Have you ever thought about traveling all alone? There are plenty of benefits to solo travel, like being able to explore new places at your own pace without having to wait for or catch up to travel companions. You won’t be overwhelmed with everyone else’s needs and schedules. Plus, you get time to yourself to enjoy beautiful scenery, peaceful meals and extra time at the landmarks or attractions that most interest you.
It’s normal to feel some nervousness or discomfort about the prospect of traveling alone, especially if you’re planning a trip to a different country where you may not know anyone. Luckily, there are some smart ways to stay safe while traveling solo.
Here are some suggestions to help you feel more secure when traveling alone:
Share Your Travel Plans With Family or Trusted Friends and Always Stay Connected
Send your travel itinerary, hotel reservation information and details of any planned activities to a family member or friend back home. Also, before any solo excursions, let the hotel staff know where you’re headed and when you expect to return.
Avoid Reckless Behaviors and Use Common Sense
Many of the following tips apply wherever you venture out solo — even in your hometown.
- Don’t drink too much and keep your drinks in your line of sight. Avoid going anywhere alone with a stranger.
- Pay attention to those around you when you are walking, hiking or driving.
- If you feel uncomfortable, walk into a public place like a restaurant or catch up with a large group of people.
- If someone asks if you are traveling alone, say you are on your way to meet a spouse, relative or friend.
Get Travel Insurance
Protect yourself, and the investment you’ve made in your trip, from unforeseen events. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance can help reimburse you for covered losses like those caused by weather, natural disasters, some illnesses and other issues. Other travel insurance policies can help protect you from unexpected medical and evacuation expenses, as well as losses caused by baggage delays, theft and more.
Research your solo travel destination
Learn about your destination’s safest neighborhoods and if there are any areas you should avoid. Learn the safest routes to take and best forms of public transportation. Understanding more about the area you’re visiting can help you choose lodgings with good safety ratings.
When possible, reserve a room above the ground floor but not too far from the lobby and hotel amenities. Once you’ve checked in, keep your door locked with the security chain fastened when in the room, and don’t answer the door if you are not expecting hotel staff or visitors.
Lock up your valuables
One of the first things you should do on arrival is to lock away your passport, documents, money and cards you don’t need, and other valuables.
Also, leave your diamond necklace and tiara at home.