Traveling solo can be liberating. It will teach a lot of different lessons about cultures, independence, and looking after yourself. But one of the most common concerns is safety. Is it safe to go on an adventure alone? The answer varies.
First of all, each country, state, or location you will visit has different safety rates. Some places have high crime rates, while others offer a hundred percent safety at all times of the day. Yet, young individuals are still encouraged to travel solo. Read the tips below on how to secure your safety as you travel alone.
Research About the Place You’re Going to Visit
Initially, travelers like to research the places they visit to learn about the activities and the exciting spots. But it would also help if you search for the potential threats and risks of visiting the destination.
Try to see if the place is full of crime rates. Most of the time, theft and trespassing are the common complaints of tourists. It will also help you look for travel guides, blogs, and websites that talk about the tourist spot.
Prepare the Arrangements
First-time solo travelers are advised to opt for tailor-made holidays instead of DIY plans. But if you want to do everything on your own, it would help if you prepared ahead of time. A few weeks before your scheduled travel date, ensure that your hotel accommodation and transportation are arranged.
Make a list of the places you want to visit and stick to the schedule as much as possible. After making solid travel plans, give a copy to one of your friends or a family member, so they’ll know your exact location at given times. The information in your plans could be pretty helpful if they lose contact with you.
Be Cautious in Choosing Your Accommodation
You will most likely be exhausted after spending the whole day walking and exploring. So it’s crucial to choose a hotel that guarantees safety and protection. Do thorough research about your options and narrow down the safest accommodation for a solo traveler.
A friendly tip: If the accommodation is too cheap, it usually doesn’t offer safety and security. Sometimes, it takes a few more bucks to ensure that you are far from harm.
Arrive at the Destination at Daytime
Arriving at the airport during day time offers more security. Besides, finding your way to the hotel during the day is more manageable than at nighttime. Daytime arrival is essential if it’s your first time visiting the place and you’re still unfamiliar with routes.
Besides, arriving during the night can be intimidating and threatening. You might even feel anxious about how people look at you and how you’re supposed to find a ride. Overall, arriving during the day offers a better experience.
At Night, Ride a Taxi
While it’s understandable that you want to challenge yourself by commuting, doing so at night can be dangerous. Always choose to ride a taxi when the night comes to keep yourself away from thieves and criminals. It may cost a bit more than what your budget allows, but the peace of mind it brings is worth it.
Keep a Copy of Your Documents
You’ll never know what might happen while you’re exploring. So it’s best to bring a photocopy of important documents like identification cards, passport, visa, and everything else. For security purposes, you can also keep a scanned copy of your documents on your phone.
Learn the Local Language
You don’t have to be fluent in the language of the place you’re about to visit. Just know how you can effectively communicate with the locals. Learning a few simple words may be helpful, especially if you’re going to see a small place with very few tourists.
Moreover, learning the language can be an enriching and fulfilling part of the journey. Aside from allowing you to speak with the local people, it might also come in handy in keeping you safe.
Stay in Touch with Loved Ones
A simple message to your loved ones back at home is also an excellent way to keep you safe. Texting your parents or your spouse about your whereabouts and your next destination will also put them at ease. If they don’t hear from you for quite a while, they will automatically know that you might be in danger, and calling the authorities is needed.
Do Not Drink too Much
Excessive alcohol drinking can put you in so many dangerous situations. As much as possible, avoid drinking alcohol if you’re traveling solo. Whether you’re a male or a female, you are responsible for your safety. Going out on the lash without a companion will make you an easy target for people looking for prey.
Enjoy the moment. You don’t have to be paranoid all the time. As long as you take all the safety precautions to keep yourself safe, there’s nothing to worry about. Enjoy your solo adventure and keep note of the things you learned while traveling alone.
