Travelling solo is an experience unlike anything else. The time you spend alone with yourself, getting out of your comfort zone and trying new experiences enrich your personality and calm your soul. Having said that, safety should always be your priority while travelling alone. Here are list of 11 safety tips, which will help you have a more relaxing adventure the next time you decide to go on a trip alone.
1. Research, Research, Research!
It is necessary to do thorough research about the places you intend to travel to prior to your travel. Apart from the usual weather reports, local etiquette, phrases and greetings in the local language, governmental travel alerts (if any), recommended modes of transportation and travel routes, etc., it is also advisable to check up on any frauds happening in the area. This is particularly important if you are going to a touristy destination.
2. Stay Connected – Always!
In the present day and age, it is much easier to stay connected even in remote areas of the world. Please take advantage of that. If you are travelling somewhere with little connectivity, make sure to prepare and leave a detailed itinerary with a few dependable people. Even then, it is best if you can give them a quick update now and then.
3. Manage Your Money & Belongings Carefully
It may seem obvious but it cannot be stressed enough. Always keep track of your money and belongings. Never keep a huge amount of cash on you, always keep a hidden stash of emergency cash stored away on yourself and in your luggage and try to use a credit card instead of a debit card while making transactions as these are more secure than the latter. When it comes to luggage, it is better if you can pack light and keep the luggage with you at all times. However, if that is not possible, store your luggage securely in your hotel or especially available lockers for luggage. Keeping a digital back up of all your essential documents is also recommended.
4. Ensure the Safety of Your Lodging
On the topic of hotels, find a secure place to stay during your travel. This does not mean that you have to spend on exorbitantly expensive hotels, it is just important to have an idea about the safety of your lodge. Do a background check and read up on the reviews before selecting a place to stay. When you are at your accommodation, make sure that the doors are locked with the security chain fastened and do not instinctively open the door if you are not expecting anyone.
5. Be Wary of Giving Up Too Much Information on Social Media
Unless all of your social media interactions and posts are private, it is prudent not to share every detail of your trip on any such platform. This does not have to mean that you have to restrain yourself from posting about those beautiful moments you experienced during the trip, but when posting something, remember not to disclose your exact location, the name of your lodging, your detailed itinerary and information of such nature.
6. Be Confident & Trust Your Instincts
When travelling alone, it is important to look confident even if you are not exactly 100% sure of what you are doing/where you are going. This ward off many people who might want to take advantage of a naive traveler.
Pro Tip: When asking for directions from a stranger lie a little if you have to and make it sound like you’re going to that place to meet a friend.
Most importantly, remember to trust your instincts and if something does not feel right, do not do it.
7. Keep Essential Safety Devices with You at All Times
While most solo travels end up without having to face any trouble, it is better to take a few precautions than to have any regrets later. Carrying personal safety devices like a whistle for alerting other near you, an external door lock to keep away intruders, a can of pepper spray, a flashlight, etc. might help you get out of tricky situations.
8. Travel during the Day
Transportation hubs, hotels and the area surrounding them are sometimes eerily quiet and desolate during the night. Arriving during the day gives the advantage of checking in to a hotel and exploring the city before nightfall.
9. Book a Guided Walking Tour during the Day
Walking tours with proper guides are not only enthralling, but they also have the advantage of giving you an idea about the streets of the city while comfortably travelling in a group. Taking such tours during the day near the beginning of your stay in the city helps in getting you acclimatized to the place much quicker.
10. Keep an Eye on Your Food & Beverages
Be careful of the food and beverages served on your solo trip, It is easy for someone to slip something into your drink that might make you feel sick or unable to function properly. You might be better off ordering a sealed can/bottle if you cannot see the house drinks being prepared in front of you.
11. Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance becomes a necessity if you are travelling anywhere outside your home country. Good travel insurance covers everything from lost luggage, delayed flights, evacuation in case of a political unrest to losing your passport and being a victim of robbery.
In short, if you can afford it, you should definitely get it for that added sense of security.
By keeping all these points in mind, one can enjoy to the fullest on his solo vacation without any dent on the excitement level.
