Traveling alone can be daunting for the first timer. But if you keep in mind these basic travel safety tips, you can stay safe and enjoy your trip to the fullest!
Published solo travel studies report that the number one concern of solo travellers is safety. This article will help put your fears to rest by sharing these simple, yet essential, travel safety tips.
Know Your Destination
A slew of travel blogs, memoirs, and vlogs have documented the many rewards of traveling solo, but the joys can be blunted when safety concerns come into play. Fortunately, the risks are usually fairly low if you take the time to prepare for your trip.
One of the most important things you can do is research your destination before you leave. Reading personal accounts on blogs and asking questions in forums or Facebook travel groups will allow you to learn as much as possible about the country you’re visiting — including weather/natural disasters, crime, bad areas, etiquette/dress, etc. It will also help you get a feel for the culture and language to know how best to blend in with locals and avoid offending anyone.
It’s also a good idea to find out as much about the local hospitals, police stations and other emergency facilities that are in your area. Having this information will give you peace of mind in case something does go wrong on your journey and it may help if your doctor or hospital knows what kind of medicine you’re taking or has a record of it.
Keeping up to date on any security alerts or warnings for your destination is vital as well. Check with the State Department for the latest updates and to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This allows your Embassy to contact you if there are any issues, as well as give you important information about what to do if you need assistance or are caught up in an incident while overseas.
It’s also a good idea to have some self-defense tools on hand, such as pepper spray or stun guns, depending on the laws of your destination country. You can also purchase certain accessories and apps that will make your travels safer, such as Slot Flops — flip flops with hidden pockets for money and cards — or Urinelle and Duolingo, which are urination devices designed specifically for women, as well as City Maps to Go, an offline map app that lets you pin all your destinations on a map.
Stay Alert
Traveling solo is experiencing a resurgence in our hyper connected world. From the popularity of travel memoirs like Cheryl Strayed’s Wild in 2012, to the endless blogs recording lone adventures, there is a clear desire for travelers to experience the unique joys that come with solo travel. However, as a solo traveler, you need to be extra vigilant about your safety and security.
The level of vigilance you need to maintain on your own will vary from destination to destination, but there are some things that every person who travels alone should do. The most important tip is to stay alert at all times. This doesn’t mean that you need to be on edge and constantly on guard, but it does mean that you should pay close attention to your surroundings and trust your instincts.
One of the best ways to do this is to learn more about your destination before you arrive. This can help you avoid troublesome neighborhoods and help you understand what kind of public transportation you should take to get around. It can also help you choose lodgings that have good safety ratings.
While you’re on the road, it is also a good idea to regularly let someone know where you are and when you plan to be back. This practice will help your family and friends know that you are safe, and it will also give them a chance to help you out in case something happens to you.
Another way to stay alert while you’re traveling is to blend in as much as possible. You’ll attract more attention from crooks and conmen if you look like a tourist, so try to dress in a way that doesn’t draw too much attention. It’s also a good idea to carry pepper spray in your bag in case you find yourself in a situation where you need to defend yourself.
Lastly, make sure that you’re not carrying too much cash and credit cards in your pockets. This will make it harder for a thief to steal them from you. Ideally, you should carry your credit cards in a money belt and your cash in your wallet or purse. This will keep them as secure as possible and prevent you from accidentally losing one of them in a crowd of tourists.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
The famous saying goes “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That couldn’t be more true when it comes to solo travel. While it’s certainly important to have a healthy dose of skepticism and an eye for danger, the best way to keep yourself safe is to plan ahead. If you’re planning a trip, make sure to get proper travel insurance that covers both medical and theft. Also, do your research ahead of time and book a hotel or Airbnb with lots of positive reviews. That will give you a sense of security knowing that other people have enjoyed the property and had no issues with it.
Another great way to stay safe is by being aware of your surroundings and blending in with the locals. This is easier to do in most places than you think! For example, wearing clothing that’s similar to the locals will help you blend in and not draw as much attention. Also, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, as this can be a sign to potential thieves that you have valuables on you.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it! It’s easy to feel shy or embarrassed about asking for help when you’re traveling alone, but it’s a vital part of keeping yourself safe. If you need to ask for directions or help finding a restaurant, don’t hesitate! Just be polite and explain that you’re not fluent in the local language. In most cases, other people will be happy to help you out!
While it may be scary to take the leap into solo travel, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to learn about other cultures and experiences. Using the tips in this article, you can make the most of your journey and enjoy every moment of it! So, go out there and explore the world! You’ll be glad you did.
Don’t Be Afraid to Leave
While many people are afraid to travel alone, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences. However, it is important to be mindful of safety concerns just as you would if you were traveling with friends or a group. You must pay attention to local etiquette and avoid drawing too much attention to yourself with flashy jewelry or clothing. It is also important to stay hydrated and be aware of any potential health risks.
It is always a good idea to travel with a group, but that’s not always possible. Luckily, there are some personal safety apps that can help you feel safer when you are traveling on your own. These apps will allow you to share your location with family and friends in case you are ever stranded or lost. They will also give you the ability to call for help at the push of a button. These apps can be a great way to feel safe and secure while you are traveling abroad.
One of the most important travel safety tips for solo travelers is to trust your gut instinct. If something about a situation or person is making you uncomfortable, leave as quickly as possible. Remember that your intuition is almost always right.
Another way to stay safe while you’re travelling alone is to make sure that you are well-equipped. Before leaving for your trip, it’s a good idea to make copies of all of your important documents or ID cards. Keep one copy with a trusted friend, and carry the other in a separate bag from your originals. Also, make sure that you have downloaded any necessary personal safety apps before heading out on your trip.
No matter how prepared you are, there will be some risk involved with any type of travel. However, by following these travel safety tips for solo travelers, you can reduce the risk and have a trip that exceeds your wildest expectations. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next solo adventure now! You won’t regret it. Happy travels!
