Traveling solo can be an exciting experience for many people. After all, you are your own guide there – no other person is telling you where to go or what to do. It gives a certain feeling of independence – but there are also some things that you might want to be careful about. After all, the world is not all colors and rainbows, and while there are good people out there, there might also be some dangerous situations. Here is how you can keep yourself safe during your solo trips.
1. Research the Place First
It might be exciting to go in blind and just discover the place, but that might land you in quite a predicament if you’re not lucky. Learn as much as you can about the place, from their customs to their average costs and dangerous areas. This will prevent you from getting conned or getting into trouble because of a misunderstanding or slipup.
2. Get the Right Accommodations
Be sure to choose a good place to sleep at. First, make sure that it’s in as good a neighborhood as you can. Sure, every area has its dangers at night, but some are darker and riskier than others. Also, if you go to a hostel, ensure they have a 24-hour front desk. The last thing you want is to be stuck in front of the building, with no one to open the gates for you. Also, you should always read the reviews for the accommodations you book.
3. Look Confident
When you look lost, it’s like saying “I’m a traveler and I don’t know anything about this place” – which is a look that many con artists and muggers recognize. Instead, keep a confident look at all times, one that says you own the place and know what you’re doing. In their eyes, it might even make you seem like a local – or someone prepared enough not to be messed with.
4. Carry Money and Documents Separately
Carrying money and documents in the same place is a bad idea at any moment, but even more so when you are traveling. As you are enjoying the place with your “touristy” look, it’s easy for muggers to peg you as someone with travel money and credit cards on them.
Keep your documents and cards in an anti-theft bag underneath your shirt, and some money in your bag or money belt. This way, if your bag does get targeted, at least you’ll have your documents and cards on you.
5. Stay Mindful and Alert
While this doesn’t mean you need to stay paranoid at all times, you should always be mindful of your surroundings. Be careful about people you hang out with, the streets you walk on, times when you should leave, and so on. This may just save you from unfortunate situations.
Final Thoughts
Traveling alone can be a very relaxing experience. You just need to practice safety and be careful about how you are going around your schedule. Once that’s handled, simply go and enjoy your vacation – but always be mindful!