Traveling solo can be an exciting and empowering experience, but it’s important to remember that safety should always be a top priority. While you can’t always prevent bad things from happening no matter if you’re in your hometown or a foreign country, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe. Safety tips aren’t meant to scare you into not traveling, they’re simply to help you be more aware and prepared. In this blog post, I’ll go over some essential safety tips and “hacks” to help you have a safe and enjoyable solo travel experience whether it’s your first time or not.
If it’s your first time traveling solo check out my Beginners Guide to Solo Travel!
Planning and Preparation
Before you set off on your solo adventure, it’s important to do your research and plan your trip carefully. Research the destination you’re planning to visit, including the local customs, laws, and potential safety hazards. Plan your itinerary and make sure you have a clear idea of where you’ll be staying, how you’ll be getting around, an estimate of how much money you’ll need, and if it’s a cash country or not.
It’s also important to get travel insurance before you leave. Travel insurance can provide you with peace of mind knowing that if something unexpected happens, you’ll have the support you need. Additionally, make copies of all important documents, such as your passport, medical documents, and flight info, and keep them in a safe place. Notify family and friends of your plans and give them a copy of your itinerary and contact information.
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Safety Measures
When you’re traveling, it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Keep your valuables, such as your passport and money, secure and out of sight. A good way to do this is to keep your passport and money in a hidden money belt or neck pouch. Be aware of local customs and laws, as well as any potential safety hazards. Knowing emergency contact information, such as the phone number of the local police, can also be helpful in case of an emergency.
One of the best safety hacks when traveling solo is to put your headphones in (only one earbud, definitely not both!) and turn on directions. This way, you don’t have your phone out and look like a tourist or risk it getting swiped out of your hand while you’re walking.
Another safety hack is to download offline Google maps for the city you’re going to. This will come in handy if you don’t have WiFi, opt not to get get a SIM card, or haven’t picked one up yet. This way, you can always find directions and won’t get lost.
Staying Connected
When you’re traveling solo, it’s important to keep in touch with loved ones back home. Let them know your whereabouts and check in with them regularly. Consider using a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device like this one to stay connected while you’re traveling.
A great safety hack to stay connected is to sign up for the Life360 APP and have at least one other friend or family member sign up as well. Connect your accounts so that someone knows where you are in case of an emergency. Be aware of data roaming charges and make sure you have a plan for staying connected.
Handling Emergencies
It’s important to have a plan in place for handling emergencies while you’re traveling solo. Know the emergency number for your destination, and have a plan for communication in case of an emergency. Keep emergency cash on hand and know where the nearest embassy or consulate is located.
Traveling solo can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that safety should always be a top priority! Share your personal safety tips in the comments. 👇
