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Travelling alone for the first time can be daunting. A thousand questions can go through your mind before the day you set off. Will it be weird to eat in a foreign restaurant alone? Who will I meet where I’m staying? And so many more. One of the top questions for solo travellers is: how can I be as safe as possible while travelling alone? Use this solo backpacking safety guide as a checklist to find out ways to travel more safely when you travel solo.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance covers you for emergency situations you might experience overseas. That includes medical emergencies, luggage being lost or stolen and unexpected travel cancellations. If you’re travelling solo, travel insurance can be the best friend who gets you through, if you get the right level of cover of course.
Preparation
Before you go travelling make copies of all your important documentation. That means passport, visas, ATM card, credit cards, birth certificate and driver’s license. It may be a bit of a hassle before you leave, but losing your passport and having no identity documents overseas is a lot worse.
Tell others your itinerary
When it comes to solo backpacking safety, it’s important to keep in contact. Regularly let people know what you are doing. There are a number of social media apps you can use to stay in contact with friends and family, including Viber, WhatsApp, Skype and WeChat. Emailing regularly is another option. It is also a good idea to talk to the people where you are staying so they know how to find you, where you are and when they should expect to see you next.
Get to your destination before nightfall
There is nothing more unnerving than taking a tuk tuk or taxi in a foreign city in the middle of the night, not knowing where your accommodation is or what it looks like. If you arrive before nightfall you can get to know your surroundings, get supplies if necessary and of course, avoid looking like a lost tourist at night.
Have Backup Plans for Accommodation
Have an idea for where you’ll go if your accommodation doesn’t live up to your expectations. Photos online can be deceiving, and you won’t know how the neighbourhood will be before you get there. If you’re uncomfortable, having a backup means you can ditch your accommodation and find somewhere better to stay.
Hiding your Money and Passport
Separate your money in different places. Some should be in your wallet, some in your pocket or a money pouch and a bit in your luggage. Always keep your passport hidden and safely stowed away, whether that’s in a money belt or locked in your backpack.
Mobile Phones
Data roaming can be expensive. A cheaper alternative is getting an international SIM, which you can sometimes find in supermarkets at home before you go travelling. Or you can buy a local SIM at your destination. Data only SIM cards are another great option.
Alternatively take advantage of free Wi-Fi while you travel. You can usually find free Wi-Fi in cafes, at McDonalds and libraries.
Research the Culture
You can be fined in Singapore for chewing gum. It is disrespectful to walk into a room in Thailand with your shoes on. There are many different cultural norms wherever you travel. While you will most likely be forgiven for a few stuff-ups, it’s best to do a bit of research on the local culture so you don’t accidentally offend someone or get a fine!
Talk to Other Backpackers
Don’t be afraid to talk to other people and join in on group day or night trips. It can be the best part about travelling! In some situations it is also better to go with a group, such as hiking or exploring a night market. You will also get helpful titbits on where to explore and what you should do next!
With a bit of research on what to look out for when travelling solo, you can embrace the adventure travelling alone can bring you. Only a few precautions are needed to make solo travelling more simple and safe. We hope this solo backpacking safety guide will help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
