Solo travel has been gaining popularity in recent years, since 2016 there’s been a 131% growth in Google searches for ‘solo travel’? Add to that about 11% of the world travel market consists of solo travellers with the majority of those being women.
Well, there’s no doubt that travelling alone has its charmโฆ
But, there are some downsides to travelling alone, above all is the potential lack of safety!
Read through the SEVEN tips below to make sure you’re safe while you enjoy your time globetrotting on your own.
1) Research Your Destination in Advance
Remember the case of the English girl who posed naked on Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia and got arrested on obscenity charges?
The thing is, not every place on earth is precisely the same as your hometown.
There are hundreds of different cultures, traditions and customs across the world, and you must do the homework and study your destination well in advance.
Get familiar with local criminal laws and general customs regarding clothing, foods, etc.
Also, doing some extra research on the crime rate, harassment, and tourist stories will help you prepare better for your tour.
2) Keep In Touch With Your Family & Friends
Many people post their travel pictures on their social media profiles which is a good ideaโฆ
So, whether you do it to show off or just show up, the point is that your friends and family will then know where you are and what the current status of your travel is.
Also, if possible, trust your family and close friends with your itinerary details and whereabouts.
Someone close to you should always know your travel plans just in case you lost your way, or worst-case scenario: go missing.
3) Put Your Money In Different Places
Putting all your valuables in one place is a foolish thing to do, particularly when on the road.
Keep your credit cards, cash and travel documents all in separate places.
For example, distribute the money between your wallet, purse and pockets while only carrying a copy of your passport when sightseeing and keeping the real thing back in the hotel safe.
4) Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
Nowadays, choosing safe and reliable accommodation when on tour is easier than ever before, with all the online reviews just a click away.
Be sure to check Google reviews for the hotel you’re interested in when booking a room.
Think about booking a room close to the elevator and somewhere near an active part of a resort.
Make sure you check on the windows and doors of your hotel room twice before you go to sleep.
5) Get Travel Insurance
This is a no-brainer hopefully, particularly if you have invested lots of money in your trip.
Travel insurance will keep your mind at peace because you’ll know if you ever have to cut your trip short for any reason, you’ll be reimbursed.
Also, with insurance, your medical needs in case of an emergency will be taken care of well.
You can get a travel insurance quote via our recommended travel insurance supplier here
6) Be Wary of Getting Drunk
It’s not the best idea to get overly drunk in a place where you don’t know anyone, and potentially at the mercy of those who you know nothing about.
Try to keep your alcohol consumption in check when travelling alone, and only drink with people you know you can trust.
Of course, it’s best NOT to drink at all while touring solo, but if you can’t be a teetotaler, at least drink within a limit and always when it’s safe.
7) Travel solo, but as part of a group
I know this sounds crazy, but consider joining a group tour. There are so many fantastic organised tours out there that are incredibly welcoming to solo travellers, and don’t have solo supplements, so you won’t pay extra because you are solo.
There are also dedicated solo tours available, so you can travel with fellow solo travellers.