Arguably, solo travel is one of the most freeing things you’ll ever do: an opportunity to see the world at your pace, meet new people, and learn a thing or two along the way. At the same time, though, there is undeniable risk involved when you are out there all by yourself. Whether you be a seasoned traveller or setting off for your first solo trip, safety should be paramount in your mind.
The following guide discusses some practical ways of keeping safe while travelling solo, without letting fear get in the way. All it takes is being smart, prepared, and able to stay aware so you can enjoy the journey.
I have travelled alone across continents, from quiet European towns to bustling Asian cities. Some of my best memories are from those trips. There were also moments when I had to call upon my instincts and preparation to keep myself safe. I will share those insights here so that you, too, can travel solo with confidence.
Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
Probably the most comforting feeling while travelling solo is making plans in advance. To know where you go, how you get there, and where you are staying is a very comforting thing. At the same time, however, one needs to be prepared for flexibility in case changes come along the way.
Research your destination before arrival: Which areas are safer? Are there any neighbourhoods to avoid at night? Understanding the local way of life and what is accepted and not accepted can also help you try to blend in, and not draw any attention to yourself.
Book your accommodation in advance: Have a place to stay sorted beforehand-that is comforting as you get off the plane or bus, knowing exactly where you are headed to. Choose places that have good reviews, safe location, and well-lit areas.
Transportation: If you travel solo then it’s essential to research the countries transport methods. Learn some of the local ways of getting around: Are the taxis reliable? Is public transport easy to use? It’s useful to have a rough idea of how much a taxi should cost so you don’t get ripped off. Download maps offline, so you can navigate even without internet access. Rome2Rio is a personal favourite of mine.
The very first time I went to Bali alone, I made sure well in advance that the hotel reservation was in place and that I knew just how to get to it from the airport. That saved me much stress when I landed close to midnight and just wanted to get to my room quickly.
Stay Connected with People You Trust
Even though you are travelling alone, it does not mean you should be totally cut off. As a nomad and having a minimalist mindset, by keeping in contact with your close friends and family gives peace of mind to them and at the same time, to you too that you are safe.
Share your itinerary: Share with a person you believe you can trust your plans as far as solo travel goes. You needn’t go into too much detail, but they should have an idea about what country or city you are in and generally what you might be doing. Then, if something goes wrong, they’ll have some way of looking for you.
Keep in touch through apps: WhatsApp, Skype, Messenger, or whatever you like best. Even the shortest of messages saying “I’m here” will help keep people in the know about your whereabouts.
Social Media for Safety: While posting to social media is one way to keep people informed, use caution when posting your real-time location. It is safer to post after leaving the venue versus while still at a particular place.
Trust Your Instincts During Solo Travel
Your instincts will be your best friend when travelling solo. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling. A person, a place, or a situation-most of the time when you have a bad vibe about something, you are right.
Be aware of your surroundings: When you are in any busy area or some new section of the town, try to be aware of what exactly is taking place around you. Avoid spending too much time with your head bent into your phone or map. Instead, keep your head up, so you can see any potential issues before they turn into problems.
Don’t be afraid to bail: If a street looks dodgy or a person is making you feel uncomfortable, change your plans ASAP. Better safe than sorry, right?.
Be cautious with new people: When travelling alone, you are faced with a lot of new people, which is one of the best parts of your journey! You need to have a great selection of whom to trust. Not everyone has good intentions in life, and that is absolutely okay to keep your guard up.
I remember staying solo at a hostel in Malaga a few years back when another guest just gave me a bad vibe. This guy seemed to want my full itinerary, what I was doing each a day, where i’m going afterwards, etc. Normally, it’s just the social vibe that comes from staying in a hostel but I just had this gut instinct that something was off and was concerned about my possessions. I simply tried to avoid the individual, kept my distance and done my own thing. It’s always good to listen to those instincts.
Keep Your Valuables Secure
When you solo travel, you are solely responsible for all of your belongings, and the loss of something as important as a passport or wallet can sure make for a sour trip. It is pretty essential to keep your valuables secure to avoid unnecessary stress.
Carry only what you need: Leave most of your money and important documents in a safe place, like a hotel safe or a fanny pack that hangs hidden from your body.
Take only what you may need for the day: If you have no choice using a safe then your passport, money, and credit cards should be with you close to your body, best if in a money belt or a hidden pouch. It is best that the chance for pickpockets to target you is lesser.
Lock your luggage: If you are going to stay in a hostel or shared accommodation, always use a lock for your backpack or luggage to keep valuables safe. Most hostels have lockers, so bring a padlock with you.
Going to Barcelona and walking the main street La Rambla, one of the notorious places for pickpocketing incidents, I made sure only to carry a small amount of cash in a front zipped pocket and kept my phone in a pouch that was hidden. It might sound like such a minute precaution, but all in all, it gave me more security while walking through those busy streets.
Blend In with the Locals: One of the best ways to stay safe during solo travel is not to stand out too much. Sometimes, just looking like a tourist can make you a mark for scams or petty crime. As much as you can, blending in with the locals keeps you under the radar.
Dress accordingly: Before embarking on your journey, check what is deemed acceptable clothes for both males and females in the country you are visiting. Dress modestly in some countries, but you have every right to wear casual attire in others. Your accommodation to such norms also makes you show respect and get along with the locals.
Learn a few phrases: Even if you won’t speak the language, it’s always good to learn basic hello, thank you, and please. I’m terrible with learning languages but it makes locals very happy because you’re trying, and sometimes it gets you out of certain situations.
Avoid flashy items: Leave your expensive jewellery or gadgets at home or locked away. Flashing your wealth just makes you an easy mark.
When I was solo travelling in Greece, for instance, I realized that natives were more conservative in their dressing in the smaller towns. So I made a point of covering my shoulders and knees as a mark of respect, and secondly, to avoid drawing attention to myself unnecessarily. Maybe it was all in my mind but I feel it made a lot of difference when dealing with the locals.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
No matter how well you plan solo travel, things can still go wrong. In all such cases, being prepared for emergencies helps one handle a situation quite calmly and respond effectively.
Know the local emergency numbers: In certain countries, the number which you know so well is different. Take note of the local emergency services – just in case.
Contingency planning: A plan B should always be in place. Whether it involves determining one’s embassy location or creating extra copies of vital documents, having a backup of items will help when a loss or theft occurs.
Stay Insured: Travel insurance is a must for solo travellers. It covers everything from medical emergencies to lost luggage. You might not need it, but if you do, you will be glad you had it.
When I thought I lost my phone in Turkey thoughts were running wild in my mind. The fact that my important documents, contacts, and banking information were saved in the cloud, helped calm my worries in the brief moment of panic. I later retrieved my phone from under my hostel bed out of all places.
Enjoy Your Freedom, Safely
Solo travel gives you a sense of freedom that is hard to beat. You get to choose where you go, what you do, and whom you meet. Then again, with that freedom comes the responsibility to make sure you are safe. The good news is, with a bit of preparation and awareness, you can enjoy every moment of your trip without thinking about your safety.
I have also had some of the best experiences in my life travelling the world alone meeting people from all walks of life. I explored places that I never even thought I would see, and took myself really out of my comfort zone. Not being unsafe didn’t mean not having fun. It means that I was able to enjoy travelling with confidence.
So, get out there and explore a nomadic way of life. The world is waiting for you, and with these travel tips, pretty worry-free. Stay smart, trust your instincts, and enjoy any solo adventure that may come your way.
