While crime can occur anywhere, it's essential to be extra vigilant, especially in certain countries, and even more so when travelling alone.
You will always note that we stress to research your destination thoroughly in all our articles. Your research allows you to be informed on local customs, laws, and any potential risks at your destination. Please always remember and apply this point for an enjoyable solo travel experience.
Let’s revisit some vital safety tips which not only apply to solo travellers but to all travellers visiting new destinations.
Stay Fully Informed
Before traveling, firstly familiarize yourself with the country's culture and customs, and political stability. This knowledge will help you navigate unfamiliar situations, avoid falling afoul of the law, and avoid any misunderstandings.
Be very Cautious in Cities.
Large cities often attract criminals, including pickpockets, kidnappers, and thieves.
Exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and protect your belongings at all times. Unfortunately, scam artists, thieves, and cyber criminals are becoming more innovative in ways to fleece unsuspecting tourists and victims.
Safeguarding Your Valuables:
- Carry Luggage Yourself: Much safer and gives you full control of your belongings. Avoid handing over your luggage to strangers at airports, bus, or train stations, no matter how respectable or helpful they may come across.
- Limit Cash: It is preferable to carry only the necessary amount of cash and credit cards for your daily activities. Make sure no one is watching or close by when you use ATMS or cards to make purchases, because they will steal your PIN numbers
- Secure Valuables: Use concealed pockets, money belts, or sturdy shoulder bags to protect your valuables.
- Avoid Open Bags: Avoid using handbags or backpacks with open pockets or zippers.
- Protect Electronics: Carry any photographic equipment, laptops, and cell phones with caution in public areas. Don’t hand your smartphone to a stranger to take photos of you, otherwise you can kiss it goodbye.
- Secure Belongings: Never leave your valuables unattended in your car or near open windows. Put bags, laptops and purchases securely in the trunk of your vehicles.
- Backup Data: Regularly back up your photos and other important data to the cloud and/or on memory cards to prevent loss.
- Utilize Hotel Safes: Store cash, credit cards, and passports in hotel safes whenever possible. S Don’t use simple numbers to lock it like 1,2,3,4. Amazingly many people do this.
- Make Copies: Create multiple copies of your documents and distribute them among family members before you leave and have digital copies too.
- Travel in Groups: When possible, even travelling solo, join group tours or sightseeing activities to increase personal safety.
- Dress Modestly: Avoid wearing any flashy jewellery or expensive clothing, or loud tourist clothing to minimize the risk of theft.
- Secure Valuables: While using a rental car to get around, never leave any valuables or smart phones visible next to you while driving, or in your car when you are not. Rather Lock them in the trunk/boot or keep them out of sight.
- Lock your Doors: Always lock your hotel room door securely, and be aware of your surroundings when stopping at intersections or traffic lights.
If you are a victim of theft or robbery, immediately cancel your credit cards, and traveller’s checks. Report the incident to local authorities and your embassy or consulate.