Traveling alone: Safety tips for solo travelers

June 01, 2017

Traveling solo, whether for business or pleasure, can be a great experience. You can go where you want, do what you want, and rest when the mood hits you without having to please anyone else

But single travel in another country also can make you feel a bit more vulnerable – especially if you aren’t entirely familiar with the language and customs. A bit of common sense and these few tips can help.

Make sure someone knows where you are

Give a copy of your itinerary to a friend or family member at home and touch base on a regular schedule. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department enrolls U.S. citizens traveling abroad with the nearest U.S. Embassy. Enrolling before you go keeps you informed about conditions in the destination country and can aid you in an emergency.

Dress to blend in

First and foremost, make sure you are respecting local customs with your attire, especially in deeply religious countries. Remember that camera bags, fanny packs and hometown t-shirts peg you as a tourist and a possible target for theft or scam artists. And leave your best jewelry at home.

Know where you are going

Poring through maps and guidebooks in the hotel keeps you from doing it on the street. Ask your concierge for directions before you head out, and then walk with purpose and confidence once you are out and about.

Follow your gut

If it feels wrong, it probably is

Consider SafeTrip protection

With a SafeTrip Travel Protection plan, you will have 24-hour emergency access to help in case of a medical emergency, a lost passport or other unexpected travel incidents or emergencies.