• Home
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Archives
  • Media
  • Services
  • Solo Travel Deals
  • Contact
Subscribe: Posts | Comments | E-mail
  • How to Travel Alone
  • Perspectives
  • Solo Travel Fave 5
  • Solo travel safety
  • Solo travel stories

Solo Traveler

Archive for the ‘Solo travel safety’ Category


Posted on July 28, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel Safety: Six tips for common sense self defense.

Solo Travel Safety: Six tips for common sense self defense.
angry man with megaphone

Tip #1 - Be noisy and demanding. I certainly was when I was groped on a train in Europe.

My usual posts about safety are all about prevention. It is far better to avoid a dangerous situation than to struggle your way out of one. So, first, I refer you to the Solo Travel Safety category where you can read lots about safe travel practices.

But, the fact is, sometimes we can end up in dicey situations. My worst was when I was Caught in a Con Game in Paris. With this in mind, I’ve done a little research on self defense.  Maybe some of these tips will stay with you and be available if ever needed.

  1. Be noisy and demanding: If someone is bothering you yet they seem relatively harmless,  draw attention to the situation. I was groped while sleeping on a train in Europe. When I woke up, I yelled at the man and demanded another compartment.
  2. Get Away: A person threatening you in some way is probably pumped up on adrenaline or possibly other substances. The best thing to do is try to get away.
  3. De-escalation: If it’s money that the attacker is after, give it to them. If they’re bullying, don’t challenge them, don’t give them any reason to attack, agree rather than argue, stay calm, and look for a logical opportunity to leave.
  4. Personal alarm: At up to 120 decibels, personal alarms distract and disorient attackers while attracting attention they don’t want.
  5. Diversion: If someone demands your wallet or purse, throw it away from you. If that’s what they really want, you’ll have time to run.
  6. Play to Your Strengths: If you can’t get away and it seems that you have to fight, what can I say but, yikes! What I have read is that you should forget the kick to the groin. They know that it’s coming plus, it places you on one foot and off balance for too long. Instead,
  7. -  Strike first for the element of surprise.
    -  Pepper spray may be an option. I have no experience with it and can’t imagine getting it out of my purse in time to do any good. It also can’t be taken on a plane and requires a license in some US states.
    -  If you’re close enough, use your elbow; it’s the strongest part of your body.
    -  If you do kick, use the side of your foot and go for your attacker’s knees to set them off balance.

I can’t claim to have tested any of the above (except number 1) so I offer them with caution. Travel safe. Please think prevention first.


Posted on June 19, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel Stranger Danger Part III – Recognizing Danger

Avoiding scams.

Parisian taxi drivers are known for overcharging. Watch the meter and ask questions if the price doesn't sound right.

This is the third post in the three part series on solo travel stranger danger. Part I emphasized the kindness of strangers. Part II told a cautionary tale of an experience I had in Paris that was very dangerous. Today, we delve into strategies for recognizing potential danger so that it can be avoided.

Next week I start a series on solo travel safety.

Let me start by continuing on last week’s story, Caught in a Con Game.

After I phoned my friend’s friend in a panic and lost all my money, I hopped into a cab and made my way to her place – she said she would pay the fare. On route, the cab driver started  flirting. In my limited French I explained that, no, I didn’t want to spend the next day with him. And I explained why. Oh, he wanted to show me that the men in Paris could be wonderful. I still refused. Then, when we reached my destination, he tried to charge me double what was on the meter. My friend came out to pay for me and tore a strip off him for trying to rip me off.

We really have to be careful. So, how can one recognize dangerous situations so that they can be avoided? Here are some ideas. (more…)


Posted on June 12, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel: Stranger Danger Part II
Caught in a Con Game

This is part II in my series on Stranger Danger. Please have a read of last week’s post. It shows the wonderful, magical, positive side of strangers in 5 short stories.

I was almost taken in Paris. If I had been, I would not have had a Liam Neeson to save me.

This is a story of firsts. My first time in Europe. My first really  solo travel adventure. And my first – and last – time being caught in a con game. It was 1985, I was 27 and I really should have known better. (more…)


Posted on June 5, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel: Stranger Danger Part I

New friends I made at Hogan's Hideaway in Rochester. Friday night Fish Fry - extra crispy as per Sandy (l to r, Tom, Darlene, Sandy, Mark)

This is the first in the series on Solo Travel Stranger Danger. It focuses on the kindness of strangers. Part II is on real danger. Read it here:  Stranger Danger Part II: Caught in a Con Game.

As I  travel solo, I am often the recipient of extraordinary kindness from strangers. But on one solo trip, I fell into an extraordinarily dangerous situation due to strangers. In this three part series, (three Saturdays in a row), I’ll share with you my experiences with strangers, good and bad, and then, a few things I’ve learned about telling the difference between the good ones and the bad ones. In this post, I begin with the goodness of strangers.
(more…)


Posted on April 2, 2010 - by Janice

Is Solo Travel Dangerous?
20 Tips to Keep You Safe

There’s no doubt about it;  solo travel requires a bit more attention to safety than group travel.

If you’re alone, your safety is all up to you. But you can be in control. Where you choose to travel, where you stay, what you do…  all affects how safe you are.

Ultimately, solo travel need not be dangerous. At least, not if you’re smart about it. Here are some tips:

    (more…)

Posted on March 19, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel Safety: 10 ways to look confident.

In November I wrote a post called “For those Afraid of Traveling Alone“.  It received many comments but one stuck with me. It was yet another gem offered up by Gwen McCauley. Here’s what she said…

(more…)


Posted on March 1, 2010 - by Janice

Solo travel safety: government registries.

I’m  aware of the government’s registration service for travelers but I’ve never used it. I hadn’t t crossed my mind to use it for my three week trip to Chile either, but maybe it should have.

(more…)


Posted on January 2, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel Safety: safe answers to common questions.

Keep them guessing.

I was sitting in a pub a month ago and someone asked where I was staying. I told them without telling them anything specific. That was that.

Later they asked how I could feel safe traveling alone. Well, I said, “I have developed certain skills. For example, I keep important information to myself.”
(more…)


Posted on December 7, 2009 - by Janice

How to travel alone: Have a Back-up Plan for your Travel Documents

DSCN0413When traveling alone, your personal safety, that of your body, is your number one priority. I have written about this in many ways in the Solo Travel Safety category. Number two is your travel documents. Yes, in my books, money only ranks third. Your travel documents – your passport, visas, travel insurance, credit card information, driver’s license and any important health information – are vitally important in these times of health scares and tighter security at borders. (more…)


Posted on September 19, 2009 - by Janice

Solo Travel – Be smart and you will be safe

Cailin has been traveling all of her life. In the past couple of years  she realized that traveling
could be her life… instead of just a once a year experience. Have a read of her blog: Travel Yourself.
Cailin is a graduate of NSCAD with a Major in film. When not traveling the world,
she works in the Film & TV industry in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

I have done a few solo trips in the past couple of years however it was my most recent trip that really showed to me  to remember that smart and safe go hand in hand when Traveling by Yourself. (more…)


Posted on July 13, 2009 - by Janice

Solo Travel Safety: 5 principles

Share|

Safety is a big issue when you travel solo. And while our post: Travel Safety: 50 tips for solo travelers is one of the most popular on the blog and has lots of innovative and practical advice, it occurred to me on my last solo trip that it may have too much detail. Like me, I suspect that you will use only some of the tips and that it would be helpful  to have some guidelines as well. So here’s a companion piece offering five principles of solo travel safety. (more…)


Posted on June 25, 2009 - by Janice

Reflections on Women Traveling Alone

Share|

As I take this first solo trip since starting the blog, I find that I’m more reflective on the experience of women traveling alone than I ever was before. Traveling solo just came naturally to me. From comments received on the blog and Twitter, I realize that it’s not natural to every women. Traveling alone, while not really uncommon, is a bit unique. (more…)


Posted on May 18, 2009 - by Janice

Travel Safety: 50 Tips for Solo Travelers





Going solo requires special attention to travel safety so I added a question on safety to my solo travel survey. I received 73 responses and lots of great ideas. Here are the top 50 recommendations on how to stay  safe when going solo. (more…)


Posted on April 7, 2009 - by Janice

Travel Safety: Backup Important Documents on USB Key

    This post has been updated with “How to Travel Alone: Have a Back-up Plan for Your Travel Documents.




While solo travel is safe most of the time, things can go wrong.  With a USB key and some advance preparation, you can be ready for the most difficult situations. (more…)



  • Newsletter

  • Ads

    Book your hotel

    • Paris Hotels
    • Berlin Hotels
    • New York Hotels
    More Destinations
  • Facebook

  • Google Ads

  • Lonely Planet Featured Blogger

    As chosen by TravelPod.
    Travel Blog Sites - Top 100
    Alltop. We're kind of a big deal. All Traveling Sites
    Travel Blogs
    Blogosphere
  • Twitter


  • Recent Comments

    • Jennifer H on Solo Traveler: July’s Fave Five.
    • Adam Axon on Solo travel in India: A Letter from Calcutta
    • taylorbagels on Solo Traveler: July’s Fave Five.
    • Jenn S. on Solo Traveler: July’s Fave Five.
    • Jodi Henderson on Solo Travel in Paris – Great tips from a Francophile
  • Blogroll

    • Around the World "L"
    • Art of Backpacking
    • Blog Catalog
    • Border Jumpers
    • Breathe Dream Go
    • Cooney World Adventure
    • Cumi & Ciki
    • J the Travel Authority
    • Journey Woman
    • LL World Tour
    • No Debt World Travel
    • Roaming Tales
    • Runaway Juno
    • Solo Friendly
    • Terra 360
    • The Art of Non-conformity
    • The Brooklyn Nomad
    • Trail of Ants
    • Travel Squire
    • Travel Writers Exchange
    • Velvet Escape
    • Wandering Educators
    • World Resolution
  • Disclaimer

    RESULTS MAY VARY
    (The disclaimer.)

    The content of Solo Traveler and any resources published by Solo Traveler are meant for entertainment and inspiration only. Every person and every travel situation is different. Your safety, satisfaction and fun traveling solo are your responsibility alone and not that of Solo Traveler, its publisher, editor and/or writers.

  • The Original Why

    THE ORIGINAL "WHY" of Solo Traveler is covered in The Back-Story. The "Why" Continue" is because most of what's out there for solo travelers is not about us but about those making money from us. I want Solo Traveler to provide valuable information and continual inspiration to everyone who is passionate about solo travel. New posts every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Please let us know what you need.
  • Creative Commons

    Creative Commons License
    This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
  • Alexa

© 2008 Solo Traveler - Solo travel tips, destinations, stories… the blog for those who travel alone.
The Solo Traveler theme by Words2020 - Premium Wordpress Themes