Travelling solo can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. If you have always wanted to see the world, but do not have anyone in your life willing to join you then there is no shame in setting off on your own.
However, when travelling solo, it is important to pay close attention to your personal safety. Travelling safely is all about preventing problems from arising, being aware about when issues could possibly crop up, and deciding how to manage any potential difficulties along the way.
So, let us discover 5 safety tips for travelling alone that can help you to plan for all circumstances so that you can stay aware of your surroundings and make the best possible choices.
- Safe Solo Travelling Starts at Home
For an experienced traveller, it might seem intuitive, but before your journey begins it is crucial that you spend some time researching your intended destinations. With this in mind, it is important to be aware of any local customs and etiquette, particularly with regards to dress.
Unfortunately, there are still lots of places in the world where harassment is an issue and therefore women travellers in particular should consider dressing conservatively in high risk areas. Knowledge is key, so be sure to research which neighbourhoods should be avoided and make a note of the contact details for the local emergency services.
Not only is it much easier to be taken advantage of if you do not understand the currency of an area, but there is always a risk that you might encounter health problems if you do not know about the necessary vaccinations for your destination.
For total peace of mind, you might want to study a map of the area you will be staying in. Try to identify the location of any major landmarks so that you can use these as a point of reference allowing you to always find your way back to your accommodation.
Always choose your destination carefully and aim to find somewhere that matches your personal travel safety needs. Guide books, travel blogs, and government websites are filled with helpful resources that can enable you to plan the finer details of your trip.
- Keep in Contact With Family and Friends
Although it can be tempting to see your solo trip as an excuse to leave your world behind for a while, it is still important that you keep in touch with people from back home. Nowadays smartphones, Skype, and social media have all made it easier than ever before to get in contact with our loved ones at the click of a button.
Regularly letting people know where you are going ensures that someone will be able to look out for you if disaster strikes or if anything happens back home that you need to be informed about. Roaming costs can be expensive though so be sure to check with your phone provider for detailed information about your phone service plan.
- Make Travel and Accommodation Arrangements in Advance
If you are planning a solo trip, you do not have to worry about other people. This means that you have the freedom to choose the mode of transportation. You can either drive your own car, hire a campervan from a website like this, or travel by public transport. Furthermore, if your solo travel includes different countries, then you can either choose to fly by a commercial flight or hire a private jet.
Though a lot of people often end up choosing cheap modes of transportation, it does not provide them with the kind of relaxation and satisfaction that they desire. Take, for example, commercial flights. Yes, you might be able to afford the tickets but then you also have to withstand long queues, cramped seats, and nosy neighbors.
However, if you rent a private jet, you neither have to wait at security checks nor have to worry about missing your flight. The best part is, you do not have to bear with your nosy neighbors. Also, you get to choose your schedule and destination (without the hassle of connecting flights). Moreover, with the availability of a private jet club membership, you can have access to over 20,000 aircraft worldwide and can pay as you fly. Additionally, you can avail yourself of the services of global chauffeurs and personal travel coordinators.
When choosing where to stay, always book your lodgings ahead of your trip. Research how to get from the airport to your hotel or hostel and aim to arrive in plenty of time so that you have time to learn about how their system works.
Where possible, try to arrive mid-afternoon so that you can get a good idea of the type of area that you will be staying in. Safe areas look even more appealing in daylight, whereas an unsafe area will be much clearer to identify.
Arriving in daylight also has several practical benefits. It is much easier to navigate your way around the area in the daytime and if you are unhappy with your accommodation, alternative arrangements can be made quickly and easily.
- Travel Insurance
Taking out travel insurance ahead of your trip makes your life easier in several ways. In essence, travel insurance covers your back against travel risks including lost or stolen luggage, cancellation cover, and any unexpected medical costs.
Even a small medical emergency abroad could deplete your travel budget and therefore taking out insurance acts as a safeguard. Just be prepared to pay slightly higher premiums if you have any pre-existing illnesses or if you are a mature traveller.
- Protect Your Belongings
No one likes to think too much about having their possessions stolen, especially when travelling alone, however, taking special care of your valuables is fundamental. Correspondingly, always keep your money, passport, camera, and phone close by. You could use accessories like RingBandits with zippers to protect small items such as rings that are irreplaceable. Bands might be stylish and could help you carry your valuables with ease. If you plan on taking a licensed gun, have it insured. Also, do note that the concealed carry weapon law is different in certain states. For example, in Illinois, they do not have reciprocity deals with other states, except a few like Idaho, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, Virginia, and Nevada (https://gunlawsuits.org/gun-laws/illinois/concealed-carry/). So, carry your gun along if you have it valid license and insurance.
You can also make sure that you keep the number of belongings on your possession to a minimum so that you can focus on carrying them. Digital plane tickets and banks card apps can reduce your hand luggage down to the bare essentials too, but just remember to keep your mobile devices charged to ensure that you do not run into any difficulties when trying to fly or pay for goods and services.
Ultimately, when travelling solo, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Above all, while being on vacation is a fantastic opportunity to relax and wind, you should avoid drawing attention to yourself and instead try to blend into the crowds. Being prepared, staying alert, and doing your research can help you to have a safe, fun, and memorable solo trip.
