Solo travelers are exploring the world like never before. And being safe when you travel is important. Below are some of the Top Safe Travel Tips for Traveling Alone. Always remember that no safety tip ever trumps simply using common sense.
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Research Your Destination
Before you go on your solo travels as a female, you want to research your planned destination. As in “What’s the Climate? What’s appropriate clothing? What do I want to see or do? How expensive is my destination? What should I be aware of as far as local cultures?” There are so many other important questions, that you need research.
You can find the answers in a variety of different places.
Such as:
- WikiTravel
- Reading posts from Travel Bloggers
- Emailing Travel Bloggers
- Tripadvisor
- Reading local news sources
- Asking the staff of your hotel
- Reading non-fiction books
- Watching videos on YouTube
- Reading guide books
- Following Travel accounts on Instagram
Keep Your Valuables On You
Keep your valuables on your person (or you can use a day bag), you should really keep your valuables in a safe at the hotel or leave them at home. But, when you do go out, take items like your camera, wallet (with only the essentials), cell phone, minimal jewelry. (However, it is a good thing to wear a cheap wedding ring, to avoid unwanted attention.)
Only Take What You Need
You don’t want to overpack. This goes back to your research.
Trust Your Gut Feelings
To stay safe as a solo female traveller you should always trust your sub-conscience. If something feels off or just not right, go with your gut feelings.
Talk to Locals
Locals usually know the best places to visit and eat, which may not be as “touristy” as you might find on the internet or guide books.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
You are more vulnerable, when you get, too focused on the sites. Stay aware of what is going on around you. Always trust your gut feeling, if something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t.
Know Emergency Numbers
If you are traveling through the US, 911 is common in the states for an emergency number. In Europe, you can dial 112 but make a list of the emergency numbers for the countries you will visit – check the list from the State Department to help.
For US citizens, you can enroll in the STEP program to get up-to-date safety and security information and help the government reach you in an emergency abroad.
> RELATED ARTICLE: WHY ALL WOMEN SHOULD TRAVEL SOLO
Get Travel Insurance
Help protect your trip from the unexpected. Get protection from canceled/delayed flights, lost or damaged baggage. More importantly, make sure you get the right insurance that covers the activities you expect to be doing on your trips such as mountain trekking or dangerous sports.
Watch Your Drinking
This again goes back to being aware of your surroundings. You can drink to have fun and be social. Drink responsibly!
Don’t Trust too Quickly
It’s advised that you should not trust people quickly. When you are traveling, or when you have just arrived at a new destination.
Befriending
When you’re traveling in a new destination, or you finally had that homecoming trip you have been dreaming about. And especially, when you’re traveling on your own, it can be tempting to join up and find a tribe or people that appear similar to your culture or way of life. Sometimes these tribes turn into lifelong friendships, but they don’t always. Some con artists have mastered, the art of befriending travelers, getting them to leave their valuables unattended, and robbing them before taking off.
At We Solo, we believe all women should travel solo at least once. It is an experience you will not forget!
Vanessa Ball
Vanessa is a digital marketing geek with a big passion for adventures off-the-beaten-track. She is a trekker, content creator, photographer, and an all-round travel junkie. Join her in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.
