The solo travel concept has soared in popularity over the last two years, allowing people to enjoy new experiences without worrying about having someone to go with.
Solo travel might sound quite daunting, but there are some practical safety habits you should consider, to ensure you enjoy yourself without the risk of anything negative happening during your trip.
Choosing Accommodation With Safety In Mind
Pick your accommodation in well-lit central neighborhoods. Read recent unbiased reviews, looking for comments about safety, staff responsiveness and noise. Locations near transport and central services will reduce the time you spend alone on the streets.
Choose hotels or hostels with a 24-hour reception and a secure entry. This limits who can enter the building, and give you a contact if something goes wrong. If you choose to stay in a hostel, choose one that offers female-only dorms or private rooms for when you need extra security.
Before you start unpacking your luggage into the room, check that the door has a sturdy lock.
You can even bring a portable door lock for added protection in unfamiliar rooms. Use a phone lanyard to keep your cell phone secure and reachable, when you’re moving around the accommodation.
Use anti-theft bags and a crossbody bag to keep your essentials close by. Keep your passports and some extra cash in a money belt under your clothes, or in a hidden pouch. Carry a personal alarm which you can get to easily, as a loud sound often deters attackers and draws help.
Researching Local Customs And Cultural Expectations
Read official travel advice and local guides, looking for customs about dress, greetings, public behavior and gender norms, so you can plan your outfits and actions to reduce unwanted attention.
Use travel apps and sites like Viator, to find reputable local tours and meet guides who know the neighborhood well.
Set up location sharing on your phone, so when you’re away, you’re able to share your exact location with a friend whilst you’re away.
Download offline maps and save key addresses to your phone. Offline maps help you navigate when you don’t reception, and reduces the need for you to ask for directions from strangers at night.
Learn a few basic phases in the local language, with simple words like no, help and polite greetings to show respect.
Blending In And Avoiding Unwanted Attention
You want to blend into local life, to reduce the chance of standing out when traveling solo. Dress to match the local norms, avoiding expensive and flashy jewelry or expensive cameras left hanging where anyone can see them.
Keep your body language relaxed and purposeful when you’re walking around. Look like you know where you are going, by checking maps discreetly, or step into a coffee shop to plan your route.
Trust your natural instincts about people and places. If something doesn’t feel right, move to a busier spot or enter a shop. Keep emergency numbers handy, and like I said above, share your whereabouts and plans with someone at home, so they know where you are and where you’re going.
Trusting Your Instincts In Unfamiliar Situations
Your body and mind pick up small cues, like a tone of voice, body language or the layout of a street, that your conscious brain might miss.
Trusting your instincts does not mean acting on fear alone. Use them as an early warning sign, and pair them with basic “situational awareness”.
Practice simple checks to confirm your sense of danger. Ask yourself if you can leave safely, if anyone is watching you closely and do you have a clear route.
Carry a charged phone, share your location with a friend and keep your important numbers handy.