As I lounged on a sunlounger at the resort in Gokarna during my solo trip, a girl who looked almost my age approached me and asked, “Are you Gayatri?” I answered affirmatively but was puzzled as to how she knew me by name. I had never met her before, and I was intrigued to learn more about her. Before I could utter a word, she informed me that she had seen my story on Instagram, which had been shared by Zostel, about my solo travel journey, and then proceeded to stalk my account. She expressed admiration for my solo travel experience, and I was taken aback that she could recognize me from a post on social media. Although it was an overwhelming experience and gave me a fright, it served as a reminder of how social media can blur the line between personal and public life. It is essential to be conscious of what we share online and who can access it. Nonetheless, I was delighted to have made a new friend and to have inspired someone through my solo travel adventure.
Being a solo traveller, I can tell safety is the biggest concern for anyone travelling solo. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just embarking on your first solo adventure, keeping yourself safe is essential to having a fun and enjoyable trip. Safety can also be one of the main reasons why you or your parents don’t let you travel solo. Well, it’s natural to be concerned about your well-being and safety while travelling solo. But it should not stop you from having all the fun on the trip.
Here are a few tips that have helped me travel safely on my solo trips:
- Be informed, be prepared – The least you would want to do before travelling solo is to be informed about the place you are travelling solo to and know about the current situation there. This includes researching the local culture and customs, as well as the potential safety concerns in the area. Knowing what to expect and how to stay safe can make a huge difference in the success of your trip.
- Know your limits – This applies to everything you do on a solo trip. Always remember, in case of an emergency, you will be the first and probably the only person helping yourself. So it is always better to take a calculated risk. Of course, you will find kind people everywhere to help you but that’s only luck. It is okay to miss a beautiful sunset from a cliff if you are going to walk back alone through a forest after the sunset. That does not mean you should miss all the sunsets because there can be a potential danger but make sure you have safer options.
- Be sure of the company – Solo travelling is all about meeting new people. I keep saying again and again that you are never really alone on a solo trip because there are many people just like you on the trip wanting to network and share experiences. Be alert because not everyone might have the best intention for you.
- Never get drunk alone – For that matter, never get drunk on a solo trip. It’s always good to be in your senses at all times when in a new place.
- Learn to say NO – If something feels off or uncomfortable, it’s important to listen to that feeling and take action. The action here can be as simple as saying “No”. I know it’s not the most comfortable thing to say but it can put you out of an uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situation.
- Inform family and friends – Stay connected with friends and family while travelling alone. Letting loved ones know your itinerary and checking in with them regularly can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind, to you and them. Make sure you have a good mobile network at all times during your solo trip.
- Avoid going to remote places alone – While it can be tempting to venture off the beaten path and explore remote areas alone, it’s important to recognize the potential risks involved. Remote areas, particularly at night, can be unpredictable and pose a greater safety risk for solo travellers. In addition, these areas may lack the security measures and infrastructure that more popular tourist destinations have in place.
- Have a backup plan – No matter how well you plan your trip, things can sometimes go wrong. Flights can be delayed, hotels can be overbooked, and unexpected emergencies can arise. Keep important documents and information with you at all times. This could include your passport, travel itinerary, emergency contact information, and a list of important phone numbers. Another tip is to have a plan in place for transportation, accommodations, and activities. For example, if your flight is cancelled, have a backup plan for getting to your destination, such as taking a train or renting a car.
As a solo traveller, it’s crucial to keep your safety in mind while exploring new destinations. Emergencies can happen at any time, and you need to be prepared to handle them. While carrying a personal alarm or pepper spray can be helpful, your presence of mind is the most valuable tool in ensuring your safety. Although there’s no guarantee for a 100% safe solo trip, learning from past experiences and being confident in your ability to handle situations can make a huge difference. In my solo travel experience, I’ve been fortunate to avoid any major safety issues by being cautious and learning from my previous trips. Remember, safety is in your hands, so always be proactive and prepared.