Travelling alone offers a unique sense of freedom and self-discovery and building of self-confidence, and independence. Prioritizing your safety, especially in unfamiliar destinations, means taking necessary precautions, and many are simple common sense.
*Make sure to read the section in our forum on travel health and safety too: Click Here
The safety guidelines below will help you embark on a secure and enjoyable solo adventure:
1. First Step While Planning is Research Thoroughly:
- Understand Local Customs: For the destination you will be visiting go online and read up to familiarize yourself with the local customs, laws, and etiquette to avoid cultural misunderstandings.
- Identify Safe Areas: At the same time, do some research on the neighbourhoods and attractions you will be visiting making sure they are known for their safety and tourist-friendliness.
- Learn Basic Phrases: using translation apps will help communication at destinations where your language is not spoken. There are also travel language books you can buy that have common basic phrases in the local language. This is important and will be especially helpful in emergencies or interactions.
- Share Your Itinerary: Once you have completed your trip planning, then inform friends or family members of your travel plans, on the dates you move from point to point, including your accommodation details and expected return date. Stay in touch while travelling too.
- Make Copies of Documents: Make at least there, and take along one copy of your passport, visas, and other important documents in case originals are lost or stolen. Leave one with someone you trust that can courier this to you in case yours go missing.
- Research Emergency Contacts: At each destination, note down emergency contact numbers for your embassy or consulate in the country you're visiting. Also look up emergency services numbers.
- Monitor Local News: While you travel take some time occasionally to keep up-to-date with local news and advisories to be aware of any potential risks or changes in the situation. Watch out for any adverse weather condition warnings
- Stay Vigilant While On the Go: Stay aware of your surroundings, watch out for suspicious characters and stay away from unsafe areas. Sometimes something may feel off, and in this case, trust your gut and instincts and rather get away or ask someone for assistance.
4. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings:
- Avoid Isolated Areas: When moving around alone then stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Stay away from dodgy night clubs, bars or restaurants that look unhygienic and unsafe
- Protect Your Belongings: Use your common sense to keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying them openly. Don’t take expensive jewellery and watches on travels, and secure travelling money in different places not altogether in one place in a handbag or money belt.
- Be Cautious with Technology: Even at home use caution when using public Wi-Fi and be mindful of your surroundings when using your phone or laptop. This is even more important while travelling.
- Research Hotel Reviews: before choosing where to stay look up some reviews about them online and get some information from other travellers to get a sense of the hotel's safety and amenities. Interact with our forum to get accommodation ideas too.
- Consider Security Features: Choose reputable hostels, and hotels with security measures such as 24-hour reception, CCTV surveillance, and secure access to rooms.
- Join Travel Groups: Consider taking along a solo travel partner, joining online travel groups or interacting on travel forums like this one, to connect with other solo travellers and share experiences.
- Meet Fellow Travelers: Don’t be shy to engage in conversations with other travellers in hostels or common areas to make new friends and learn about local tips.
- Carry a Reliable Phone: Always make sure your phone is fully charged before going anywhere and you have a reliable data plan. You can invest in mini solar phone portable chargers these days which are extremely useful
- Download Essential Apps: Install all the travel apps that offer maps, translation tools, and emergency contact information. (*Check this link for more information on our forum: Click Here