Traveling alone, stepping into the unknown and exploring new places without being held back by a companion who may want to spend all day on the beach or whatever, is a great way to really get to know yourself and the planet.
However, being alone when you travel means that you need to take safety even more seriously. Here are some tips that will help you with that.
- Pepper Spray
It’s compact, easy to use, and highly effective at giving you time to escape a sticky situation. Think of it as your personal fire-breathing dragon in a can or maybe even a pepper spray gun. Just be sure to check the legalities of carrying it in whatever exotic locale you find yourself in. You don’t want your self-defense tool to land you in a foreign jail, where your biggest adventure becomes befriending a rat named Gerald.
- Trust Your Gut: Your Built-In Alarm System
Your gut is smarter than you give it credit for. It’s that little voice that tells you, “Maybe don’t follow that sketchy-looking rabbit down the alleyway.” If something feels off, listen to that instinct. It’s better to miss out on what could have been the world’s best kebab than to ignore your sixth sense and end up in a real pickle.
- Make Copies of Important Documents
Imagine this: you’re ready to head home after your epic solo adventure, but oops – your passport decided it wanted a longer vacation. Always have copies (digital and physical) of your important documents. It’s like having a backup save in a video game; you might never need it, but oh boy, are you grateful when you do.
4. Keep Your Belongings Close
Wearing a money belt isn’t the height of fashion, but neither is getting your wallet stolen by a pickpocket with the dexterity of a street magician. Keep your valuables close and stay aware of your surroundings. It’s like being in a relationship with your backpack – for better or for worse, in crowded places and in solitude.
- Learn Basic Phrases in the Local Language
Knowing how to say “help,” “bathroom,” and “another beer, please” in the local tongue can be a game-changer. It’s not just practical; it shows respect for the culture you’re visiting. Plus, it can win you smiles and help in unexpected places, proving that sometimes, words are mightier than the map app you can’t use because you forgot to download offline maps.
- Check In Regularly: Letting Your Mom Know You’re Alive
Whether it’s a daily Instagram post or a quick message to a trusted friend, regular check-ins are key. It reassures your loved ones that you haven’t been abducted by aliens and provides a breadcrumb trail of your whereabouts. Plus, it’s an excuse to gloat about your adventures to everyone back home.
- Embrace the Art of Blending In
The less you stand out, the less attention you’ll draw from the wrong kind of people. This doesn’t mean you need to mimic local fashion down to the traditional wooden clogs, but maybe leave the “I Love NY” shirt and the camera strap at home. Blending in is about respecting the local culture and avoiding being pegged as a tourist with a capital “T.”
Solo travel is exhilarating, mind-expanding and lots of fun, especially when you do it safely!