Is Solo Travelling Really Safe? Expert Advice and Tips

Have you ever though about solo travelling? It is an amazing travelling experience. Usually some of the psychologist also recommend solo travelling for good mental health. It is because travelling alone is much different from travelling with friends or family members. Solo travelling is good for mental health because it gives you chance to discover the new places on your own and also you can identify your inner self.

But travelling alone to new place is not that much easy. You are not familiar to new place, their culture, laws, ways and other things. This can make solo travelling difficult, especially for beginners.

Due to this, in beginning I also had this doubt that really solo travelling is safe. I was very nervous and tensed when I had to travel alone for the first time. Then, I took consultancy, some practical guides and tips from experts. Now, I am also an experienced solo traveler, travelled various destinations alone. So, I though to guide you with some tips for solo travelling.

Is it Safe to Travel Alone?

First question comes in mind is solo travelling safe?

Yes, it is safe to travel alone. But it is safe if you follow the basic precautions. Your safety depends on your awareness of the destination and preparation. Have a detail research and gather maximum information about the destination you are visiting. By this you can understand the local culture, safety issues, government laws and transportation options.

Prevent risky situations such as walking alone late night in areas that you are not familiar with. Travel with travel insurance, keep several payment methods and keep emergency contacts for more safety.

How to Travel Solo as a Woman?

Now another question rises that how can women travel alone?

For women, solo travelling can be more unique and challenging as compared to men. I am not going in the reasons for this. But again, with proper planning, women can also solo travel safely. Women should choose destinations that are recommended for women solo travelling. Book your first night accommodation in advance in a safe area.

Dressing is very important. Women should not dress openly. Rather, wear conservative dress according to local culture. This will prevent unnecessary attention. Stay in social accommodation that is recommended and where other travelers also stay. By this you can engage with other travelers and also prevent late night walk alone. Use authentic, recommended and trusted transportation such as licensed taxi or rideshare apps.

How to Solo Travel? Practical Guide and Tips

As in the introduction, I had written that first time when I was planning a solo travelling, I was tensed. But then I took consultancy and some practical guides and tips. Now as an experienced solo traveler, I am also giving you some useful guides and practical tips.

Planning and Research

Choose your destination wisely:- First look for places that are famous for solo travelers. Have detailed research about local customs, laws and safety conditions.
Book Accommodation in Safe Areas:- Look for highly rated hotels in safe areas for your accommodation. It is better to choose near transportation and attraction of the place.
Have a rough plan:– For success of any trip, planning is important. Create a rough road map of your journey. This will help you in managing your time efficiently.

Packing Essentials

Pack Light and Smart:- Bring the clothes that are suitable to the climate and activities planned. For women it is good to wear full clothes according to local culture and climate. Also, bring travel adapters, first-aid kit and copies of important documents.
Secure your Valuables:– Bring important accessories such as mobiles, credit card, cash, ID and copy of passport. Keep these essentials in anti-theft backpacks or money belt.

Staying Safe

Stay Connected:- Share your journey plan with your friends, family or any other expert. Also ensure to check in regularly. By this you will be connected with your known ones every time.
Blend in:- Prevent open clothing or accessories that divert unwanted attention. Dress according to climate and local culture.
Trust your instinct:– If any time of the trip, you feel things are getting bad or sense some sort of threat, leave immediately.
Keep emergency numbers:- Know how to contact local police, hospitals or your country’s embassy.

Navigating and Exploring

Use Reliable Transportation:- Choose for licensed taxi, rideshare apps or public transit that is recommended and rated by locals and authentic sources.
Stay alert in public places:– Keep an eye on your belonging and be cautious in crowded places.
Meet other safely:– Join group tours or social events to connect with fellow travelers but always meet new people in public and safe place.

Health and Well-being

Eat and Drink Quality Meal:- Usually travelers complain about stomachache when they visit new place. This is often because your inner system is not used to the water there. Due to this drink mineral water rather local water. Also, choose reputable dinning spot.
Rest when needed:– Listen to your body to prevent burnout situation, particularly during long trips.

What are Benefits of Solo Travelling?

In the start of blog, I mentioned that solo travelling is recommended by psychologist for better mental health. Other then this, there are other more advantages of solo travelling.

Build confidence by overcoming challenges independently.
Experience personal and self-discovery by new habitat and situation.
Improve decision making and leadership skills.
Improve mental health by mindfulness and reflection of time.
Try new experience, hobbies and activities unrestricted by other’s preference.
Feel a sense of independence and trust in yourself.
Decrease everyday loneliness by connecting new communities in world.

Conclusion

Solo travel can be one of the safest and empowering ways to experience and explore the world. If you are fully prepared and stay alert, you can make your solo travelling experience one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Following the practical guide and useful tips above, you can create memorable solo travelling experience.