Traveling to your favorite destinations can be an impeccable experience, and it is expected that people like yourself enjoy exploring some of these hidden gems on your own. It’s fantastic to pack a bag and hit the road to escape everyday life. Traveling solo can give you time to enjoy some of nature’s most beautiful attractions, self-reflect, and meet new people. While traveling alone allows personal growth and self-discovery, it is essential to note that it can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken to remain safe during your trip. Here are a few tips to help you feel safe and secure during your stay.
1. Research The Area You Plan To Visit
When traveling, you should always do thorough research on the area where you choose to spend time and travel. As a solo traveler, you should be familiar with popular tourist areas, safe hotels, and crime rates to understand which places you’d like to explore and which ones you should probably avoid if possible. In addition, find out the best neighborhoods or local attractions that people enjoy. It can even be worth reading reviews on accommodation providers to determine if they are safe for tourists and proximate to public transport and attractions. If friends and family have traveled to places you intend to visit, ask them for their own experiences. Look into the safety ratings of particular areas and whether it’s safe to be out exploring at night.
2. Share Your Plans With People You Know at Home.
Sharing your itinerary with a few friends or loved ones before you travel can have great benefits. It might be in your best interest to give hotel information and planned activities to someone you can trust back at home. To stay connected with friends, family, or work, even if sparingly during your solo travels, check with your smartphone provider to determine what capabilities you’ll need at your travel destination—checking in by email or social media works, too, when you have Wi-Fi access.
3. Avoid Activities and Behaviors That are Irresponsible.
Sometimes we like to feel very adventurous and try new activities while exploring newfound sceneries, but let’s make sure that we use the best practices to be as responsible as possible. While on your solo excursion, be mindful of the activities you engage in that will likely hurt your trip experience. Here are a few ways to avoid unnecessary mishaps:
- Be sure to pay close attention to the people and activities around you daily. Whether going on a hike or biking, it is essential to stay aware of your surroundings.
- Although we are in a day in age where most of our information is stored digitally, you should always keep an emergency contact list if you are disconnected from electronic devices such as your tablet, cellphone, laptop, or smartwatch. In addition, always keep backup devices, plug-ins, and charger ports available when you need to re-charge your devices.
- We all love chatting and getting to know people; that’s great to network and make friends. When talking to new people, you should avoid giving out personal information such as an address, phone number, or accommodations.
- Always tell people you meet that you are traveling with someone; although you may want to share with the world that you are a braveheart solo traveling enthusiast, it may be best to keep it a secret until you build trust in any situation.
- If you feel uncomfortable, walk into a public place like a restaurant or catch up with a large group of people.
4. Prepare an Emergency Plan.
We don’t necessarily prepare for an untimely medical issue or accident while we are ready to have the time of our lives. However, it’s a great idea to prepare for the worst just if things don’t work out the way we plan. Please be sure to visit your doctor or travel clinic before taking off to ensure the proper immunization. It is best to research law enforcement, hospitals, and emergency facilities nearby where you plan to travel. Analyzing these particular areas can help get you to safety quickly and ensure that you are well taken care of if the unexpected occurs.
When packing, note all allergies and bring any holistic or prescriptions you may need. This includes but is not limited to ointments, antiseptics, gauses, hand sanitizer, and bandages. You should consist of any items that will essentially help you in case of contact with anything poisonous or harmful to the body. It’s wise to research the safety of drinking water, fresh produce, and dining establishments at your destinations to help avoid illnesses during your travels.
5. Understand The Areas That Are off Limits.
Traveling solo can be the best time of your life, and you may feel like you can conquer the world, and you really can when you’re cautious of your surroundings. Some camp spaces have places that tourists can enter at their own risk or not enter at all. Get a good idea of all the rules and follow them to keep safe. Most campgrounds have websites that show which areas you are permitted to stay in and those off limits. Usually, these rules do not ruin a good time but keep everyone safe. In addition, if you feel that an area might be a danger to your safety, although it is not labeled a danger zone, it is still advised that you go where you feel most comfortable.