We’ve compiled a list of tips to keep safe when traveling (solo).
Above all else, use your at-home street smarts, instinct and intuition to guide your decision making. Just because you are somewhere different does not mean that you abandon common sense and good judgement. If something doesn’t feel right, change the situation so it does.
[Updated 2022]
Trip Preparation
- Try to plan for transit during daylight hours.
- Organize accommodation for at least your first night in a new location.
- Understand your accommodation’s check-in window. If it is not all day, arrange in advance the time and location of check-in and key pick up. Consider a place that has 24 hour check-in.
- Keep the hotel name and location on your person so you are not fumbling for the address when you need it. Transition moments — whether in the airport, taxi, train, walking etc. present potentially stressful moments if you can’t easily produce the information you need.
- If you are traveling to a country that speaks a different language than yours, download the Google Translate app (and the particular language) so you have the ability to get around.
People
- If someone you meet is weird/off/strange or is making you feel uncomfortable, you do not have to engage with them or continue a conversation out of obligation. Politely excuse yourself and remove yourself from the situation.
- If you notice someone following you, pop into a restaurant, bar, shop, hotel, etc. and alert someone. Order a cab and have someone walk you out to the car.
- Do not leave your items unattended, even if a place seems cozy or safe.
- If you are going out in the evening, notify a trusted person of where you plan to go and when you generally plan to be back.
Food & Beverage
- Alert restaurants to significant food allergies. If you have a food preference but it is not an allergy, do not tell the restaurant that it is an allergy. They may have to remove you from the restaurant if they can’t properly keep their kitchen gluten-free, dairy-free etc.
- If you have medical issues that require serious intervention, have your emergency details readily available on your person for emergency responders to find and use to help you.
- If you plan to go out for libations, do not leave your drink unattended and do not get drunk. Let the restaurant or bartender know if you need some assistance getting home safely if you’ve over-consumed.
Transit
- If you are going out in the evening, notify a trusted person of where you plan to go and when you generally plan to be back.
[Taxi]
- Use public transportation during the day but spend extra money on taxis, Uber, Lyft if you are out at night.
- If you get into a taxi, ensure that they have a meter that is running. Get out if one is unavailable or broken.
- Confirm that your taxi has a debit or credit card reader if that is the way you intend to pay.
- Many airports offer fixed rate fares to the city center. Be aware of what those prices are, and price compare using Uber or the local ride app. Most of the time the fixed rate will be better than the ride share.
- Do not hand taxi drivers large cash bills with that expectation that they will give you change back. Instead, give them smaller bills and ask for the change you expect back.
- Cab drivers may expect a small tip “would you like to add a tip?”
[Train]
- Check to see if your train tickets needs to be validated before entry. Some train lines requires this proof of validation and their officers will give you a pricey ticket if you are unable to produce your proof of validation.
- Trains offer different levels of classes — usually some combination of first, business and economy. First and business class typically is meant for people who are looking for quiet through the duration of the ride.
Attire & Gear
- Do not wear flashy jewelry or items that draw attention to you.
- Do not keep large amounts of cash on your person.
- Do not keep your wallet in your back pocket or your purse behind your body.
- Always keep some form on identification on your person. We recommend a driver’s license. You can leave your passport at your accommodation (unless the country of travel requires this level of identification or you plan to purchase alcohol).
- Be mindful of a country’s fashion and cover up if traveling to a place where religion or conservative values factor into fashion choices in the place’s culture.
- Consider purchasing a lock for your daily bag, to serve as a deterrent against theft.