Say you score a super cheap flight, then realize that your best friend wasn’t quick enough to hop on the awesome travel deal with you. Now, you have two options – help her score a flight by splitting the cost, or start packing your bags for a solo excurision. The latter is probably a bit more feasible, but can be a bit daunting. Board a flight, stay in a hotel, hit the bar – all by yourself? If that’s all that comes to mind, then you’re traveling solo all wrong. Traveling the world party of 1, can be super relaxing, meditative, adventurous, and all around bad ass – not to mention you get to do what you want, when you want, how you want. Wether traveling one city over or one continent away, safety is key to ensure your have a good time on your own. To help you get out of doubt and onto the plane – we’ve asked travel experts from all over, what you an do to stay safe while on the road. Check out what they had to say here:
Emily, Place Pass
Traveling solo? Wear a (non-flashy) ring on your ring finger, even if you’re not married. It can help deter unwarranted attention.
Also – If you’re using public transportation late at night or in an unfamiliar setting, sit in the car closest to the conductor. It will be easier for you to access help if needed – and you may find a few other women sitting there, too!
Elizabeth Avery – Solo Trekker
Always have access to emergency funds from home. Have a daily check-in with friends or family and choose a hotel or other lodging with a restaurant on-site if the neighborhood is not ideal for going out alone at night.
Kelly Hayes-Rait – House Sit Diva
Become a house sitter (saves a bundle, too!). When traveling live in someone else’s home and care for their home and pets while they are away. You’ll feel safer living in and walking around an area that’s not a magnet for pickpockets or scammers who prey on obvious tourists. If you’re caring for a dog — that’s added protection, as well!
Arden Cove’s new line of Anti-Theft Waterproof Crossbody Bags are both fashionable and functional! Each bag has full body anti-slash lining, a cut-proof and detachable strap, locking zippers, RFID protection with a built-in wallet, and a fully waterproof exterior & zippers! Venture out in style and with peace-of-mind, especially while traveling solo.
Anna, Flight Deals Hound
Whenever you arrive at your hotel/hostel, always ask the front desk where NOT to go. People who work at the front desk are usually locals or at least people have stayed in the area for few years. They know the city and neighborhoods well. Ask them where crimes usually happen and what are some common traps tourists usually run into. Remember them and follow their tips!
Also – In emergencies, yell out “fire” instead of “help“. Sadly, sometimes others are reluctant to emerge when they hear help as they are uncertain of the situation. Most people will be more curious when they hear fire and want to find out what is going on. That curiosity might help you in bad situations.
Natalie Tanner, The Educational Tourist
Looking into local customs and cultural expectations before you leave home can really add a layer of safety to your trip. Wearing clothing, for example, that matches the locals in modesty can help you blend into the culture and give you a deeper and richer traveling experience. Local residents will continue on their normal lives without stopping or changing for a ‘tourist’. Additionally, if you fit in with the locals, you will be less likely to be targeted for any tourist ‘scam’. Travel smart and soak up wonderful experiences at the same time!
Trang, Travel with Trang
Download the phone app: Maps.me. It’s good for when you are getting lost or are trying to get somewhere. No wifi or data is needed; you can use it offline. Also, make sure to download the country’s map before you get to the country. This saved me a lot when I entered a new country and hopped of the train and had to figure out where my hostel at night was and was able to walk in the right direction.
In addition, you can pretend as if you don’t know a word of the native language, if you’re being hit on and you’re uninterested. If approached start speaking in a different language and eventually they’ll give up trying to talk to you.
Trish Kannelly, Remote Year
When in a place alone and it feels a bit sketchy, work the word “boyfriend or husband” into the conversation, this gives the illusion that you’re not alone and that someone could be meeting you at any moment.
Also – use the two wallet trick – keep one wallet one you that has $20 in it as well as your real wallet. If someone tries to mug you, give them your decoy wallet, so they leave you alone.
Justin Lavelle, Been Verified
Request a Specific Hotel Room. When booking your hotel room, request a room on the third to fifth floor. You’re automatically safer by not being on the ground floor due to access from outside. But you also increase your safety by not going above the fifth floor in the event of a fire. Once you check into the hotel, find the exits for both the elevator and stairway.
Caitlin Hoff, ConsumerSafety.org
Check the hotel room entry points. No matter where you are staying, a hostel, hotel, or bed and breakfast, check the windows and doors in your room before sleeping or leaving for the day. Make sure all locks are working and securely fastened.
Roni – RoniTheTravelGuru.com
Don’t check in on social media until you are leaving. There is no reason to tell everyone exactly where you are in the exact moment you are there.
Amy Schwartz – Unleashsurf.com
Arrive during the day.
Travel Agency of Brazil
If you know you’re going somewhere to purchase something and you think you’ll have to negotiate or haggle, ask your hotel, hostel or travel agent about the average price. When you’re confident about these sorts of things, you look like less of a tourist to those around you – which makes you less of a target.
