Listen to the full podcast episode here
1. Be aware of your surroundings
It’s so easy to get caught up in the thrill of traveling and forget you are actually alone. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. I like to say “keep your head on a swivel”. That doesn’t mean be afraid, but be cautious. When I lived in Japan, I was comfortable riding my bicycle home at night from the train station because I was very familiar with the community. But when I would travel to Tokyo, I made sure if I was walking around at night, I made sure I buddied up with a friend or my host mom was with me. I wasn’t familiar with the area, therefore I was always aware. Don’t ever let your guard down.
2. Use your best judgment
This is a broad statement, but you can apply this based on your situation. Your best judgment is your “gut feeling”. It’s the little voice in your ear that’s giving you sound advice or just telling you “I wouldn’t go down there if I were you.” Yes, take risks, that’s why you have decided or are considering traveling solo, but at the same time don’t do something that will put your life in jeopardy.
3. Talk to strangers!?
Okay, I know many of us grew up with our parents telling us when we were young not to talk to strangers. This rule still somewhat applies. Again, it depends on the situation. I encourage you to network with other travelers and talk to the local people, but going back to the previous safety tip, use your better judgment in case by case situations. When my best friend and I went to Mexico, we spoke to the resort workers, excursion workers, and the workers at the restaurant. There were opportunities to speak to the local people as we walked around the marina, but they were very pushy trying to sell us trips and goods. Definitely do not accept anything for free from anyone you do not know and trust. Don’t let your guard down.
4. Have some form of communication
Always have some means of communication that can make phone calls, whether it’s a cell phone or tablet. You need something that is portable that you can keep on you while you are out exploring. I always carried an unlocked cell phone that allowed me to insert a temporary SIM card for whatever country I was visiting at that time and then replace my main SIM card back in when I returned “home”. Amazon sells many kinds of unlocked phones you can use in any country. Unlocked phones make it easy to buy a SIM card at the arrival airport, and then have a way to communicate and navigate the area before you leave the airport.
5. Stay in touch with your emergency contact(s)
It’s always a great idea to have one or two emergency contacts, and even better to keep them updated on your whereabouts. Don’t wait until an emergency happens to reach out to your emergency contact. You don’t have to be in constant communication with them, unless you want to. Enjoy your trip. But, definitely have someone, whether a family member, friend, or co-worker within a phone call, text message, direct message away in case of an emergency.
6. Know the country’s emergency contact number
In addition to having an emergency contact, make sure you know the local country’s emergency contact number as well. Just like the States has 911, other countries have their own emergency number. That’s an easy Google search, and be sure to save it into your contact list.
7. Register and Research
Utilize the resources the U.S. or your local government travel department has to offer for your travel safety. The State Department has the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program or STEP, as a free service for travelers to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S Embassy or Consulate. This allows you to stay updated on what is going on in the countries you are traveling to and receive communication when there are travel advisories. When you are registered in the program, the local embassy will be able to reach out to you in case of an emergency, whether it’s a natural disaster, civil unrest, or even in recent cases, a global pandemic. Whether you are a frequent traveler or just taking a one-time trip, it’s good to know the U.S. government is a safety resource in times of need. Click here to find out more about the program and register online.
STEP will send you travel advisories, but it’s also wise to do your own research about the safety level of the country you’re visiting. The Travel Advisors page on the State Department website is a great place to start. You can search by the country and they will inform you of the Travel Advisory Level by the colors blue, yellow, orange, or red, blue being okay to travel, and red meaning do not travel there. They will also tell you why you shouldn’t travel there, what you need to do, such as vaccinations, before you travel there, and much more information is available for each country.
8. Copy your IDs
Many travelers ask if they should bring the passports while they are out exploring or going on an excursion. Bring a paper copy of your passport and your driver’s license or government ID. Don’t bring your passport. Because if you lose your actual passport while zip lining or on a boat trip, you definitely won’t be able to return home. It’s easier to obtain a new driver’s license or government ID than a new passport.
9. Know your comfortability level
Whether you decide to go out alone in the city at night or hang out alone at the bar, just know beforehand what you’re comfortable doing. How well do you know the area? Is this your first time? Do you feel secure and safe going out at night or do you think returning to your accommodation before it gets dark out is the best move? Ask yourself these questions before you get yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Very cliché, but you rather be safe than sorry.
10. Female-Only hostel rooms are key!
In my 10 Best Practices for Solo Female Travelers article, I wrote of the benefits of staying at hostels. Hostels have been given a bad report because of Hollywood horror movies, but they are actually a great, affordable option when you are traveling on a budget. I have stayed at a few hostels in South Korea and Japan, and have always felt safe when traveling alone. The rooms I stayed in were always single person rooms because that’s what I’m comfortable doing. However, there are hostels that offer Female-Only rooms. Listen to The Salad Toss Podcast episode “Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers” to hear about Alexa’s (my solo female traveler buddy) experience staying in female-only hostel rooms.
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