How to Stay Safe While Still Enjoying Solo Travel

The list of benefits of solo travel is endless, from schedule freedom to the ability to change your mind without ticking anyone off to plentiful opportunities for naps, walks, silence or whatever else your vacation-deprived mind and body need. However, traveling alone also can present a host of concerns, especially regarding safety for solo female travelers, but there are ways to keep alert and stay safe while still enjoying the perks of a solo trip.

Insure Yourself
Before you jet off, consider purchasing a short-term travel insurance policy. Some flight fares allow you to add a basic policy to your flight, but these terms only cover the bare minimum. Having a policy in place before you leave will give you one less thing to worry about if something were to go awry.

Keep in Touch
Notify friends or family members of your travel plans including your accommodation’s address and a rough idea of your itinerary. If anything were to happen, it’s helpful to have someone who knows where you should be. In your new destination, purchase a SIM card and send periodic updates to check in with loved ones, particularly if you’re in a remote location where data connections and WiFi can be spotty.

Make Copies
…of your passport, itinerary and any other ID cards. Keep the originals in a hotel safe and take the copies with you on your daily outings. If you were to find yourself in a bind, having these documents is extremely beneficial, but you won’t risk petty theft by carrying around the hard-to-replace originals.

Sign Up for STEP
The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program will keep you alert of any dangers in your immediate area and offer tips regarding what to do in case of an emergency evacuation.