Travelling by yourself isn’t for everyone, but for some people, solo travelling is their everything. Travelling by yourself can bring with it challenges and safety concerns though. Being alone in a foreign city, perhaps unable to speak the language, and with no one by your side for backup is nerve-wracking, to say the least!
If solo-travel is something which you’re considering, or even if it’s something which you’ve done many times before, these safety tips are worth keeping in mind.
First off, trust your instincts.
There’s a lot to be said for trusting your gut. If something about a situation makes you uneasy or something about it seems off, then there’s no judgement in walking away. If something doesn’t feel right, even if you can’t put your finger on it, listen to your instincts.
Second, don’t over-imbibe.
By staying sober, or at least by not getting drunk, you keep control of your faculties and will be better able to read your surroundings for signs of potential trouble. Staying sober just keeps you safer. Besides, if you’re travelling, you want to make amazing memories, not be unable to remember anything you did!
Carry a fake wallet.
Put a few cancelled credit cards and a small amount of money in it, while at the same time, keeping your real valuables well-hidden (in the sole of your shoe is a good idea, or in an under-clothing money belt). With a fake wallet, if you do get pickpocketed, you won’t lose everything and it should be enough to make thieves think they’ve succeeded and leave you alone.
Make copies of important documents.
Take photos of your important documents such as your identity card and insurance cards so that you have a digital copy should something happen to the paper copy.
Let people know where you are.
If you have a basic itinerary, let friends and family know what it is in case something should happen. It’s also worth having a regular check-in method (maybe a blog, or text messages, or just an instant message from an internet café every few days). This way, if you don’t make contact because something has happened, people will know to raise the alarm.
What other safety tips for solo travellers would you recommend?
