Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe

Traveling solo can be an enriching experience that allows you to explore the world on your own terms. However, safety concerns often arise when you’re alone in an unfamiliar place. The good news is that with the right preparation and awareness, you can minimize risks and enjoy your solo adventures to the fullest. We’ll cover over 50 tips on how-to stay safe while traveling solo. These tips will cover everything from planning your trip to keeping your belongings secure and using technology to enhance your safety.

Solo Travel Safety Starts with the Right Plan

1. Research Your Destination
   Before you set off, dive into some research on your destination. Understand the local customs, laws, and any potential safety concerns. This helps you avoid unwittingly putting yourself at risk.
2. Know the Safe and Unsafe Areas
   Every city has its good and bad parts. Read online forums, travel blogs, and even local crime reports to identify the safest neighborhoods. Avoid places that are known for high crime rates or political unrest.
3. Share Your Itinerary
   Always share your detailed travel plans with a friend or family member. Include accommodation details, flight information, and key contact numbers.
4. Stay Updated on Travel Advisories
   Monitor government travel advisories for your destination. These advisories will alert you to any ongoing safety issues like political instability, health outbreaks, or natural disasters.
5. Get Travel Insurance
   Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for solo travelers. It covers medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. Don’t skip this step!
6. Have Emergency Contacts
   Compile a list of local emergency numbers (police, ambulance, embassy). Keep these numbers accessible in case you need them.
7. Learn Basic Phrases in the Local Language
   If English isn’t widely spoken, knowing a few basic phrases in the local language can be a lifesaver in emergencies.
8. Plan for Daylight Arrivals
   Arriving in a new city during daylight hours allows you to familiarize yourself with the area and reduces the risk of being targeted as a confused tourist.
9. Pre-arrange Airport Transfers
   Instead of scrambling for transportation upon arrival, pre-book your airport transfer or hotel pick-up. This minimizes time spent waiting at airports, where scams can target tired travelers.
10. Avoid Over-scheduling Your Days
    When you’re too rushed or exhausted, you’re more likely to make mistakes or overlook potential safety risks. Pace yourself to stay sharp.

Travel Gear to Pack

11. Anti-theft Backpack
    Invest in an anti-theft backpack with features like lockable zippers and slash-resistant straps. This will deter thieves from targeting your belongings.
12. Portable Door Lock
    Carry a portable door lock, especially if you’re staying in budget accommodation or Airbnb rentals. These are simple to use and add an extra layer of protection while you sleep.
13. Travel Safe Belt or Money Pouch
    A money belt or a hidden money pouch is an excellent way to keep your cash, cards, and passport close to your body, especially in crowded areas.
14. Personal Safety Alarm
    A personal alarm can scare off potential attackers and attract attention if you feel threatened. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and can be attached to your bag or clothing.
15. First-Aid Kit
    Having a compact first-aid kit with essentials like bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes can help in case of minor injuries while on the road.
16. Portable Phone Charger
    Keep a power bank handy to ensure your phone is always charged. You don’t want to be stranded in an unfamiliar place with a dead phone.
17. Headlamp or Flashlight
    If you find yourself in a place without adequate lighting, a headlamp or small flashlight can be a useful tool for staying safe.
18. Whistle
    A whistle is another simple, yet effective tool for drawing attention to yourself in an emergency.
19. Locks for Luggage
    Use TSA-approved locks on your luggage to prevent theft while you’re en route to your destination or while your bags are stored.
20. Water Purification Tablets
    If you’re heading to remote areas where clean drinking water may be scarce, water purification tablets are a smart item to have.

How to Keep Your Money and Documents Safe as You Travel

21. Carry Multiple Payment Methods
    Don’t rely solely on cash or one card. Carry a mix of credit cards, debit cards, and cash, and store them separately.
22. Use a Travel-Specific Credit Card
    Travel credit cards often come with fraud protection and travel-related benefits, such as no foreign transaction fees or emergency assistance.
23. Keep Your Cash and Cards Separated
    Avoid putting all your money in one place. Store some in a hotel safe, carry a little with you, and keep extra hidden in different spots.
24. Use Hotel Safes Wisely
    If your hotel room has a safe, use it to store your passport, extra cash, and any valuables you don’t need while out exploring.
25. Scan Important Documents
    Make digital copies of your passport, visa, ID, and any other important documents. Store them securely online in a password-protected cloud service.
26. Don’t Flash Large Amounts of Cash
    When paying for something, especially in markets or local shops, avoid displaying large wads of cash, which can make you a target for thieves.
27. Use an RFID-blocking Wallet
    Some thieves use scanners to steal information from credit cards with RFID technology. An RFID-blocking wallet can prevent this from happening.
28. Consider Prepaid Travel Cards
    Prepaid travel cards can be a safe option for solo travelers, as they limit the amount of money you have access to in case of theft or loss.
29. Limit the Use of ATMs
    When possible, withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks rather than street-side machines to reduce the risk of skimming devices or muggings.
30. Carry Only What You Need for the Day
    Avoid taking all your cards, cash, and passport with you while sightseeing. Only take what you’ll need for the day.

Technology for Travel Safety

31. Use GPS Apps for Navigation
    GPS apps like Google Maps can guide you through unfamiliar places, reducing the risk of getting lost. Always have offline maps downloaded in case you lose service.
32. Enable Location Sharing
    Share your live location with trusted friends or family using apps like WhatsApp or Google Maps. This helps them track your whereabouts in case something happens.
33. Install Safety Apps
    Apps like bSafe or Noonlight can be activated in emergencies and alert your designated contacts. Some even record audio or video for evidence.
34. Keep Your Phone Protected
    Use a password, PIN, or biometric lock on your phone to secure your personal information if it gets lost or stolen.
35. Use a VPN for Public Wi-Fi
    When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to keep your data secure from potential hackers.
36. Back Up Your Data Regularly
    Back up important files and photos regularly to a cloud service. If your phone is lost or stolen, you won’t lose everything.
37. Track Your Belongings with Bluetooth Devices
    Attach Bluetooth tracking devices like Tile or AirTag to your luggage, wallet, or keys so you can easily locate them if they go missing.
38. Turn Off Geotagging on Social Media
    Posting real-time updates with geotags can alert people to your exact location. Save those posts for after you’ve left.
39. Use Ride-Hailing Apps with Safety Features
    Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft offer safety features such as ride tracking, driver information sharing, and emergency assistance.
40. Secure Your Accounts with Two-Factor Authentication
    For extra protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your important accounts, such as email, banking, and social media.

Solo Travel Safety Tips for While You're On the Road

41. Trust Your Instincts
    If something feels off or a situation makes you uncomfortable, trust your gut and remove yourself from it immediately.
42. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
    Always pay attention to what’s happening around you. Avoid walking around while wearing headphones or staring at your phone.
43. Avoid Walking Alone at Night
    Whenever possible, avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night. If you must, stay on well-lit, busy streets.
44. Blend in with Locals
    Try to dress and act like a local. This makes you less of a target for scams and theft. Avoid flashy jewelry or designer clothing that can make you stand out.
45. Stay Sober or Know Your Limits
    While it’s fine to enjoy a drink, avoid getting intoxicated when you’re traveling alone. Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you vulnerable.
46. Make Friends, But Be Cautious
    It’s great to make friends while traveling, but be cautious about who you trust. Don’t share personal information like your hotel room number or travel plans with people you’ve just met.
47. Avoid Over-sharing on Social Media
    Posting real-time updates on social media can alert people to your exact whereabouts, making you a target for theft or worse. Consider waiting until after your trip to post.
48. Take Photos of Taxi License Plates
    Before getting into a taxi, take a photo of the license plate and send it to a trusted friend. This provides an added layer of security in case of a problem.
49. Know the Emergency Numbers
    Research the emergency phone numbers for the country you're visiting, as they differ from the common 911 in North America.
50. Be Confident and Act with Purpose
    Walk with confidence, even if you’re not entirely sure where you are. Looking lost or uncertain can make you a target for scammers.
51. Use a Local SIM Card or Portable Wi-Fi
    Stay connected by using a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device. This ensures you have access to maps and emergency contacts without relying on public Wi-Fi.
52. Establish Check-in Times with Someone You Trust
    Set regular check-in times with a friend or family member. Let them know where you are and any changes to your plans. This way, someone is aware of your location and well-being.

By following these proven solo travel safety tips, you can enjoy your adventure with peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken the necessary steps to keep yourself safe.