Traveling solo can be the experience of a lifetime! But, when setting off on an adventure without a travel buddy, it is important to take extra precautions to ensure your safety – and, in turn, enjoy unparalleled peace of mind!
In this guide, we’ll look at a few simple tips to tick off your “to-do” list before your departure date!
Invest in Travel Insurance
One of the most important aspects to focus on when looking to ensure safety while traveling is getting insurance. Specialized companies like Generali offer comprehensive policies that meet the unique needs of travelers. So, you can explore new countries and cultures fully with the peace of mind that your belongings, physical health, and mental wellbeing are protected at all times.
Share Your Itinerary with Trusted Contacts
Of course, travel itineraries can change. This is especially true for solo travelers: you may meet a group of people at your hostel or decide to take a detour following recommendations from locals. However, make sure that you are updating your itinerary as needed and keeping your loved ones in the loop!
Meet Other Travelers
As a solo traveler, you are never really alone! Here are a few recent statistics worth knowing about:
- 9,000 more solo traveler bookings globally in 2023 compared to 2022
- Searches for single-traveler flights increased by 36% in 2023 compared to 2022
- Before the pandemic 14% of people were considering traveling alone, while after the pandemic this figure increased to 23%.
So, just use dedicated groups, stay in social hostels, and join Facebook events and communities to find solo travelers and meet other people.
Research Your Destination In Advance
Not all destinations are equally suitable for solo travelers, especially if you are a female. Because of this, it is important to research your destination in advance and evaluate information such as crime rates, government safety guidelines, and experiences from those who visited.
If you are looking for inspiration, the countries below are great starting points for solo travelers – but, in any case, make sure to carry out your own research through guides and reliable sources.
- Tokyo, Japan
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Melbourne, Australia
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Vancouver, Canada
Keep Copies of Important Documents
Keeping copies of important documents can help you get out of uncomfortable situations easily and without getting trapped in complex international bureaucracy. To keep your documents safe, there are a few strategies you can put to use, including:
- Using apps to stay organized while traveling and store documents safely on the cloud.
- Make paper copies of your documents
- Keep your cash and documents in different places (so there are fewer chances of losing them all at once)
- Be aware of emergency numbers in your destination country, as well as the contact numbers of your local embassy.
- Strive to always have an internet connection
Stick To a Healthy Lifestyle
Even while traveling, it is important to stick to a healthy lifestyle, eat healthily, and move your body regularly. This can help you avoid a weakened immune system, which may cause you to feel ill while on the road or abroad.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
As a solo traveler, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings – and, of course, all common sense rules apply here: don’t be intoxicated, don’t walk around unfamiliar areas, avoid wandering or exploring at nighttime, and make sure you can trust your mode of transportation.
If you are still fearful, here’s the golden rule: start small, even with a weekend away at a nearby destination. Then, you’ll refine your solo traveling skills and you’ll be ready to unlock more countries and experiences!
A New Life Wandering 