Traveling alone can be amazing, but staying safe is key. I always research destinations ahead of time, especially when visiting places like Japan and Mexico or traveling in the US. Joining groups or booking tours helps me meet people and explore safely.
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There are great travel packages designed for women. They include options specifically for women over 50 who want a relaxed and secure experience. While on the go, I stay aware of my surroundings, trust my instincts, and keep in touch with my family.
Solo travel is freeing; with some planning, it can be safe and unforgettable!
Prevention is better than a cure when it comes to traveling safely. You can never be too prepared or safe on a trip. Yes, no amount of prevention guarantees safety because things happen! Still, prevention is an important start.
- Before you leave, do your research. Get the necessary vaccinations, apply for the visa, submit the correct applications, and complete the necessary forms. You can never be too prepared.
- Choose your solo destination wisely – do not leave anything to chance or guesswork. Consider language barriers, airfare costs, and more. Make sure the safety of your destination meets your personal travel safety requirements.
- Check your state department’s travel site for warnings, travel updates, and general advisories. Here are links for travel alerts for the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
- Make sure you purchase travel insurance. Certain insurance companies will allow you to buy insurance after you leave your country. However, you cannot buy it after an incident occurs.
- Develop a sense of direction – no GPS allowed. If you are like me and lack a sense of direction, you will need to develop it. Work on this skill before your next trip. Sometimes, WiFi, data, and GPS will not help you. Only your sense of direction will.
Build travel safety gear
- Do this not for the zombie apocalypse, but to prepare for the worst.
- Check out the Amazon store for all the travel essentials here.
- A whistle can be handy if you feel the need to draw attention to yourself and scare away unwanted attention.
- Walking blisters can occur more often than you might expect. Since you will most definitely be walking, it’s best to carry protection.
- Acetaminophen
- BENADRYL® Itch Relief for insect bites
- DEET-free Insect Repellent from Repel
- Instant Cold Packs
- Stand and Walk with confidence. Acting like a tourist makes sense in super touristy places such as around the Eiffel Tower. But in certain locations, such as some countries in Central America or Africa, you do not want to look lost.
- Don’t carry more than what you need. You don’t need to carry that credit card—it is not accepted in most places. You also don’t need to carry that giant bottle of lotion in your bag. Only take essentials; buy what you need as you go.
- Get a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. My PNC card charges me fees at the ATM. It also incurs credit card foreign exchange fees. However, my AMEX and Navy Federal cards do not charge these fees. Do your research and choose wisely. Keep in mind, AMEX isn’t accepted internationally in most countries. Always have a Visa or Mastercard on hand.
- Make copies of your important documents. Leave copies of your passport, social security card, birth certificate, etc., in a safe place. Take extra copies on your trip. You might need them to prove your identity or citizenship.
- Use a VPN. Turn on a VPN before you use a debit or credit card online. Check your balance before accessing secure websites. Make sure you use a VPN to enter any website that requires a password.
- Learn the basic Apps on your phone. Learn to use the compass, flashlight, weather app, Find my iPhone, and Google and Apple Maps.
- Stay alert and sober. You are most likely in an unfamiliar location, so avoid becoming inebriated. Please do not lose track of your surroundings.
Is Solo Travel Safe?
Traveling is a risk in general. I would say yes if you follow the above tips and practice prevention. You should be fine. You are probably more likely to run into harm at your local store than in a foreign country. T
he scary stories you have heard do not happen as often. However, they serve as cautionary tales for the next traveler when they occur.
You are the next traveler. Your safety is important. Protect yourself with knowledge and share it with anyone who may require it.
