11 Top Tips for Staying Safe While Traveling Solo
Unlock the secrets to solo travel safety with practical tips backed by industry professionals. This article cuts through the clutter to provide straightforward advice for travelers seeking peace of mind on their journeys. Expert insights ensure that readers have access to reliable strategies for protecting themselves and their belongings while exploring new destinations.
- Keep Digital Backups of Important Documents
- Spread Cash in Different Spots
- Update Someone on Your Whereabouts
- Share Flight and Hotel Details
- Share Itinerary and Arrive During Daylight
- Pack Light for Easier Travel
- Stay Hydrated to Maintain Energy
- Research Local Transportation Options
- Use a Decoy Wallet for Safety
- Pack Essentials for Winter Travel
- Research Food Safety and Health Risks
Keep Digital Backups of Important Documents
As a travel advisor, I am often traveling solo to visit destinations to further help my clients. As a solo traveler, I always ensure that I have a digital backup of my passport and itinerary in the event mine gets lost or stolen. I always recommend sending a photo of your passport to a trusted friend or relative back home to ensure that there is always an obtainable copy. Personally, I also provide a trusted family member with my location via a tracking app so there is someone with my last known location in the event the unimaginable happens. It really comes down to being diligent but having fun. The world is a beautiful place and can be explored safely with a few extra precautions!
Breatta Schmadeke
Travel Advisor
Spread Cash in Different Spots
Traveling solo is not that different from your daily life; you just need to use your common sense no matter your age, gender, beliefs, or anything that could somehow identify you and make you feel unsafe.
Going on the practical side, always make sure to spread any cash you have in different spots. It could be your wallet, rucksack, coat pockets, etc. When paying in cash at a market or street vendor, try to be discreet and not take out a bundle of notes. To help with this, no matter the country I visit, I always separate the small notes from the larger denominations in my wallet so that when I pay for something, I’m not spending much time with my wallet open for all to see.
If walking at night and encountering a dark alley where you can see there are people lingering, try to walk around another path even if it’s a slightly longer route.
If traveling in deprived areas, don’t flash your state-of-the-art camera or any other gadgets. If you’re a content creator, try to be discreet, and remember to be respectful of the locals and not take photos of them without their consent.
Beware of border crossings, airports, bus and train stations as they tend to be frequented by scammers. If you need to grab a taxi, most of the time you will save lots of money by walking a few minutes away from the station and hailing a taxi from there. If there’s no alternative, make sure to negotiate the price for the ride before you get in the car.
It can be daunting at first to travel solo, but I’ve been doing so for many years and I always tell everyone that most of the planet is safer than your regular Western city. So don’t be afraid of the unknown, as you will be gladly surprised by the kindness, generosity, and hospitality of other cultures. I have shared lots of solo travel tips on my blog planetofadventures.com for everyone to experience a way of traveling that can be extremely rewarding and that offers opportunities to immerse yourself in different cultures. This might not happen when you travel with friends or with a group, as when you travel solo, you’re more approachable and you also approach the locals more.
Juan Castells
Travel Blogger, Planet of Adventures
Update Someone on Your Whereabouts
Traveling solo can be a thrilling adventure, but it’s important to prioritize safety to make the most out of your experiences. One practical tip is to consistently update someone on your whereabouts. Whether it’s a friend back home, a family member, or even a trusted colleague, regularly check in with them, sharing details like which city you’re in, where you’re staying, and any travel plans for the day. This can be as simple as sending a quick text or sharing your itinerary via email.
Another specific precaution I always take is to avoid drawing attention to myself as a tourist. This means dressing similarly to locals whenever possible and keeping expensive gadgets out of sight. I also make it a point to carry a map and a translation app on my phone, to navigate easily without having to openly ask for directions. Keeping a low profile helps in not becoming a target for scams or theft. Overall, the key is to stay connected and blend in as much as you can to ensure a safe and enjoyable solo travel experience.
Alex Cornici
Writer, Insuranks
Share Flight and Hotel Details
One of the ways I prioritize safety while traveling solo is by sharing my flight details and accommodation address with my loved ones. This ensures that someone knows where I am at all times, adding an extra layer of security. I also make it a habit to plan out my daily adventures before I head out. Mapping out my route helps me visualize the places I want to explore and gives me a better understanding of how I’ll navigate the city. Whether I’m walking or taking public transport, having a mental roadmap of my day allows me to feel more confident and less lost. I can anticipate any challenges or detours before they arise. This way, I can enjoy the experience of wandering without the stress of uncertainty. It’s a small but significant step in making my travels more organized and secure. Preparing in this way not only keeps me safe but also makes my journey more enjoyable by reducing the unknowns and helping me stay focused on the adventure ahead.
Nicole Moreno-Deinzer
Content Creator and CEO, Just Nicole Co.
Share Itinerary and Arrive During Daylight
Traveling solo brings a unique kind of freedom, doesn’t it? You get to set your own pace and truly immerse yourself in the experience. Still, it’s wise to take a few precautions when you’re on your own. One thing I’ve found incredibly useful is to always share my itinerary with someone back home. It’s a simple step, but it provides a safety net. I’ll send a quick email or text with my flight details, hotel reservations, and any planned activities. That way, someone knows where I should be, and if anything goes awry, they’ll have a starting point.
In addition to this, I make it a habit to arrive at my destination during daylight hours. There’s something reassuring about getting settled in a new place when it’s still light out. You can get your bearings, figure out the lay of the land, and get a feel for the neighborhood. It’s a small thing, but it can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel. It’s about being prepared, not paranoid.
Bruce Fisher
Owner, Hawaii Aloha Travel
Pack Light for Easier Travel
The best travel advice I’ve ever received is to pack light. It’s saved me so much hassle navigating airports and public transport. By packing only essentials, I’ve learned to travel more freely and focus on experiences rather than things. This simple tip has made every trip less stressful and more enjoyable.
Sarah Wilson
Travel Blogger, Life Part2 & Beyond
Stay Hydrated to Maintain Energy
Traveling can be an amazing experience, but it’s also important to take care of our health and well-being while we’re on the go. One tip I’ve found incredibly useful is to always stay hydrated. It might sound simple, but trust me, it’s easy to forget.
When we’re rushing from one place to another, exploring new sights, or simply caught up in the thrill of travel, we often neglect our water intake. Dehydration can sneak up on you, causing headaches, fatigue, and even mood swings. I’ve had instances where I mistook dehydration for jet lag!
So, my little travel secret is to always carry a reusable water bottle with me. It’s not just about quenching thirst, but keeping my energy levels up and helping my body cope with the changes in climate and routine. Plus, it’s a green choice too!
Swena Kalra
Chief Marketing Officer, Scott & Yanling Media Inc.
Research Local Transportation Options
One travel tip that’s been a lifesaver for me is always researching the local transportation options ahead of time. Let me tell you why it matters. A few years ago, I was traveling solo to a country where I didn’t speak the language. On my first day, I got completely lost trying to navigate the city’s metro system. The signs were unreadable, my phone wasn’t working, and I felt that sinking fear of being stranded.
That night, I sat in my hotel room and made a plan. I downloaded an offline map, noted key phrases in the local language, and learned how to identify the right bus or train. The next day, everything clicked. I felt empowered, even adventurous, as I navigated the city like a pro.
What I learned was that preparation doesn’t take away spontaneity—it gives you confidence to embrace the unknown. Now, wherever I travel, I make sure I know the basics of getting around. It’s turned what used to be a stress point into an exciting part of the journey. Traveling is so much more enjoyable when fear doesn’t hold you back.
Takarudana Mapendembe
Founder, Best Calculators
Use a Decoy Wallet for Safety
I travel solo often and always use a decoy wallet. I carry a small, cheap wallet with $20 in cash and a few expired cards. If I ever get into a situation where I need to hand over valuables quickly, I have something to give without real loss. My actual cards and ID stay hidden in a money belt or an inside jacket pocket.
This trick has saved me once before. A pickpocket went for my easily accessible wallet, thinking they had scored, while my real valuables remained untouched. This strategy is simple, effective, and worth the extra preparation.
Zarina Bahadur
CEO and Founder, 123 Baby Box
Pack Essentials for Winter Travel
One expert tip I’d offer to business travelers in the winter is to pack a travel-sized kit with essentials to stay comfortable during delays or cancellations. Things like hand warmers, a lightweight blanket, and extra snacks can make a big difference if you’re stuck at the airport for hours due to weather.
In addition, I always make sure to download offline versions of important documents or work materials in case of internet issues during travel. I’ve found this especially useful on flights or long layovers where staying connected might be tricky. This little preparation ensures I can still get work done no matter what the weather throws at me.
Adnan Jiwani
Assistant Manager Digital Marketing, Ivacy VPN
Research Food Safety and Health Risks
Health precautions matter too. I research food safety, water quality, and potential health risks before traveling. If tap water isn’t safe to drink, I stick to sealed bottles. Street food is great, but I only eat from busy vendors with high turnover. A basic first aid kit with pain relievers, anti-nausea medication, and bandages comes with me on every trip. Nothing ruins a trip faster than getting sick in an unfamiliar place.
Renato Fernandes
Clinical Nutritionist, Saude Pulso