The idea of traveling solo may be scary to some, but it comes with many benefits. For one, it allows you to temporarily escape the life you know and truly immerse yourself in a new and unfamiliar culture — without distractions. You can eat what you want to eat, see what you want to see, and stay where you want to stay, all without going out of your way to accommodate another person. But being alone in a strange place also comes with its fair share of risks. With that in mind, here are 10 essential tips for traveling by yourself.
Do: Share Travel Plans
Before you head out on your solo trip, be sure to send your travel plans to a trusted family member or close friend. This includes where you’ll be staying, the dates of your trip, and if you’re planning to meet up with anyone overseas. The more detailed you are, the more these loved ones will be able to assist if anything goes awry. For added peace of mind, you can also share your real-time location using Google Maps or Apple’s Find My app, both of which can accurately track any GPS-enabled phone. Lastly, set a regular time to check in and call or send a message letting that person know you’re safe.
Don’t: Trust Strangers Too Quickly
Chatting with strangers at a local restaurant or pub is a great way to get a feel for the culture of a place and connect with locals and other travelers. This can be especially tempting when you’re traveling solo and looking for someone to talk to. But keep in mind that you never know what someone’s true intentions may be. While most people have good intentions, scammers often put on pleasant personas in order to win the trust of unknowing tourists, only to take advantage once they let their guard down. So, stick with common sense: If anyone you meet invites you to an unfamiliar location or asks to “borrow” money, just say no and walk away — even if the request seems harmless on the surface.
Do: Act Confident
Nothing screams “tourist” like walking around holding a big map or directions on your phone and gawking at all the surrounding landmarks. This can be even more noticeable if you’re alone, as you’ll stand out like a sore thumb. But if you project confidence and walk with purpose — even if you’re not entirely certain where you’re going — then you are less likely to attract attention from scammers or pickpockets. Each night, plan for the day ahead by looking up your walking route or public transportation options. People will be more likely to assume that you’re a local and just let you be.
Don’t: Flash Expensive Items
It goes without saying that a nice Rolex watch or Gucci bag makes you a prime target for potential theft. Thieves may follow you around until they catch you alone on an unfamiliar street, with nobody around to help you. That’s why it’s best to keep prized possessions back home, or at least leave them at the hotel. When traveling solo, don humble accessories that don’t attract unwanted attention and are cheaper to replace if need be.
Do: Download Maps
International data roaming can be expensive, and Wi-Fi or cell service can be inconsistent abroad. That can leave you lost and without any way to check the maps on your phone, which is especially worrisome if you’re traveling solo. Rather than risk losing service, take advantage of Wi-Fi at the hotel and download the maps you need before venturing out into the city. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps allow for their maps to be easily downloaded so you can consult them even without a signal. That way, you won’t have to ask any strangers for directions.
Don’t: Imbibe Too Heavily
Many people like to let loose on vacation, but having one too many glasses of wine with dinner and stumbling back to your hotel alone can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Visibly drunk people are easy targets, especially if they’re alone. If you want to enjoy a few late-night drinks, consider doing so at the hotel bar or a nearby establishment, so you can safely return to your room afterward. And if you do imbibe while out on the town, always call a reputable taxi or ride-share service to take you back to your accommodation, rather than risk walking alone through dark and unfamiliar streets.
Do: Research the Destination
The idea of arriving in a far-off destination without any itinerary may be tempting for spontaneous travelers, but the reality is that it can be impractical and unsafe. You should always do some basic research on your destination before you arrive, such as looking up safe areas for tourists or places that even locals avoid. But planning ahead is more than a safety issue — it’s also for your enjoyment. Rather than relying on generic guidebooks, consider consulting online message boards to hear directly from locals. Reddit is a great source for learning more about the place you’re traveling to, as each city generally has its own dedicated community full of tips and tricks.
Don’t: Defy Local Etiquette
No matter where you’re traveling, it’s important to adhere to local customs. Being disrespectful — whether it’s intentional or not — can often lead to an undesirable or even risky situation. And if you’re traveling solo and accidentally step on somebody’s toes, you’ll have nobody there to help diffuse the situation. So, do some research before your trip about proper local etiquette and be sure to follow those customs to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Do: Lie When Necessary
We’re told from a young age that lying is a no-no — and that’s true most of the time. But when traveling solo, a white lie can save you from a dangerous or unwanted outcome. If, for example, a stranger tells you to come check out their shop, tell them that you’re late to meet a friend for lunch, even if that’s not true. Or, if another person attempts to lure you back to their place, apologize and say that you have tickets to a show. Sometimes, these harmless lies can go a long way toward your safety and peace of mind.
Don’t: Keep Cash in One Place
You’ll probably want to take out some local currency when traveling abroad. And though you can take all the necessary precautions, unfortunately you might still end up a victim of pickpocketing or theft. It happens even to experienced travelers. First, consider investing in a cross-body bag that’s specifically designed with anti-theft protections. You should also keep extra cash or a spare credit card or bank card back in your hotel room instead of traveling with all your money on your person. This goes for identification, too — always keep copies of your passport and other important travel documents either virtually or back at the hotel. If the actual ones are stolen, those copies make getting a replacement far easier.
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