Traveling alone is a bigger step than it seems, especially when you’re visiting a place you’re not familiar with. Sure, it has its perks, but one thing you should prioritize among anything else is safety.
About 87% of travelers express they have safety concerns, according to the 2019 Global Rescue safety travel survey. Whether you’re part of them, you want to learn how to be a smart traveler.
To start, here’s a quick guide to solo travel safety.
Always Stay Connected
Some people travel alone to disconnect from their daily life. While it works for some, you want to stay connected with friends and family throughout your trip.
Note that you don’t have to be on a call with them all day. Instead, you can send them texts about your travel itinerary, current location, and the like. This way, they can make sure you’re doing alright.
Have an Emergency Plan
There’s no telling when an emergency could come up during your trip. Because of this, many recommend preparing an emergency plan for any unforeseen event.
It’s good to know where hospitals, police stations, and other similar facilities are. It also helps to learn a bit of the local language to communicate any urgent concerns or get help.
If you have an underlying medical condition, speak with your doctor before you leave to be extra sure you have their permission to travel on your own.
Keep Your Valuables Secure
One tip when traveling that most people overlook is to only bring what you need. As much as possible, you want to avoid taking any crucial documents or items with you unless it’s necessary, like a passport or your credit card.
Doing so helps you keep track of your items better and keep everything within your reach. The less you have, the easier it will be to double-check your items every now and then.
Get Travel Insurance
Choose a Destination Carefully
Take your time choosing a destination, especially if it’s somewhere you’ve never been. You want to be extra sure you travel to safe neighborhoods and routes and learn about areas to avoid.
Your destination doesn’t only refer to the city or country but also the places you visit and stay. Pick a reliable hotel that makes you feel comfortable and offers 24/7 customer service. This way, you can contact the staff for any immediate concerns.
Understand the Basics
- Navigation: Learn how to get around and the safest routes to take and stay in the area.
- Interacting with locals: Understand cultural differences and be wary of how you interact, whether through verbal or physical gestures.
- Simple phrases: Learn how to speak basic and important phrases to reduce the hindrances a language barrier could cause.
Think Twice Before Anything
Carelessness can lead to more trouble than you can imagine. So, it’s important to think twice before anything. It includes deciding on where to go, what to say, and the like.
You also want to be wary of your surroundings and pay close attention to what’s going on around you and how you feel about it. This way, you can easily steer clear of any potential situations that could ruin your trip.
Practice Solo Travel Safety to Ensure a Great Experience
Solo travel safety can make or break your experience. So, it’s crucial to learn how to be a smart traveler and be careful with how you navigate a new destination.
After all, exploring is about learning about the area rather than mindlessly going around. With these tips, you can get the most out of your trip while making the best memories!
