6 Smart and Safe Solo Travel Tips
Travelling on your own can truly be one of the most enjoyable and empowering experiences you’ll ever know. Feeling the freedom of exploring new places by yourself, on your own terms and on your own schedule is truly second to none. Scoping out the best destinations as a single traveller is exciting to say the least, but it’s important to make the most out of your trip. As well as staying safe, you’ll want to make the most of being by yourself by meeting new people and creating memories to last a lifetime. Consider the following smart and safe solo travel tips and your upcoming venture will be smooth sailing and unforgettable.
1. Tell Someone Where You’re Staying
When you go travelling alone, it is important to let a member of your family or friend know where you’re staying. Giving a contact number or address of your hotel or rental apartment will not only give them peace of mind, but it will ensure that you have a level of safety. If you’re planning on travelling to a number of different cities or countries, you should give your itinerary to someone you trust so they know where you are at all times.
2. Make Plenty of Memories
Going travelling on your own doesn’t mean that you can’t take epic pictures and videos of the beautiful places you’re staying. This OM 5 allows you to capture high quality video and take selfies with ease, so that you can have memories to last a lifetime. When you’re travelling solo you need lightweight, portable items that you can manage on your own, so this is the perfect solution if you just want to carry your smartphone, rather than a bulky camera.
3. Do Your Homework Before You Go
Scoping out the area before you go is a great idea. This will give you the confidence to go out and about with ease when you arrive. Once you’re familiar with the area it will be much easier to plan your activities, restaurants and excursions. Head online to some relevant travel blogs and you will soon start to learn everything you need to know about your chosen destination. You may also need to look up local transportation to make sure you can get around the area easily.
4. Be Confident
When you’re out and about in a new place on your own you should try and exude an air of confidence if you can. If you look like a vulnerable tourist who looks lost with a map, you might be opening yourself up to pickpockets and thieves. Before you leave your hotel or apartment complex, look up where you’re going on a map and try to remember where you’re going. You can always stop and ask someone for directions along the way, but try to walk with purpose at all times!
5. Keep Your Valuables Safe
It is especially important to take care of your belongings when travelling abroad by yourself, after all there is nobody there to watch your bag when you go to the bathroom or stay in the hotel room whilst you pop to the supermarket. Get in touch with your accommodation provider and ask if they offer additional security measures such as a safe in your room. Keep your money, passport and any expensive items in your safe if possible. When you’re out and about try not to show your phone, laptop, tablet or any other gadgets and gizmos as this may attract unwanted attention. Staying safe when you’re travelling on your own should always be your number one priority and these safety measures will help you to achieve this.
6. Put Yourself Out There and Meet New People
There is something so special about connecting with new people when you go abroad. Meeting new people and making friends is arguably much easier to do when you’re on your own; you have no ties to the rest of your travel party and everything is on your own terms. Head to busy bars and cafes and strike up conversations with interesting people. You might make friends for life on your solo travelling trip!
Whether you’re travelling around the country you live in or you’re expanding your travels to Europe and beyond, there are so many exciting reasons to go solo! Staying safe during your travels should be your number one priority, as well as soaking up every new experience that is available to you. Hopefully these handy tips will allow you to enjoy a smooth and enjoyable adventure as a solo traveller!
