Traveling Solo: 12 Tips to Help You Stay Safe on Your Own

Traveling alone can be a whole different experience from traveling with your friends or family. In a group, there can be safety in numbers, but going on your own requires a few extra precautions.

If you’re planning a solo trip, consider these 12 tips for a safer, happier time of it.

1) Be street smart.

Be well prepared. Carry cash, a guidebook, map and a phrase book. Hold your head up and walk purposefully. And look like you know where you're going, Rick Steves advises on his website.

2) Be aware.

Take notice of where you are, the people around you, and what’s on your person as you travel, TravelChannel.com writes. Rick Steves suggests that you stay with a group when exploring, and avoid walking alone at night, particularly in dark areas.

3 ) Always trust your gut instinct.

If something doesn't feel right, don't do it. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, leave, said HuffingtonPost.com. If you feel like you're being followed, trust your gut instinct. Don't worry about overreacting or being foolish. If the situation warrants it, act crazy and start screaming, warns Rick Steves.

4) Pack light.

Over-packing slows you down. The less stuff you pack, the easier it is to quickly move around, said HuffPost.

5) Don't draw a lot of attention to yourself.

Having nice things is great, but it's best not to advertise. Leave the large, expensive jewelry at home.

6) Learn to be firm.

TravelChannel.com recommended that you state your boundaries with a clear “No.” Alter your body language, or simply move away. Be polite, but be firm.

7) Share your travel information.

CNTraveler.com encourages you to make sure someone back home has your travel information — flights, hotels, and other important details. This gives your loved ones peace of mind and gives you a backup, if something goes wrong.

8) Stay in contact with folks back home.

Be in touch with your family and friends while you're traveling. This lets them know you've safely reached your next destination.

9) Make copies of important documents.

Be sure to have copies of your passport, social security card, and other important documents, and keep them separate from the originals, wrote CNTraveler.com. If you lose any documents or get robbed, it is easier to get replacements if you already have the necessary proof of identity with you.

10) Make new friends, but use good judgement.

Meeting new people is part of the fun of traveling to new places. So go out, enjoy yourselves and explore with them. But remember that you just met them. Drink in moderation, and stay alert to your situation and surroundings, said HuffPost.

11) Talk to people.

TravelChannel.com said people are your best resource when it comes to staying safe and having wonderful travel experiences. Introduce yourself to fellow travelers and to your hotel staff. Talk to locals and make new friends on long bus trips and the like.

12) Be cautious but not paranoid.

And finally, some great advice from HuffPost. Don't get overwhelmed with worry about traveling solo that you forget to enjoy the experience. Take chances, enjoy the adventure and have fun!

Sources:

Lewis, Kelly. Web. 20 July 2015.
http://blog.travelchannel.com/the-traveling-type/2014/05/30/7-solo-travel-safety-tips-for-women

Marcus, Lilit. "7 Things to Know Before Traveling Solo." Web. 20 July 2015.
http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2015-01-13/solo-travel-what-to-know-before-traveling-by-yourself

Ratliff, Jaimee. "First Time Traveling Solo? Here's What You Need to Know About Safety." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com. Web. 20 July 2015.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jaimee-ratliff/first-time-traveling-solo_b_6416100.html

Steves, Rick. "Extra Tips for Solo Women Travelers." By Rick Steves. Web. 20 July 2015.
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/tips-for-solo-women-travelers

Reviewed July 24, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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