Traveling alone is an amazing adventure with its own set of rewards, yet can also be intimidating if the appropriate measures are not taken to stay safe.
Solo travelers have some easy steps they can take to enhance their safety on the road, following these simple tips will do.
Know Where You’re Going
Solo travel can be both thrilling and daunting at the same time, taking a step of faith when booking tickets can be scary; knowing where you’re headed helps set expectations so that you can fully enjoy yourself!
Researching your travel destination enables you to gain more knowledge of its culture, discover effective transport modes and identify any areas of concern. Furthermore, research helps ensure you choose lodgings which are both safe and suitable for your needs.
Do not let fear of looking like a tourist destroy your experience. Instead, embrace local culture by attending street festivals, sporting events and community activities – they provide great opportunities to mix with locals and make new friends! Just make sure your spidey senses are ready when something seems wrong – sooner you pay heed to your intuition, the sooner things will improve!
Know Who You’re With
Be it from friends and family criticizing you as irresponsible or from yourself with visions of worst-case scenarios, there can be plenty that go wrong on an independent trip. Don’t let these worries deter you from fulfilling your travel dreams!
In order to remain safe when travelling solo, it’s essential that you know who and where you’re with. Knowing where your destination lies and booking accommodation that offers ample protection can all help ease any unnecessary anxiety or concerns about budget constraints before your arrival.
Learn the customs and culture of each country you visit before traveling there, learn basic words in their local language, carry a map or guidebook in case you get lost, project a confident appearance to deter potential robbers and muggers, take self-defence classes if your destination is known to be unsafe, etc.
Know Your Limits
No matter what kind of traveler you are, knowing your limits can help you avoid some of the more risky solo travel hazards. For instance, if you feel tired during a hike it is okay to turn back if necessary.
Keep an eye on your comfort levels in any accommodations that you plan on staying in during your solo travel adventure, especially on an adventurous trip. For example, sleeping in a cave might require additional security precautions such as personal alarm and portable lock products to secure it properly.
Trust your intuition; if something doesn’t feel quite right, it probably is. Solo travel can be both thrilling and daunting at the same time; with some planning and safety measures in place they can become some of the most rewarding adventures! Just do your research beforehand. r/solotravel maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards racism, sexism, bigotry, homophobia or harassment of any sort and any member violating that policy will be immediately banned without warning or remedy.
Know Yourself
Solo travel presents one of the greatest challenges: learning to trust oneself and one’s environment. For those used to being around others all the time, solo trips require long periods alone which may prove challenging – yet can yield significant rewards!
Be mindful of how you carry yourself. Predators tend to prey upon those who look lost or uncertain, so try your best to exude confidence – look at people in the eye, walk with intention and purpose and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
Finally, be prepared for any emergencies or mishaps that might arise while traveling solo. Packing essentials like vitamin C tablets and electrolyte packets will go far towards keeping you safe on the road while feeling your best. It is also wise to stay away from telling strangers where you’re staying or using apps that broadcast this information constantly.
