Is Costa Rica safe for solo women travelers?
Traveling alone is not for everyone. However, if you are considering going on a solo vacation to Costa Rica, then now is one of the best times to do it. When it comes to safety, there’s no place better than Costa Rica. You can go for an adventure with jungle tours or spend time lounging on the beach. No matter what you choose, you will feel safe in this amazing country. However, there are some things you should do to make sure your solo travel is safe.
Some Precautions Are a Must
If you are afraid of getting in trouble while traveling across Costa Rica alone, it will certainly take the excitement and fun out of your journey. Good news is, Costa Rica is one of the safest traveling spots in Central America for solo women. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the usual precautions in this country. The poverty rate of Costa Rica is still high and petty thievery is common. That’s why you must take certain safety measures.
Be Prepared
The more knowledge you have about traveling to Costa Rica, the more confident you will feel. That’s why it is recommended that you take the time to find out more about this country before traveling and work out the kinks like baggage, clothing, transportation, sights to visit, etc. It would also be a good idea to read some blogs for female solo travelers. Take notes of all the details that seem important to you.
Some Tips to Stay Safe
The following are some tips you should follow to ensure safety:
- Take a photo of your passport and email it to yourself or make a color copy of it so you have a backup if it gets stolen or lost.
- Arrive during daylight hours at your destination so it is easier for you to check the surroundings and ensure your safety.
- Check in with your friends or family after arriving. It is also recommended that you share your plans with somebody at home so they know what you intend to do.
- Stay at a hotel that has staff working 24-hour instead of a home share.
- Note the address of where you are staying in Costa Rica and write it down in case your phone gets stolen or lost.
- Only carry what you need, mainly some cash, ID, and phone.
- Wear clothes that blend in while you are out in public to make sure that you don’t stand out from the crowd advertising that you are a tourist.
- Don’t tell strangers where you are staying and if they ask, keep it vague.
- Choose a group tour (if available) for a certain activity. Make sure to book with a reputed and certified tour operator.
- Use a pocket or purse that you can wear in the front to avoid getting pickpocketed.
Costa Rica is an amazing country to visit. Don’t waste your time on fearing and hesitating. With a careful approach, you can make sure that your adventure in Costa Rica as a solo woman traveler is safe and memorable.