One way to reduce the risk of sexual harassment or assault is to choose a female-only dorm room. Many hostels offer this option, providing extra safety and security level. You can also use a locker or other secure storage option to keep your valuables safe and lock the door to your room at night.

For women staying in hostels, the most effective safety strategy is to book female-only dorms, which are now standard in almost all reputable hostels worldwide. These rooms provide a more relaxed and secure environment for sleeping and changing. When choosing a hostel, always read recent reviews from other solo female travelers on sites like Hostelworld or TripAdvisor; look for mentions of "security," "well-lit areas," and "professional staff." Once checked in, utilize the provided lockers for all your valuables (bring your own high-quality combination lock) and never leave your phone or passport on your bed while you go to the shower. It is also wise to maintain a level of "friendly distance" with new acquaintances; while being social is part of the experience, avoid oversharing your specific travel plans or room number with people you've just met. Always keep your phone fully charged and have the hostel's address and a local emergency contact saved in a physical note. Finally, trust your instincts—if a specific room or guest feels "off," don't hesitate to ask the front desk for a room change or even move to a different hostel.