It’s scary to think about traveling alone to another country where you don’t know anyone. I was terrified on my first solo trip abroad. In fact, I’m still afraid every single time I plan a trip. But I go anyway, and I am always so glad I did.
I can’t say that I haven’t encountered a few potentially dangerous situations. And I’m not going to promise that if you follow these tips, you will be “safe”, because I think that as women, sadly, we can never truly feel completely safe when we are alone in the world.
But sometimes we are even more at risk for being unsafe at home in our own backyards, so we can’t let our feelings of nervousness or anxiety keep us from living the most exciting lives possible.
If we use some of the tips below, at least we can put ourselves in a position where we are less likely to be targets. By using the tips below, we can make it as difficult as possible so that potential thieves, scammers and con artists might simply give up and move on to the next target.
Top Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
Walk confidently, and appear like you know exactly where you are going
Copy passport and ids and text and email copies to a relative or friend, and yourself
Take a self defense class
Have your first nights accommodation booked
Use your phone for safety apps, maps, location/ find me and Emergency numbers
Download Google translate in the language locals speak before your trip (it will work even with no WIFI)
Unlock your phone and get an International plan
Enroll in STEP STEP; Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
Screenshot Google maps directions when you have WiFi
Look for hostels with lockers
Read your accommodations reviews
Know all the exits in your hotel/ hostel/ accommodations
Share your location with someone
Take a photo of the address of your hotel/ accommodation, but also carry the business card/ address of where you/re staying
Tell friends or hotel staff and your itinerary roughly when you’ll return
Try to learn the local public transportation/ trains/subways/ buses before you go
Memorize number of emergency contact
Carry a simple Dollar store door stopper with you
Backup photos memories on your friends phone too
Do prior research on local scams
Connect with Local GLT (Girls Love Travel) members
Connect with local Couchsurfing.org members
Know the local laws, especially where sex and even kissing is illegal
Avoid getting drunk
Try to have someone meet you at the airport
Have the local emergency and police numbers on speed dial
Pay a bit extra for your safety
Read about popular tourist scams in that country on the US Embassy website
Separate money, and always hide an emergency stash. (Try this hairbrush money stash safe)
Always trust your instincts
Do not worry about being a nice girl
Try to arrive in the daytime
Watch scam city on Amazon Prime
Pay to go to a beach club or crash a resort it’s safer
Befriend a family who may watch your things while you swim
What are some of the things you do to stay safer while traveling? Please share your tips with us below!
NIce info, must-read type. Thanks for sharing