Whilst I wouldnt book a two weeks trek in Afghanistan, I take a slightly more relaxed approach to risk now than I would have ten years ago. 2) I only take on a trip my jackets that have lots of pockets, preferably not obvious ones. There are many reasons to travel alone! Instead, suggest meeting up in a public place where there will be other people around. Before you plan your trip, first think of your disposition to travel alone. Youll end up lost, or worse, so make sure you know how to get from Point A to Point B safely. Regarding security, I adopted 3 habits that have been very useful so far: 1. Know what topics are off the table for discussion, like communism in Cuba or the royal family in Thailand, for example. Cash & credit cards 3. In this article, I've outlined a series of 10 alternative ways to . Knowledge protects you from the danger of misinformation, unsavory individuals, and/or naively wandering into an unsafe area. Obviously, if youre skin and physical features are different you cant help that, but you can still take steps as to not make it immediately obvious you dont know the lay of the land. They can be contacted for advice on +30 210 368 1730, +30 210 368 1259 . Vouchers / confirmation e-mails 4. Moreover, if you ever feel uncomfortable, move to a very public area, and even start chatting to someone to make it look like youre traveling together. This post was adapted from my original article on Gadling. I live in Vancouver and think its a fantastic place for first time solo travellers. Make sure someone back home knows that youre going somewhere new and let them know when you arrive. After the acclimatizing period, you can venture on your own. Great post, very informative. The ability to communicate with local people not only makes travelling more enriching but can also help you stay safe. 11 Things You Should Always Do to Stay Safe While Traveling Solo Zarah A. Kavarana Updated: Dec. 16, 2022 There's practically no better way to discover the world (and yourself!) My Spidey senses were tingling. If youre walking down a street or anywhere really and something feels off, just turn around. Solo Vacations: The 33 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2023 These fabulous destinations make traveling on your own simple and spectacular. Imagine how you can be taken advantage of if you don't understand the currency. Avoid Lodging With a Single Supplement Some cruise lines and hotels might require two people to share the property. Thanks for putting this together. Ive met many travelers who assumed they could leave their valuables lying around their hotel room, only to have money, passports, and electronics go missing.. I also make sure to check in each day in case something were to happen to me so she can track me down pretty easily. This is especially important if you will be without cell service or WiFi for some time so that a loved one knows when to expect you to be back on the map. Here is some solo travel safety advice and solo travel tips as you plan your trip! The culture of your destination. Not worth the vulnerability or the hangover! My answer is yes, it is safe. It may sound silly, but Ive had numerous friends have thieves open their backpack zippers and pull out money, cameras, and phones without them even noticing. Like I said before, I know I have been lucky. Here are a few safety tips for solo travelers. Keep up the good work! This will keep you safe and help you avoid any potential danger. So that's the key: Plan enough so you feel confident, but leave a lot of . Read the full disclosure here. Your email address will not be published. Cameras can help break the ice (while bypassing language barriers). I dont travel alone too frequently, but definitely important to remember these tips when I do, Hi Rachel. Money hurts to lose, credit cards are a pain, but dont carry your passport while out and about. Published solo travel studies report that the number one fear amongst solo female travellers is safety. However they have offered some advice to those . I always tell people to make copies of their passports too, and to use the safe!!! Many people arent aware of this and end up damaging their finances unnecessarily, advises pedestrian injury claim specialist. Heres how to keep your purse safe at a restaurant or bar. At 46 I still call or email my mom when my plane lands too. It offers an excellent level of cover, including that against Covid-19, and has garnered 5-star reviews. Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Costa Rica, Bucket List: 22 Things To Do in Costa Rica Full of Must-See Worthy Spots, 13 Best Places To Visit In Costa Rica (Top Tourist Attractions), Best of Costa Rican Cuisine: 13 of Their Yummy Dishes, SODA in Costa Rica: Local Restaurant and Local Cuisine. It can be easy to put in headphones and drift off into your own world when you are on a bus, sitting in a waiting room or even walking around a city, says Rich. And consider . I wanted to visit Mexico for the day during a trip to San Diego, but didnt really want to go on my own. Number of times robbed on a solo trip: One. One of the first things I do on arrival is to lock away my passport, documents, money and cards I dont need, and other valuables. Great tips, there! Im so glad that they may help. Foreign Tourist Sticks Out Like Sore Thumb. I will continue traveling solo, and every issue that comes up when Im traveling is just something I learn from and in time remember as just a small part of a truly awesome trip. For those already in Rhodes, the Greek government has established a Crisis Management Unit to respond to the situation there. I also like your reminder about headphones. There is also a scanned copy of this and my travel insurance documents stored in an email or on DropBox. I book 80% of my accommodation with Booking.com. Try not to walk the streets peering at maps. And I dont keep my phone where my money is. Before leaving for your trip, make copies of your passport, visas, ATM card, credit cards, birth certificate, drivers license, and other important documents or ID cards. Sightseeing Tours in Boston: The Hop On Hop Off Fever Is Here! I was in Rio de Janeiro and had made the mistake of pulling out my wallet to get my bus fare ready before even getting to the bus stop. Although this will cost more, for the peace of mind it brings, this is money well spent. Ive definitely been taken for a ride in a taxi and wish I read this before mt first solo adventure. Boring, I hear you say. I love this and Ive pinned it for more people to see! Interesting And Fun Facts About Belize Welcome to the Caribbean! Their goal is typically to walk you around in circles and then ask for a tip.. I can think of the two biggest safety issues Ive had while traveling other than the general uneasiness of walking alone, especially at night. Again, you need to put in the legwork with research. Having one big purse-like target is a recipe for disaster. 5. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Read his story here and his high-level approach to solo travel here. My philosophy is all about exploring the world and experiencing life #BeyondTheGuidebook. Last but by no means least, strut your solo stuff. Spy Museum Washington DC Is It Worth the Visit? Especially in terms of the drinking. 1 Don't book accommodation without checking reviews. Know Your Boundaries When Traveling Solo. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Considering travel safety tips is one of the top things on the list for planning for solo travel. Currently the Foreign Office does not advise against travel to either Italy or Sicily, in spite of the wildfires and the extreme weather conditions. This rule also goes for flashy jewelry and designer brands that could potentially make you noticeable prey. Long story short, we get to my hotel a roundabout way due to roadworks/demonstration or whatever he made up to tell me. It was not my first time in Paris, I speak enough of the language to comfortably get by, and I was well aware that Paris is a hub for tons of scams. Learning how to defend yourself will not only give you skills to get out of dangerous situations but will also make you a more confident solo traveler. But to save you (and your mothers) some gray hair and worry lines Im going to share a few of my travel safety tips for your solo travels. Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights! My first solo trip was when I was 16, turned 17. Here is some solo travel safety advice and solo travel tips as you plan your trip! As you can imagine, traveling alone or solo traveling has many benefits, I have a post and podcast detailing this in deep, check it out! Unless you have an anti-theft bag, most purses can be opened in a flash, or sliced open if youre dealing with seasoned pickpockets. Know the amenities available to you. I want to REMEMBER my trip, not forget it in a boozy haze . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Another important solo travel tip is to remain . I follow these every time I travel solo safety is paramount! Use taxis and rideshares safely Most countries have ridesharing apps, like Uber, or their own version of a ride-hailing app you can use to request a taxi. Avoid wearing clothing that is grossly out of place or screams a lack of cultural or situational awareness, says Alex Berger, publisher of VirtualWayfarer. There are times where I had to take extra precautions but overall its been a great journey. 10 Hidden Gems in North Carolina You Cant Miss, 9 Fun Things to Do in North Carolina With Kids, Top 4 Historic Hotels in North Carolina You Wont Believe, Fun Facts and History of Charlotte North Carolina, Fun Things To Do Charlotte, North Carolina With Kids, Visiting The Outer Banks For The First Time: 9 Must-Do Activities, Appalachian Trail Road Trip: From North Carolina to Pennsylvania, Philadelphia History Facts That Everyone Should Know, Family Vacation in Philadelphia: Activities, Historical Sites and Food, Top 6 Best Things To Do in Philadelphia (+ Places to Visit), Top 17 Places to Visit in Pennsylvania You Cant Miss, Reading Terminal Market Philadelphia: Photo, Video and History Tour, Hoagies in Philadelphia: The Official Sandwich Of The City, 5 Facts About Philadelphia Cheesesteak You Didnt Know, Rhode Island Fun Facts You Need to Know Before You Go, 10 Things To Do In Newport Rhode Island You NEED to Do. :)//Privacy Policy. This can feel at best intimidating and at worst threatening. The luxe establishment offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere where cocktail culture reigns supreme. So glad you havent had any horrible experiences and have to agree you can get hit by a bus walking down a major U.S. city just like you can in a foreign country. If you're looking for adventure and independence, consider these top places for solo travel. This is a great post! U.S. Citizens can also use the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to register trips with the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and be notified of safety conditions or national emergencies and be connected with family in such an event. On the road, many people post social media updates and messaging to share their journey with family and friends. Disclosure: Advertising and affiliate services, including Amazon Associates, help the cost of running my blog. While this may sound like common sense, its important not to waste time deciding if your intuition could be wrong. Brudget, This is so helpful! A self-defense class increases self . When traveling through a foreign place it can be difficult to remember addresses and navigate directions. No. If your flight arrives in the middle of the night and you have no other option, it's a good idea to book an airport hotel and plan your onward travel in the morning when you can get your bearings. But there are a few I will take on board for my next solo trip. I didnt realise that I was doing many of them already. For me, it really is location, location, location. And of course the more I have traveled on my own, I have figured out some of the best ways to make sure Im doing my part to be safe. Maybe he was right. Your email address will not be published. These are fantastic tips. I have had moments of feeling like I should watch my bag a little more carefully, or follow the crowd instead of the street with no-one on it. Visiting San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: A Pueblo Magico (Magic Village) of Mexico, Visiting Xochimilco in Mexico City: Dos and Donts Before You Go, Visiting Pena de Bernal Monolith and Magic Village in Mexico, Miami, Florida Travel: What to Do, What to See, and Where to Go, Palm Beach Florida: What to Do, What to See and Where to Go, West Palm Beach, Florida: Things to Do, Places to Visit, South Beach, Miami: Be Prepared for Everything and Anything. To help answer the question, Ive compiled a list of my top safety tips, many of which apply to group travelers, as well. Even if you are quaking internally, dont show it. My only mistake was not being more alert. Copyright 2023 Bridget Coleman. Picking the right destination can make all the difference, with some places more suited to solo travel than others. Great tips and most also aply when your traveling as a couple or a family. Read on to learn the many ways you can stay safe as you travel alone. This is great article! This story was originally published on Aug. 20, 2018. This doesnt mean you cant go out for drinks, just always make sure youre retaining control. If youre dressed in a way that locals find obnoxious, youll be more likely to find friction and less likely to elicit sympathy leading to help if issues do arise. Dress to communicate that youre a veteran globe-trotter and not an easy targeteven if it means laying on layers in 100-degree weather. 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I love this proactive approach to safe solo travel. General tips for Bali solo travel & what to pack How to make friends in Bali Getting to Bali How to get around Bali Best places in Bali for solo female travel Accommodation for solo travellers in Bali How to dress for solo travel in Bali Best time of year to visit Bali Food and sanitation Published Oct 24, 2021. If You Do Carry A Bag, Keep It In Front Of You, 12. Dont Bring Anything You Wouldnt Mind Losing, 16. You dont want your holiday ruined or curtailed by civil unrest, so it pays to do your homework. Educational Travel: Learning Vacations for Solo Travelers Educational travel is on the rise. Remember, you can accomplish anything provided you put your mind to it. 1:34. Where to go. I would go on but I can practically see my parents faces begging me to stop. I usually carry a photocopy of my passport ID page. Ive been around the world (literally) and back on my own. Bring a purse or bag where the strap crosses over your body and rests on your hip. This will help you gain the confidence to travel solo. Maybe you need your own space and time to think, unwind, and make big decisions. All rights reserved. But I have not really had too many big travel safety moments. Does the thought of traveling a. I would like to think that most of these enquiries have been genuine, but better safe than sorry. The first few days of your tour in public and with other members that you spend is prudent because you have a safety net when traveling from one place to another, and you have time to yourself when you can see by yourself without getting disturbed by others. The travel bug got me good and to this day I still happily take solo trips for some me time, and more importantly not passing up opportunities for lack of people to travel with. While solo travel is an incredible experience, it's important to prioritize your safety and well-being throughout your journey. A good alternative is the She's Birdie Safety Alarm Keychain, which travelers swear by. Hi, Jessica. This was amazing! I took my first solo trip at 22 and fell in love with it. Like many people, Ive had the odd questionable moment on my travels, but overall Im a very safety conscious person. According to The Economist Intelligence Unit, only two American cities (Washington D.C. and Chicago) feature in the top ten safe cities in the world in its Safe Cities Index. 90 Euros. I was 21 when I first traveled solo and did it again only 2 years later. For the latter, you can filter location reviews for solo travellers and there is a separate score for location. I loved staying at hostels and befriending people there/going on adventures with them. Sign Up For The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, 6. Make Every Day an Adventure Get your 365 days of Adventure List FREE And Start Living them NOW! Instead keep a copy of it in case you are asked for it (some countries may ask you). Our advice is to stay in well-lit areas, especially at night, share your itinerary with someone you trust, and keep emergency contacts handy. I always let my family know where I am, constant communicate (or at least when I have wifi) and carry a copy of my passport are great tips too. I even smiled and waved to the chatting bunch to lead the potential thief to believe I knew them. Make sure you know what to expect. This site features affiliate links to trusted partners. Taking a self-defense class is one of the best things a solo female traveler can do, and its benefits run much deeper than just tips and tricks to be safe. On some occasions, I have also worn a simple band on my ring finger to deter unwanted attention. Ive been doing a lot of solo travel over the years but all of its been within the US so far. Again, as a woman travelling alone, I am careful about where I go after sunset. Usually, i say Im with friends first even if we are not in the same location at the time. Prioritise safety - Safety is vital when travelling solo in Europe, especially if you're a solo female traveller. Potential threats to personal safety can assume different forms. I think I had more guts to do it once we go back to normal. As a thank you, youll also receive a FREE solo travel toolkit, packed with valuable resources. Moreover, this site uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Not only will these considerations make you safer physically, but they will also . As travel gets back to pre-pandemic levels, more people are traveling alone. My friends make fun of me but when Im in transit I also distribute my money between different pockets, wallets and even hide some between the pages of books. However, dont let this deter you from travelling. This will save you much trouble if anything gets lost or stolen. This is a great list with things Ill definitely be saving for when I can take my solo trip! 1. If youre going on an excursion by yourself, let someone know where youre going and when you expect to be back. Keep a journal. Cant wait to read more of your solo travel series . Are you thinking aboutsolo travel for the first timebut feeling anxious about the prospect? Whether youre traveling solo in Amsterdam, enjoying some Tulum solo travel, or heading somewhere else on your own, this rule is important. If you are hurt in a pedestrian accident and its not your fault, be aware that you can often make some sort of claim for pedestrian injuries. It can be fun to add a little spontaneity into your solo trip, but the best solo travel tip is to do your research and show up well-prepared so that you don't miss anything you're hoping to experience. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The above-mentioned dog example was a trek I really should have done with someone from my guesthouse. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. And that gut feeling is something to rely on. 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And thanks for your honest safety stories. Skyscanner is my go-to platform to search for flights. Teleferico de Madrid (Madrids Cableway): Is it Worth the Time and Money? You may arrive alone but you wont stay that way for long. You won't be overwhelmed with everyone else's needs and schedules. Explore away during the day, but as the sun goes down youre safer in a place with a higher number of people. I always ensure I have a digital and paper copy of my passport/ID and some cash and a credit card stashed separately from my wallet. I often travel solo. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Thanks for sharing. Ive done more than my fair share of solo traveling. I was also 23 when I took my first solo trip but I only went from the UK to Italy so not quite as far as you . Thanks for all of the great tips for solo travellers! Your gut is almost always correct. Its tempting to just put on your headphones and go out for a walk. I didnt think so. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Wherever I travel, I try to blend in as much as I can. Know A Few Useful Phrases In The Local Language. Always Carry Your Hotels Business Card, 3. The more flexible you are with your dates, the more deals you can access. Solo travel is an opportunity to "foster and cultivate your own sense of empowerment," said Ms. Ray, and it will help to understand what you've learned if you keep a record . Thanks for the info. You are an experienced solo traveller and those are some good tips. Do you reckon a small digital camera (that can fit in pockets etc.) In the same way, dont flash your expensive DSLR or smartphone. He argued that he was an Uber like service for the city, and the marked taxis are for the airport. Its not going to be 100% safe, but nothing in life is- especially the things most worth doing! From the everyday accidents that can happen no matter where you are, to the more serious crime safety issues. Text, email or call. Try and speak the language, and not always spend your time in high touristy areas. Skyscanner also supports multi-city options in searching for open-jaw flights. Whilst I love going away with family and friends, there issomething special about solo travel. What an insightful post! But when youre traveling on your own headphones arent the best idea. For one, you might be an easy target as someone who is clearly more interested in your music than your surroundings. This will help you to orient yourself in general directions (the airport is to the south of the city and so on). These are great tips! Solo-female traveler here! I solo travel all the time and couldnt agree more with your list. I told him to do that. Check out my Travel Resources page for the companies and other resources I use when planning my trips and whilst I am away. Number of times hospitalized while traveling solo: Two. After some of my own travel transit nightmares, Where To Travel This Summer: Trip Ideas Near You, Kamloops Brewery Tour Of Canadian Craft Beer , 15 Healthy Plane Snacks That Beat In-Flight Meals, 50 United States Bucket List Ideas By State, Why Everyone Should Visit The Anne Frank House In Amsterdam, 12 Things To Do in Boston You Don't Want to Miss, 25 Incredible and Unique Things To Do In Hanoi. Required fields are marked *. It does not store any personal data. Depending on where you are traveling to you might want to leave the designer purse at home and instead use a cross body bag or an anti-theft bag. Travel safety tip #1: Dont get in cars with strangers (legit taxi drivers and Uber drivers not applicable), any fourth grader can tell you that. Thats actually one of the reasons I chose to live in China over other options I had. Great advice. These can be easily held against the front of your body. I will admit that I have probably done a couple of things that maybe werent the smartest while traveling. For instance, shorts and vest tops are never a good idea in many Islamic countries for either gender and, for women, will attract unwanted attention. It's well known that Europe, Asia and other regions of the world are leaps and bounds above the U.S. in public transportation, especially when it comes . Chatting with locals is one of the best ways to learn more about your cultural surroundings, but be wary of touchy subjects that could offend or anger your subjects, potentially leaving you in a vulnerable situation. Preparation for traveling abroad is the one thing that can almost certainly determine whether or not you have a rewarding travel experience. One could possibly have been preventable. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Avoid taxis as much as possible. Make sure your ride is on the up and up. An important precaution you must take if you are a woman solo traveler is not to pack expensive jewelry. I dont care if youre staying at a budget hostel or a five-star hotel, thefts happen. Safety needs to be everyone's concern. Dont walk down dark alleys alone at night carrying a large stash of cash. Whenever you are so drunk people need to take care of you, youre making yourself vulnerable.
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