Traveling by yourself for the very first time is always exciting. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing new sights and meeting new people. However, it can also be daunting, especially if you’re worried about things going wrong or potentially getting into a mishap. If you’re a newbie solo traveler, you’re in the right place. To help you prepare for your journey, read on for some simple reminders for ensuring your safety as you make your way to and explore your destination:
Make Sure You’ve Packed Everything You Need
Nothing’s worse than realizing you’ve forgotten to bring something you really need, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar place. To avoid these kinds of situations, come up with a checklist of important items you should pack. In addition to your clothes, be sure to include essentials like your plane ticket, passport, medicine, toiletries, cables, chargers, and other accessories. Then, make sure to double-check or triple-check your luggage before leaving your home.
Bring a Few Extras of Certain Items, If Possible
Do you have a tendency to lose some of your stuff while you’re traveling? To stay on the safe side, it would be wise to throw in a few extras of items you really depend on.
You can, for example, pack two or more pairs of Burlix men’s casual socks than you initially think you’ll need, as these kinds of small garments tend to go missing quite easily. Similarly, you may want to bring along an extra change of clothes in case you end up having to stay at your destination a day longer than you originally planned. As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t Store All Your Valuables in One Place
Instead of keeping your cash, credit cards, passport, and other valuables in a single place, spread them out among your belongings or on your person. For instance, instead of keeping everything in your wallet, you can tuck some money into your socks and keep your hotel key card in your pocket instead. That way, you won’t be left empty-handed in case you misplace your bag, wallet, pouch, or luggage. This will also give you some things to fall back on should you get pickpocketed while you’re out and about.
Keep Your Friends and Family Posted
Before heading off on your trip, inform a family member or trusted friend of your itinerary so that they know when to expect your return. Once you arrive, shoot them an e-mail or text message to let them know that you’ve safely reached your destination. It would also be good to keep them posted now and then on how you’re doing as you travel from one place to another.
Invest in Adequate Travel Insurance
Some people may do away with travel insurance, believing it to be completely unnecessary. However, it’s actually a hedge against unforeseen circumstances. After all, it’s tough enough to lose your luggage or to get into an accident while you’re traveling. The last thing you’d want is to worry about how to pay for replacement items or medical bills. If you have travel insurance, you won’t need to lose sleep over these things, and you can continue your trip knowing you’re covered in case you get hit with any surprise expenses.
Be Confident and Sure of Your Actions When in Public
Thieves and scammers are always on the lookout for people they can victimize. Given this, you’ll want to avoid looking like you don’t know where you’re going or what you’re doing, as this can make you an easy target for them.
Every day, before heading out, carefully study your maps and travel guides so you know how to get to the places you want to visit. You can also look up extra information online to make sure you cover your bases. With the information you’ve gathered, you can thoroughly plan your itinerary for the day. Doing so can help you step out in public with more confidence and make you less likely to be targeted by unscrupulous individuals.
Avoid Heavy Drinking
While it can be fun to have an alcoholic beverage or two during your trip, it’s best to refrain from heavy drinking if you’re traveling alone. Should you end up in an intoxicated state, you may get taken advantage of by people with ill intentions.
Be Cautious When Talking to Strangers
It’s generally nice to chat up the locals or any fellow travelers you may come across during your trip. After all, it’s a great way to find out where you can try amazing food and what places you should check out. That said, always exercise caution whenever you’re talking to people you don’t know. Don’t overshare, as any personal information about yourself—such as your place of accommodations, for example—could compromise your safety.
All in all, exploring the world through solo travel can definitely be a rewarding experience. You’re sure to feel a certain sense of freedom and enjoyment in discovering new things on your own. Just be sure to balance this sense of adventure with common sense and constant alertness to avoid getting into any dangerous situations.
