As many of you know, I travel solo majority of the time whether that be for work or for fun. Oftentimes I’m asked what I do to maintain safety while traveling. In an effort to inspire you to take the leap by yourself, I am here to deliver some travel tips! Read on to see how I stay safe while traveling (in no particular order). Keep in mind this list not only provides solo travel tips for women; Men and travel groups can also benefit.
Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations for the items listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. There is a current U.S. Travel Advisory and in some cases U.S. Travel Restrictions. Use your best judgment if you choose to travel (or you can simply hold off for now and save this guide for later). If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling.
Travel Tips
1) Keep copies of important documents!
I cannot stress this travel tip enough; sometimes we misplace items or worse, it’s stolen! This is where having a copy of your important documents comes into play (i.e.; passport, insurance card, drivers license etc.). If you have a copy of these documents, you can always utilize them at the embassy of your country of origin to have it reissued. So where should you keep a copy? In your check-on bag, purse, or carry-on. You can also use an app to keep a digital copy, but a paper copy will come in handy in case your battery dies or you lose your phone. Store all of your important documents using this organizer.
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2) Research, research, RESEARCH
I do not travel anywhere without first researching that destination or area thoroughly. The last thing you want to do is to be caught off guard, or worse, in an area where it’s clear you should not be. Get to know the ins and outs of where you’ll be staying and do not explore after dark by yourself.
Solo Travel
3)Keep your loved ones informed of where you are at ALL times!
Traveling solo (or in general) is fun, and it’s very easy to get caught up in all of the things you want to do. Make sure you either share your location with people you can trust at all times, OR give them live updates of wherever you are at that moment. Additionally share the address of where you’ll be staying, the room number (if applicable), and the itinerary of what you’ll be doing. You should also leave the lights on, windows closed, and do not disturb sign on your door so someone thinks you’re home (even when you aren’t).
*Bonus- If you have a social media presence (or just in general) DO NOT post until AFTER you have already left that location.
4) Safety proof where you will be staying!
Moving to a new place can be both exciting and unnerving. I purchase quite a few items to make wherever I am staying feel much safer. Here’s a few items I purchase: ring light, window/door alarm, portable door lock, nanny cam, and door security bar. I could go on and on, but starting off with these items will help give you a piece of mind.
Solo Travel for Women
5) Self-defense items
Given today’s climate if you’re traveling alone as a woman, it’s a good idea to have some kind of self-defense item. I don’t mean to scare you, and this isn’t me saying that there are places you cannot travel alone as a woman without these items, but it is helpful.
Keep in mind if you’re traveling overseas, then you will not be able to carry some of these items with you, but it may behoove you to carry them where you live. The decision is ultimately up to you, and you can always opt-out if you feel uncomfortable. Here are some self-defense items you might find worthwhile: mace/stun gun, and self-defense key chain set. Some U.S. States have restrictions on items you can carry so research your options before purchasing.
6) Book an early flight!
I’ll admit this is not always easy to do, but try to book an early flight if you can. It’s not a good idea to be in a strange or foreign place at night, so opt for an early arrival. I once arrived in Thailand late at night, but my friends met me at the airport so I wouldn’t be traveling alone.
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How to Travel Alone
7) Blend in!
When I’m traveling alone I try to blend in. Now admittedly this is pretty hard for me given my appearance (I have a big curly fro and most people can usually tell I’m not from the area), so it’s not easy for me to blend in per se. HOWEVER I try my best NOT to attract additional attention to myself. What does this mean? The last thing you want to do is look like a tourist (e.g.; looking lost/confused, scared, in awe of everything, not paying attention to your belongings). I’m not saying you shouldn’t be excited by what you see, but just be aware of your surroundings. This brings me to my next point…
Traveling Safely
8) Learn the local language
In addition to learning how to travel safely, it’s important to try to learn a few phrases or words of the local language, especially when traveling overseas. There are plenty of apps you can use to strengthen your ability to learn another language (I like to use Duolingo) or you can purchase books as well. Here’s an example: Spanish for Dummies.
9) Leave important items at home!
The last thing you want to do is wear your most expensive jewelry or carry any other valuables unnecessarily while you’re exploring. Pickpockets and/or misplacing items can happen, don’t let it! If you need to carry valuable items while traveling, utilize the hotel’s safe or carry your own portable safe.
10) Use your intuition
I know this one seems counter-intuitive (get it :)) but seriously, we can all feel when something isn’t right. If you’re having second thoughts, or feel uncomfortable, follow it! This could be the very thing that keeps you safe and even alive so don’t ignore it!
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Final Thoughts
That concludes my tips on things you need to know in order to travel safely! As always, thank you for reading. Did you learn anything new or have any feedback? Any ways you keep safe that weren’t mentioned here? Let me know, please comment below and don’t forget to subscribe here.
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Need suggestions on some of my must have travel items? Read more here. Having wanderlust, or traveling out of the country? Check out my detailed travel itineraries to Aruba, Belgium, London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Need resources related to blogging? Check out my tips on email marketing here and how to protect your blog here.
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Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations for the items listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. There is a current U.S. Travel Advisory and in some cases U.S. Travel Restrictions. Use your best judgment if you choose to travel (or you can simply hold off for now and save this guide for later). If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling.
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