Traveling alone is all the rage these days. The endless list of blogs recording lone journeys is testament to this statement. For most people, cruising solo is an escape to solitude. It is the perfect opportunity to heal the mind and soul with tranquil scenic sights and take a break from the hectic day-to-day schedules of our current fast paced world. If you have finally gathered the courage to take that solo trip around the world, there are indeed many rewards to reap. But, keep in mind that any solo traveler should make personal safety a priority. To help you fully enjoy the thrill of venturing into unknown territory all by yourself, here are a few safety travel tips to keep in mind.
Research Your Chosen Destination
The internet is a large library of information. As a lone traveler, you can research the destinations you want to visit online. Familiarize yourself with local laws, customs and culture of the chosen destination. Beware of political unrests, hot spots, war zones, closed borders and bad weather in your chosen country of visit. Such information can be found on local travel advisory websites. Learning about where you are heading can help you identify safety concerns before taking the trip.
Choose Secure Accommodation
Whether you decide to stay in a hotel or rent your own holiday apartment, make sure to choose a secure neighborhood. Take time todo someresearchon the areas in which you choose to stay in. What are the crime rates in these localities? Is insecurity a concern?
In addition, it is wise to keep your loggings safe while on a lone trip. When checking in to your accommodation, ensure the locks and windows are working properly. Remember to lock the door and leave valuables like money, credit cards, and passports in a safe before heading out. If someone knocks on your hotel room and you were not expecting anybody, use the key whole to check who it is, or confirm with the reception desk of your hotel.
Make an Effort to Stay Healthy
Does the place you want to visit have clean drinking water? Is malaria a health concern? Are you hiking in the wilderness where poisonous snakes abound? Knowing some of the issues that may put your health at risk before traveling can be useful. Use this information to stay healthy, which is important since you have no one to take care of you but yourself.
Stay in Touch
With the advent of email, instant messaging applications and social media, staying connected has never been easier even when on the move in a foreign country. Letting your friends, family members, hotel concierge or innkeeper know about your itineraries and when you expect to get back from day trips is a wise thing to do. This can make it easy to track you down in case something goes wrong.
Lastly, remember to get the local emergency phone numbers used in countries you will be visiting. It also helps to have a trusted friend or family member send money in case of unforeseen emergencies. Keeping these few pointers in mind can help you travel safe and enjoy your adventures as a lone traveler.
This post is authored by Rebecca Pits. She is a lone traveler who loves to take on epic solo adventures. Check out Edinburgh Pearl Apartments to learn where Rebecca gets safe accommodation when touring Scotland.