One of the best aspects of traveling solo is the freedom to do what you want when you want to, so eliminating expectations is the key to a solo vacation that allows you to be freer than you’ve ever expected.
There’s nothing better than traveling alone for pleasure. Traveling solo gives you a sense of freedom, independence, and confidence. You’re traveling on your own terms without waiting on people to make decisions, and it’s liberating. While it is one of the most freeing experiences you’ll have, it doesn’t come without its own set of precautions.
This isn’t to say you shouldn’t go and enjoy yourself because you should. But when you travel alone, you leave yourself exposed to some dangers, and when you understand what they are, you’re able to plan correctly to eliminate them. So before you pack your bags filled with dancing shoes, PJs, comfy clothes, charcoal toothpaste, and favorite face serum, there are some more important things that you’ll want to know. Here are some of the best tips for staying safe when traveling solo without sacrificing your fun.
Choosing your destination with intent. Whether you’re traveling with someone or traveling alone, the world can be a dangerous place, and some places are more dangerous than others. When you’re traveling alone, you need to be even more conscious of these places. Do a little research on the destination to discover how safe of a location it is. Certain parts of the Dominican Republic are dangerous even with a companion; this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go, but understanding what you’re walking into is safe for any traveler.
You can find a ton of information about destinations that other solo travelers have been to learn more about their personal experiences and even uncover how to pack accordingly for the weather.
Keep your accommodation to yourself. You’re going to meet some pretty amazing people along your travels, and this is one of the most exciting aspects of your solo travels. You want to immerse yourself in the local economy and find the best restaurants and hidden secrets of the area, especially if you’re traveling out of the country. No matter how nice or friendly the people are, it’s essential that you keep your accommodations to yourself. Remember, nice doesn’t always be good.
Protect your documents, cards, and cash. Things happen, but when they happen out of the country, it can be far worse. While this isn’t something new, it is important to mention it so that you can practice this when you’re traveling solo or with a companion. Protecting your passport and other important documents is a necessity. You can do this by keeping your passport, money, and credit cards separate. Doing this keeps you from losing everything if something was to happen. Carrying just enough cash for the day is also a great idea, and only carrying a copy of your passport when out and about will prevent being left with nothing for the remainder of your trip. You can leave your passport, credit cards, and other cash back at the hotel in the safe.
Be aware of your surroundings and prepare. People notice when you’re traveling alone, and being aware of your surroundings will keep you safe. When you’re venturing into unknown territory, it’s exciting, but it’s easy to be distracted by sights and not pay attention to your surroundings. You’re so busy taking pictures and listening to different sounds that you don’t notice what’s happening around you. It’s exciting, and it’s these moments that your guard is down. It’s important that you know what’s happening around you.
Be mindful of choosing a room on a higher floor, and when you are in your hotel room, be sure that you’re keeping the door locked and the security chain fastened.
One of the best aspects of traveling solo is the freedom to do what you want when you want to, so eliminating expectations is the key to a solo vacation that allows you to be freer than you’ve ever expected. Of course, you’ll need to plan some aspects of your trip, but leaving out the expectations and attention to detail about what you’ll do each day dramatically reduces stress and lets you travel at the moment. This freedom helps you experience and embrace the culture you’re in and go with the flow of how you’re feeling each day and be open to the locals’ suggestions.
