Staying Safe While Travelling Solo: 8 Things to Do to Protect Yourself

Heading off on a big solo trip comes with so much excitement, and it can be risky, especially if you're not careful. You're going on your own, after all, so you won't have the safety blanket that everyone else has when traveling with their friends or family.

This should be a fun adventure for yourself; nobody to dictate your plans, just you and the open road. However, there are some things you can do to protect yourself, just in case you run into some problems along the way, which we'll show you in this post.

Do Your Research on the Place You're Visiting

Knowing as much as possible about the place you're visiting is important before you arrive. You'll be spending time there, so you'll need to know the dos and don'ts, information about local customs, and any scams to watch out for.

You're probably saying to yourself, 'How am I going to find all this out?' Utilize the internet, talk to people who've been there, or buy one of the Lonely Planet books written about your chosen destination.

Another thing to do is try to meet and chat with some local people when you get there, whether it's a person working in a hostel you're staying at or someone you get chatting with in a cafe.

Take out a Travel Insurance Policy Beforehand

Travel insurance is a lifeline in case you get in trouble while on the road. It covers you in an emergency, such as a missed flight or an unexpected accident.

You'd be surprised by the many problems you might encounter on your travels, most of them can't be controlled. While not all of these are detrimental, some may be expensive, so having travel insurance will cover your costs.

Always Carry a Copy of Your Documents

Having some form of identification will help you if you ever get into some hassle with the police. While most officers won't bother you, but if you don't have it on you and you get into conversation with a corrupt official, they may try to see if they can get some money out of you.

They'll use all kinds of tactics if they're desperate for money, so doing this gives you peace of mind, knowing they can't scam you with this one thing.

Don't Tell People Where You're Staying

We get it, you finally escaped life's stresses, and it's just you and your backpack, but remember, there are opportunists everywhere, and if they find out you're alone, they'll see you as an easy target and try to get to you in whatever way they can.

Unless you really trust someone, you shouldn't be telling them where you're staying because they can do all kinds of things to take advantage of you as they know where to find you at all times.

If someone asks where you're staying, you can just tell them a random area or part of town. Don't be specific; keep it simple, and don't feel bad for lying. Your safety should be your number one priority when you're abroad.

Avoid Posting in Real-Time on Social Media

It's hard not to want to show people what you're doing in real time while traveling, but resisting the urge and waiting a few days can protect you from malicious actors.

Anyone who really wants to see what you're doing online can do so if they try hard enough. They don't need to follow you on Instagram or have friends with you on Facebook to see your stuff; they just need to use some sketchy tactics, and they'll be able to find out before you know it.

Once you've left the place you're in, then go ahead and post online, but when you share in real-time, everyone knows where you are, those good and bad.

Don't Walk Home Alone After Dark

Walking home in the dark is a major no-go for tourists. You're already vulnerable as it is in a place that isn't your home country, but when you go for a stroll in the dark around an unfamiliar area, that's just adding unnecessary risk that you don't need.

Sometimes, we get ourselves into situations where we don't have anyone to walk home with, but if that's the case, you should try to take a taxi, as the risks are far less.

Have Some Drinks, but Don't Get Too Drunk

Traveling solo is all about meeting people, and what better way to do it than by smashing a few beers or vodkas, right? Of course, go have some drinks and loosen up a little, but remember, if you get too drunk, you'll lose your inhibitions and put yourself at risk.

Spacing tourists' drinks is quite common in some countries, particularly party destinations. One minute, you're on top of the world; the next, you don't know where you are; some random person has taken you to an ATM, withdrawn all your money, and waved goodbye.

This is how easily it happens, so just be careful. Buy your own drinks and watch the bartender make them.

Make Sure Your Phone Is Charged at All Times

Try to keep your phone charged whenever you can; you never know when you might need it. Your card with all your money on it could get blocked, and you need to access your mobile banking, or someone could be following you, so you might want to call the police.

Consider buying a power bank to ensure you have some battery on your phone. Before you leave your accommodation, charge it up, and then whenever your phone runs out of battery, connect it, and you'll be back to 100% in no time.

It's Better to Be Safe Than Sorry!

Traveling solo is one of the best ways to see the world; you learn so much about yourself and grow as a person. By following these tips, you'll always know you're one step ahead of any trouble that might cross your path.