Safety Features for Solo Travelers: What Every Host Should Offer

Smart locks are the single most impactful safety upgrade you can make for solo travelers. A guest arriving alone, often late at night after a long journey, does not want to coordinate a key handoff with a stranger or worry about a lockbox code that previous guests might still know. Smart locks connected through Hostaway generate a unique code for each reservation and automatically expire after checkout. This eliminates the risk of unauthorized access and gives your solo guest confidence from the moment they arrive.

Exterior lighting is the second priority. Walk the approach to your property after dark and note every shadow or unlit stretch. Solar-powered motion-sensor lights cost as little as $25 each and can be installed in under 30 minutes. Place them at the front entrance, any side gates, the parking area, and along pathways. Solo travelers consistently mention well-lit entrances in positive reviews, and the improvement benefits every guest type.

Consider installing a doorbell camera or a visible security camera at the main entrance. Be transparent about its presence: list it in your amenities and mention it in your listing description. Solo travelers overwhelmingly view entrance cameras as a positive safety feature rather than a privacy concern. Always comply with local disclosure laws, and never place cameras in private areas. Hostaway's listing management tools make it easy to keep your camera disclosures consistent across every channel.

Inside the property, provide a printed or digital safety card that includes the property address (solo guests may need it for emergencies or rideshare pickups), local emergency numbers, the nearest hospital or urgent care center, and your own contact information or that of your local property manager. Include the Wi-Fi password on this card as well; solo guests often need to get online immediately to message family or access maps. A laminated card placed near the entrance or on the kitchen counter works well.

First-floor windows and sliding doors deserve attention. Ensure all windows have functioning locks, and add a security bar to any sliding glass doors. These are inexpensive measures (security bars cost under $15) but they give solo guests peace of mind when sleeping alone in an unfamiliar space. If your property has a ground-floor bedroom, mention in your listing that windows are secured.

Neighborhood context matters more to solo travelers than to groups. Include a brief note in your guest guide about the neighborhood: Is it generally quiet? Are there nearby restaurants open late? Is the street well-trafficked or more secluded? Solo guests use this information to plan their arrivals and outings. If your property is in a gated community or a building with a front desk or concierge, highlight this prominently; it is a major selling point for single travelers.

Guest identity verification adds another layer of security and is increasingly expected by solo travelers who want to know that the host takes safety seriously. Hostaway supports guest screening and verification integrations that let you confirm guest identities before arrival without creating a cumbersome check-in process. This protects both the guest and your property.

Finally, consider the small details that signal care: a working flashlight in the bedside drawer, a basic first-aid kit under the bathroom sink, and clear instructions for how to operate any alarm system. These touches cost almost nothing but communicate that you have thought about the experience of someone staying alone. Solo travelers notice, and they write about it in their reviews.