Tips On Staying Safe While Traveling Solo
No matter where you are in the world, you must always be aware of your surroundings, especially while traveling to a new country. I’ve composed a list of things I’ve learned while traveling solo these past 5 years. Although no amount of prevention can guarantee safety, following these simple rules can eliminate most problems.
Do Research
Before booking your flight to any destination, it’s important that you do some research. Check the weather, when is the best time to travel to that location? Verify if you need a visa before your arrival. Check the safety of the location, are there any riots going on? For more information, check out this article about prohibited countries that you should not visit.
Choosing The Right Accommodation Location
I prefer to stay in hotels when I travel solo rather than Airbnb due to many reasons. The main reason is that I feel safer being surrounded by hotel staff than being alone in an Airbnb. So when choosing my hotels, I always pick one that’s within walking distance of the nearest US Embassy and near an airport or train station. Lastly, I always read hotel reviews on Expedia and TripAdvisor.
Share Itinerary/Location With Loved Ones
Before I leave for any trip, I always share my detailed Itinerary with my parents that include my flight number and time I land, hotel address and phone number, and every activity I plan on doing. I check In daily with my close friends who have my location.
Bring Emergency Cash
Just in case an emergency may arise, I suggest packing an extra credit card and at least $200 in cash. I didn’t start doing this until I went to Malaysia. I used the ATM at the airport and it ate my card. Luckily, I had one card left to use for my one-month trip there. Check out the struggles I went through while in Malaysia here.
Print photocopies of important documents
I highly suggest printing a photocopy of your passport, driver's license, and visa before leaving for your vacation.
Staying Safe At Your Hotel
After my hotel check-in, I always locate an alternative exit and the nearest stairs just in case a disaster may occur. Also, while I'm out exploring, I always use the hotel safe to lock away any valuables, my passport, and extra cash.
Trust Your Intuition
Always trust your gut feeling. If you're having second thoughts about walking down a particular road, then don’t. If you feel like you're being followed, then go towards a crowded area and look for help. Never give personal information to anyone. No matter how nice they may seem. Never share where you're staying or that you're alone.
Stay Alert And Sober
Be mindful of your surroundings. If you do go out, do not drink to get drunk. Always watch your drink and never leave with people you don’t know.
Be Polite And Respect The Law
Before leaving, I'm sure you did proper research, but make sure you pay attention to how the citizens in the country you're visiting move. For explain, it’s illegal to jaywalk in Japan; in Dubai, it's illegal for unmarried couples to stay in certain hotel rooms together, and in some churches in Indonesia, it’s illegal to take pictures of some sacred grounds.
DON’T FLASH WEALTH
I don’t suggest wearing designer clothes or expensive jewelry in 3rd world countries. This could make you an easy target for thieves.
I hope this list is as helpful and informative to you as it was for me. Out of the 30+ countries I've visited, I only had 2 minor issues. You can read about my crazy trip to Cairo and Malaysia here to see how I used the tips above to fix the issues that occurred.
