6 ESSENTIAL SAFETY TIPS FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

Introduction

Solo travel can be a hugely enriching experience. But while you go on your solo journey to discover a new place, we encourage you to stay safe and cautious. Keep the following safety tips in mind to make your solo travel a fun and memorable one!

Vehicle of choice

Drive a smaller car that’s easy to maneuver and park in tight places. Try and pick a car that gives you good mileage. A smaller vehicle would also ensure that you don’t have space to give a lift to a random stranger!

Carry a map at all times

Carrying a map with you wherever you go can be rather helpful. Instead of letting a stranger know that you’re lost, stop to look at your map for a while and figure out where you need to be. If you’re on the road, it’s Google maps all the way!

Make sure your family knows your schedule

One of the first rules when you’re travelling solo is giving your family details of your stay and your itinerary. Make sure you tell them about your schedule so if your phone doesn’t catch signal at any point, they still know exactly where you are, and they won’t worry. Make use of the connectivity that most cars provide- sync up your phone so you can speak with family easily.

Keep your valuables inside your bag

Pickpockets are always on the lookout for cameras, phones and other expensive gadgets you might carry with you while discovering the new city. Make sure you use these gadgets only when you need them and try not to flaunt them around. Keep your belongings under the car seat or in the glove box, away from prying eyes.

Don’t disclose your personal details

You might meet new people and make friends with locals but remember that your place of stay or any other personal information shouldn’t be disclosed at any point. Avoid trusting blindly, especially when travelling solo.

Learn emergency phrases

It’s good to know a hello or a thank you in the local language but it’s even better to know phrases that will help you in case of an emergency like losing your way or if you need to call the police.

Happy (safe) World Tourism Day

The United Nations World Tourism Organization has been celebrating this day since 1980. It was on this day that the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted-a milestone in world tourism.