When you travel alone, you’re in charge of your own schedule, you get to make all the decisions, and you never have to wait for anyone else. But when it comes to safety, solo travelers need to be extra careful about how they approach their trip.
There are two main things to keep in mind when it comes to staying safe on your own: being aware of your surroundings and knowing what to do if something goes wrong. So here are some tips to keep you safe.
The Do’s
1: Keep your belongings secure, making sure zippers are closed and if possible, keep your bag over your body, so it’s not easily grabbed.
2: Be aware of local laws and rules, especially regarding culture and religion. If you are unsure, don’t be shy to ask.
3: Carry emergency phone numbers just in case you need help. Keep a written and digital form of emergency phone numbers on you as well as the business card from where you are staying. If you are in a port of call, ensure you have the information recorded too. Also, backup your travel documents by making a copy of your passport and other important documents like tickets and insurance forms and email them to yourself. Keep the file in an easily accessible place, like on your phone or laptop. If you lose your original passport and have no backup, this will allow you to get another one in time for your flight home and/or stop any unauthorized use of the document by someone else who finds it..
4: Keep a charged phone (and charger) with you at all times. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave and take a portable charger or battery pack with you. These are especially useful for long flights and road trips.
5: Avoid alcohol when you’re alone, if possible or drink in safe environments. Drinking alcohol can make you more vulnerable to the actions of others. You may be less likely to notice or care about what happens, so it’s important to stay on guard for your own safety. If you must drink, find a friend to go with you. In addition to the risk of being assaulted by strangers, drinking makes it more likely that you might do something risky that would otherwise be unlikely—for example, jumping into an unmarked taxi. Always download taxi apps for an extra layer of safety.
6: Stay alert even during the daytime. When you travel alone, it’s important to stay alert at all times. Obviously, be careful at nighttime, but also stay cautious during the day, even around tourist sites. These areas are often crowded and offer many opportunities for pickpockets or petty crime.
The Don’ts
1: Don’t post on social media where you are going next. While it is exciting to share your adventures online, consider posting with a delay of a few days or a week.
2: Don’t wear expensive-looking jewelry and accessories that will draw attention from unwanted people who might target you.
3: Don’t walk around at night in quiet areas. While walking around at night and enjoying the atmosphere might be tempting, taking a taxi is safer.
4: Don’t carry large amounts of cash. If possible pay digitally when traveling and only keep a small amount of cash. This can be used when digital payments aren’t accepted and for emergencies.
Be Safe and Have Fun!
A little bravery might be needed to travel solo, especially for the first time. But it won’t take long to discover a wonderful new travel style. Locals will initiate conversations with people traveling alone when they might not with a large group. Other travelers become a part of your tribe and you may find yourself with many new friends from all over the world by the time you get home.
Just remember to always stay safe by having common sense and an awareness of your surroundings at all times. Plus, have a plan for what to do wrong if experiencing trouble.
We hope this guide has given you some ideas for traveling safely, whether or not you’re traveling alone. Remember that being smart is the best way to stay safe when traveling alone. We wish you all the best in your future adventures! Contact us to get the conversation started on where to travel next!
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