Solo travel is becoming more and more popular, especially among women. Traveling alone is often a life-changing experience and helps build confidence, strength and independence. There is something invigorating about heading out on your own to a new destination where you are completely in control and responsible for your destiny. You have the freedom to do what you want and when you want. You have the ability to immerse yourself into cultural experiences. Solo travel really stretches you as a human, a traveler and a global citizen.
Whether you’re looking to solo travel for the first time or are a seasoned soloist, there are definitely a lot of things to be aware of and consider. Here are some easy, simple things you can do to have a safe and fun solo trip adventure.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Having awareness of your surroundings is always a good idea. This doesn’t mean you have to be a paranoid parrot all the time, but it does mean you should keep your nose out of your phone when walking, especially in areas you’re not comfortable. Pay attention to street lights, if you notice the same person appears at all your locations, if someone is trailing you back to your accommodation. Just be aware.
Trust Your Gut
If your gut has a funny feeling, trust if. If you get into a taxi and have an uneasy feeling, get out. If you’re out a restaurant or bar and someone approaches you and starts being pushy, trust that feeling and politely decline their offer. In the end, your gut usually has a great sense of good and bad, so trust it.
Keep Your Passport + Important Travel Documents Safe
Make sure that your passport, credit cards, money and other travel documents are safe. You can keep them on your body in a separate space than your purse or lock them up in the hotel safe. Another smart idea is to make a photo copy of your passport and have a few copies with you as well as give a copy to a friend or family member back home. That way, if something did happen and you needed to go to the Embassy to get a new one, they have something to start with.
Don’t Get Drunk
While it’s totally okay to enjoy yourself while traveling solo, you need to keep your wits about you especially when you’re alone. Limit your alcohol so you don’t get into a sticky situation where you’re drunk in a city you don’t know trying to find a hotel or hostel in the middle of the night. Just be smart and know your limits.
Share Your Location
Keep a family member or friend up-to-date on your current location. Give them a daily schedule of what city you’ll be in or maybe even a rough day by day itinerary if you have one. This will give them peace of mind, and it also is an extra security net for you. Another suggestion is to delay posting on social media your exact location. Instead of posting you’re at a little coffee shop in Budapest, wait until you’re at your next destination to post and tag your location.
Solo travel is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. You will push yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually during your journey. You will gain a sense of confidence and appreciate other cultures and people. The experiences and the people you meet along the way are often some of the best memories of the entire experience. Whether you plan your trip day-by-day and hour-by-hour or wing it when you arrive, you’ll definitely burn with a sense of wanderlust that will only fuel your life in the years to come. Be smart, be safe, and remember these few simple safety tips along your way and you’ll have the
experience
of a lifetime. Happy travels!