Solo travel: how to do it safely

There's nothing wrong with wanting to go it alone, and armed with a few tips about staying safe as you travel, it can be an adventure like no other.

Here at loveEXPLORING, we’re firm believers in the joys of solo travel. Don’t get us wrong – we’re huge fans of breaks with mates, loved ones and furry friends, but we also believe solo explorations are seriously underrated. That said, there’s definitely a knack to going it alone, which is why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to solo travel.

Where to go

If you’re someone who usually travels with friends and family and are feeling nervous about your first solo trip, start with something simple – a short haul trip which will give you an insight into the obstacles solo travellers are more likely to face, as well as the overall experience. However, avoid writing off destinations based on hearsay or horror stories you’ve seen online or heard about from a friend of a friend.

If you’ve set your sights on a long haul destination for your first solo trip, or one which might not be regarded as the most solo traveller-friendly destination, consider signing up for a group tour. These are no longer about crowds of selfie stick-obsessed tourists being led through tourist traps by a sunflower-waving guide – operators such as G Adventures are incredibly solo-friendly, and its tours are designed in a way which allows solo travellers to meet their fellow globetrotters.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by G Adventures (@gadventures)

Wherever you go, the most important thing is research – brush up on the destination, always have a map to hand and know the areas which should be on your radar, and the ones to avoid.

Staying safe

Always send your nearest and dearest a copy of your itinerary, complete with contact numbers for your accommodation, or the travel agent you booked through, along with a copy of your travel insurance policy. Keep copies of these documents in your wallet or purse once you’re abroad too.

There are also a few gadgets which can help provide peace of mind. Alarmed door jams can come in useful if you’re worried about the security at your hotel or hostel – we’re huge fans of the Epic Traveller Alarm and Stopper, an electronic door jam which will prevent anyone from entering, and which will sound a (very loud) alarm if someone tries to force entry.

Always pack a power bank (we love the ones from Anker, which have powerful batteries and come in a range of sizes) and a charging cable so that your phone doesn’t run out of juice when you need it most. Download a Google map for the destination you’re visiting before you arrive – even if you run out of data, you’ll still be able to find your way around.

Getting around

These days, almost all destinations have car-sharing apps, whether it’s services like Uber and Lyft, which can be found in a huge number of countries, or ones like Ola and Grab, which are more common in Asia.

Always take the time to check that the licence plate of the car matches the one on the app, and whether you’re travelling by regular taxi or a car-sharing service such as Uber, take a picture of the car’s number plate and send it to a friend if possible.

Man looking for a taxi (Image: VTT Studio/Shutterstock) VTT Studio/Shutterstock

If you’re opting for a regular taxi, consider asking a member of staff at your hotel or hostel to order one, rather than hailing one on the street, and always ask your hotel or hostel for a card with the name of the hotel’s address on the back. Consider potential language barriers too – if you’re in Japan, for example, make sure the address is also written in Japanese.

Stash some cash

Always keep some local currency to hand, and ideally have at least two bank cards – including one debit and one credit (we love Halifax Clarity, which won’t incur fees for use when you’re abroad). If you’re worried that your card might not work – whether it’s due to it being blocked, or the cash point in question not recognising it – make sure you have some British currency to hand too – you’ll never be far from someone who can change it.

Find a friend

Don’t underestimate the power of a hotel concierge, or a receptionist at a hostel. Not only will they be a treasure trove of useful advice, but they will be able to help you with a wide range of queries.

Concierge (Image: Ground Pictures) Ground Picture/Shutterstock

For example, if your debit or credit card isn’t playing ball at the cashpoint, most hotels will allow you to make a card payment which will then allow them to give you the amount in cash. We’re not just talking about staff at the hotel or hostel you’re staying in, either. Hotel receptionists and concierges will generally always be willing to offer advice, dish out maps and book taxis, whether you’re staying at the property or not.

Try not to look like a tourist

Don’t unravel the world’s biggest map on a street corner in a neighbourhood you’re not familiar with, or wander along with a huge SLR camera dangling from you neck. Keeping your phone to hand is essential, but don’t walk along staring at the screen.

If you realise that you’ve strayed from your intended route into a dodgy area, or detect warning signs relating to other people – be it taxi drivers, strangers in the street or someone giving you unwanted attention in a bar – make a show of placing a phone call, real or fake (nobody will know whether there’s anyone on the end of the line), to show the person in question that you’re communicating with someone who knows where you are.

Girl on phone in a bar (Image: Iryna Inshyna/Shutterstock) Iryna Inshyna/Shutterstock

And relax

When you’re travelling solo in new destinations, heightened awareness means situations often seem much more chaotic than they actually are – or need to be. Keep your guard up, but not so much that you inadvertently reject offers of assistance which might make your day much easier.

Man looking at a guidebook (Image: Soloviova Liudmyla/Shutterstock) Soloviova Liudmyla/Shutterstock

We’re huge believers in doing pre-trip research – within reason. In the same way it’s not always a good idea to Google that weird rash you’ve developed, searching for information about destinations on the wrong websites (such as travellers’ forums, which often attract those who’ve experienced some kind of misfortune and feel compelled to shout about their experience from the rooftops) will often do more harm than good. Instead, reach out to tourist boards and friends who’ve been to the destination in question, and never underestimate the humble guidebook. Bon voyage!

Lead image: Peera_stockfoto/Shutterstock