Travelling is a beautiful experience since this allows you to destress, explore and spend your much-needed leisure time learning and seeing new things. And although travelling is something that’s fun to do with friends and family, you can also enjoy doing this ALONE.
Solo travelling is something pretty common these days where individuals venture to new cities and grasp new cultures, practices, experiences and memories. Travelling alone allows you to know yourself better, be more independent and also will overall cost you less.
Although travelling solo sounds pretty fun, this also means less security. So you have to be more cautious in tons of aspects! So before your solo trip, consider following some solo safety tips for travelling below:
1 – Book accommodations located in safe areas
Where you’re planning to stay during your trip is such a big thing to consider, especially when it comes to safety. Although there are other aspects to consider like price, cleanliness, service and so on, safety should always be your top priority!
Do your research and look up safe, reputable and guarded areas. Also, search places that are deemed to be dangerous or unsafe for tourists and avoid them. When considering affordable accommodations, pick out ones that are reputable, located within the city proper, ones that are credible, guarded and also have qualities that are up to par with their price.
Don’t settle for accommodation located in sketchy areas JUST because it’s cheap. There are tons of affordable, safe and well-managed accommodations to consider. All you have to do is simply do your research and look, look, LOOK!
2 – Don’t be too candid about your personal information
When meeting new people and making new friends, consider keeping your personal information to yourself. Don’t share the location of your accommodation, your room number, your travel plans, your full name and even your socials.
Simple things like that can reveal a load of information about you, information that people with ill intentions can use to their benefit. So keep your sharing to a low!
3 – Avoid passing through unsafe areas
We’d rather you pass the long way than take a shortcut through a sketchy and unsafe area. If you’re planning to wander around make sure to do it in safe areas, ones that are filled with people, well-lit roads, and police officers and are near popular establishments.
Don’t step foot in areas that are known for high crime rates or civil unrest. Do your research on places to avoid during your trip.
4 – Don’t flaunt your valuables
It may seem like a good idea to wear your best stuff during a vacation, but 9 out of 10 times, it won’t end well. Your valuable items can either be damaged, get lost, get stolen and worst can make you a victim of a hold-up robbery.
Flashy items like expensive branded clothes, accessories, gadgets and so on can attract unwanted attention. So consider keeping your valuables hidden when travelling.
5 – Don’t leave your things unattended
Since you’re travelling alone, you can’t trust anyone to watch over your things. So keep a close eye on your belongings, keep your bag closed and near you at all times and refrain from leaving it unattended.
6 – Don’t blindly trust anyone!
A tourist is a favourite prey for people with ill intentions since they know nothing about local scams much about the place, overall. So when someone is being extra friendly, stay distant and don’t trust anyone.
Always have a sceptical mindset when travelling. And expect the worst in every situation or anyone you meet. Although this may seem negative, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So don’t trust anyone you meet during your trip.
7 – Don’t over-drink!
Alcohol is your enemy when it comes to travelling alone. This puts you in a vulnerable position that can make you a target for people with ill intentions. Having a drink or two is fine, but make sure to not get carried away and get too intoxicated.
8 – Trust your gut!
Intuition is a 5th sense and is something you should take seriously. If you ever catch yourself in a situation where you don’t feel comfortable and safe, remove yourself immediately. Your gut instinct is something you should trust, especially when you’re alone.
Take away
Now you know 8 helpful safety tips when travelling alone, greatly consider each one! All the items have their own special benefit so carefully enlighten yourself about each one and remember them during your trip. You may improve your safety and have a fulfilling solo travel experience by remaining vigilant, being aware of what’s happening around you, and making wise judgments.