Solo travel can be extremely rewarding. It’s a great way to see the world and get to know yourself better. You’ll meet exciting people and see fun things.
But there are extra precautions you need to take while traveling alone. There won’t be anyone else watching out for you. You need to plan a bit more.
Safety should always be your first priority when traveling. Here are a few tips to keep you safe on your next trip.
- Do Your Research
Make sure that the destination you’re visiting is safe.
This is important for all travelers, but it’s particularly true for female travelers. Look on travel blogs and websites to hear from other travelers.
Check out the warnings and information from the state department, too. Look up the crime rates and ask people who’ve been how safe they felt.
It’s fun to visit exciting and adventurous places, but it’s better to stay safe. There are places that you probably just shouldn’t visit.
Research things like public transportation ahead of time, too. See how you will get to and from your hotel.
You might have to splurge on a taxi instead of public transport to stay safe.
- Know Your Rights
Check the regulations of the country you’re visiting.
If you’re traveling for work or a remote worker, knowing the regulations regarding travel is also important.
Even freelancers can use travel booking services like Hotel Engine to help book things that are safe. And these expenses can usually be written off as a business expense!
Tax laws get very complicated when you work internationally.
Familiarizing yourself with the law is always a good idea. Failing to follow the rules can result in heavy fines or even job loss. Avoid this problem altogether by doing your research ahead of time.
Know your legal rights as well. That way if you get into trouble outside of the country you’re prepared. Of course, you should always follow foreign laws.
It’s usually illegal to take drugs and even some medications across international lines. You don’t want to end up in a foreign prison for a silly thing like drug possession.
Knowing your passenger rights is also important. In some countries, you are entitled to money if your flight is canceled.
It’s always important to keep receipts so you can receive compensation.
- Pack Well
There are safe and unsafe ways to pack.
For example, keeping all of your money in one place is not a good idea. Don’t rely entirely on credit cards. Not all countries will take your card.
Always keep local cash with you. Keeping extra American cash is a good idea as well. Just spread it out in your luggage in case something is stolen.
Don’t keep your passport in a spot where it’s easy to reach.
Having a bag that locks is a good idea. You also want jackets with interior and zippered pockets.
Professional pickpockets are something to watch out for.
- Stay Alert
You should always be aware of your surroundings.
If it helps you feel safe, learn some martial arts basics. Here are some things from the Karate Blog to get you started.
Stay away from people who look suspicious. And stay in areas that are well-lighted and around other people.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. You don’t want your senses to be suppressed while you’re traveling in a foreign place. You never know what could happen.
Be aware of what you are eating and drinking, too. If something seems like it isn’t a good idea to eat, don’t eat it.
Getting sick while traveling isn’t fun.
- Safety Budget
You could have unexpected costs come up.
It’s good to have an emergency budget. Have an emergency cash stash. Also make sure that you have enough access to money in your bank account.
Splurging on a luxury vacation is nice, but you need to be prepared.
You never know when you might have to stay longer because of an emergency. And you might not know when you have to fly back home because of something unexpected.
Start by traveling cheaply so you can spend more later if there’s extra.
Conclusion
Traveling solo is perfectly safe. But you do have to be more aware.