Travelling is an eye-opener. You get to experience a new world of different people, cultures and tastes. The thought of travelling alone might be scary when you think of your safety but think of the new experiences in front of you. If you are bent on travelling solo, the following tips would get you going:
1. Get informed
Before you travel to a place you are not familiar with, do extensive research. That way you get yourself informed about the security situation, culture, food, currency, and laws. This knowledge would protect you from the danger of misinformation, unsavoury individuals who might want to take advantage of your ignorance, and/or naively wandering into an unsafe area.
2. Arrive during the day
It is best to arrive at an unfamiliar place during daylight. The first port of call for most travellers is the hotel, hostel or the accommodation in which they plan on staying. It is best to arrive there when you can easily see how it is in daylight, so that, should you decide on the spot that it is unsafe, you would be able to move around before it gets too dark.
3. Ensure your safety
Make enquiries about the hotel before reserving a room. And if possible, ensure that your room isn’t on the ground floors where window entry is possible. If you can, choose an accommodation that has unmarked ‘swipe cards’ rather than numbered keys for each room. Don’t answer the door if you’re not expecting anyone. Take note of emergency exits, stairwells, fire escapes and emergency plans, just in case. Always lock your hotel door when retiring for the night. If there is a chain included, use it. If you make acquaintance while on your trip and you arrange for a meeting, don’t ask them to come up to your room. Wait and meet with them in the lobby.
4.Share your itinerary
Share a copy of your itinerary with a family member or a friend and always ensure you check-in and update them. If you leave your hotel for somewhere, let them know when you’re expecting to get back.
5. Blend in
You’re exploring, we know but try not to act like the typical tourist. Unwary tourists can make easy targets for thieves because they stand out in a crowd, are unused to their surroundings, and are generally carrying money, credit cards and valuables like cameras.
6. Carry I.D
Make sure to always carry with you a proper means of identification. If you choose to wear a money belt, use it for storage and not as a purse. Constantly reaching under your shirt for money draws attention to it and defeats the purpose. Instead, keep your passport, extra stores of money, and other important documents tucked away.