Traveling alone always sounds appealing. You can arrange your itinerary however you like: go on a shopping spree at various malls, indulge in local delicacies as a foodie, or embrace your inner artsy soul by visiting every museum and exploring every corner of the city. Without the constraints of a tour group, you can experience each destination in your own way. But along with this freedom come potential dangers. The Huffington Post has summarized seven safety tips for solo travelers to help you enjoy your trip more securely.
1. Say No to “Thrill-Seeking”
Climbing in Turkey to watch the sunrise may sound like an exciting story, but if you get injured while traveling alone, you might not even live to tell it. Save extreme sports for when you have companions. Also, make sure to get travel insurance just in case.
2. Stay Connected
At the very least, let a family member or friend know which hotel you’re staying at and your next destination. Send emails regularly to keep loved ones updated on how you’re doing. Don’t reduce communication with family and friends just because you’ve made new acquaintances on the road. Don’t hesitate to share enviable photos from your journey online.
3. Don’t Wear Headphones
While music and travel often go hand in hand, wearing headphones while traveling alone can make you less aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to your environment, and save the good music for your hotel room.
4. Don’t Advertise That You’re Alone
Traveling solo is indeed a brave decision—and something to be proud of. But keep your stories to trusted friends and family, not strangers in a bar. Letting strangers know you’re alone isn’t wise. If you encounter bad people, you could easily find yourself in danger, all on your own.
5. Be Cautious with Your Drinks
Some savvy travelers only drink sealed canned beer because it’s less likely to be tampered with. So if you’re drinking, order sealed canned beer or carefully watch the bartender prepare your drink. Finally, take the main road back to your hotel.
6. Dress According to Local Customs
Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, one key to staying safe is blending in with the local culture. Dressing inappropriately only amplifies your “tourist” vibe (and holding a map certainly doesn’t help). Before visiting a place, learn about its customs. For example, in fashionable Italy, some restaurants and churches don’t allow visitors wearing sandals. In Ukraine and Russia, dull leather shoes or overly casual attire (like hoodies and jeans) may draw disapproving looks. In Dubai, showing strong emotions in public is frowned upon. So do your research in advance, respect local customs, and dress accordingly. If you’re planning a spontaneous trip, pack a few scarves—they can serve as shawls, skirts, headscarves, or even eye masks on long bus rides.
7. Keep an Open Mind
Talk to other travelers or locals and exchange useful information—like which hostels are great or where you can find a bed and breakfast—to foster a helpful atmosphere. Chat with your hostel owner to learn about group activities. If you’re into giving back, volunteering is a great way to meet locals. Also, don’t be afraid to dine alone—it’s not only easy to find a seat, but also a great opportunity to gather intel on which places are worth visiting and which are overhyped.