While traveling can be an exciting experience, it is easy to get caught up in all the fun and thrill and neglect safety. Visiting an unknown country can also be exciting but overwhelming. Especially when traveling alone, taking into consideration a few safety measures is of utmost importance for you to enjoy your trip without putting yourself in danger.
1. Research the Destination:
Just because you have heard of a place that is good to visit does not mean it is safe for travelers. When you finalize your destination, check online if it is safe for solo travelers. You can find all the information online. You should learn everything about the destination before you arrive. Read travelers’ reviews to learn about the safest neighborhoods where you should find accommodation. There might be a few areas where you may get cheap accommodation, but it might not be safe for you to stay there.
Also, get the contact information of the nearest embassy, police station, and other local emergency departments of that place. You should always know whom to call during an emergency.
2. Drink Responsibly:
The most crucial safety tip for travelers is that many of you might enjoy exploring the local nightlife when you travel. Though nothing is wrong with it, you must remember that it is an unknown place. Hence, you must drink responsibly, especially if traveling alone. When you are away from home, you are most likely to get lost or end up in dangerous neighborhoods if you are not in all your senses. Especially for ladies, it is a golden rule to always drink safely in public and never leave your drink unattended.
3. Don’t Draw Attention:
If people identify you as someone not from the town, you may be vulnerable to crime, so it is best to blend in as much as possible. Choose to clothe appropriately for the place you visit that will not attract much attention. Learn a few local phrases to communicate with the people when you walk on the streets. Be discrete when you look at your maps continuously or approach people to ask for directions so that it does not look like you have no clue where you are headed.
Also, wear clothes with protective pockets, making it difficult for pickpockets to steal money or your other belongings.
4. Stay Connected Always:
If traveling alone, no matter where you are headed, always inform your family and friends before going to any location. You can send a copy of your itinerary, cab number, the phone numbers of a few trusted people you have met on the journey, and so on. Also, let them know what time you are expected to return and give them a call so that if they do not get a callback from you, they can take the necessary actions immediately to find out if you are safe.
This is possible only when you quickly switch to a cellular service with the help of eSIM when you reach your destination, which is reliable, cheap, and offers unlimited data so that you can turn on your GPS and keep sharing your location with your friends and family.
5. Make Copies of Important Documents:
When traveling internationally, certain documents, such as your passport and identity card, are essential. Though you must be very careful by carrying this around, it is still best to have a soft copy of these identifications on your phone and a few hard copies that you keep in your luggage. This can help to get you out of several situations if, by chance, your important documents get lost.
7. Avoid Accessing Public Wi-Fi:
When traveling, you will often find public areas that offer free Wi-Fi. Though it may seem very appealing, you can turn off your cellular service to save money. But you should be aware that it is very easy for hackers looking to steal valuable information from mobile phones if you connect to such common Wi-Fi networks. It is better to seek a reliable and cheap cellular service by using eSIM when traveling rather than accessing such public Wi-Fi.
The Bottom Line:
Apart from all the tabs mentioned above, the most important thing you should do when traveling is to trust your instincts. If you meet someone or have visited a place that makes you uncomfortable, there is likely a reason behind it. Do not ignore your instincts, as your subconscious may pick up things you aren’t consciously aware of. If your gut feeling says something, listen to it. Even if it is false, it will keep you safe, and only that matters.