10 Ways to Stay Safe When Traveling Solo

Traveling alone is such an exhilarating experience. Everyone should experience solo travel at least once in their lifetime. You learn things about yourself that you would never figure out traveling with another person. You can eat, sleep, and explore without worrying about what someone else wants to do or where they want to go. You are completely free to experience the world the way you want to without consideration for anyone else. That said, there are precautions you must keep in mind to have a safe and enjoyable solo trip. 

Always share your itinerary with someone at home.

Let someone you trust know your travel plans, including your accommodation details and scheduled activities. Use the email itinerary option when making reservations if email is your preferred method of communication. You can also take screenshots of your boarding passes and confirmations to send through text or a messaging app such as WhatsApp. Let this person know when you arrive and depart and keep them updated on any changes to your itinerary. 

Carry a portable battery pack.

Mobile phones are a convenient way to capture the moment, but capturing these memories can quickly drain your cell phone battery. Carry a portable battery pack to ensure you can charge on the go. Backup power provides a sense of security, but make sure you always have access to emergency contact numbers in the event you run out of power. 

Save the local language in the translation app on your phone.

Learning the local language is a fun way to connect with a destination. It’s helpful for asking questions and locals appreciate your attempts to connect and communicate with them. They don’t really care if you sound funny or use the wrong words. (Some Europeans are a bit less tolerant than people in other parts of the world. You’ll know them when you meet them.) It’s always great to memorize a few words or phrases, but translation apps are necessary if you don’t have a basic grasp of the language. 

Carry a printed copy of your passport information page. 

You never know when you’ll need your passport when traveling. Some people prefer to keep it with them at all times while others prefer to leave it in the safe at their accommodation. Some activities aren’t conducive to carrying a passport such as water activities or outings that require you to store personal items. No matter what you prefer or what you’re doing, always keep a copy of your passport information page. Make a photocopy before you leave home and fold it up to carry when you’re out and about. Taking a picture and storing it on your phone is also a convenient way to have easy access to the information when needed. 

Download and save the Google Map for your destination before leaving home.

Google Maps is a great navigation resource to have when traveling. With photographs, walking directions, transportation options, and reviews, Google Maps makes exploring a breeze. However, it’s useless if you don’t have wifi or a cellular signal. Fortunately, Google allows you to save maps onto your phone so that you always have access to them. Check out this tutorial to get started. 

Leave your money in your room. 

Never carry all of your money with you when going out. You need one form of identification, a credit card, a few US Dollars, and some local currency. Many countries in the Americas and Africa will accept US Dollars in addition to their local currency. However, in Europe and Asia, local currencies are strong and will be the primary, if not only, currency accepted. It’s a good idea to carry both when you go out.

Smaller bills are ideal, so try to keep larger bills hidden until needed. Store the money in different places on your body to minimize the risk of losing it all at once if lost or stolen. For example, put a few dollars in your pocket, hide some in your phone case, and put some in the inner pocket of your bag. Also, American Express has many travel benefits, but is not widely accepted in many places, so keep a VISA or  Mastercard with you to avoid unforeseen (and embarrassing) financial hiccups.

Research social norms and cultural standards for your destination. 

The saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” is a proverb that always holds true when traveling. Your social norms may not be appropriate in other places. Tipping may be expected in one city and offensive in another. Sitting in the backseat of a cab could be off-putting in a place where riding up front is the norm. Greeting etiquette, eye contact, and attire are often overlooked when planning, but are very important in certain countries. Do your research to make sure you are a knowledgeable and respectful visitor.  

Have your accommodation information readily available. 

Immigration officials will want to know the purpose of your visit and where you’ll be staying when you arrive. The last thing you want to have is a dead phone when it’s your turn to approach the immigration agent. Always have a printed copy of your hotel, hostel, or AirBnb reservation. It’s a must have at the airport and is beneficial to have when you need to catch a ride to or from your accommodation. 

Do research on where not to go and what not to do. 

Make sure you are fully informed before you set out on your adventure. The most direct bus route may take you on a long, treacherous ride through a remote area with no cellular signal. The closest clinic may be located on the edge of a sketchy neighborhood. The attraction that was featured in a travel magazine may actually be sacred to locals who aren’t keen on intrusions from foreigners. The currents may be stronger than you expected at the beach you planned your entire day around. The charming entertainers outside the train station may actually serve as the distraction for a team of pickpockets. Remember — what you don’t know can be more dangerous than what you do when traveling solo. 

Always be aware of your surroundings. 

This one goes without saying, but it’s extremely important when traveling alone. Know what’s in front of you and what’s behind you at all times. Trust your instincts and intuition. Pay attention to body language. Don’t spend so much time looking down at your phone that you lose sight of what’s happening next to you. Not only do these things keep you safe, but they also reveal little moments that are often overlooked but make the best memories. 

xoxo — Be smart, stay safe, and have fun!