6 Safety Tips for Traveling Alone

Going on a solo travel is one of the most exciting things and such a great way of exploring new places while having complete control of everything. But being in an unfamiliar place without someone else has its own difficulties, particularly with safety. But if you are in Europe on your backpacking trip, trekking in south America or hanging out in the streets of Asia, this is no more than the specific sort of safety that we need to think about. So, without further ado, here are 6 solo travel safety tips you need to follow in order to have a safe, and pleasant trip.

1. Do Your Homework On Your Destination

Do some research on your destination before you leave. By being aware of local customs, laws, and possible risks, you can feel more at ease in a new place.

What to Look For:

1. Crime rates and common scams
2. Safe neighborhoods to stay in
3. Phone numbers of emergency contacts (police, ambulatory, embassy)

The availability of local transport and its dependability

If you need the experience on first hand, then join travel forums, read blogs, watch travel-vlogs, but use it as background information tool.

2. Stay In Contact With Friends And Scale Back isolation

It is very important to let your friends and family know about your location while traveling solo. Let someone know where you are if it is just a check-in or a text.

Ways to Stay Connected:

1. Leave another person the outline of your plan.
2. Keep them updated with your whereabouts.
3. Utilize the tracking applications, such as Google Maps location-sharing.
4. Save emergencies contacts in your phone, but also write them down, in case you run out of battery.

Note: Works perfectly if you are traveling into the middle of nowhere and will not have internet access or a signal for a cell phone (maybe bring a satellite phone or pick up a local SIM card).

3. Choose Accommodations Wisely

Where you stay is a huge factor in your safety. Search for reliable hotels with good reviews, in particular if you a traveling alone.

Safe Accommodation Options:

1. Nice hotels, hostels, or guesthouses with good reviews
2. Buildings equipped with round-the-clock reception and security
3. Safe places, walking distance to public transit

Tip: Reviews: Consult on TripAdvisor, Booking, etc. com, and Airbnb. Important factors to consider are the reviews coming from other solo travelers.

4. Blend In and Stay Alert

If a scammer or a pickpocket finds you looking like a lost tourist, they will instantly go after you. Do your best to blend in and be aware of your surroundings

How to Stay Low-Key:

1. Dress in a similar way to those around you and keep your jewelry and gadgets expensive-looking to a minimum.
2. If you walk with confidence you will easily avoid looking lost.
3. Protect your gear when in a busy area.
4. Don’t mention that you are traveling alone to strangers.
5. Tip: If you need to check directions, please go inside of a café or shop instead of stopping in the middle of the street

5. Trust Your Gut and Draw the Line

Trusting your gut is one of your best self-defense mechanisms. If it feels wrong, trust your instincts and get the hell out of there.

Setting Boundaries:

1. But never accept food or drinks from strangers.
2. Politely say no to a pushy offer from a too friendly stranger.
3. Never tell a stranger everything about yourself.
4. If you ever feel at risk, contact the authorities, or head to a crowded, well-lit area.
5. To stay safe, carry a personal alarm or a whistle in case needed in a emergency.

6. Secure Your Belongings

This will prove to be very stressful and dangerous when on the road and getting your valuables stolen. It will help you to not have your things stolen or lost.

Essential Security Measures:

1. Select bags or backpacks that are anti-theft such as anti-cut bags.
2. Store important paperwork or things like your passport in a hotel safe.
3. Keep the cash and credit cards hidden away, use a money belt.
4. Do not place all items in the same area.
5. Travel Tip: Always have a backup credit card and some emergency cash somewhere else on your person.

Final Thoughts

Traveling by yourself might just be the coolest thing ever, but the only thing more important than going out there are things like safety. You can stay safe while traveling by researching your destination, staying in touch with trusted people, using the best accommodations, blending in with others, following your guts, and not leaving your belongings unattended.

Are you a solo traveler? Let us know safety tips you have in the comments above!