Traveling On Your Own Means Staying Safe
The daily grind of modern life can at times become overwhelming; the long hours of traffic, being stuck in an office all day, the never-ending errands, or just simply keeping up with socially expected norms can overtime become a heavy burden. Sometimes, it becomes a necessity to escape the never-ending rat race and feed the soul with self-reflection and adventure. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to set out to travel alone, with no people or obligations to distract you from experiencing the journey on your own terms. Traveling on your own is a truly special experience and can be very cathartic.
As amazing as it can be to venture out alone and gather a treasure trove of experiences under your belt, it’s important to always keep safety in mind. If you are an aspiring solo traveler or a veteran looking for extra tips, check out our list of 6 safety tips for solo travelers.
1 - Don’t Be Afraid to Bend the Truth
Getting to know new people can be a rewarding part of a journey, but if questions you are being asked start to concern you, don’t hesitate to blend truth with fiction. There is a good chance a person you are speaking with could ask, “Are you married? Who are you traveling with? Where are you going?” with good intentions, but you never know how information can be used against you. Saying a white lie like, “I’m meeting up with friends” or “My family is picking me up” can potentially save you from a predator.
2 - Dress According to the Culture
When alone, it’s important to not stand out like a sore thumb. For example, if you are traveling in a third world country, walking around with a high-end watch is probably not a good idea. Always try to wear clothes that help you blend into the locals and not stand out too much. Dressing in a way that seems obnoxious to locals could impact the interactions you have and draw in the wrong crowd as well, so go simple. Try to find out more about local customs and norms before packing your wardrobe for a journey.
3 - Keep Valuables Away from Prying Eyes
Pickpockets are always on the lookout for tourists with expensive smartphones, fancy cameras, and poorly placed wallets. Carrying a large satchel or a reliable thief-proof traveling bag are some of the most effective ways of keeping your possessions safe from potential thieves. Keep flashy clothes and jewelry to a minimum, don't flaunt your valuables in the open, and always be attentive of your surroundings to prevent yourself from being mugged.
4 - Steer Conversations in the Right Direction
Getting to know locals is a great way of learning about a community, creating meaningful relationships, and finding local hotspots to visit. However, bringing up a sensitive subject in the wrong area could anger people or even worse cause you trouble. Talking about democracy in China, gender equality in Saudi Arabia, or LGBT rights in Egypt are some examples of topics that should be avoided as much as possible when on your own. All the countries in the world are not as liberal as the West, so it’s important to be mindful of topics that could raise too much alarm from locals.
5 - Keep Loved Ones in the Loop
Due to all the unknowns that can happen to anyone while traveling, it’s important to keep friends and loved ones knowledgeable of your whereabouts. A list of important information that someone besides yourself should know includes:
- Itinerary number
- Hotel information
- Tour specifics
- General Plans
In addition to providing relevant information, calling or communicating with someone daily is highly recommended as well. If you are a U.S. Citizen, you can enroll into the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to register yourself with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enrolling in STEP will notify you of safety warnings specific to the region, national emergencies, and help you connect with loved ones if something happens.
6 - Avoid Reckless Temptations
Yes, traveling is a time to wind down and enjoy life, but that doesn’t mean good judgement should go out the window. Partaking in reckless behaviors such as excessive drinking or illegal activities can lead to negative outcomes; such as transmittable diseases, serious injury, legal issues or the risk of being robbed. We're not saying to avoid those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, just be mindful of how you go about it when alone.
