Hey friend,

Welcome to #BeyondTheGuidebook, a weekly newsletter sharing real-talk and resources for making your travel dreams a reality.

As a solo traveler, safety is always front of mind (though the tips below are just as useful for couples and groups). ✈️

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of "learning moments," from lost luggage to pickpockets to breaking my camera during a surprise storm on a hike. 

Those experiences taught me that feeling safe doesn’t mean living in fear. It means being prepared. 💪

To help you feel confident on the road, here's my 5-step system for feeling prepared and secure: ⬇️

Note: This email contains affiliate links to trusted partners. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

1️⃣ Research before you go

Check cultural norms as well as common scams and local safety concerns on sites like Travel Safe-Abroad and local blogs.

For instance, in NYC, one common scam is unofficial drivers at the airport luring travelers into unmarked "black cars" with promises of low fares. Spoiler: they're not.

Also, when you arrive, ask your hotel or host which areas are safe to wander and if there are current safety concerns. As locals, they'll know best.

🧯Quick fire-safety habit: count the doors between your room and the nearest exit, and keep a small flashlight or your phone light handy. In a smoky hallway, you’ll know exactly how to find your way out—even if visibility is poor!

2️⃣ Match plans to your comfort level

Travel should challenge you, but never push you past what feels right. 

Think about your own experience and skills when planning. For example, I met plenty of solo hikers on my 10-day Peaks of the Balkans trek, but I felt much more confident booking a local guide.

Wherever you go, it's important to have travel insurance, but make sure your plan fits your activities. 

If you’re motorbiking, scuba diving, or skiing, check for add-ons like SafetyWing’s Adventure Sports upgrade.

3️⃣ Install helpful safety apps

There are many travel safety apps to choose from, and what you'll ultimately need will depend on your trip.

That said, a few free apps worth mentioning: 

• GeoSure – real-time safety ratings for neighborhoods and cities around the world
• Sitata – alerts you to nearby health or security issues and helps you find medical facilities if needed
• Google Translate – lets you download languages for offline use so you can ask for help, read signs, or understand directions even without Wi-Fi

For premium options, I recommend installing an eSIM like Saily, which keeps you connected in 150+ countries and offers excellent live support. (Save 5% with code JESSIE5.)

Download everything before you leave so you can hit the ground running (safely) when you land!

4️⃣ Invest in safety essentials

Nowadays, there are plenty of smart items that can help keep you safe.

A few I highly recommend:

• Reliable VPN — I use NordVPN to stay private on public wifi
• TSA-friendly personal alarm – small but mighty for scaring off potential attackers (save 15% on She's Birdie alarms with code JESSIEONAJOURNEY15)

And if you want an extra layer of confidence, a self-defense class is never a bad idea.

I share a full list of travel safety recommendations here.

5️⃣ Trust your gut 

The most important rule: if something (or someone) feels off, leave. 

Your instincts are your best early-warning system. 

When traveling, you’ll sometimes feel pressure to be polite or “go with the flow,” but it’s okay to make an excuse and remove yourself from a situation. 

You can always rejoin later, but you can’t undo ignoring your instincts.

✈️ Bonus tips:

• Share your itinerary. A trusted friend or family member should know your rough plans (and how to reach you).
• Don’t overshare in real time. Save your location-tagged posts for after you leave a place.
• Learn key emergency phrases. “Help,” “police,” and “I need a doctor” are worth memorizing in the local language. ←Yelling “¡Ayúdame!” once saved me from a very angry and territorial dog in Ecuador. 😰

What are your favorite solo female travel destinations? Any you've got on your radar?

Here are the latest guides I've added to my solo travel guide collection—meant to help you feel confident exploring the world on your own:

• New York City
• Malaysia
• Tanzania
• Bali
• Guadeloupe

➡️ Click here for a full list of solo-friendly travel guides.

Travel creator fund opportunity. (sponsored) TourRadar has just launched a $1M Creator Fund called RISE. 🤩

Here’s what you get when you join:

• Earn commissions by promoting TourRadar in your content (average $180/booking)
• Receive travel credits by sharing your Travel Moments in the app ($25 for each!)
• Join exclusive ambassador trips (their first one is in November 2025!)

If interested, click here for full information and to sign up.

Happy Halloween. If you’re in the spooky spirit, don’t miss the creepy travel stories post (also linked above). 

Story #1 is actually my own ghost story from a (very haunted) cabin my family had when I was growing up. I swear, we could’ve been in a Netflix documentary! 😱 

Where are you traveling next?

Hit reply & let's chat travel! 🤗

Happy travels!

Jessie "Jessie on a Journey" Festa

Traveling soon? Here are some of my favorite travel brands & resources:

📸 NYC photo tours. My company, NYC Photo Journeys, offers photo tours and photoshoots in New York's most stunning locations.

☔️ Stay Safe. Check out Clever Travel Companion for pickpocket-proof clothing, Speakeasy Travel Supply for hidden-pocket scarves, and She's Birdie for personal safety alarms (save 15% with code "JESSIEONAJOURNEY15").

🥘 Dine with Locals. Use EatWith to share meals in local homes and connect with locals and travelers.

🏥 Travel Insurance. SafetyWing offers affordable, comprehensive plans in the U.S. and abroad.

🚗 Car Rentals. Use Discover Cars to compare rental options and save up to 70%.

🎨 Support Artisans. Shop handmade clothing, accessories, and art from global artisans on NOVICA—filter by product, region, or cause.

✈️ Flight Deals. Save big with Going, which sends alerts for discounts and mistake fares.

☎️ Stay Connected. Saily eSIM offers mobile data plans in 150+ countries to help you stay connected without incurring roaming fees (save 5% with code "jessie5").