Nothing sounds as exciting as traveling the world alone at whatever pace you wish and however long you want. The truth is that there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your own company while exploring new places. It’s, however, paramount to prioritize your safety while embarking on such a lone trip. That is why we prioritize safety, and we’ve listed the safety measures necessary to apply when traveling solo.
First and foremost what is a solo ? A solo travel is the kind of travel where the tourist goes somewhere else alone and during their trip, they choose and decide everything such as services, activities, places based on their individuals choice. This type of travel draws towards individual experiences, but it doesn’t mean being completely self-sufficient. The tourists make their own decisions, however, they can use a partial service from a package tour of a tourism agency
Why solo travel has become a trend?
Many reasons were given to explain the attractiveness of solo travel such as flexibility, personal conditions,convenience,
Overview, solo travelers don’t depend on a fixed program or other’s plan like traditional travelers. The tourists choose solo travel doing everything they want such as where to go, how to transfer, what to eat, where to stay, what to do… and enjoy the trip in their own way.
Here are the safety measures to apply when you’re on a solo travel
- Do research about the place you want to visit
Familiarize yourself with the local custom, some basic phrases and the currency in your desired destinations as these can be helpful in various situations.
- Study the map.
You can also study a map of the area that you’re going to and pay special attention to landmarks, so you have a better chance of not getting lost.
- Plan your journey as meticulously as possible.
particularly the part between your arrival and your accommodation. Stick to licensed and reputable transportation options when getting around, also stay in reputable hotels with well-reviewed feedback from clients.
- Keep your documents secure:
make a paper copy of your passport in case of loss or theft. It might also be worth leaving a copy with someone you trust at home.
- Share your itinerary
Share your travel plans with a trusted friend or family member, so you can rest assured that someone knows where you’re supposed to be at any time.
- Stay connected
Carry a mobile phone with local and emergency numbers, and consider using a travel app for tracking your whereabouts. Pay particular attention to the security measures at the accommodation options you look at, especially if there’s a front desk that doesn’t operate 24 hours a day.
- Be cautious with social media.
Avoid sharing your exact location in real-time on social platforms.
- Plan your accommodations.
Make travel arrangements.
Check into lodging possibilities in the area. Look up your options on review websites to see if any travelers have any concerns about safety. Making reservations for your lodging in advance is the most secure choice. To maintain flexibility in your plans, make a shortlist of safe possibilities and make your decision while you’re there. You should never find yourself without a place to stay that is safe.
Refrain from lodging with strangers. Hostels and couch-surfing services are well-liked methods of saving money. However, communal housing might put lone travelers—especially women—at risk.
- Stay and socialize safely
Socialize responsibly Making new friends can be a fun part of traveling alone, as long as you exercise common sense and maintain control. Do not advertise that you are traveling alone. Remain alert. Use common sense when it comes to alcohol and drugs. Make sure you maintain control over the transportation options you choose to get around. Exercise caution when going on vacation.
- Learn the local language
When traveling to places where people do not speak English, it can be helpful to learn a few key phrases in the local language. Write down the phrases that will be most helpful. Examples of these include: “do you speak English” and “I do not understand”; basic terms about accommodations and transportation; how to ask for basic amenities like restrooms, banks, or places to eat; emergency phrases so you can ask for help, including the local words for police, doctor, and hospital; learning how to say “no” firmly in the local language; and the nonverbal gesture for no. It can also be helpful to know basic phrases about transportation and lodging.
- study the transportation system
Use only legitimate, authorized, and well-known cabs. Refuse uninvited drivers’ approaches.
Use caution when traveling in a packed car. Hold onto your belongings tightly and pay attention to your surroundings.
Steer clear of public transportation overnight, or select a seat with some protection. When you’re asleep, you’re more susceptible to theft or violence.
Never take a rideshare. No country is a safe place to hitchhike.
Other safety tips for women
When traveling alone, women may be more vulnerable. In certain places, these dangers may be greater. When you are doing your study, pay close attention to the details.
When you’re on the road:
Recognize the norms of your culture. especially in regards to the interactions between men and women. Seating in the front seat of a taxi or making direct eye contact can be interpreted as a sexual approach.
To deflect unwelcome attention, think about donning a wedding ring.
Wear apparel that honors the laws and traditions of the area. If you wear something that the people in the area think is wrong, you may become the target of harassment or violence.
Refrain from entering store back rooms where there is no view of the street.
On buses and coaches, take a seat close to the driver.
