Travel Safety: 50 Tips for Solo Travelers

Sturdy footware is a must. Especially if you have to run or get away from something. Also with sturdy footware you walk more confidently than flimsy sandals, heels etc.

Thanks to everyone for the tips that will be useful to me in the future.

I would like to add the following:

1. Don’t allow anyone into your hotel room or go to anyone’s room. Use the public lobbies, etc., for socializing

2. Never allow any hotel staff into your room unless you have requested something to be done. If in doubt, call the front desk.

3. Don’t accept any rides in any cars with people you have met locally. You don’t know where that ride will lead to.

4. To prevent theft in your room by staff, keep everything that you think is really tempting under lock and key. A friend of mine just had a $200.00 new pair of sandal stolen from her room. But on the other hand, do you want to lock up even your shoes. I don’t think so. This was done at a very reputable hotel.

5. I had money stolen from my safe because I was in a rush to meet the tour guide. I forgot the card/key on the bathroom counter – the safe was in the closet in the bathroom. Since then, I have bought a bag with a lock that is made for this purpose. So even if a person gets into the safe, they would need a key to open the bag. And if they walk away with it, they will need a sharp tool to cut all the wires that encloses it. Then for sure the hotel management would probably know who had a key to the room.

6. Be always aware of what is going on around you and don’t think that only hotel staff steal. Some hotel guests are dishonest in many ways.

Fantastic advice, however, if I am arriving in a country or city where I have not been before, I always book accommodation prior to arrival. I will often select a four star just for the first night or two. This provides some confidence and it allows me to settle into surroundings without too much concern for my safety. I always catch a taxi and only carry local currency when out sightseeing. I too agree with arriving in daylight hours.

Dont put luggage tags with your name or other details such as tour operator logo, hotel destination etc on – a friend was ‘greeted’ in Lima by name and assumed the guy was her tour operator. The guy had sneaked a look at her luggage label and used it to hook her. She got in his car and only realised her error when someone else got behind her in and started rifling through her bag. Somehow she escaped this situation but it could have ended far worse.

Love these tips! I never thought about asking for a second-floor window or floor for women only.

I did my first solo trip last year in Paris for 3 nights. My hotel and neighborhood felt very safe, but it got a little quiet and dark in the area at night. I wanted to go roam around and see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night since it was only a 5 minute walk away, but I felt paranoid the whole way there and back since it was so dark and not many people around. I didn’t know what to do otherwise – didn’t want to take a cab for a one to two minute drive (I had a cabbie turn me down the day before because the ride was too short). Looking back, I probably should have brought a flashlight

Very important tips. One reason I have selected The Algarve, Portugal as the location for my women’s retreats is the safety factor. Women travelling alone, many for the first time in their lives, have lots of safety concerns and this is one of the safest places I’ve found. …safe for your physical being, safe for your ‘stuff’, safe food, safe water, safe beaches, safe roads, safe cops. I could go on.

Thanks for addressing this hugely important subject head on.

I remember one time in Mexico being totally stunned at how quickly things can get out of hand. Was with my 12 & 14 yr old blond & gorgeous step-daughters. We were walking down the street in broad daylight and I turned around to ask one of them a question and some guy had taken her by the hand and was drawing her away from us! Freaky. So here’s my tip, that I didn’t even think of before:

If travelling with children, have them walk in front of you where you can watch them at all times. That trip my husband led the way, the girls followed him and I brought up the rear.

Gwen McCauley
http://www.ouicoach.com
follow me at http://www.twitter.com/gwenmccauley

Very comprehensive article; here are a couple of my tips. I love to travel and about half the time, I am solo. Along the way, I’ve learned to
1) Always carry sunglasses – they’re good for every season and sometimes give privacy when on a long train or bus ride.
2) Research the public restroom situation in advance of the trip; in many places like Paris, you pay to use public restrooms.
3) Bring along added protection, such as a personal alarm that can double as a door alarm and also a self defense item like a stun gun or TASER, depending on the laws of your destination.
4) Regularly call a designated person and check in with details of where you are and where you are headed.
5) Remember that safety and fun go hand in hand!

A great list of what to do and not do. Some very good reminders to someone who is going soon.

I usually carry a door-stopper in my luggage. I’ve stayed in accomodations where the door to my room didn’t have a proper lock, and I’ve used it to block the door from the inside. It doesn’t take up much space and can help you sleep more soundly!