Travel
How to Stay Safe When Traveling Solo
Safety precautions for your solo travel journey. Tips to follow for a safe solo trip....
Even though vacationing by yourself typically costs more money, it is always worth your time. If you are planning a future solo trip, make sure to keep these safety tips in mind.
Ensure Your Safety Prior to Exploration
Before booking your trip, consider the safety of your chosen destination. Unfortunately, some of the most popular solo vacation spots are also some of the most dangerous. Do your research to see if there have been any recent reports of violence or crime in the area. This will help you plan ahead and stay safe while on vacation.
Make sure to always plan your first night when traveling
Upon arrival, you don't want to be scrambling to find a place to stay for the night. Make sure you have your first night's lodging reserved in advance. give some thought as well about how you'll get from the airport or railway station to where you're staying.
Choosing a Safe Hotel
Do some research on where the hotel is located before booking it-- you'll want to be in a safe and convenient area. Use reliable websites like Booking.com and TripAdvisor that have reviews from other travelers. On Booking.com, there is an specific score for each location, which can be helpful when narrowing down your options.. If a place has especially low rates, there is usually a catch so be skeptical.
Try to arrive during the first half of the day
It's always best to reach your destination during the day if possible. unfamiliar place can appear entirely different at night, and trying to find your way around in the dark can be dangerous. It's much easier (and safer) to navigate your way to your hotel when it's light outside.
Communication is key
Before leaving on your trip, provide a schedule and travel information to a friend or family member. Not knowing your itinerary is better than not having any information at all, so even if you don't have solid plans, it's better than nothing. Additionally, remain in touch while away; many people use social media to post about their travels with friends and family as they're moving around.
Take the time to learn at least some of the basics of the language spoken in the country you're visiting
Before your Departure, try to learn some basics of the language spoken in your destination. The ability to communicate with locals not only enhances your travel experience, but it might also keep you safe. This is particularly important if you're not traveling to a well-known tourist spot.
Being conspicuous is not always a good thing - sometimes it's better to blend in
While you're traveling, make an effort to see and do as much as possible. To show respect for the local culture, dress appropriately everywhere you go. For instance, in many Islamic countries both men and women should avoid wearing shorts or vest tops since this type of clothing can attract unwanted attention from others. Instead of looking at a map while walking down the street, take some time to explore your surroundings or use a map on your phone to figure out where you're going.
It's usually best to keep your solo travel plans to yourself
By disclosing too much information to strangers, you're making yourself an easy target. If you let hotel employees know that you'll be traveling alone, they can keep an eye on you and tell which areas are dangerous for solo travelers. If someone asks prying questions, pretend like you're meeting a friend later and they've just gone back to their room to take a load off.
Act As If You Are Confident
Prove to everyone-and yourself-that you're a strong, independent traveler. Although it may be daunting at first, don't let your nerves show. With enough practice and convincing, eventually you'll start to believe it too!
Be Cautious When You Meet New People
Although you'll have many encounters with other travelers when you're alone, be careful about how trusting you are. Say, for example, you meet somebody in a bar or on a tour who wants to see you again the next night? It's probably best not to agree to go off somewhere isolated with them; it's much safer to suggest meeting up in a public place where there will be other people around.
Avoid displaying luxury items or those that exceed your budget
Just as you wouldn't walk down the street with $500 in plain sight, don't showcasing your new smartphone or jewelry. When Visiting crowded areas or tourist attractions, be mindful of where you keep your valuables and important belongings. It would be a shame to have everything picked clean because somebody saw an easy opportunity.
If you always trust your gut, you'll never go wrong
If you're traveling alone, always use common sense and trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right-whether it's a suspicious-looking person or an dodgy neighbourhood-leave immediately. And never walk through dark alleyways by yourself at night carrying a lot of cash on you. Learning to listen to your instincts can be incredibly helpful when you're all by yourself in unfamiliar territory.
So remember these safety tips the next time you set off on a solo adventure!
