13 Solo Travel Safety Tips
Let me preface this by saying I am definitely not one to err on the side of caution. I have been known to just fucking send it.
BUT when it comes to travelling solo there are some things that are good to keep in mind or just be aware of so you can focus on making the most out of your trip and not have to deal with stupid inconveniences.
I’ve compiled a list of 13 things I think you should think about/be aware of when solo travelling (or travelling in general). Let’s get into it.
1. Plan to land at your destination during daylight
so you can find your way to your accommodation before it gets dark. It’s obviously safer to travel around/get a taxi/take transit or whatever during the day.
It’s also a lot easier to find your accommodation when you can actually see. I made this mistake once while travelling to Tulum with a group of friends. It was dark by the time we got to the area where we were staying and google maps wasn’t entirely accurate. It took us some time driving around and me trying to relay broken Spanish directions to the taxi driver via translate. I was grateful to have been with friends that time. If I was alone I would have been a bit more on edge.
2. Plan your transport from airport.
Do a bit of research on where you’re going and what’s the best way to get from the airport to your accommodation. In some places taking a taxi from the airport is totally safe and reliable, but in other places you probably want to opt for another way of transport. Ask your accommodation what the best option is!
3. Stay in hostels so there’s always people around.
Hotels for the most part are good for this too as opposed to air bnb, but hostels are the safest option in my opinion (specifically female dorms if you can get one)… because there’s always not only people around, but always people in your room too. From my experience, hostels have a sense of camaraderie and everyone’s always happy to help each other if needed.
4. Don’t get too drunk.
This should go without saying but I still see it happen a lot so I’m going to say it. Do not go past your limit if you’re not with people you trust and be aware of watching your drinks. People get drugged all over the world, not just in your home city.
You also cannot rely on someone you met in a hostel yesterday to take care of you if shit goes sideways or you get too drunk. Take care of yourself. Don’t be a dumb bitch ok? I know we’ve all been there but it’s really not that hard.
5. Don’t be scared to ask for help
from people around you. But also, try to be smart with who you ask for help. Airport staff are very helpful and usually speak the most English (for those of you going to not so English speaking places). If you’re lost on the street and need directions/help, try to go into a shop or a restaurant. Try not to ask random strangers on the street, use your common sense.
6. Lie to people.
This is something I do constantly while I’m travelling- hell, even when I’m in my home city. I lie when people ask me things about myself. I lie about my name, where I’m staying, for how long, who I’m with etc. Obviously not if you’re in your hostel trying to make friends or whatever, but you know the appropriate time to tell people the truth and when it’s really not necessary.
If some man on the street strikes up a conversation with me and I immediately assess that this man isn’t someone I want to be friends with, I will start lying. My name is Sarah. I’m here with my boyfriend and friends, they’re coming to meet me soon etc etc.
7. Be aware of your surroundings.
Duh. Be aware of your stuff (pickpockets), be aware of any uneasy people you may notice, look for landmarks you can recognize around where you’re staying, just be observant.
8. Look like you know where you’re going even if you don’t.
Walk with confidence. Every time I’m exploring a new city and I’m literally following my map to see where to go, I try to pretend I’ve walked down the street a hundred times and I know exactly where I’m going. Even if I have to stop and look at my phone, I’m just casual about it.
Obviously its hard to not look like a tourist when you’re constantly taking photos and videos like I do, but you can still do it with confidence and not wander with your head in the sky, ya know? It makes you look like an easy target.
9. Opt for female dorms
if you’re staying in hostels, depending on your comfortability. Obviously this ones female related only, but from my experience female only dorms are just better anyway, not only from a safety standpoint but also- sorry guys but you just stink. And snore so fucking loud. If there’s a female only option, just take it.
10. Carry your valuable stuff in a fanny pack/belt bag in front of you.
Again, the pickpockets. I’ve heard they’re really bad some places, especially in Europe.
One of the girls I was out with in Ibiza got her wallet stolen out of her bag while we were in the club. It was a longer crossbody bag she had kind of on her hip and as we were moving through the crowd someone opened it and snatched her wallet and a few other people’s wallets that night too.
They racked up over $20k in online charges between all the cards in her wallet. Be super careful of your shit, especially in crowded places.
When I go out I either wear my belt bag across my body so it’s in front of me, or I take a shoulder bag that zips up and wear it under my arm so its in my armpit, ya know?
Also side tip- don’t bring all your cards with you. You’re just asking for it if you’re keeping all your cards in one spot. I have a debit and credit card that I carry with me, and another debit and credit card that I leave in my locker/in my room.
11. Listen to your gut instinct.
Don’t question yourself if you feel off about something. Trust yourself.
12. Don’t wear your hostel/hotel wristband
when you’re not at your accommodation. Keep it in your purse/bag. This is something I didn’t think about at first, but if you’re wearing a wristband out and about you’re just advertising to everyone where you’re staying and that’s not the best move.
13. Follow along on google maps while taking taxi/Uber
to confirm you’re going the right way. Not going to lie, in some places I do get a little nervous when taking a taxi by myself so I always like to follow along and make sure the driver is not only on the right path but also that they’re taking the most direct way and not trying to rip me off by taking detours.
With all of this said, I really want to say this.
Yes, we do need to be more careful than normal when travelling.
Yes, the world can be a fucked up and scary place.
Yes, it’s incredibly fucked up that I feel the need to write this at all.
No, you shouldn’t let that stop you from doing what you want and seeing the world.
No, you shouldn’t be scared or live in fear and anxiety when travelling.
We can be cautious, make smart choices, and be aware…
We can also assume only good things happen to us and that we are always divinely protected.
We can make the most out of life on this earth regardless of how not-so butterflies and rainbows it can be sometimes.
The universe looks out for us, and we manifest only the best things to come into our reality.
Both can coexist.
Where reality, logic and safety meet wonder, adventure, and freedom.
That is the sweet spot.
Safe and beautiful travels my friends.
xo Bailey
