Traveling alone as a woman can be a little nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t need to be. There has been a rapid increase in solo female travelers over the years, and they all seem to enjoy their many adventures. Of course, the most important thing is to stay safe when visiting places like the beach, but is it safe to visit the ocean all by yourself as a woman?
It is safe for a woman to go to the beach alone as precautions are taken. Beaches are typically public places; therefore, many people are usually around. However, with large groups of people also comes less than savory individuals, so watch your things and don’t go off with anyone alone.
In the rest of this article, I will discuss how to visit the beach safely, how to keep your things from getting stolen, and tips for enjoying the beach solo. So, if you want to learn more about enjoying the beach yourself, read on.
How To Stay Safe on the Beach
Generally, since beaches are public places, they are considered relatively safe. However, the safety level can vary based on where the beach is located and how developed the country you’re visiting is. That being said, as a solo female traveler, you can enjoy spending time at the beach as long as you do so safely.
The best ways to stay safe
when visiting the beach alone are:
- Never go off with strangers alone. Unfortunately, there are less than kind people in this world, and it’s best not to go off with new friends on the beach. Some people may not have kind intentions.
- Set up your day camp near others. A great thing about a packed beach is that there are plenty of people around. So, if something happens to you or you become injured, someone will likely see and rush to your aid.
- Don’t show off your valuables. It’s best not to bring lots of valuables to the beach, but if you have to, try not to flaunt them. Thieves will be tempted to take them while you’re taking a dip in the water or they might even try mugging you in the parking lot.
- Pack and put on sunscreen. It can be challenging to reach your back but do your best to apply sunscreen as it will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Be cautious of riptides when swimming alone. Another essential thing to consider is a riptide. These tides can be dangerous, and if you get caught in one, swim at an angle to get out of it.
Though each of these is a real possibility when visiting the beach alone, most are unlikely. Generally, people won’t bother you or your things on the beach so long as they aren’t sitting out to be stolen easily. So be careful and enjoy some much-needed relaxation on the beach.
How To Keep Your Things Safe
Now that you know how to keep yourself safe, you must understand how to keep your things safe. Ultimately, you should leave anything you would be heartbroken to lose at your accommodations before visiting the beach by yourself.
However, if you can’t leave them for whatever reason, there are a few things you can do to keep your belongings safe.
Ways to keep your items safe at the beach solo:
- Place your cell phone and other electronics in a waterproof bag or case.
- Dig a hole to place your belongings, then place your towel and chair over the top.
- Ask a trustworthy family nearby to watch your things while you swim.
- Pack items with hidden compartments to hide essential things in.
- Make your beach spot as unappealing as possible.
People are far less likely to rifle through someone’s beach spot that only has a towel, chair, and umbrella. Don’t leave items out to tempt possible thieves; stay relatively close to your items. Also, be sure no one watches you hide any of your things. You will need to be as discreet as possible.
If you don’t already have an excellent hidden compartment item, I recommend Bindle Insulated Storage Water Bottle (available on Amazon). This bottle is great because it’s an actual water bottle, and the bottom twists off, so you can store small essential items like your ID, card, or cash.
When traveling alone, going to the bathroom can become a major hassle. And it gets much harder if you have a dog. That’s why I decided to write a how-to guide to give a few tips on how to go to the bathroom on a solo trip with a dog. [How to Use the Bathroom While Solo Traveling With a Dog]
Benefits of Visiting the Beach by Yourself
There are so many benefits to traveling alone as a woman, and visiting the beach solo is a great place to start. The world doesn’t have to be scary, and it can be highly empowering once you feel confident visiting places like the beach by yourself.
Some benefits of visiting the beach alone include:
- Increased confidence.
- Time to focus entirely on yourself.
- You get to be on your schedule.
- Being alone is peaceful.
- There are fewer interruptions.
The truth is that someone isn’t always going to be able to travel with you, and that shouldn’t hold you back as a man or woman. Traveling solo is a fantastic experience and is a great confidence booster. Additionally, it’s pretty safe so long as you are smart about how you travel and the places you visit.
Tips for Enjoying the Beach Alone
Going to the beach alone can be a fun experience and bring much-needed peace. Plus, it’s great to be able to do the things you want to do without having to wait for someone else.
Tips for enjoying the beach solo:
- Find a cozy beach spot near people but in a spot that isn’t overly crowded.
- Pack a good book to read while you relax.
- Act confidently so unwanted people won’t approach you.
- Bring some snacks to munch while you sunbathe.
- Pack some shade, so you don’t burn.
- Bring plenty of water.
- Take a hat and sunglasses.
Before heading to the beach, it’s a good idea to determine how long you want to spend there. Then, you can pack accordingly and plan your day on the sand. Additionally, you will want to consider the weather and the hours the beach is open.
As a popular destination, Miami Beach is probably on your bucket list. Before making arrangements, I recommend reading my article on whether Miami Beach is for women who travel alone. [Is Miami Beach Safe for Solo Female Travelers?]
Conclusion
Going to the beach alone as a woman is safe as long as you’re smart about it. Some beaches have higher crime rates than others, but you can research this and select a different beach. Also, you will be fine if you don’t flaunt your valuables or go off with strangers.
Visiting the beach solo is an excellent opportunity to relax and build your confidence in traveling by yourself.