built-In Alarm System)
If something feels off, trust that feeling. Whether it’s a pushy taxi driver, a weirdly empty street, or a person giving you bad vibes—remove yourself from the situation immediately.
16. Stay Sober(ish)
Enjoy yourself, but know your limits. The last thing you want is to be the friend who gets too tipsy and becomes a liability. (We’ve all been there, but on a girls’ trip, safety first!)
17. Packing Essentials for Safety
A little preparation goes a long way. Some safety must-haves for your trip:
- Doorstop alarm – Perfect for extra hotel or Airbnb security.
- Personal safety alarm – Small, loud, and effective.
- Portable phone charger – Because a dead phone is useless in an emergency.
- Fake wedding ring – Sometimes, a little deception helps avoid unwanted attention.
- Copies of important documents – Keep both digital and physical copies of passports, IDs, and emergency contacts.
18. Dealing with Scams
Scammers love targeting tourists, so stay sharp:
- The distraction trick – If someone is making a scene nearby, check your pockets—pickpockets often work in teams.
- Fake police officers – Always ask for identification if someone claims to be an officer.
- Overpriced taxis – Use rideshare apps or agree on a fare before getting in.
- Friendship bracelets & “free gifts” – If a stranger aggressively offers you something for “free,” walk away—nothing is truly free.
19. Emergency Situations: What to Do When Things Go Wrong
- Lost passport? Contact your country’s embassy immediately.
- Medical emergency? Have travel insurance and know where the nearest hospital is.
- Harassment? Be firm, leave the situation, and seek help if needed.
- Stuck without money? Have an emergency stash hidden in a separate location.
20. Have Fun (But Keep It Classy)
Ultimately, travel should be fun, memorable, and empowering. Take the necessary precautions, but don’t let fear ruin the adventure. Be safe, be aware, and most importantly—enjoy every second of your trip.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with your besties is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have. With the right precautions, you can have a stress-free, adventure-packed, and completely fabulous trip. So pack your bags, charge your phones, and get ready to create travel memories that will last a lifetime—safely, stylishly, and together.
