10 commonsense tips for safe solo travel learnt on my own

You know the saying: start off on the wrong foot.

This was me. Three days before getting to Sicily.

Let me explain!

Not only was this my first 100% solo trip, but it also came with some drawbacks: bad weather forecast, the month of February – which meant getting dark early, and the threat of a dangerous area.

I am not a motivational speaker, but if I were, I would suggest anyone to take a solo trip in order to understand themselves better, love them more and discover that you only need to follow a few commonsense safety tips to understand that you have the power (in most cases).

At least, this is how it worked for me! And I cannot see why it wouldn’t work for you!

Tips for safe solo travel

These are some tips that I applied on my first solo trip. Luckily, if you prepare thoroughly, you won’t probably need them. However, having them arranged makes your stay light-hearted.

Better safe than sorry!

1. Bring a spare phone with you/spare sim card

If you have the possibility, take a spare phone with you/spare sim card. Some years ago, when I travelled to Spain, my phone fell to the ground and the screen broke to pieces within seconds. Luckily, I was not travelling alone, so I could keep in touch with my family or take pictures.

You don’t need to carry the latest model: just a phone for calls. Or photos, if you have a good extra phone at home. Not to mention that a theft can also be possible in crowded areas if you do not mind your bag or pocket for a minute!

2. Make sure you have good internet connection! Or have plan B!

Staying in touch with family and friends is an essential aspect of any trip. It can be useful to inform your close ones about the places you are planning to visit to have someone “trace your steps”. While you are on a bus or train, take the time to check in on your loved ones and inform them on the itinerary.

If you come from the European Union and travel to Europe, the problem with the internet connection is solved. Theoretically.

Both Italy and Romania are in the EU, so I never bothered with the internet. I knew I would have. Pretty much unlimited internet and phone calls based on my home subscription. But what do you do when Italian Vodafone is down and you don’t have offline maps?

Well, you download the maps when you hit the first good wi-fi. And until then? How about directions in a foreign country? You ask somebody in the good old classic way! We are social animals, after all!  Or, you can have a reliable source at home keen to help! I called my boyfriend, gave him the name of the street where I was and told him where I wanted to go, so he guided me remotely. It was fun!

However, if you swap continents, make sure you are covered. Buy a eSIM card that allows you to connect to the local mobile data network and stay carefree!

3. Good hotel and (especially) host reviews

Planning accommodation is part of the safe solo travel. Hotels or dorms involve many people and can be fun, but what do you do if you head for an Airbnb? Considering the trip on my own, it was mandatory to have a reliable host. Thus, after picking the place and price, I read reviews of the accommodation to make sure the host is trustworthy.

I find this crucial for solo female travellers. Once I travelled by car and after reaching the destination, my car just wouldn’t start. Even if it was nothing more than the battery, it was good to have somebody ready to offer guidance. The host advised me about a good car service and even helped me make the quickest appointment.

Especially that I would never make a good mechanic!

4. Prepare ahead for any safe solo travel!

Read about the safety of the place you are travelling to! I’ve been to Italy many times before, but never to Sicily. Somehow, I never considered it could be a problem… until it turned out some areas can be dangerous at dark, and in February at 6 p.m. it is already night.

As I am a crazy traveller (walk an immense lot daily when visiting) and cannot refrain myself from visiting, I had to figure out a way to be safe if returning by train at 9 p.m. from a place. After investigating local taxis (rob tourists off figuratively) and unsuccessfully looking for Uber or Bolt (non-existing in the area), I asked the host about a safe possibility to get to the accommodation. (This one connects to the good host reviews). So, he offered to take me to the accommodation for a nominal fee.

P.S.  As I am writing these lines, Sicily felt safe to me even late in the evening.

However, you should avoid dark streets and shady parks, and even if you take a small detour, choose a lit-up street or boulevard. Eventually, my host didn’t have to take me to the accommodation, but it felt reassuring to have a plan B in the back of my mind.

5. Look for a strategic accommodation!

I knew that my trip to Sicily would involve a different destination every day, that’s why I decided to pick a place in the vicinity of the train station. This will save you time early in the morning and in the evening upon return.

Check ahead the transportation apps, such as Omio to find out which means of transport is more suitable to your needs and look for accommodation accordingly! Eventually, in a big city it translates in cheaper travel as you walk to the station!

6. Arm yourself with a health insurance and emergency number of the country

Never leave your country without a valid and comprehensive health insurance! It should cover a wide range of medical expenses, trip interruption and cancellation, and lost or stolen belongings. Some of the best insurance providers are IMG, World Nomads (flexible plans), SafetyWing (budget-friendly) or Allianz, Europe Assistance and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for EU residents.

And also, knowing the emergency number of the country you visit is important. Prepare ahead!

7. Keep ID and cards safe, and have a small cash reserve

Together with the phone and money, the ID and cards are the most important valuables you take on a trip. From Adventurous Kate I learnt that you should make front-and-back copies of your credit cards and passport  and save them to cloud storage like Google Docs or Dropbox. (Make sure you remember the password!) Besides, for the worst possible situation, keep a backup cash stash hidden somewhere in your hotel luggage!

8. Carry a waist bag or small messenger bag

Make sure to always close your purse and backpack! Personally, I think for safe solo travel the best options are to carry a backpack and a waist bag.

Never keep anything valuable in your backpack! It is ideal for a bottle of water, phone charger, etc. The second bag should be a waist bag or, a small postman bag carried always in front, before your eyes. If the former can be more casual and sporty, the latter comes in fancier/leather versions more pleasant to the eye (and sometimes outfit). When traveling alone, I carry a backpack and a small messenger bag where I keep the precious staff. That is, I take with me everywhere (even toilet) as it can be risky to trust your next table neighbour at the restaurant at once!

9. Maintain the appearance of confidence and try to blend in

Exuding confidence is a means to blend in and being less prone to any criminal activity! Do not walk scared! On the contrary, try to maintain the appearance of fearlessness and self-reliance while being a tourist! Just put on your headphones and listen to the directions on maps instead of checking the maps on your phone constantly. This way, you’ll be one of the hundreds of people with backpacks and headphones without standing out! Or duck into a store or café to check your map discreetly.

Dress like a local if possible and avoid flashy jewellery or expensive accessories. Walk with purpose, even if you’re lost!

10. Be cautious with alcohol!

Whenever traveling and drinking, be cautious! Alcohol can make you a more pleasant company or a bolder person, but watch for the reverse effects especially if you travel solo! Alcohol dulls your senses and slows your reaction time, so whenever you get a glass, be aware of these effects and never go beyond the moment you feel slightly tipsy. Remember that you travel alone and need to keep your senses alive to get back to the accommodation!

Also, never leave drinks unattended (especially in clubs). Get used to gulp a glass of water alternately to alcohol; this can reduce hangover and dehydration. And get used to eating with drinking. Thus, your body can manage alcohol easier and helps individuals to avoid feeling too drunk too quickly. 
 

Did you find these tips useful?  Do you have any further tips for safe solo travel to share with us? I look forward to reading your experiences!