Thinking about taking the plunge into solo travel? It can be empowering and liberating—like being the captain of your own ship! You get to decide where to go, what to see, and who to meet. Having the freedom to explore new places, be spontaneous, and immerse yourself in the local culture is unparalleled when you set out on your own little adventure. However, to set yourself up for success, you’ll want to start with careful preparation – including taking preventative security measures. It’s also important to know how to attract attention if you feel threatened. When you make personal safety plans part of your planning process, you’ll feel much more confident once you reach your destination. After all, with solo travel on the rise worldwide, you may be curious about how to set yourself up for success when/if you decide to go it alone. So, here’s the ultimate solo travel preparation guide to making safety part of your travel plans.
Pre-Trip Preparations
First things first—do a little homework on your destination! Ever wondered if you need a visa or if there’s a local dress code to follow? A bit of research now will save you a ton of stress later. Understanding the local customs, dress codes, laws, and travel advisories is crucial. Taking special care when researching destinations is particularly important for solo women travellers, who should be vigilant about safety risks and precautions, especially regarding potential dangers like drink spiking during social interactions. Government travel websites, such as those run by the US Department of State, the UK Foreign Office, or the Government of Australia’s Smart Traveller, offer up-to-date information on safety concerns and travel tips. Forums and travel blogs can also provide firsthand accounts from fellow travellers.
Research arrival information for your destination airport. Know the basic customs rules (Do you need a visa to enter the country? Are there specific items you cannot bring?) and plan your exit. Understand how public transit works, where to find the taxi stand, what local taxis look like, and if the country allows services like Grab, Uber or Lyft. Depending on where you are going, there may be apps you can download to access taxi services or load your phone with public transit credit. That way, when you arrive, you can quickly sweep through the departure area and know where you’re going once you exit the relative safety of the airport.
Don’t forget to think about weather, especially if you are headed somewhere tropical. Know when typhoon or hurricane season is, for example, and the likely weather conditions to expect when you arrive and throughout your stay. Look up emergency preparedness tips for countries prone to earthquakes, or inclement weather such as heavy snow or rain.
Secure Travel Insurance
For solo travellers in 2024, travel insurance is an absolute must! It’s your safety net against unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. But you need to purchase it before you start your trip. Look for comprehensive coverage that includes health, theft, and trip interruptions. Companies like World Nomads, Cover-More, Southern Cross, and Allianz offer plans tailored to various types of travellers. If you travel to the United States, inform your insurance company and check your coverage. Often, US coverage is extra (and more expensive).
Plan Your Itinerary
While spontaneity is one of the joys of solo travel, having a general itinerary can enhance your safety. Share travel plans with friends or family, including accommodation details and travel routes. This ensures someone knows your whereabouts in case of emergencies.
Knowing what to expect in the neighbourhoods around your accommodation will help you settle faster. If you are staying at a hotel, get to know the concierge and ask them for advice about where to go and what to expect. Your Airbnb host will also have all sorts of information about your destination, the surrounding area, and things to do – as well as what areas are safe and which areas or activities (if any) to avoid. An app like Tripit not only prepares you for your destination – it’ll send you reminders to keep you on track and give you a heads up as things happen too!
Packing Smart When Travelling Alone
Too much luggage will weigh you down, quite literally. Travel light to stay agile and minimize your risk of theft. Don’t pack expensive items or clothing that could make you a target for thieves. Use anti-theft backpacks with hidden zippers and anti-slash fabric to protect your belongings. Keeping your valuables, such as your passport, money, and phone, secure and close to your body can prevent them from being easily stolen.
Consider what you’ll be taking with you on day trips as well. Make sure you travel with purses or totes that can zip closed. For extra protection from pickpockets, look for purses and cross-body bags with both zippers and flaps or hidden anti-theft pockets that make it more difficult for a hand to slip in unnoticed.
Essential Items
Packing with purpose is critical to staying safe. Ensure you have a basic first aid kit, necessary medications, copies of your documents (like your passport and insurance details), and a list of emergency contacts (including your country’s embassy or consulate). A portable battery pack (powerbank) and phone charger are also invaluable, ensuring you’re never caught with a dead cell phone in an emergency.
If you are nervous about your destination, your accommodations, or the safety of your credit cards and other important documents, consider packing:
- A portable door alarm for your room
- Personal alarms like She’s Birdie
- Money belts to protect important documents
Apps for Solo Travellers
Technology can be a solo traveller’s best friend. Load your phone with apps that can help you navigate, communicate, or keep you safe on the go. For example:
- Google Maps and its offline navigation feature (make sure you download the maps before you go).
- Google Translate for on-the-fly communication.
- LastPass to keep passwords safe and protected in one place.
- A VPN so you can access your social media and stay safe online.
- CurrencyApp for currency conversions while travelling.
- MeetUp for finding local social events.
Solo Traveller Safety at Your Destination
Once you arrive, the real adventure begins! But safety must remain top of mind. When planning your trip, think ahead and consider where you’re staying, how you’ll get around, and what tactics you can use to help yourself blend in with the locals.
Accommodation Choices
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, think of it as setting up your home base. Whether it’s a cozy hostel or a boutique hotel, you want somewhere that feels safe and comfy. Bonus points for friendly staff who can give you the local scoop! Opt for places with high ratings, extra safety features, and positive reviews. Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb allow you to filter by amenity options and user reviews, which can provide insight into the security of the neighbourhood and the accommodation itself. When possible, choose accommodations with 24-hour reception or security. Check Google Street View to get a sense of the area directly in front of your accommodations as well. That way, once you arrive, you’ll know what your hotel or Airbnb looks like and where the entrance is.
Transportation Tips
Navigating transportation as a solo traveller can be a challenge, especially in unfamiliar places. Always use reputable taxi services or rideshare apps, which track your trip in real-time. Public transit can be safe and efficient, but understand the system (and its hours of operation) before you hop on. If you plan on renting a car, bike, or scooter, familiarise yourself with the country’s road rules (and buy the appropriate insurance!).
Arriving during daylight hours can help you get your bearings and reduce the risk of getting lost. Researching the best ways to get around your destination – and the most efficient ways to get to your bucket list items – before you arrive will help you feel comfortable navigating once you land. A platform like Rome2Rio is a great tool for discovering the best ways to travel around your destination (including advising on ferry, bus, taxi, train and car routes).
Blending In
Blending in with the locals can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target. Dress appropriately for the culture and avoid wearing jewellery, flashy clothing, or accessories that draw attention. Walk confidently, even if you’re unsure of your direction. If you need to check your phone or map, try to dip into a store or place of business instead of stopping on the street. Trust your instincts when travelling abroad alone—if something feels off, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to remove yourself from any situation that feels unsafe.
A great way to blend in is to know a bit about the local language. Even just a simple greeting or thank-you can help you feel more confident and give people around you the impression you’ve visited before. Brush up on your skills or introduce yourself to a whole new language before you go with Duolingo or Babbel.
Staying Connected While Abroad
Staying connected is crucial to solo travel safety. Before you leave the airport, consider buying a local SIM card or purchase an eSIM like Airalo if you are concerned your country’s carrier won’t offer service. That way, you’ll have access to data and calls the moment you hop off that plane, and you won’t have to worry about trying to find public internet networks on the go. Share your temporary number with friends and family. When out and about, make sure you carry your powerbank with you so you.
While travelling, regularly check in with people back home through social media or messaging apps like WhatsApp. Sharing your location and updated plans with trusted contacts provides additional security for solo travellers.
Create a list of local emergency numbers, including the police, medical services, and the nearest embassy or consulate and enter them into your phone. Having contact details for these services can be lifesaving in an emergency. Apps like TripWhistle (for iOS) provide emergency numbers for your destination and can even sync emergency contacts so you have everything you need at your fingertips should something go wrong.
Health Precautions While Travelling
Health should be a top priority. Research the required vaccinations or other medications (like malaria or altitude sickness prevention pills) you’ll need for your destination. Remember, some places will only allow entry if you have the requisite vaccinations, so double-check your vaccination expiry dates and have up-to-date documentation on hand.
Keep your health insurance details close when you are travelling alone. Upload a digital copy to your phone, email it to yourself and an emergency contact, and keep card details in your wallet or purse so that it is easily accessible in multiple ways.
Stay hydrated, especially in hot climates, wear sun protection, and be cautious with local food and water. It’s a good idea to carry a reusable water bottle with you to grab more water on the fly. If you are worried about water quality, invest in those that have a built-in water filter like Lifestraw or Grayl and/or bring water purifying tabs with you. Know the location of the nearest hospital or health clinic. Understand how to access medical care if needed.
Safety and Security for Solo Travellers
As a solo traveller, safety and security should be your top priority. Start by thoroughly researching your destination and staying informed about local conditions and events that may affect your safety. Awareness is your best defense, so always be mindful of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable or suspicious, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from it.
Keep your valuables secure and be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Avoid walking alone at night and try to stay in well-lit and populated areas. When it comes to your accommodation, keep your hotel room door locked and secure, and consider using a hotel safe or a portable safe for added security.
Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid using them in isolated areas. Keep your phone charged and with you at all times, and consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected. Regularly check in with family and friends back home, sharing your itinerary and whereabouts to ensure someone knows where you are.
By taking these precautions, you can minimize your risk and stay safe while traveling alone. Remember, your safety is paramount, so always prioritize it in your travel plans.
Safety and Security for Solo Travellers
As a solo traveller, safety and security should be your top priority. Start by thoroughly researching your destination and staying informed about local conditions and events that may affect your safety. Awareness is your best defense, so always be mindful of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable or suspicious, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from it.
Keep your valuables secure and be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Avoid walking alone at night and try to stay in well-lit and populated areas. When it comes to your accommodation, keep your hotel room door locked and secure, and consider using a hotel safe or a portable safe for added security.
Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid using them in isolated areas. Keep your phone charged and with you at all times, and consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected. Regularly check in with family and friends back home, sharing your itinerary and whereabouts to ensure someone knows where you are.
By taking these precautions, you can minimize your risk and stay safe while traveling alone. Remember, your safety is paramount, so always prioritize it in your travel plans.
Solo Travel Mindset 2025
Solo travel requires a certain mindset, confidence and awareness are your best defence. Walk with purpose and stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t wear headphones in unfamiliar areas, they can distract you from potential dangers. Look up and around instead of down or at your phone and keep your hands free.
Meeting new people is one of the joys of travel but do so wisely. Join group tours or activities to meet other travellers in a safe environment. When meeting locals trust your instincts and take your time to get to know them before sharing too much about yourself, where you are staying or your plans.
Solo travel in 2025 is going to be awesome! You’ll have the chance for personal growth and adventures of a lifetime all on your own terms. One of the goals of solo travel is to get yourself out of your comfort zone but you don’t have to be reckless. By taking a few precautions first your trip will be as safe as it is fun. Happy travels!
