How to Stay Safe While Traveling Solo: Tips from My Experience

One of the most liberating experiences you can have is traveling alone, which gives you the opportunity to see new areas at your own pace. But it also presents a unique set of difficulties, particularly in terms of maintaining safety. I’ve learnt a lot about navigating diverse situations while maintaining my personal safety as someone who has traveled alone to a variety of locations. I’ve found that following these tried-and-true guidelines has made traveling alone safer for me.

1. Keep in touch by sharing your itinerary and checking in frequently.

The importance of maintaining a relationship with someone back home is among the most significant lessons I’ve learnt. Give a family member or friend access to your entire schedule, or at least a basic overview, before you leave on your trip. This contains information on your lodging, important events, and travel schedule.

Additionally, develop the practice of checking in every day or every two days. Even a brief note saying, “I’m fine, I’m safe!goes a long way toward keeping you accountable and reassuring loved ones. To stay in touch, I occasionally utilize Google Maps location sharing in addition to email and WhatsApp.

2. Make Sensible Accommodation Selections

I didn’t understand how crucial it is to pick your accommodations properly when I first started traveling alone. It can make all the difference to be in a wonderful location with easy access to public transportation and a safe area.

Stay Central, But Not Too Central: Choose lodgings in walkable, secure neighborhoods rather than the biggest tourist areas, where you might be more susceptible to small-time thievery.
Examine Reviews: Make sure you always check the most recent reviews on reliable websites like as Booking.com, Airbnb, or Hostelworld. Read reviews that discuss safety, particularly those that address issues like nighttime neighborhood safety and building security.
Look for 24-Hour Reception: If you’re staying at a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, check if they have 24-hour reception or someone present at all times. It’s pleasant to know that you have someone to talk to if any concerns emerge.

3. Follow Your Gut Feelings

I know it seems cliche, but one of your finest safety tools is your intuition. Whether it was a peaceful street late at night or an overbearing street hawker, there have been times when I’ve entered a place and instantly felt nervous. I always went with my instincts in those situations and either left the area or went in a different direction.

Be Aware: Being adventurous is fantastic, but you should constantly be mindful of your surroundings. It doesn’t hurt to back off or alter plans if something doesn’t feel right.
Prevent Isolation: Pay attention to how alone you are, particularly at night. Try to visit unfamiliar locations or less well-known neighborhoods during the day or with other people if you’re going somewhere new.

4. Be discrete and blend in.

I’ve discovered that one of the finest strategies to stay out of the spotlight is to blend in. Simple actions can help lower your risk of being targeted, but you don’t have to go overboard.

Dress Like a Local: Steer clear of gaudy attire or accessories that could draw notice. In order to avoid being recognized as a tourist, try to dress in a way that is appropriate for the community.
Keep Your Treasures Secret: I always keep my valuables in a well-hidden pocket or a hidden money belt, especially when I’m in a busy or strange place. I never put my passport, money, or phone in my rear pockets.
Be discrete when using your phone or snapping pictures in public. Don’t show off your expensive gadgets. Once, a group of people approached me too eagerly, forcing me to immediately conceal my camera.

5. Make the Most of Technology

In terms of the safety of traveling alone, technology has revolutionized the field. I utilize the following resources to keep myself safe when I’m out and about:

Offline Maps: In order to navigate without using Wi-Fi or mobile data, I always download offline maps (such as Google Maps or Maps.me). When I’ve been in an area of town without signal, this has proven quite useful.
Apps for emergencies: A lot of nations have apps made specifically for tourists in case of an emergency. Apps that offer medical information, safety alerts, or quick access to emergency contacts are occasionally made available by local governments or embassies.
Location Sharing: As previously said, I share my current location with a reliable contact via Google Maps. This provides an additional degree of protection, particularly while visiting foreign countries.

6. At night, keep a low profile.

Even while traveling alone is a fantastic way to see new locations, it’s important to exercise additional caution when visiting unknown towns after dark. I steer clear of wandering by myself at night in dimly lit or silent places while I’m traveling alone. I avoid crowded areas or pick places where people will be around if I have to go out for dinner or an evening activity.

Take Public Transportation or a cab: I will choose public transportation, ridesharing, or a cab over walking after dark if you’re heading somewhere a little farther afield. I always verify that the ride is going in the correct direction and confirm that the driver has a valid license.
Use Well-lit Streets: Stay on populated, well-lit streets. When you’re out late, walk confidently and try not to appear disoriented or preoccupied.

7. Make an Emergency Plan

Although emergencies can occur anywhere, being prepared can make all the difference. I always make sure to:

Save Vital Numbers: Prior to my journey, I always make sure to save emergency numbers, such as the closest embassy, local police, and medical services. In the event of an emergency, these are quite helpful.
Recognize the Locations of Police Stations and Hospitals: In the event of a medical or security emergency, it is also beneficial to be aware with the locations of the local police stations and hospitals. City guides and travel forums are good places to find this information beforehand.

8. Steer clear of excessive alcohol use.

Even though it’s tempting to take advantage of the nightlife when traveling alone, I’ve discovered that the best way to stay safe is to limit how much alcohol I consume. In the event that I visit pubs or clubs, I make sure to:

Drink Responsibly: I never leave my drink unattended and constantly keep an eye on it. Additionally, I don’t accept alcohol from strangers or unfamiliar persons.
Remain Sober Enough to Navigate: Excessive alcohol consumption can affect your judgment. I may be more mindful of my surroundings and steer clear of dangerous circumstances when I’m on guard.

9. Keep a Secure Bag with You

Every time I go exploring, I always have a safe, anti-theft bag with me. I can protect my possessions, especially in congested tourist areas, by carrying a crossbody bag with zippers that I can keep close to my body. I never let my bag sit on the ground or dangle off the back of a chair when I’m using public transit; instead, I always keep it close at hand.

10. Have Faith in Local Resources and Advice

Lastly, I’ve discovered that the greatest people to ask for advice on remaining safe are frequently natives. Hotel employees, tour guides, and even store owners may provide insightful advice on where to avoid, how to use public transportation, and which locations are the safest for visitors. To assist you fit in better, they can also provide you advice about regional traditions and conduct.

While traveling alone can be immensely enlightening, safety should always come first. You may lower hazards and have a rewarding adventure by using technology, staying connected, following your gut, and selecting the appropriate lodging. I’ve discovered that traveling alone can be both safe and fulfilling with a little preparation and prudence. Savor the independence, but never forget that your safety comes first!