Traveling Solo – 30+ Good Tips

 

• Before leaving home, leave your contact information, itinerary and travel details with family and friends
• Visiting friends and family on your trip, give your travel details to them too
• Make sure you have adequate medical insurance coverage and that it includes medical evacuation

 

 

• Select a hotel in a safe area – sounds like common sense, but don’t let budget overrule safety
• For hotels in business districts, the area may be deserted during weekend and evening hours. Choose hotels with a balance of busy and quiet.
• During check-in skip the Mr/Mrs/Miss designation on the registration card and use your first initial
• Ask the check-in clerk to write down your room number and not announce it

 

 

• I always remain aware of who is around me while in the lobby area, hallways and any public area
• Ask for a room closer to the elevator to avoid walking down long hallways
• Request a room without a connecting door.  If not possible, check the door to make sure it is locked.  I recheck the door each time I return to the room. 
• A knock at the door?  Take precautions when opening your hotel door.  If you do not know them or you are not expecting them, do not open the door.  Maintenance, housekeeping and service staff will have no reason to want entrance into your room unannounced.  Always call the front desk if a staff person is requesting entry into your room.

• Arrive during the day – train, bus and air terminals can be dark and/or crowded.  They can also be confusing and lack clear directional information.
• Also it is better to arrive during the day at your hotel just in case there is a problem with your reservation or you do not like the hotel location
• Travel with certified, licensed taxis.  Here is another case where cheaper is not better.  Remember you are getting in the car with someone you do not know.  Only use licensed taxis even at home. At transportation terminals there are usually taxi areas and at the hotel ask the appropriate staff person for assistance getting a taxi

• Travel light – juggling bags and wheeler bags overturning will only draw attention to you and may invite unwanted offers of help.  Travel with only the number of and size bags you can easily handle
• Keep your name and address inside the bag and use colorful tags or ribbons to identify your bag
• If you use a money belt or fanny pack, use it to keep less frequently needed items.  Going in/out of it could draw unwanted attention.  Someone may assume there is a large amount of money kept there for safe keeping.   I like a small bag with a strap across my chest for money, credit cards and camera.  Something easy to get in/out of and I can keep it close to my body, and inside my jacket.
• Keep documents in a safe place  – make copies in case documents are lost or stolen.  This includes drivers license and passport too

• Dress conservatively – for ladies save the fancy, revealing and “it’s so cute” attire for home.  Better to dress for comfort and not to be a fashionista.  For the guys, conservative works for you too.  No need to draw too much attention to yourself.
• Guys keep your wallet in a pocket other than a back or side pants pocket; both are easy to access
• Leave jewelry at home.  Costume jewelry with a simulated diamond, still looks like a diamond to someone who doesn’t know it is a simulated diamond

 

• Be alert to scams, fraud and requests that “just don’t sound right”, this includes from both men and women
• Be very careful sharing your hotel and itinerary information.  It can be second nature in conversations to share information that seems harmless, but to someone looking to take advantage of you, that harmless information can be a treasure trove of info
• Limit the amount of information you share on social media
• Watch your drink and food.  Drugging happens more often than we would believe.

 

• Also take very strong precaution when offered food or drink.  A friendly offer to try a local dish could also disagree with you and leave you feeling sick/ill alone in a strange place
• Carry a small first aid kit and include meds for upset stomach, headaches and prescriptions meds.
• Keep prescription drugs in the original container with labels.  Multiple, mixed unnamed pills could be consider drug trafficking in some places
• A good rule of thumb when traveling alone is to be seen in area open and visible instead of deserted, untraveled areas

• Stay alert, rest well and keep yourself healthy on the road
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages to the point of being out of control and vulnerable
• Develop a walk and sense of confidence
• Traveling alone is great for meeting people, but proceed slowly and do not hesitate to move from polite to rude if necessary to protect yourself and get out of danger
• Use ATM machines with caution.  Some countries are more likely to have potential fraud when using an ATM than other countries.  If possible go inside the bank for cash.   This takes more time, but saves time compared to having your credit card or ATM card compromised.  
• Follow your gut… if something says, “don’t, stop, wait or run” , get away quickly and don’t worry about appearing afraid or too cautious

• Read and research the places you are planning to visit.  Always check the state department website for the latest information on regions included in your itinerary. Plug in the country you are traveling to and there will be up-to-date information.
• Research the local address and telephone number of your governmental agency …. just in case!
• Your country’s Embassy can be your source of resolve in times of trouble, illness and concern.

 

 

• Hotel staff understand the need for extra precaution when women are traveling alone.  Ask them to write down your room number, there is no need for them to announce it… just write it down and direct you to your room.

 

 

 

• Select a hotel in a safe area.  While budget is important, remember your safety and sense of feeling secure is priceless.

 

 

 

While trying local dishes is a great way to experience the local culture, some foods while delicious may not agree with you.  Take along your favorite meds for upset stomach, headaches and pain.  It’s always best to take what you know will work and not depend on finding something at the local pharmacy. I pack a personal pharmacy kit.
Take a few of your favorite snacks for “hunger moments” and to have the satisfaction of having a little bit of home.

 

 

• Hire reputable taxis.  It is safer because you are getting in the car with someone you do not know.

 

 

 

 

•  Go sight-seeing in areas that are well populated and limit the time you spend in areas where you are alone or areas that appear deserted.

 

 

 

 

•  A great benefit of traveling alone is meeting new people.  Take advantage of opportunities to engage in conversations and make new friends.

 

 

 

 

•  Try activities you would not try at home or things that your special person is not interested in doing.

 

 

 

•  Before you leave, research the events and trending spots to visit.

 

 

 

 

Final note:  While the above tips may sound strongly precautionary and some may seem discouraging; they are not intended to change your mind about solo travel.  All travel can have its concerns and necessary precautions; whether traveling with a friend, spouse, family or tour group. My grandmother always said, “It is best to know more and need less.” and I think this applies here. So, take the information, use what applies and enjoy traveling solo. It is an awesome way to learn more about yourself, have introspective moments and most of all, you get to do what you want to do on your trips.  Have fun!