Is New York Safe for Solo Female Travelers? 8 Safe Traveling Tips for NYC
Is New York safe for solo female travelers? We’re answering your question is it safe to travel to NYC alone.
If you’ve found yourself wondering is New York safe for solo female travellers at some point in your travel daydreams, keep on reading to find out how safe it really is and to find out what you can do to increase your safety during a visit to New York City.
New York City is such a huge bucket list destination for many travelers, so of course, you may find yourself asking questions like: “is New York sage for solo female travelers?” Well I’m here to let you know that overall, New York is indeed a safe destination! There are of course some things you can do to improve your chances of safety, and we’ll get into that shortly!
Solo Trip to New York
New York City is large and bustling, and most people are just concerned about their own life and what’s going on for them, so you don’t really have to worry too much about standing out to people, unless of course you find yourself in their way! Locals don’t appreciate bumping into distracted tourists.
New York City is actually where I experienced my very first solo travel trip, and I felt safe the entire time! I even went into Times Square at midnight alone and did some window shopping after my Airbnb host assured me that it was safe, and not once did I experience anything uncomfortable or unsafe.
Since New York City is such a big city, there are of course stories that you’ll hear about things like muggings and other crimes, but how much do you really have to worry about that?
As with traveling to any big city, you of course have to keep alert and be aware of your surroundings, but I’ll give you some tips on how to keep safe travelling to New York City.
Is New York Safe for Solo Female Travellers? 8 Safe Traveling Tips for NYC
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
This can be said for anywhere, including your home city. Things can happen anywhere, and crime isn’t just reserved for a place like New York City, so always be aware of your surroundings. This is a good tip no matter where you’re traveling, whether you’re solo or not. If something doesn’t look right, do something else. If someone is making you uncomfortable, leave, and of course don’t venture into places like ally ways, especially at night.
Trust Your Gut
Always trust your gut! Even if you can’t put your finger on something, it’s better to be safe than sorry. For example, if you’re riding in a subway car and you begin to feel really uncomfortable and feel like you shouldn’t be there, then get off and try a different subway car, or even wait for the next train to come. If someone is talking to you and you feel uncomfortable, leave. Even if it feels rude, it’s really important to trust yourself. Does your accommodation make you feel uneasy? Then find somewhere else to stay asap! Maybe nothing will happen, and often it doesn’t, but it’s worth the peace of mind to trust yourself.
Related: Empire State Building or Top of the Rock: Best View of NYC
Stay Around People
Even if you’re travelling solo, there are people everywhere in New York City, so it’s best to stick around areas where there are other people. This is even more important at night time. People are more of a target at night time when it’s dark and quiet, so try to keep around others so you’re never fully alone.
Be Aware of Crowds
At the same time, be aware of crowds. In crowded places like transit during rush hour, or Times Square on a weekend (or pretty much any time honestly) there will likely be some people around who are looking for an easy target to pickpocket.
Another time to be aware of pickpockets is while you’re distracted. So if you find yourself watching street performers, be sure to be aware of your surroundings and your belongings. Some street performances are literally just for enjoyment from people who would appreciate some tips. However, sometimes these can be set up as a plan to distract people while others will make their way through the distracted crowd looking for some easy targets.
To avoid a pickpocketing experience, be sure to not keep anything important in your back pocket like your phone or any money. It’s best to have a crossbody purse on, and hold it in front of you while you’re in crowds so that it makes you a much harder target.
Show Confidence While Exploring
You don’t want to come across as a tourist if you can help it. Try to have a general idea of the direction you want to head off in, and keep your head up. This doesn’t mean you can’t wander and enjoy your exploration, of course you can! But just try not to look like it. If you need to check your phone for directions, pull over to the side of the sidewalk, or if there’s a park nearby head over and sit on a bench until you can figure out your direction. If you come across as a tourist, you could become more targeted than someone who comes across as more of a local.
Related: Top 10 Places in New York City
Don’t Tell Strangers Too Much
While traveling solo, it’s fun to get into conversation with new people! However, it can be best to not openly offer up information that you’re traveling alone, or especially, that you’re staying alone! As a woman travelling solo, this is likely more important if you’re speaking with a man. If in doubt, you can always lie and say you’re staying with a friend or family member during your visit in the city.
Don’t Leave Your Bags Unattended
Again, this is a good tip no matter where you are travelling. First of all, unattended bags can create a panic, especially in places like hotels, airports, and other big hubs like that. However, when it comes to your own safety, it’s important to keep your bag with you. Even if you’re at the airport and are waiting for your plane and need to run to the washroom, it’s still worth it to bring your luggage into the stall with you instead of leaving it somewhere out of reach and out of sight. You don’t want anyone stealing the bag, or even placing something illegal into your bag which could get you into trouble!
Read Accommodation Reviews
If you’re staying at a hotel, hostel, Airbnb etc. it’s a really great idea to always read the reviews, but this is extra important when you’re traveling solo as a female! Read over the general reviews, but pay extra attention to reviews from fellow solo travellers, especially women! Make sure they felt safe and comfortable. If there is any question about the host or workers, it’s best to skip this place and look for somewhere else! If reading hotel reviews, try to read some from different websites to make sure they all align and that you’re not reading some fake or paid for reviews.
So in conclusion, when asking “is New York safe for solo female travellers”, my answer is definitely a yes, and I highly recommend visiting the Big Apple at least once in your life! But as with any other destination, especially big cities, there are always some precautions to take as a solo female traveller, so I hope the above tips were helpful for you!
New York City has so many fun and wonderful things to do, and as long as you are aware of your surroundings, I’m sure you will have a great and successful visit!
If you take a solo trip to New York City, be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram at @shescatchingflights!
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