Traveling solo can be an exciting experience—but it can also be a bit overwhelming at the same time. Travelers love to go on a trip alone because of the many benefits they can enjoy.
When you travel solo, you can explore new places and go on sightseeing activities at your own pace. If you are new to traveling solo, you might feel nervous taking that first trip alone. Between planning the trip, establishing a budget, and making the journey, it can be even very daunting. After all, the idea of being far from home in an unfamiliar place can be very overwhelming.
Fortunately, you can stay safe even while you travel alone! Make sure to take precautionary measures, and keep the following tips in mind:
Tell Family and Friends Your Itinerary
Traveling to a foreign place with no one knowing where you are is quite risky. To stay safe, make sure to share your travel plans and itinerary details with your trusted family and/or friends.
It’s best to tell someone the details of your hotel reservations, planned activities, or if you are meeting up with someone. Also, if possible, inform the hotel staff where you’re going and when you expect to return before going on your solo activities.
Additionally, it’s recommended to stay connected with people back home and update them on the status of your journey. This way, they won’t worry about you too much and they’ll know that you’re safe.
With the help of advanced technology, it’s easier to stay in touch with your family and friends back home. Check-in with them via email or through social media messaging apps whenever possible.
Choose Your Travel Location Carefully
Before deciding on a travel location, make sure to do your research and ensure that the place you’re going is somewhere safe. Moreover, when finding a vacation rental property, make sure that it is located in a safe neighborhood.
If you’re staying in a vacation rental that’s located in a building, it’s best to reserve a room above the ground floor but not too far up. Make sure that your room is somewhere close to the lobby and amenities.
You should also find fastest the way to emergency exits upon arrival. Also, always keep your door locked securely. What’s more, if someone rings your doorbell, don’t open the door unless you’re expecting a hotel staff.
In addition to these measures, find out if there are areas that you should avoid during your trip. Research the safest routes to take you to your planned destinations and learn the best and safest forms of public transportation.
Get to Know the Your Travel Destination
Getting to know the area where you plan to stay ahead of the trip is a good practice that can help you in case of emergencies.
When you are new to a place, make sure to find out where the nearby hospitals are, as well as police stations and other emergency facilities. Plus, if you’re traveling to foreign countries, learn emergency phrases in the local language.
Before you leave, visit your doctor if necessary to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to travel solo. Make sure to pack any prescription medicines with you, including vitamins and emergency kits. Also include face masks, mosquito repellents, and hand sanitizers in your kit.
Keep Your Valuables Safe and Secured
When you go out sightseeing or on any adventure, bring only what you need. Make sure to bring your phone, some cash, a credit card, your IDs, and a copy of your passport. Keep these valuables inside a secure bag that you can carry with you at all times. Always keep an eye out on your bag and never let it out of your sight.
Keep your personal belongings close to you when riding trains or other public transport, walking in crowded places, and even while eating alone. Moreover, don’t bring all your money with you. Store extra cash away, as well as your jewelry, and original passport in the hotel safe.
Another important travel tip is to always have extra photocopies of your passport and other IDs left in your luggage and/or your hotel room’s safe. This is a good practice that can you save a lot of time in case the original gets lost or stolen.
Be Careful and Alert
As a solo traveler going to a place where no one knows you, it’s easy to feel a little free since you don’t have to worry about anyone recognizing you. However, reckless behaviors can often lead you to unnecessary danger. Whatever you plan to do during your solo trip, make sure to use your common sense to keep yourself safe.
Avoid the following:
- Drinking too much or having your drinks out of sight
- Going alone somewhere with strangers
- Telling strangers that you are traveling alone
- Telling strangers where you are staying or where you are planning to go next
- Going to unfamiliar, isolated places that are not considered tourist attractions
When walking, hiking, driving, or riding public transportation, always pay attention to the people around you. If you feel that someone might be following you, walk into a public place or blend yourself with a large group of people.
Purchase Travel Insurance
To protect yourself and your travel expenses, it’s important to get travel insurance.
You can opt for the following:
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: This offers coverage in case your trip is canceled or interrupted due to weather, natural disasters, covered illnesses, and other issues.
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies and unexpected evacuation expenses.
Bottom Line
Traveling alone can be a wonderful experience. But to enjoy and document the experience fully, you need to take property steps to ensure your safety. By following the advice above you’re better positioned to have a safe and exciting vacation.
If you’re planning on traveling to Colorado and need a quality vacation rental, contact the expert team at Bighorn Rentals today!
