How I Stay Safe as a Solo Traveler
Traveling solo can be quite the daunting idea, especially if you’ve never done it before. Over my nearly-ten-years of traveling alone, so many people have asked me how I stay safe or if I ever feel scared exploring the world by myself.
Just for the record, the answer is yes. Even now, as a seasoned adventurer, I still feel a little nervous every time I go somewhere new, but over the years I’ve also been able to compile an archive of my best advice for staying safe while traveling solo and ensuring you have a good time doing it.
Fake It ‘Till You Make It
I’ve always found that if I act confidently and walk with purpose, people will believe I have one, and they’ll take me for a local most of the time. I’ve even been asked for directions while traveling in Europe multiple times. You want to try to not look lost, as you can easily become a target for somebody looking to take advantage of tourists and their possible lack of knowledge of the area they’re visiting.
Memorize Your Map
In a similar vein as the previous tip, walking around with a map out, whether physical or on your phone, is a dead giveaway that you are a tourist, and a lost one at that. Try and memorize that route in your accommodation if you can, or, if you have to check it, do so in a place where you will not stand out as someone who isn't familiar with their surroundings.
Sometimes, if I need to check that I’m still on the right route, I’ll duck into a café or something where I can get on my phone without looking particularly out of place.
Write Down Important Addresses
There are few things worse than having your phone die and knowing that all the important info for your trip is stored on there. I’ve made a habit of writing down all of my flight info, accommodation addresses, confirmation numbers and anything else I would be potentially-stranded without. At least then, if you’re trying to get help or locate your BnB, you can ask a local or possibly a cab driver for help finding things
Keep Your Bags Closed and Out of Sight
Make sure you’ve got purses strapped across your body, especially when on crowded streets and on the subway - and be sure to keep them closed or zipped up, if possible. Theft-proof bags, specifically, are ideal and can be found at most generic stores, like Wal-Mart or Target. I can tell you from experience how important it is to keep your belongings close; getting pickpocketed in Barcelona was one of the scariest moments of my life and caused me so much trouble for the remainder of the trip.
Talk to Your Hosts
If you’re staying at a BnB or hostel, it’s a great idea to ask your hosts or the front desk attendant which areas to avoid and which areas are safe to walk around. These are locals who can generally be trusted, and they will have the best idea of where it’s okay for tourists to explore safely.
Go for a Group Tour
While I can absolutely understand the appeal of doing your own traveling at your own time and leisure, reputable group tours and day tours can actually be a great way to sightsee safely, especially in a country or area you are unfamiliar with. Bonus safety points if you don’t speak the language, as a tour guide will be there to ensure you don’t get taken advantage of.
Do Your Research
Be sure to look up information on the customs of the area you’re visiting, as well as things like acceptable dress and behaviours. It’s important to understand the rules on modesty, manners and more so that you can better integrate into the community and avoid standing out. Plus, it’s just polite!
Sightsee During the Day
This one is typically a given, but I wanted to mention it here, anyway. Try to get up early and get all your exploring done in daylight, while crowds and other tourists are out and about as well. While there may be a couple of other people in your pictures, you’ll be so much safer around other travelers just like you.
For Hikers
For all my fellow hikers out there, try to pick a well-trafficked trail or find a hiking buddy to go with. I rarely hike with others, since I so often travel by myself, so hiking during the day when other trekkers are around is crucial to my own hiking safety. There is strength and safety in numbers!
Local Emergency Numbers
Always know your local emergency numbers by heart, and keep your phone charged and on you at all times. I like to use the app 'Sitata,’ to track what’s going on in the area that I’m visiting. You put in your travel destinations, and it will list all the local local emergency numbers, nearby hospitals and any safety alerts that you should be aware of in the area.
Privacy
Never tell someone where you're staying or give out any personal information, even if they seem friendly. Your accommodation should be a safe place you can come back to at the end of the day.
Multiple Forms of Payment
Cards are just weird, sometimes, and should your credit or debit card get declined for any reason, you should always have a backup method of payment, especially for important things like accommodation, train/bus tickets, etc.
Separate Your Cash
Always keep your cash separated - keep some in your suitcase, in your pockets, in your purse or wallet etc. That way if you are unlucky enough to get pickpocketed, you won't be totally out of funds.
Passport and Important Documents
The safest place for your passport and all other important documents is in your hotel or accommodation (although there are a few specific countries that require you to have your passport on you at all times, so be sure to check out the info for your specific destination beforehand).
It’s also a good idea to make copies of all your important documents, that way in the unfortunate event that you do lose one of those things, you at least have a copy of it that will make navigating the rest of your trip and getting a replacement that much easier.
Have an Emergency Fund and Plan
I always make sure that I have a couple hundred dollars put away in case of emergencies. You could have to re-book a flight or call a cab you didn’t plan on needing or put down a deposit at your accommodation. There are too many unknowns when traveling to not have a backup plan. No matter how meticulously you plan your trip out - and, trust me, I have tried - some mishaps are just unavoidable and out of our control, so it’s always best to be prepared!
