Traveling solo means you get to go where you like, see what you want to see, and experience a destination on your own terms. There’s no discussion about where to go that day with someone else, waiting for them to get ready, and no wasting time. However, when you travel alone, your safety risks increase because you don’t have an additional set of eyes and ears to help you scan the surroundings.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t travel alone, but you do need to take extra precautions to make it home without incident. Here are some tips to stay safe while traveling solo and still have a great time.
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Research your destination before you land
Spontaneity is the enemy of safety when you’re traveling alone as it can lead you into a risky situation that’s not easy to get out of. Instead of winging it when you arrive, research your destination long before you leave for the airport. Identify the cultural attractions and sites you want to explore and learn about the best ways to get there. As you research, you get to learn about the local culture, what signs mean, and the best destinations for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
The knowledge you gain from research will serve you well as it gives you a sense of familiarity with a place you’ve never been. Looking at pictures helps you identify the real thing, you’ll know where the tourist traps are found, and where the locals dine.
Tell someone where you’re going
Going solo on your adventure is thrilling, but you need to let at least one person know about your plans. If you run into an emergency situation, the person who knows where you are can be more effective with help. They’re also the person you can list for an emergency contact, and they can let others know why you haven’t been around for a while.
The simple act of letting someone know that you’ll be gone ensures that you have someone who has your back while you’re gone. For example, if you’re visiting Houston and find yourself in a car accident, they can get you help by contacting a Houston car accident lawyer on your behalf. You can also let your contact person know about the date and time you’re arriving home, so they can be aware of when you’re supposed to
Maintain awareness of your surroundings
Remember that you’re not in your hometown when you’re traveling alone. You’re not going to know anyone, and you don’t want to give off the vibe that you’re a tourist. Don’t put on headphones or earbuds, keep your phone handy, and your neck on a swivel. If you need to use your phone, don’t get so absorbed into it that you lose track of time or forget where you are.
Demonstrating that you’re aware of the people and surroundings serves to reduce the likelihood that you’ll be marked as a target for thieves. There are destinations where you can’t blend in with the locals, but the same advice applies.
Make sure to bring your medications and supplements with you
If you regularly take medications, whether they’re over-the-counter or prescription, make sure that you bring them with you to avoid problems. You can’t be sure that you’ll find the same meds where you’re going, and analogs don’t always provide the same results. Bring an ample supply with you, especially if you’re taking medication for a heart condition. Keep your prescription meds in their bottles to avoid their confiscation at the airport, and make sure your supplements and OTC meds are in their original bottle.
Don’t walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas
This is both common sense and a common piece of advice for good reason. Walking alone at night in an area you’re not familiar with is putting yourself at the highest potential for something to go wrong. If you have to go somewhere at night, try to do it with a group or with a trusted transit service.
Male and female solo travelers alike need to heed this advice, especially because you’re obviously not from the area. You’re more easily targeted by those who would victimize the unaware and steal from you at the very least.
Make sure your phone works on the local networks
The SIM card you use for your regular phone calls and data at home may not work in another country due to a different network standard. This is less of a problem than it used to be in the past, but it’s something that you should prepare for before you leave home. You may need something as simple as an international SIM card, or you’ll need a SIM card that’s specifically designed to work on the local network. Contact your cellular provider first and ask about what type of SIM card you’ll need.
Use transit run by the local authorities
Taxi services are available just about everywhere around the world, but some places do a better job of enforcing their regulations and laws than others. And even then, you can’t always trust the taxi services. Rideshare operations like Uber and Lyft are sometimes an option, but if they’re not available, your best transit options are those that are run by the local governing body.
Municipalities have a vested interest in making sure they operate a safe transit system, and operators/drivers can contact the police in an emergency. If you’re not sure about the best method of local travel, talk to the concierge or front desk staff at your hotel as they’ll be able to give you more information.
Protect your valuables
You’re most likely leaving behind your good jewelry and valuable items, but you’re most likely going to buy more while traveling. If your hotel room has a safe, make use of it for the things that you want to bring home and the items you don’t need every day. Alternatively, use travel belts that have inward-facing pockets for small goods, and use purses or backpacks that aren’t easily accessed. That is, look into bags that have zippers placed against your body or folded in such a way that the tab can’t be grabbed.
Always make sure to have fun
Being vigilant about your safety as a solo traveler doesn’t mean you have to give up on having fun. Rather, it’s an added layer of awareness and actions to take for your own well-being. Act appropriately in your surroundings, take precautions, and enjoy the experience in unfamiliar territory.
Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.
