Solo Travel Secrets: Staying Safe While Embracing Freedom

Are you looking to travel solo? You’re not alone; there’s a huge number of travelers just like you, who’re more inclined to explore their favorite destinations all by themselves. Growing digital connectivity, better global infra, multiple accommodation choices, and increasing safety have led to an exponential rise in solo travel worldwide.

However, when you’re a solo traveler, there’s always a need to stay safe while enjoying your freedom and privacy simultaneously. That’s where a few tips will always come in handy. Let’s look at them in more detail below.

Growing Popularity of Solo Travel and Why It’s Worth Trying

If you go by the rise of solo travel, as mentioned above, you’ll discover that it’s a trend that’s exponentially growing. It is backed by a desire for self-discovery and personal freedom on trips, with the benefits including your full control over you time and itinerary. At the same time, you can also build more confidence through better problem-solving and authentic connections with new cultures and locals. Of course, technological advancements and simplified planning/navigation are factors behind the rise of this trend as well.

So, as a solo traveler, you can safeguard your personal freedom, maximize your preferred activities, and pursue your passions, without any limitations. You’ll find this worth trying, particularly if you love your privacy and independence while traveling. This is why more digital nomads, remote workers, single professionals, and retirees are choosing solo experiential travel. On their agenda? Personal growth, flexibility, self-discovery, deeper cultural immersion, higher confidence, and self reliance. Sounds exciting? You can try this too!

Best Ways to Stay Connected and Safe While Traveling Alone

Now that you’re venturing into solo travel, here are a few tips to stay connected and safe when you’re journeying solo.

• Technology & Key Apps- You can buy a local SIM card when you arrive. Another option is getting an international data plan from your provider beforehand. It will help you stay connected through texts and calls. You can also get a portable Wi-Fi device to enjoy secure internet access in places with poor public Wi-Fi networks. Use Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp to instantly message, video call, or send voice messages to your loved ones.
• Other Tech Tips– You can use apps like Hostelworld or WhatsApp to share your location in real-time with your trusted family members or friends. This gives you an added security layer when you’re traveling. Download the maps and other vital data for offline usage to navigate better even when you don’t have mobile networks.
• VPN- Always use a VPN (virtual private network) to stay connected on public Wi-Fi networks. This will safeguard your private data from hackers and other threats.
• Always Stay in Touch– You should share your itinerary and travel plans with trusted family members and friends. Send daily updates via texts, voice messages, or emails and have a pre-arranged emergency plan with someone in the family. They should know how they can reach you in a crisis. Register your travel plans with the Government department of foreign affairs before the trip.
• General Tips- Always buy comprehensive travel insurance that will cover unexpected scenarios or emergencies, loss of belongings, medical ailments, etc. You should stay aware of your surroundings, avoid exploring unknown zones at night, and be cautious when strangers offer rides. Secure your valuables, divide them in various pockets, and keep them out of sight to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.

Choosing Safe Accommodations for Traveling Alone

Let’s say you’re traveling to Chicago, USA. Choosing a safe and comfortable fully furnished apartmentin Chicago is the way to go while traveling alone. You should make sure you choose a serviced apartment in Chicago from a reliable provider like TheSqua.re in a centrally located, well-connected, and safe area, along with all the Top amenities.Make sure your accommodation weather its a studio apartment, Multibedroom, Units or another accommodation in Chicago, it should be well-reviewed by guests, comes with security features, and offers ample safety for your stay.

Selecting the right accommodation on your solo trip is half the job done when it comes to staying safe. You should prioritize this aspect before you plan your trip.

Trusting Your Instincts and Setting Boundaries on the Road

The most important thing to remember when you’re a solo traveler is trusting your gut. Don’t miss the role of your intuition and learn to say no whenever something doesn’t feel right. Your intuition will guide you with valuable and non-verbal cues about what to do and what to avoid in any situation. You should stay alert and notice your surroundings closely, while watching out for anything that makes you uneasy.

Set your boundaries by learning how to say no to something that you don’t find right. So, decline invitations or rides politely if that’s the case. Always ask for help from hotel staff members and other personnel at public places if that’s the need of the hour.

Final Thoughts: Building Confidence Through Independent Travel

Now that you know about a few tips to stay safe on your solo trip, it’s time to embrace the adventure ahead! Plan your trip, choose safe accommodation, and build your confidence through an independent travel experience. You’ll find how solo travel is liberating and safe, when you approach the journey with a wise and balanced mindset.