11 Ways to Stay Safe When Traveling Solo

Traveling Solo is one of the greatest experiences of a lifetime. Therapeutic for your soul like no other, solo travel is sure to you grant some of the most cherished memories. It’s fun to explore places, learn about history, heritage, culture, and experience the exhilarating ambiance. While the thrill of being on your own, traveling to unknown places is definitely amazing, there are few things to keep in mind.

We help you with a list of 11 tips that help you stay when travelling solo. Here it is:

1. Discussing your plans

Firstly when you are travelling solo, it is best advised to discuss your plan with friends and family. Not only will you get some really good ideas, they will know about your whereabouts and track you in case of mishap. If you have a pre-planned itinerary, leave a copy with your near ones. In case of any additions or change in plans, update the same.

2. Do not bring expensive things on your trip

One of the most important tip to keep safe when travelling solo is to not carry anything precious, valuable or expensive. Be it your favorite jewellery or the latest gadget, if there is no need for the same do not carry expensive things on your solo trip. As you are entirely responsible for the safe keep of your stuff, do not carry expensive things, not just in price but also in terms of sentimental value. Things may get lost, stolen or accidents may occur, the more basic stuff you carry, the more it is fun to enjoy your travel than focus on the safety of things.

3. Research

It goes without saying that research is the base of your travel. As you are on your own you must come prepared. Start with researching online. From the route, destinations, hotel, restaurants, transportation to everything, you need to be backed with information. Start research online. You will easily come across reviews, recommendation and pictures. If it’s a hotel, do not book till you are confident with the information. Location, connectivity and reviews are parameters to decide anything.

4. Learn a little about the place and local culture

Not just for safety but also for an amazing experience, it is best to learn about the place and local culture. Memorize some of the local words for yes, no, thank you, how to reach, how much and local greeting to address the people.

5. Avoid the night

When travelling solo, the night is to be avoided at all cost. Avoid travelling at night. Even if you have to, go for the premium services of trains, buses and flights. Nightlife and partying are a no until you are at your own hotel or at a trusted location. Do not go exploring at night, it is a risk for your safety.

6. Fully charged internet running phone and local SIM card

When you are travelling solo, your phone is your weapon. When it is fully-charged, has a running internet connection and a local SIM card you can overcome any challenge. Make sure your phone is charged all times, better carry a power bank when you fall short of a power source. A local SIM card is a requisite. Make sure you research before purchasing a connection, you know about the internet pack, call minutes and other services.

The benefits of internet for your travel is limitless. While the google maps act as your personal guide, there are apps that update you with news, tips, places and bookings of accommodation, tickets and more.

7. Be a little cautious while sharing personal information

When you are on the road, travelling solo, this point must be followed by all means. If you have met a stranger that asks too much about you, it’s best that you be cautious. From your name to your bookings, do not be entirely truthful. Trust your gut while sharing your details, as many a times you might find a friend for a lifetime. But in most cases it is absolutely necessary to be not truthful while sharing anything personal that can risk your safety.

8. Be social media active on your solo travel

Although social media comes with many pros and cons, it can definitely be a great tool when traveling solo. Now you must be wondering how? With a simple check-in at a new location or a quick photo upload, you get to inform and update your folks back home. Also, you may meet friends or friends of friends who are in the area. In addition, the social media is designed in a way that you get a plethora of suggestions that you can include in your itinerary.

9. Be rude when occasion calls for it

While travelling is certainly to know about a place, culture and more, it may make you uncomfortable in being too opened up for the experience. It occasion calls for it, be rude and say no. People may force you to buy something, follow something and even asks questions which make you uncomfortable then you do not need be generous. Often fascinated with new people they would try to get pictures clicked with you, touch you and force you into try something else, it is best to say no. Also, do learn the local word for no, thank you or even the gesture for no, which is often more effective than both.

10. Program local number for help

While you are traveling alone and if it’s a new places, learn about the local numbers for help. Police, ambulance, fir emergency and even some travel assistance helplines must be programmed in your phones. You probably will never need them, but even by just knowing them, you will have the confidence to deal with awkward situations.

11. Try and blend like a local

Lastly, the foremost tip to keep safe when travelling solo is to blend like a local. Dress up like them, avoid the show of skin, as many cultures do not appreciate it. Local phrases will be of great help. It also works wonders if you know some names of local dishes or even have the stomach to savor the local specialties. Food will fuel you with energy, therefore know what works best for you to keep you charged for your adventure-filled experience.

Plan your holiday in Kerala one of the safest and beautiful places in India.