Many travelers today prefer to tour the hyper-connected world alone. For most people, their first solo trip invokes a certain sense of independence and invigoration. However, there is always one consideration that comes to mind every time you plan your travel–safety. Whether you’re planning a solo Denver zipline trip or flying to Bulgaria to try some local cuisines, safety starts before the trip.
Research is crucial, and knowledge protects you from unsavory individuals and the danger of misinformation. For example, imagine what would happen if you don’t understand the local currency. Or you lost all your money and documents? Or you got injured? Some of these imaginations help you do thorough planning on your destination, stay, and places to visit.
Solo traveling is rewarding, but that can be quickly taken away if you don’t make safety a priority. Here are a few safety tips for solo traveling.
Research Your Destination
As a solo traveler, make researching as fun as traveling itself. From scooping out the most beautiful beaches to checking out cool cities, there is so much valuable information you can get to help you understand why you should visit a particular city, where you should stay while there, the places to avoid, the taxis to use and the availability of medical centers nearby. Check for lodging ratings before booking and read what former guests say about their experiences. If there is a safety issue, there will be several complaints raised, and that should be enough of a red flag. Your destination should allow safe transit whether you will need to rent a car or use public transport.
Pick the Right Accommodation
One of the most pertinent travel safety tips for all solo travelers is picking the right accommodation. Today, with the availability of homes, apartments, and hotel rooms to stay, there are many considerations to keep in mind, especially regarding safety. For example, if you prefer to stay in a hotel outside the city, make sure the property has a 24hr front desk. The last thing you want is getting stuck outside the premises waiting for them to open, which puts your safety at risk. Further, be sure to check their safety precautions and amenities and determine whether they meet your needs or not.
Stay Connected
Part of your packing and preparation should revolve around connectivity. Before leaving home, make sure your family and friends know where you’re going, where you’ll be staying, and a few places you are going to travel. Carry with you a functional cell phone with roaming capabilities at your destination. If it’s on your budget, rent one once you arrive and let your family know you arrived safe and sound. You can record your activities in detail and share them with your family every day before going to bed.
Be Confident and Blend With the Crowd
Keep a confident smile and move as if you know where you are going, even when you’re not sure if it’s the right direction. The lost look often attracts lots of attention from locals and con artists. To avoid attracting purveyors and crooks you should dress, talk, eat and walk like a local. If you are a woman, you must have researched the dress code for local women around the area you will be visiting. If there isn’t any information about dressing, pick something that will not shout that you are a tourist. Never tell anyone you meet in your travel that you are touring alone, even the assistant at the check-in desk to avoid getting robbed in your hotel room.
Conceal Your Valuables
Do you need to carry your valuables? Absolutely not, but if you do, make sure to lock them up always and only take what you need. Pick pocketing and theft are top scams in many traveling destinations, so keep your valuable documents such as your passport, cellphone, and camera safe. Consider anti-theft bags or waist bags for cash and passport, and always watch your luggage.
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