Safety tips for solo trips

Solo travels can feel overwhelming. We feel nervous about heading out for the first time because we are being told we won't make it out there alone in this dangerous world. Fact is that in all my years of traveling I had only had a handful of risky moments and most of them were in my own country back at home. I have gathered some practical tips and tricks on how I made sure I feel safe during my travels. Nevertheless, we can be as aware and careful as humanly possible and can still end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. I don't want to discourage you, I just want you to know that we cannot over prepare. But I hope that with my experiences, you can get a better understanding and awareness on how to make sure your solo trip is as safe as you can make it.

I will not go into too much detail to not compromise my own safety. SO if you want further and more detailled tips for your trip. jump on a call with me.

Also remember that everything is really individual. If you have something that works for you, stick with it.

I think this is important, especially nowadays, where or phones always have access to the internet. But do not post in real time, especially when you want to post your location. Wait 2–3 days and post after the fact.

On the flip side, choose a person you trust and let them know where you are going. A great idea is to pick a family member you trust and send them a quick update on where you are heading, or send them a location pin at the end of the night. If you want to go on a hike and for whatever reason don't want to share with friends or family, then you can always talk to a ranger or the information center in the place you are visiting. If it's not the dodgy looking newspaper stand with the creepy dude in front of it. Listen to your gut. But most places or even hostels and hotels are happy to have you check in and out with them to help you feel safe.

If you have watched the movies "Taken" with Liam Neeson I probably won't have to inform you that you do not tell strangers about where you are staying. Always make a location up and meet in a public place.

If you get a cap from the airport right to the hotel/ hostel, we can debate that this is a different story depending on the country. But if you need to wander around, I would urge you not to. I have done it multiple times and don't recommend. Arriving in a new town is confusing enough as it is, and doing that in the dark with nobody to ask is not only annoying but also risky.

Downloading offline maps is a great way to now get lost. You might have data but remember that there are places where you simply don't have service. You can use the app "maps.me" for free downloading and using offline maps. I have been using it since 2016 and absolutely love and prefer it to Google maps. Sorry Google.

If you want to have a more detailed plan on how I do this, contact me. But it is always important to not leave your stuff lying around or trust the world. Especially in big cities, you have lost your phone and credit card faster than you can say pickpocket. Only take what you really need to take and keep an eye on your bags. They can be snapped from your shoulder in seconds or pulled from your chair in a café. Also, always keep a copy of your ID and important documents in a safe space in a cloud. Don't be distracted in a conversation. This is when your stuff goes missing.

If you get asked by a person you get a weird vibe from or feel uncomfortable, and they ask you if you are traveling alone, just lie. Tell them that you are traveling with a friend who is waiting for you or that you travel with your partner. I do have another few tips on what you can do in that instance, but I won't share that publicly, so just contact me for more details.

If you are going out at night, to a pub or party with your new-found friends, make "smart" decisions. Don't drink too much that you won't remember much, never leave your drink unattended, and don't go home with a stranger. Pretty common rule, but in a city you don't know with a language you might now understand. Try to make smart decision and don't give life a chance to mess with you.

When you arrive in a new place, get your hostel, hotel or accommodation to give you a map and point out the best spots around town. Let them point out areas that might now be safe or should be avoided. Of course, you should always do your research upon arrival, but sometimes the locals know best.

I unfortunately have experienced this on numerous occasions and can tell you what I do in those instances. Firstly, I always know what is on the route I am taking to my place. I know what stores are coming up and make sure I always have my own way of protection on me. Secondly, you do not stop. You keep walking straight to the next open store, hostel or petrol station. If there is nothing nearby, call somebody and tell them your current location and that somebody is following you. Keep them on the phone until they are gone and you have safely reached your location. You can also head into a bar, police station or store and talk to someone working there to let you stay, walk you to your car or call somebody for you. Don't walk into darker places, alley ways or stop. There is so much else you can do, so let me know if you want to know more.

No, your stuff is not safe just because it is in a hotel room, your backpack or left at reception. Carry a lock with you and always lock your valuables in the build in locker in our room. One thing I have loved for years is the Loc Tote bags. They are stylish bags that can be locked to almost anything, are cut resistant and keep your valuables save.

Not much to say here, but learn how to defend yourself. Not simply for knowing how to, but also to not freeze up when a situation occurs. You need to get comfortable being in uncomfortable situations.

Always... ALWAYS... go with your gut feeling. If there is ever a moment that you feel uncomfortable or have a weird feeling in your stomach, it is not the food you had yesterday, it is your instincts kicking in. And no matter if they seem right or wrong, you always trust yourself. You say no, you decline a ride or activity, and you part the company or whatever it is that gives you this feeling. Never have I ever felt bad for sticking with my gut. You won't ever regret it. How can you trust somebody else if you don't trust your own gut feeling. It's okay to say no, and it is sometimes required to say no. When you’re wandering around a new neighborhood and suddenly get a sick feeling in your stomach, hop in a cab. If you check in to a hotel, but something just seems unsettling, check out and find somewhere else to stay.

Leaning a few sentences in the local language comes a long way. To ask where the nearest bathroom is, how to order food, and the proper way to greet someone or knowing how to ask for help. You don't have to be fluent, nobody expects you to. It is not only a sign of respect to the culture and people, you will get to know locals better and are more likely to receive faster help if you need it.