Solo Travel: Staying Safe on the Road
Prioritize situational awareness, keep your primary documents secured in a hidden location, and always share your live location with a trusted contact. Avoid looking like a lost tourist by mapping your route before leaving your accommodation.
- Budget
- 15-20
- Duration
- Indefinite
- Best Time
- Year-round
- Visa Required
- Depends on your citizenship and destination.
Step by step
Secure your digital footprint
Download an offline map app like Maps.me or Google Maps and download the map of your destination. Never rely solely on an active cellular signal to find your way back to your hotel.
Practice 'confident stranger' body language
Walk with purpose. If you feel lost, walk into a shop, hotel lobby, or cafe to check your phone. Never stand on a street corner staring at a map or phone screen, as this signals that you are vulnerable.
Master the 'two-wallet' system
Keep one wallet in your pocket with a small amount of cash for daily use. Keep your primary bank card, passport copy, and emergency cash in a money belt or a secure interior zipped pocket inside your bag.
Use tech as a safety tether
Set up location sharing on your phone (Google Maps or Find My) with one trusted person back home. Message them your itinerary every morning and confirm when you have returned to your accommodation for the night.
Minimize night-time risk
Avoid walking alone in unlit or deserted areas after dark. If you are drinking, never leave your glass unattended, and if you feel uncomfortable, leave immediately using a pre-vetted ride-hailing app rather than hailing a cab on the street.
Questions people ask
Should I tell strangers I am traveling alone?
If you feel uncomfortable, it is perfectly fine to lie. Say your friend is back at the hotel or meeting you in an hour. Never give away exactly where you are staying to someone you just met.
What is the best way to keep my cash safe?
Don't carry all your cash at once. Leave the bulk of it in a locked hotel safe or a hidden pocket in your luggage. Only carry what you need for the day.
- Daily Estimate
- Budget $15-20 per day extra for ride-sharing (Uber/Grab/Bolt) instead of walking late at night or taking public transit in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Packing
- Portable power bank (at least 10,000mAh) to keep your phone charged all day
- A door wedge alarm for hotel or hostel doors
- A crossbody bag with locking zippers
- Digital copies of passport and insurance in a secure, encrypted cloud folder