By / MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network Editorial Team, compiled and reported
Traveling alone may sound romantic and spontaneous, but in reality, unexpected situations can occur at any time during your trip. Compared to traveling with friends, solo travel requires paying more attention to details and safety. Here are seven preparations and suggestions for solo travelers, hoping to make every solo journey smoother and safer!
Be well prepared, and traveling alone can be very safe. (Image source / wherecoolthingshappen)
● Book your accommodation in advance
If you're traveling alone, it's best to book your accommodation ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to read reviews about the hotel and learn about the surrounding area, saving you a lot of trouble. When choosing, in addition to considering price, it’s better to opt for accommodations located near bustling streets.
● Prepare for your trip in advance
Although your itinerary can be flexible and spontaneous when traveling alone, it’s still wise to do some basic research on your destination beforehand, especially if you’re going somewhere where you don’t speak the language—you could easily find yourself feeling helpless and become an easy target. It’s recommended to prepare a map and simple translation tools to help you find your way and get assistance.
● Make a copy of your passport
It’s advisable to prepare copies of important documents before you leave. If you unfortunately encounter robbery or lose your documents, you’ll at least have proof of your identity. If you’re still worried, you can also take photos or scan these materials into digital files for emergencies.
● Meet new people in public places
If you arrange to meet new people through websites or apps before or during your trip, it’s recommended to meet in public places—preferably somewhere you can sit for a while, that’s comfortable, crowded, and well-lit, which is safer for both parties.
● Prepare safety-related items
When traveling alone, you need to know how to take care of yourself and also how to protect yourself. It’s recommended to prepare small items such as anti-theft hidden straps, whistles, and combination locks for added security.
● Share your accommodation info or itinerary with family and friends
If you already know your upcoming itinerary and accommodation, regularly update your family or friends back home. Besides letting them know you're safe, it also adds an extra layer of protection for yourself.
● Stay alert at all times
When traveling alone, always pay attention to your surroundings. Keep your valuables with you at all times and don’t let your drinks or food out of your sight. Also, if a stranger approaches or provokes you, the best response is to ignore them and leave quickly.