However, as it's important to prioritize safety and security while travelling here we will once again go over some essential tips to ensure a worry-free solo adventure:
a) Before You Leave:
1. Share Your Itinerary: Inform in detail a trusted friend or family member of your travel plans, including your destinations, accommodations, and contact information, on different days during your travel.
2. Research Your Destination: The internet offers a wealth of information and travel advisories so familiarize yourself with local customs, laws, and safety guidelines at your chosen destinations.
3. Pack Smart: Check the packing tips in out forum and as we always stress, pack light and only bring essentials. Avoid carrying excessive cash or valuables or taking along your expensive jewellery and watches as you don’t really need them while travelling after all.
4. Secure Your Belongings: Use a reliable travel wallet or money belt to keep your passport, money, and cards safe, and take a sturdy lock or two along to secure your belongings in lockers.
5. Travel Insurance: Invest in comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. See details on travel insurance in our forum: Click Here.
b) While You're Traveling:
6. Stay Connected: Carry a portable charger to keep your phone charged, and use apps like WhatsApp or Viber to make international calls. We always recommend taking along a spare phone in case yours goes amiss or gets damaged.
7. Trust Your Instincts: Sometimes you may feel threatened or something, or a location feels suspicious and when a situation feels uneasy, simply remove yourself from it post haste.
8. Blend In: While on your travels, dress modestly, with no flashy touristy looking apparel, and avoid flashy jewellery or accessories.
9. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: While travelling round foreign destinations always pay attention to your surroundings and be cautious, especially at night.
10. Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay out of dodgy looking alleys and away from deserted roads and abandoned buildings. Stick to the well-lit and populated streets and neighbourhood areas, especially at night.
11. Use Reliable Transportation: Don’t just get into any taxi or ride offered by someone even if they look presentable. Opt for reputable transportation services like registered taxis, Ubers, other ride-sharing apps, or public transportation.
12. Learn Basic Phrases: Translation apps and language guide books are useful as knowing how to say a few basic phrases in the local language can be helpful.
13. Emergency Contacts: Keep emergency contact numbers handy in your phone, AND written down in a hard copy notepad, including your embassy or consulate.
c) Your Accommodation:
14.Secure Your Room: Use door locks and security chains provided by the hotel and use the sturdy lock as we mentioned above to secure them.
15. Trust Your Gut: As some tips mentioned in point number 10. When something feels off about your accommodation, location or about some person, consider changing it.
d) Additional Tips:
16. Stay Well Hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially in hot climates. Drink clean fresh water or bottled water.
17. Protect Your Health: Take necessary vaccinations and medications, eat well, take some multi vitamins, and practice good hygiene.
18. Be Mindful of Your Online Presence: Limit sharing personal information about your travels while away especially on social media while traveling.
19. Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts, including your local embassy or consulate as mentioned in point number 13.
20. Have Fun: Solo travel is all about creating memories and having fun while building confidence and becoming independent.
By following these solo travel safety tips, you can enjoy a safe and unforgettable solo travel experience. Remember, preparation and awareness are key to a successful trip.