Essential Solo Travel Safety Tips For First Timers
To be honest, I can’t remember where I was sitting, but I do recall the first time I went on a solo trip to Rome. I felt exposed. I felt that they were all looking at me. After that I realized that no one cared. They were having their coffee and checking their cell phones. My first lesson was that safety begins in the head!
Solo travel is perfectly OK as long as you do your homework and equip yourself, and rely on your instincts. Purchase travel insurance,Lonely Planet Travel Guide. inform a contact person of your whereabouts and try not to stand out and be different from the locals.
This is what to do if you want to do it your way.
Do Your Homework Before You Book
You don’t want to choose a location simply because it’s a trendy place to post pictures on Instagram. You need data. Please refer to the U.S. State Department or the UK FCDO for travel warnings. They consider risk levels and consider risk breakdowns. Level 1: Take normal precautions. The “do not go” level is 4.
Check the Global Peace Index. Ranks countries on the basis of conflict, political instability and crime. These are typically New Zealand, Denmark and Ireland.
Safety is more than just countries. It is a book about neighbourhoods. A city may be safe but the neighborhood in the vicinity of the bus station may not be. Use Google Street View to walk around your hotel. Check that light is on in the streets and businesses can be seen. Stay away from areas that appear deserted or are not very populated.
Get Serious About Insurance
I know. It’s an uncool cost. However, if you don’t, you are headed for financial disaster. A medical evacuation in a remote area could cost in excess of $50,000, if you break your leg.
You should have a policy to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation and theft. Make sure to read the fine print. Extreme sports and scooter accidents are not covered by certain policies. If you’re going to hike a volcano, or to ride a motorbike, be sure to check if your specific activity is included.
Have the emergency phone number stored on your phone. Write on a card and put in your wallet. Should you lose power, your phone will be out of battery, but you still have the number.
Learn the Art of Blending In
Thieves are searching for victims. They seek out lost, overpowered or wealthy people.
Wear clothes in a similar style as they do in the country. In Tokyo, DO NOT wear gym shorts to a good restaurant. To avoid attracting unnecessary attention for yourself, dress modestly in rural Morocco.
Don’t wear large rings or valuable jewelry. The diamond ring is a symbol of a rich tourist. Consider a low-cost watch rather than a high dollar watch.
Walk with purpose. If you are completely lost, continue to move forward. Visit a shop or a café and look at map. Avoid standing in a corner with a big unfolded map or holding your cellphone. It shouts “Not from here.”
Also Read: Best Solo Travel Destinations for Solo Female Travelers
Secure Your Stuff
Pickpockets are professionals. They work in teams. Both will distract you and one will grab your wallet.
Only bring what you need for the day. Keep your passport and additional credit cards in the hotel safe. If you need to carry your ID, make a photocopy of your own.
For essential items, carry a money belt or neck wallet but under your clothes. Never place your cell phone in your back pocket.
Money Storage Options
| Option | Best For |
|---|---|
| Neck Wallet | Passport/Cash — hidden and difficult to steal, but not comfortable in the heat |
| Money Belt | Easy access under shirt — can be seen if shirt rides up |
| Leg Wallet | Emergency Cash — very secure but hard to access quickly |
Pick Accommodation Like a Pro
The place you sleep at is important. Any hotel in a bad area that’s cheap is not a deal. It is a risk.
Check for 24-hour reception or security. When staying at an Airbnb, look for reviews on their safety and location. Don’t go for apartments that are in the basement or have no deadbolts.
Upon check-in request a room on the 2nd to 4th floor. The ground floor rooms are susceptible to easy break-in. Staircases that are blocked will be hazardous if a fire occurs on high floors.
I’ve always carried a portable door lock around with me. A small piece of metal which pushes the door shut from the inside. It prevents anyone with a key from entering, even those who are employed at the hotel.
Also Read: Ultimate Packing List for Traveling With Young Children
Master Transportation Safety
It is during the movements between point A and B that you are most vulnerable.
Outside of the airport, do not be taken aback by the taxi drivers who shout “TAXI!” at you. They more often than not double charge. Use the official taxi rank or get an Uber, Grab or Bolt taxi. You know the driver’s name, license and route before heading in the car.
Avoid sleeping with your bag on the seat next to you on buses and trains. Wrap the strap around your leg or in the armrest. In the overhead rack, take care of your bag, particularly when trains stop.
- Sit close to the driver and other families.
- Avoid empty carriages.
- If they are making you feel uncomfortable, leave the car or seat right away.
Digital Safety Matters Too
Public Wi-Fi is a hacker’s bread and butter. They might be able to gain access to your information and take your passwords.
Use a VPN. Encrypts your connection. Use it each and every time you log onto the Wi-Fi at the airport and/or hotel. NordVPN or ExpressVPN are two excellent brands that are effective.
Be aware of “juice jacking.” Airport public USB charging ports can be modified to get data from your phone. Use your own wall charger and connect to the wall socket. If using a USB port is necessary, use a “data-blocking” cable which only lets power through.
Know the Common Scams
Scams can differ from region to region but at the core, the psychology is the same. They cause a distraction or sense of urgency.
- Europe: Be aware of the ‘friendship bracelet’ scam. A person puts a bracelet on your wrist and asks for a sum of money. Just keep walking. Avoid eye contact. Do not stop.
- Southeast Asia: The tuk-tuk scam is prevalent. The driver informs you that the temple is closed for a “holiday,” but he knows of a gem shop that is open. The temple is open, but not accessible. He simply wishes to receive a commission from the shop.
- Latin America: When visiting, be on the lookout for spilled food or beverages. A bottle of ketchup is poured on you. They clean it for you and an accomplice steals your wallet. Move away quickly if someone spills something on you and protect your belongings.
Trust Your Gut
This is your best weapon. Your brain is picking up small cues that you aren’t aware of. When the street appears dark and quiet, turn back around. Ignore the “friendly” local who wants to take you to a bar.
If you are not comfortable in a taxicab, “take the phone.” Repeat out loud, “I’m nearly there, I can see you.” If the driver is not in good will, he or she may let you off before you’re ready.
Have an exit plan. If you’re visiting a bar or restaurant, pay attention to the exits. Make sure that your back is against the wall to see the room.
Handle Emergencies with Calm
Overwhelmed by an emergency, you become foolish. In case of a lost passport, don’t panic. Go to your embassy. They can assist you to obtain an emergency travel document.
Have an emergency phone list written:
- Europe: 112
- USA: 911
- UK: 999
- Australia: 000
If you’re feeling unwell, request a doctor’s recommendation from the concierge or the owner of the hotel or hostel. They typically have a trustworthy English-speaking clinic. Keep a basic first-aid kit on hand including pain relievers, band-aids and stomach medicine.
Consider Specific Identity Risks
Safety comes in many different sizes!
Female Travelers
You can be subjected to greater unwanted attention. Some advances can be thwarted by wearing a fake wedding ring. Say No firmly, don’t smile to be polite if you feel threatened. Avoid exposure to the eyes by wearing sunglasses.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Be sure to research the laws of your destination. In certain countries same-sex relationships are not legal. Seek out safe and welcoming places with applications such as FabStayAway or Traboon. Have tact in public displays of affection in conservative areas.
FAQ
Is Traveling Alone Safe for First Time Traveler?
Yes. The majority of problems can be avoided. Generally the most dangerous dangers are not due to random crime but to reckless activities. Know what’s going on and do your homework.
What Should I Do If I Lose My Wallet?
Notify your bank ASAP to place a hold on your cards. Tap into your emergency cash in your hotel safe. If necessary, lodge a police report for insurance claims.
Are Hostels Safe for Solo Travelers?
There are quite a few hostels here that are extremely safe, and are excellent places to make friends. Select those that have good security lockers. Lock looters out of the locker room. Female-only dorms are available, and may be more comfortable for women.
How Can I Meet People Without Endangering Myself?
First meeting in public venues. Take in group excursions or cooking lessons. When meeting someone at a hostel, try to go to a lively cafe nearby, rather than to their own apartment.
Should I Carry a Weapon for Self-Defense?
Pepper spray and knives are prohibited in lots of nations and can be utilized against you. A robbery could also turn violent if a gun is carried. If you are approached, give away your cash.
How Do I Stay Safe Walking Alone at Night?
If possible, refrain from it. If you have to, then walk along busy, lighted streets. Walk confidently. Please do not wear headphones. If you feel you’re being followed, go into a shop or a bar and give the taxi a call.
What Is the Safest Country for Solo Travel?
Switzerland, Singapore, Japan and Norway always appear in the top three of the safest countries. They’re crime free and very well equipped.
Conclusion
News is not as scary as the world. There are a lot of people who are kind. The majority of the time, it’s a friendly place. Solo travel helps you to build confidence. Seeing makes it possible for you to be aware, capable and resilient.Lonely