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17 Safety Tips For Solo Travelers

inca trail

I’ve written a lot about the joys of solo travel. Articles like “Mastering The Art Of Traveling Solo” and “How To Make Friends When Traveling Solo” reflect my passion for traveling without a companion, and aim to show others how they can do it, too.

One common inquiry I get from readers who are interested in solo travel and who may be weighing the advantages and disadvantages of traveling alone is how to stay safe.

To help answer the question, I’ve compiled a list of my top safety tips, many of which apply to group travelers, as well.

Psst! Don’t forget to pin this post for later!

How To Stay Safe When Traveling Alone [Video]

Prefer video to text? The below video shares 11 of my top tips for staying safe when traveling alone.

This includes some of my favorite apps and products as well as pieces of important advice that have kept me safe as a solo female traveler over the years!

Any tips you’d add for how to travel solo successfully and stay safe? Please leave them in the comments of the video!

Safey Tips For Solo Travelers [Blog]

1. Don’t Tell Everyone You’re Alone

Whether you’re traveling solo in Amsterdam, enjoying some Tulum solo travel, or heading somewhere else on your own, this rule is important.

While I tell other backpackers in my hostels and guesthouses that I’m traveling alone when trying to put a group outing together, it’s something I try not to make obvious when exploring.

If a stranger asks you who you’re traveling with, tell them your husband/wife/friend is in the bathroom and will be out in a minute.

Moreover, if you ever feel uncomfortable, move to a very public area, and even start chatting to someone to make it look like you’re traveling together.

2. Always Carry Your Hotel’s Business Card

When traveling through a foreign place it can be difficult to remember addresses and navigate directions.

While you may want to learn the public transport system in order to save money when it’s late at night or you’re in an uncomfortable situation getting home quickly in a taxi is the smartest option.

Carrying your hotel’s business card allows you to hand it to the driver without any language or directional issues and get back to safety quickly.

3. Upon Arrival At Your Hotel, Ask For An Annotated Map

While most travelers ask for a map upon arrival, you should also ask hotel staff to annotate it so you know which areas are safe to explore on your own and which you should steer clear of.

Memorize it and keep it on you at all times in a hidden spot, as constantly looking at it will make it clear to potential thieves and those looking to take advantage of you that you’re unfamiliar with the area.

typing
Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program online. Photo courtesy of hoboton.

4. Sign Up For The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

If you’re a US citizen, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free program designed to help keep travelers safe.

By entering your information into their system before you leave, the government is then better able to assist you in the event of an emergency.

You’ll also be able to subscribe to receive travel warnings and alerts pertaining to your destination(s).

5. If You’re Being Followed, Don’t Stop

I’ve done numerous solo backpacking trips, and I can honestly say this has only happened to me once.

I was in Rio de Janeiro and had made the mistake of pulling out my wallet to get my bus fare ready before even getting to the bus stop. The man looked right at me with a menacing glare and then began following me to the stop.

I looked him confidently in the eye to let him know I knew he was there, and began walking quickly but assertively to the nearest group of people and planted myself in the group.

I even smiled and waved to the chatting bunch to lead the potential thief to believe I knew them. After looking me up and down one last time, he walked away defeated.

6. Prepare For Trouble Before You Leave Home

Before leaving for your trip, make copies of your passport, visas, ATM card, credit cards, birth certificate, driver’s license, and other important documents or ID cards.

Leave one copy at home with your family or a close friend, and take another to hide somewhere in your bag, away from the originals.

This will save you much trouble if anything gets lost or stolen.

Bonus tip:

Install personal safety apps on your phone before leaving home for an added layer of protection.

7. Invest In Pickpocket-Proof Clothing

Having valuables out in plain sight when traveling makes you a walking target.

In fact, I suggest leaving anything you can’t live without — your Grandmother’s jewelry, your Rolex watch, that pricey Macbook Pro — at home.

That being said, there are certain valuables like money, credit cards, debit cards, and cameras that are essential when traveling.

Instead of carrying them in a purse or in an easy-to-rob pocket, invest in underwear, tank tops, and pants with hidden interior pockets to keep your things safe.

Personally, I recommend Clever Travel Companion.

travel safety
This traveler has the right idea. Keep your belongings in front of you where you can see them. Photo courtesy of lumix2004.

8. If You Do Carry A Bag, Keep It In Front Of You

For women, the answer is simple:

Bring a purse or bag where the strap crosses over your body and rests on your hip. These can be easily held against the front of your body.

For men, I recommend wearing a backpack as a front pack.

It may sound silly, but I’ve had numerous friends have thieves open their backpack zippers and pull out money, cameras, and phones without them even noticing.

Always have your belongings in sight.

9. Don’t Get Distracted

One of the most common tactics thieves use to pickpocket travelers is distracting them from a chaotic or interesting situation.

Some may simply engage you in conversation or have children surround you and start high-fiving you, while others will go so far as throwing a baby so you focus on catching it.

When I was in Barcelona, some men from my hostel and I decided to check out the bars on Las Ramblas.

On the way, an attractive woman went up to one of them and started fondling his nether region. While his instinctual feeling was flattery, it should have been to become more alert.

Not surprisingly, her main goal was getting his wallet, which she did.

Traveling solo in Morocco? Watch out for the “wrong way” guys, who will try to convince you you’re going the wrong way when you’re not. Their goal is typically to walk you around in circles and then ask for a “tip.”

10. Try To Blend In With The Locals

Instead of making it obvious that you’re a tourist, leave your Yankee’s t-shirt and fanny pack at home and instead try to assimilate with the locals.

Obviously, if you’re skin and physical features are different you can’t help that, but you can still take steps as to not make it immediately obvious you don’t know the lay of the land.

Research customs beforehand so you don’t make any social faux pas or offensive gestures, and try to wear similar clothing to the people in the community.

11. Don’t Assume Your Hotel Room Is Safe

I’ve met many travelers who assumed they could leave their valuables lying around their hotel room, only to have money, passports, and electronics “go missing.”

I don’t care if you’re staying at a budget hostel or a five-star hotel, thefts happen. And, don’t always trust the front desk with your things, either.

I met one traveler who left his money and passport with the front desk of his hostel. When he returned for his valuables, they pretended they didn’t know what he was talking about.

To keep your things safe, make use of in-room lockers and safes, where only you know the combination.

pearls
Pearls. Photo courtesy of krysek.

12. Don’t Bring Anything You Wouldn’t Mind Losing

While you may love your wedding ring, designer purse, and MacBook Pro, do you really need to bring these with you on your trip?

My advice is to leave anything you would be devastated to lose at home.

When I travel, I leave my expensive laptop at home and instead bring a cheap netbook.

Moreover, I don’t bring any jewelry or any item with a designer label. The most valuable thing I bring is my point-and-shoot camera, and when I’m out on the streets I do not make it obvious that I’m carrying it.

13. Learn How To Defend Yourself

Taking a self-defense class is not only smart for solo travelers, but for everyone.

Whether you’re on a trip or at home, violent attacks are possible.

Learning how to defend yourself will not only give you skills to get out of dangerous situations but will also make you a more confident solo traveler.

cocktails
Cocktails. Photo courtesy of bschwehn.

14. Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

Whenever you are so drunk people need to take care of you, you’re making yourself vulnerable.

This is especially true if you’re traveling alone in a foreign country.

At least if you’re at a bar you near home, you’ll have some familiar faces and nearby friends to look out for you.

When traveling solo, however, you need to be able to fully take care of yourself at all times.

This doesn’t mean you can’t go out for drinks, just always make sure you’re retaining control.

15. Always Trust Your Gut

This is the most important tip on the whole list. Your gut is almost always correct.

If you meet a new person, but something about them is rubbing you the wrong way, get away from them.

When you’re wandering around a new neighborhood and suddenly get a sick feeling in your stomach, hop in a cab. If you check in to a hotel but something just seems unsettling, check out and find somewhere else to stay.

Never underestimate the power of your own intuition.

16. Know A Few Useful Phrases In The Local Language

While nobody’s expecting you to become fluent in another language before your vacation – although, if you can, you’ll certainly have an advantage – knowing a few useful phrases is crucial.

Along with being able to ask where the nearest bathroom is, how to order food, and the proper way to greet someone, it is important to know how to ask for help.

When I was hiking by myself in Ecuador, I had a very scary experience where an angry dog ran out of nowhere and acted aggressively towards me.

Instinctively, I grabbed a large rock and held it over my head in a threatening manner, stopping the dog from approaching but not willing him to go away. I began to scream “¡Ayúdeme!” (“Help me!”) at the top of my lungs.

Some nearby farmers heard me and were able to get the animal away safely.

17. Know When A Group Is A Good Idea

While solo travel shouldn’t limit you from doing and seeing what you want, there are certain situations where you will be better off with a group.

For example, while popular hiking areas are fine to trek alone, more remote ones are better done with a companion. Think public places when on your own, and group travel for more remote or private places.

The above-mentioned dog example was a trek I really should have done with someone from my guesthouse.

If the dog had actually attacked me on the rarely trekked path, it may have been hours before someone found me.

Check out my top tips for introverted solo travelers.

What are your top safety tips for solo travelers?

This post was adapted from my original article on Gadling

Jessie Festa standing in front of grafitti wall

Hi, I’m Jessie on a journey!

I'm a conscious solo traveler on a mission to take you beyond the guidebook to inspire you to live your best life through travel. Come join me!

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15 Comments

  1. OutsideTheGuidebook on at 12:50 pm

    This is a good article Jessica. I’m going off on my solo travels shortly across South East Asia, and these tips on solo travel are priceless. I have always taken copies of all documents as also taking addresses of my country’s embassies and important local phone numbers, in case there is trouble and you need emergency help. I have always taken up travel insurance and taken their overseas claims helpline number and email, you never know. Keep up the good work!

    • jess2716 on at 12:54 pm

      Thanks so much! Just looked at your site, as well, and it’s beautiful. Can’t wait to read some posts 🙂

  2. Olivia T. Kent on at 11:18 am

    Preparation for traveling abroad is the one thing that can almost certainly determine whether or not you have a rewarding travel experience. The following suggestion will ensure that you are prepared for your academic sojourn: RESEARCH your travel destination or destinations!

  3. Hogga. on at 10:05 pm

    great tips

    • jess2716 on at 10:47 pm

      Thanks! 🙂

    • jess2716 on at 10:47 pm

      Thanks! 🙂

  4. ChinaMatt on at 6:49 pm

    Great advice. Fortunately, I’ve rarely been anywhere that I had to be extra careful. One thing I did in China was to keep my phone and wallet in one front pocket (easy to leave my hand there while standing on a bus) and then placing a pack of tissues in my back pocket as a decoy.

    • jess2716 on at 8:06 pm

      @ChinaMatt: Great tip!

  5. Helder on at 4:34 pm

    Hi, Jessica. Great tips, there!
    Regarding security, I adopted 3 habits that have been very useful so far:
    1) I placed a “secret pocket” in all my trousers, from the inside, close to my left ankle. It’s small enough to put an extra credit card, some (folded) money and a copy of my passport.
    2) I only take on a trip my jackets that have lots of pockets, preferably not obvious ones. This way, I can carry my compact camera and other things without drawing attention, without needing a backpack. Scottevest is a great jacket maker, but there are others too.
    3) I choose a couple people that I trust, and share my location with them using Google+. I always have my smartphone with me and, if I’m in an emergency, it’s easier for me to be found.

    Regards,

    Helder
    Brazil.

    • jess2716 on at 4:40 pm

      @Helder: Great tips. Thank you for sharing! 🙂

  6. Emilie on at 10:21 pm

    Solo-female traveler here! The “don’t tell anyone you’re traveling alone” is good advice. I learned that inventing a boyfriend or friend is the way to go after being cornered and ass-grabbed by a jerk when I’d let on that I was by myself!
    I also really like 14) and 15). I make sure not to drink to excess when I’m traveling alone. Not worth the vulnerability – or the hangover!

    • jess2716 on at 12:46 pm

      Emilie: So true! Especially in terms of the drinking. I want to REMEMBER my trip, not forget it in a boozy haze 🙂

  7. Lotte on at 6:06 pm

    Hi Jessica, thanks for the great tips. I was wondering about the camera – I really want a good quality camera to document my travelling, but I’m worried to take such an expensive item around with me… I just don’t know if it’s worth the risk. Do you reckon a small digital camera (that can fit in pockets etc.) is better than the ones you wear around the neck (with changeable lenses)?

  8. Sarah on at 3:37 am

    Very useful tips Jessie. One thing I have come to appreciate is your first point. Never tell anyone you are alone because in a foreign country you don’t know who you are telling. Usually, i say I’m with friends first even if we are not in the same location at the time. It helps me gauge the intention of the person who is asking.

  9. Trips Nomad on at 1:34 am

    Interesting story Jesie, thanks for the lovely stories and guidelines about solo traveling. I will forward to all my solo travel friends to follow your advice.
    Warm regards from Pakistan

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