Solo travelling opens doors to new adventures and experiences. It presents an excellent opportunity to live in the moment at different places on your terms and a chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Most countries welcome solo travellers with open hearts – and that’s your cue to venturing into the unknown! Still, if you’re feeling anxious – you shouldn’t let that feeling stop you from experiencing great things. In fact, with the right tips – you are sure to travel enjoyably and safely.
So, whether this is your first time or tenth, we have compiled a list of the best safety tips for travelling alone to put your heart at ease.
Try to spend most of your time in public
Believe it or not, spending a larger proportion of time travelling outside your accommodation is an excellent strategy for staying safe abroad. It may sound counterintuitive, but this ensures that you will have many people surrounding you when emergencies occur and to assist you when you need it.
If you are in public and in need of medical evacuation, you can first rest easy and secured knowing that there are many people around you who can offer assistance. This will give you reassurance as you’re waiting for the air ambulance to arrive; so, keep calm as help is on the way!
Keep someone updated about your location
Always keep someone updated on where you are going and where you intend to be for the rest of your day. A good idea would be to text or call your parents or a friend every day in the morning before you set off.
It would also be good to give them your hotel details and any other relevant information. Having such information allows them to have an alternative point of contact if something important crops up back at home.
Moreover, in the case of a natural disaster at your location, having a location update may make a difference between them, knowing whether you might need help or not.
Keep an eye out for your personal belongings
Theft is perhaps one of the topmost security concerns of solo travellers. You should have your passport, phone, identification documents, wallet, and other essential belongings with you at all times. An interesting method adopted by many travellers would be to use an anti-theft backpack carried on their person at all times.
You should also pay special attention when at densely populated public places where theft may potentially occur, especially at bus stops and markets. Keeping anything in your pockets is cautioned against, as pickpocketing is very common against travellers, especially in Europe.
Conclusion
Even though the chances of something terrible happening are low, you should always be prepared for the worst. For better communication in times of emergencies, learning the local language of your destination is recommended.
Travelling solo may seem scary, but once you embark on the journey, think positively, be alert, use common sense, and all shall be well.
