Safety is an important issue when travelling alone. While many tips can be followed (see links at the end of the post), it is most important to know the basics of solo travel safety.
With the exception of the odd recoverable mishap and these basic principles, you should have no problems.
Some travellers are nervous about travelling alone and want to do everything they can to ensure their safety. Some travellers have a great deal of faith in the goodness of people and believe that travelling is safe.
This post is primarily written for the latter group, of which I am a member.
You can’t rely on human nature alone. It is important to travel with caution.
Cruise ships and patios. Sunny Saturday in Hamburg port.
Five fundamentals to keep you safe when travelling alone
When it comes to solo travelling safety, I have a list of priorities. These are:
- You can also contact your person
- Your documents
- You can earn money
- Your stuff
Solo travel safety is less about money and things (lower in the safety hierarchy) and more about your safety and that of your documents.
- Public is safer than private. This is my first rule. I only go to busy public places. It cannot be easy to read people and situations when I am out of my normal routine or in a new culture. No matter how comfortable I feel with new acquaintances, I will never leave a public space with them. To avoid insulting them, I plan to do this. For example, I might discreetly call a taxi before anyone offers me a ride. I did this in a Blues Bar near Jackson, Mississippi. Remember that sharing a cab with a stranger is not considered public transportation.
- Take the initiative rather than react. Solo travel has a social aspect that I find appealing. By taking the first steps, I am able to meet new people. I believe that I am more likely to be chosen by an inappropriate person than they will be. Determination is my way of making choices. I decide who I will talk to, what I’ll do, and where I will sit. My first choice when I need directions is to ask a family, then a couple. I don’t also assume that women will be safe. I still have a lot of friends, but it’s less likely that I will be forced to react to a situation after I make a choice.
- Involve other people to ensure your safety. When I leave at night, I talk to a server so that they know I am alone. They will watch me out and keep unwanted attention at bay. Even if I am familiar with the route, if I feel unsafe while walking to my destination, I will stop and ask for directions. If I am heading into a dangerous area, people will redirect me. Whenever I can, I engage others subtly in my safety, regardless of whether I feel unsafe or not.
- Do not rush into making a decision. Rushing into a decision, whether you are at home or on vacation, is the fastest way to get scammed or taken advantage of. This is a common tactic used by people who are trying to get you to pay more than you should. This usually begins with new, accurate, but believable information, which forces you to make a quick decision. Reject their offer if they don’t allow you to consider it properly. You should find a place that is safe where you can decide at your own pace.
- Be rude if necessary. I am usually friendly and polite to everyone I meet. This is how I was brought up, and it makes me happier. When it comes to my safety, I will be rude, especially when travelling alone, if being polite does not work. If I must, I’ll be rude, even if it hurts someone else or causes them to disturb others. I will be rude or loud. This has happened a few times, but not often.
Here are some more articles that will help you to learn about solo travel safety.