Travelling alone requires some special attention to safety. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, everyone can benefit from some solid solo travel safety tips.After all, you alone must:<ul><li>prevent problems from arising</li><li>be aware of when they could or do arise</li><li>decide how to manage them if they do arise.</li></ul>When it comes to travel safety, prevention comes first.

Solo Travel

Research is important. Knowledge protects you from the danger of misinformation, unsavoury individuals, and/or naively wandering into an unsafe area. Imagine how you can be taken advantage of if you don't understand the currency. Or the health problems you could face if you don't know the necessary vaccinations for your destination. Or the potential loss of money, documents, and more if you don't know the unsafe areas at your destination. There are many solo travel safety tips to learn before you go.

Safety begins before you leave

If you are new to travel, you likely have a lot to learn. If you've travelled a lot but have never travelled solo, you have different issues to resolve. We have a lot on the site for solo travel newbies. Read <a href="https://solotravelerworld.com/solo-travel-tips-newbies/">First Time Solo Travel: Tips for Newbies</a> and <a href="https://solotravelerworld.com/destinations-first-time-solo-travelers/">Destinations for First-Time Solo Travelers: North America & International</a>.

Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

We all have different ideas of safety. Some would never consider a country like Pakistan as a destination for safety reasons but others would. Make sure the safety level of your destination meets your personal travel safety needs. This will involve checking the <a href="https://solotravelerworld.com/destinations/">Destinations</a> section of Solo Traveler, guide books, and your government's travel site.

Choose Your Destination Carefully.

Your government likely has information on the travel documents you require for travel as well as any warnings for your destination. Buy travel insurance before you go. It keeps life simple and safe to buy insurance. Read Going Alone? A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers or Best Travel Insurance for Senior Solo Travelers.

Government Guidelines and Insurance

The first stop for most travellers in a new destination is their hotel or hostel. Arrive in the mid-afternoon so that you can really see what kind of area you're staying in. A safe area will always look better in daylight. An unsafe area is more obviously so in daylight. But there are more very practical reasons to arrive during daylight. You will be able to find your accommodation more easily and if you don't like it, you will have time to make other arrangements.

Arrive In Daytime

Your arrival in any new country, especially one where you don't know the language or the local transit system, is important. Research how you'll get from the airport to your hotel or hostel and give yourself lots of time. You will need it as you learn how their system works. If your flight arrives late in the day, you may want to avoid the transit system and splurge on a taxi to be on the safe side.

Know How You Will Get to Your First Accommodation

Even those who do not like maps are advised to look at one and get the lay of the land. For example, if you were to look at a map of Toronto you'd note that the lake is south no matter where you are in the city and the CN Tower stands high near the lake. If you get turned around looking for the tower. If you can't see it, ask someone which way the lake is. Not everyone knows north and south but locals know where the lake is. The same logic can be applied in New York City and many other cities based on major landmarks.

Study Maps

<ul><li>Masks: N95 or Ecan95 mask is recommended</li><li>Vaccinations and proof: If you have been double vaccinated, ensure that you have the paperwork to prove it</li><li>Pre-departure: Face masks and a ticket for a same-day flight are required to enter the airport</li><li>Airports require face masks along with all requirements for destination countries</li><li>France and Germany’s requirements: Proof of approved vaccination within appropriate time frames and attestation to the absence of COVID-19 symptoms</li><li>Upon return: Antigen tests are not accepted</li></ul>

Safe Travel During The Pandemic

When buying products for travel, try to buy ones that will increase the safety of yourself and your things<ul><li>Antitheft day pack</li><li>Extra place to stash cash</li><li>Pickpocket-proof clothing</li><li>Face masks</li><li>Basic Band-Aids or more colorful bandages</li><li>Acetaminophen</li><li>Benadryl® Itch Relief Spray</li><li>Any medications recommended by the travel clinic</li><li>The right wallet</li><li>RFID-blocking products</li><li>A doorstop</li><li>Whistle</li><li>VPN on all your devices</li></ul>

Travel Safety Gear to Pack

<ul><li>Use debit cards wisely</li><li>Carry a spare credit card</li><li>Keep emergency cash hidden</li><li>Don’t take unnecessary documents with you</li><li>Have multiple copies of your documents</li><li>Use a VPN.</li></ul>Basic apps for your phone:<ul><li>Flashlight </li><li>Compass</li><li>Google Maps</li><li>Weather</li></ul>

Your Money, Docs And Phone

<ul><li>Trust your intuition and leave if it doesn’t feel right.</li><li>Familiarize yourself with the common con games of your destination.</li><li>Stay alert and stay sober - it’s best to stay sober as you travel.</li><li>Walk with confidence - blend in as well as possible.</li><li>Be polite - being impolite can get you into trouble.</li><li>Know when and how to make a lot of noise and attract attention to yourself and the person bothering you.</li><li>Pack right - use a distinctive mark on your luggage other than a name and address tag.</li><li>Keep your luggage tags with your flight ticket.</li><li>Where you are staying is personal information.</li></ul>

On The Road: Safety Tips

Is solo travel safe? Yes, if you know how. Here are 50+ updated solo travel safety tips for planning and enjoying a great trip alone.

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Solo Travel Safety: Tips for Those Traveling Alone

The pandemic has changed flying more than any other event. In the initial days of the pandemic, the airlines tried to save as much money as possible, allowing for early retirements and furloughing many employees. Now there is an employee shortage. As a result, airlines are short-staffed and overworked. Flights crews have time limits on how long they can work, generally  12 - 16 hours at a stretch. There aren't many backup crews, so your flight may be cancelled. However, you can take much of the stress out of travel by planning ahead and being prepared.

Taking the stress out of travel

If you are going on a cruise, leave the day before incase a connecting flight is cancelled. Count the extra day as part of your vacation.  Wake up slowly, have some coffee and pancakes, and leisurely head to your boat. The extra money is worth the peace of mind.

Go early

<ul><li>Always fly direct. You won't need to worry about making your next flight. If you can't avoid connecting, allow for at least three hours to avoid the stress of possibly missing your flight.</li><li>Fly as early in the day as possible. The first flights of the day are rarely cancelled. If it is cancelled, there will be more options to rebook a different flight.</li><li>Download the app of the airline you are flying. These apps share valuable information such as your incoming plane and when a flight is cancelled. It will guide you in rebooking a new flight if needed.</li></ul>

Booking flights

<ul><li>Pack smart. Don’t hold up boarding because you can’t figure out how to make your bursting bag fit in the overhead.</li><li>Bring a sweater. Aeroplanes are often kept cold intentionally for people who struggle with airsickness.</li><li>Bring patience. Be nice to the flight attendants and fellow passengers. </li></ul>

What to bring

In two decades of flying, things have never been as stressful as they are now, a cabin insider says. Here, her tips from 30,000 feet for avoiding airline chaos this summer.

‘A One-Hour Layover Is Not Enough Anymore’: A Flight Attendant’s Tips on Surviving Travel Now

Dubai has managed to secure its position as one of the safest cities in 2021. And there is no place like Dubai for a solo traveler – safe and fun with a side of luxury and adventure. Over the last few years, Dubai has consistently been ranked as one of the safest cities in the world to live in and visit. In fact in the 2019 National Agenda Index, a whopping 96.1 percent of UAE citizens stated that they feel safe and secure in the Emirati wonderland.

Dubai Is One Of The Safest Cities To Visit

Founded in 1833 as a small fishing settlement, Dubai revolutionized itself in the 1980s and 1990s as a world-class tourist destination.

1. Dubai is not that old!

With over 200 nationalities as residents, Dubai is one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the world.

2. Over 200 nationalities as residents

3. It was not always oil! Way before tourism and oil mining boomed in Dubai, the city made its income from pearl diving with more than 300 pearl diving dhows (an Arabian sailing boat) based in Dubai Creek in the 19th century.

3. It was not always oil!

It is one of the many popular sports in Dubai with races taking place at Al Marmoom Camel Race Track.

4. Did you know Dubai uses robots instead of human riders for their Camel racing sport?

From Aston Martins, Bentley Continental GGTS, and Ferraris to Lamborghinis, the Dubai Police owns some of the fastest cars in the world. Their 254 mph Bugatti Veyron even holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest police car in service.

5. Nothing spells rich like Dubai Police’s fleet of supercars!

They move at the speed of 10m per second taking just one minute to reach the observation deck on the 124th floor!

6. Burj Khalifa is said to have the fastest elevators in the world

7. Burj Al Arab is affectionately known as the “world’s only seven-star hotel” and is world-renowned for its unique shape resembling the sail of a dhow.

7. Burj Al Arab is known as the “world’s only seven-star hotel”

It includes several shopping malls, a monorail, restaurants and cafes, private residences and luxurious resorts and hotels.

8. Dubai is home to the world’s largest man-made island, the Plam Jumeirah.

9. Love coffee? You’ll love Dubai. Coffee is very important in Arab culture and hospitality. Emirati coffee is made from roasted coffee beans and includes spices like saffron and cardamom. You can also indulge in the 24 Carat Gold cappuccino at Burj Al Arab.

9. Love coffee? You’ll love Dubai

Over the last few years, Dubai has consistently been ranked as one of the safest cities in the world to live in and visit. In fact in the 2019 National Agenda Index, a whopping 96.1 per cent of UAE citizens stated that they feel safe and secure in the Emirati wonderland. 

Travel

Dubai Is One Of The Safest Cities To Visit & 9 More Fun Facts

travelling alone can be ultimate in self-indulgence ; you can rest whenever you want and pour it on when you’re feeling ambitious . you can do whatever you want ! always wanted to explore korean culture ? go for it ! it’s time for you to make the rules

why travel alone ?

know everything about your trip and plan it all out . know how long it takes and how much it costs to get from the airport to your hotel or the city centre . solo travellers are more likely to be ‘ taken for a ride ‘ so ask the taxi driver for an estimated fare before you leav

do your homework

book a hotel with a 24-hour front desk every time !! so that if you’re arriving late , you won’t have to sleep in your car or worse .

choose the right accommodations

not sure what to do ? you can always ask your friends and family for tips and recommendations make sure you ask one who has travelled at least once !

ask others for tips

walking confidently and with direction is effective for deterring unwanted attention ! appearing lost or confused can make you vulnerable ; if you’re lost , walk into a frequented shop or restaurant and ask for directions there

exude confidence

stay on the streets and never in the allies , don’t head to an area with very few people unless with guidance , especially at night

stick to crowded and public places

don’t draw attention by wearing flashy clothes / jewellery . most abroad robberies happen due to this reason

leave valuables at home / the hotel

when asking for directions , don’t let on that you’re alone : “ can you direct me to the museum ? i have to meet a friend” that would increase the chance of any sort of violence .

always seem accompanied and lie a little if necessary

tips for travelling alone

Air travel is making a comeback. Airports are preparing for more flyers this summer than they've had since the pandemic began.But even if you're itching to get to your island vacation or attend your cousin's wedding that's been rescheduled for the third time, the thought of getting on an airplane might fill you with dread.About 40% of Americans feel some fear at the thought of flying, and between 2.5% and 6.5% of people in the U.S. actually experience a phobia of flying.If you'll do almost anything to avoid reaching cruising altitude, these tips can help.

Back In The Plane

Flying is known as the safest form of long-distance travel – and dying from a plane accident is extremely rare. So why do our brains hang on to the very extraordinary instances when something goes wrong?It comes down to confirmation bias, which makes us look for evidence that supports our existing beliefs.It takes time and practice to break through the fear. Don't be too hard on yourself if trying to reason with your fear doesn't get you very far at first.

Talk Yourself Down from Dread

Exposure therapy is the idea that being exposed to something you're afraid of over and over again calms down your limbic system so it doesn't fire up as fast. That could mean less anxiety in the long run. Before you move to the next level of exposure, make sure your fight-or-flight response is less active.It could look something like this:<ul><li>Watch YouTube videos of planes taking off. </li><li>Watch videos of planes actually flying. </li><li>Listen to audio of a flight in turbulence.</li><li>Go to the airport and watch planes take off. </li><li>Get on a plane. </li></ul>

Face Your Fear, Repeatedly but In Small Doses

When we're really, really anxious, we can't think straight.The key is to try to connect to your rational, thinking brain. When we really focus on thinking, like doing a math problem, our emotional brain calms down.Try a crossword puzzle or sudoku, reading a really juicy romance novel (we've got recs!) or getting through a pile of paperwork. Board your flight with plenty of distractions.

Be Distracted

During a rough flight, your instinct might be to take slow, deep breaths to calm down. But don't try to stop the experience.Instead, try labelling your feelings. Remind yourself that your body is having a normal response to a perceived threat.Of course, that's different from feeding your anxiety by telling yourself, "Oh, my God, the plane is going to crash. Oh, my God, something bad is going to happen!"After you've named your fear, go back to the facts you gathered about aviation safety, and remind yourself that you're still safe.

If You Hit Turbulence, Don't Force Yourself to Calm Down

Fast-acting medications like Xanax or Valium can be useful tools. But take them as short-term anxiety killers, and do not rely on them for the long-term.Whatever you do, don't self-medicate or mix prescription pills with alcohol.

Consult with A Doctor About Medication, if You Feel You Might Need It

If you're totally comfortable, you're at home never facing your fear. If you're totally uncomfortable, it feels like you're always on the verge of a panic attack.Finding a middle ground means: You're out of your comfort zone, but you're going toward something that matters, instead of just having anxiety, you are capitalizing on that anxiety to propel you toward something that matters.Think about what matters to you: Maybe you love to explore new places, or really want to meet someone.Figure out what's worth working through your fear.

Be Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable: Find The Middle Ground

Whether you're a nervous flyer, you'll do almost anything to avoid flying or you have an actual flying phobia, these tips from associate professor of psychiatry Luana Marques, Ph.D. can help you overcome a fear of flying.  

Solo Travel Safety: Tips for Those Traveling Alone

‘A One-Hour Layover Is Not Enough Anymore’: A Flight Attendant’s Tips on Surviving Travel Now

Dubai Is One Of The Safest Cities To Visit & 9 More Fun Facts

tips for travelling alone

6 tips to help you overcome your fear of flying : Life Kit

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