Okay, so I’ve been doing a lot more solo travel lately, and honestly, some of the places I’ve been hitting up are, shall we say, “developing.” Which is awesome! But it also means you gotta be a little extra careful. So, I started to really think about and put into practice some safety tips. Here’s how I went about it, and what I’ve learned.
Research, Research, Research!
First thing I did, before even booking a flight, was dive deep into research. Not just the “top 10 things to do” kind of stuff, but like, the nitty-gritty. I started by checking out travel forums. Reading other people’s experiences, especially other solo female travelers, gave me a real sense of what to expect, what scams to look out for, and which areas might be a bit dodgy.
I also looked at the US State Department’s website (or your country’s equivalent) for travel advisories. They usually have good info on safety and security concerns. Also found some great blogs that talk specifically about traveling in certain regions. The more I read, the better prepared I felt.
Getting My Documents in Order
Next up, I made sure all my important documents were sorted. I made copies of my passport, visa (if needed), driver’s license, and travel insurance details. Kept one set in my day bag, and another set separate in my main luggage. Also, I took photos of everything and saved them on my phone and emailed them to myself. That way, if anything got lost or stolen, I had backups.
Sharing My Itinerary
I’m usually pretty spontaneous, but for these trips, I decided to create a rough itinerary and share it with someone back home – my sister, in this case. I gave her my flight details, hotel names, and a general idea of my plans. We agreed that I’d check in with her every couple of days, just so she knew I was okay. It felt good knowing someone had my back, even from far away.
Learning Some Basic Phrases
I’m terrible at languages, but I forced myself to learn a few key phrases in the local language of the places I was visiting. Stuff like “hello,” “thank you,” “help,” “where is…,” and “no, thank you.” It’s amazing how much a little effort can go a long way. People appreciate it, and it can help you get out of a sticky situation.
- “Hello”
- “Thank you”
- “Help”
- “Where is…”
- “No, Thank You”
Staying Connected (But Smartly)
I bought a local SIM card as soon as I arrived in each country. Having data on my phone was super useful for maps, translation apps, and staying in touch. But, I was also careful about using public Wi-Fi. I tried to stick to secure networks, and I definitely avoided doing any online banking or entering sensitive info while on public Wi-Fi. You just never know who might be snooping.
Blending In (As Much as Possible)
I’m not saying you have to completely change who you are, but I tried to be mindful of local customs and dress codes. In some places, dressing more conservatively can help you avoid unwanted attention. I also tried to avoid flashing expensive jewelry or electronics. Basically, I just tried to be a bit more low-key than I might be at home.
Trusting My Gut
This is probably the most important thing. I learned to trust my instincts. If a situation felt off, I got out of it. If a person gave me a weird vibe, I walked away. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and your gut feeling is usually right.
Being Aware of My Surroundings
I made a conscious effort to be more aware of what was going on around me. I kept an eye on my belongings, especially in crowded places. I avoided walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. And I tried to stay alert, even when I was tired or jet-lagged. It’s easy to get distracted, but staying present can make a big difference.
So, yeah, that’s basically my process. It’s not rocket science, but it’s all about being proactive and taking steps to minimize risk. And honestly, it’s made me feel way more confident and relaxed while traveling solo in these amazing, but sometimes challenging, parts of the world.
