There are certainly points in your life where you just want to “run away” from all responsibilities,
burdens, struggles, trials, and tribulations and just be…at peace with yourself.
When you have the time (and money) to finally get away, planning a vacation to a new destination
is highly recommended.
While you might be wondering how in the world you’re going to enjoy traveling on your own,
you’ll be surprised at how much fun it can be, and how refreshed you feel upon your return.
“As you embark on a new destination
to learn about yourself and to
get away from the daily stresses of life,
safety should be a top priority.”
However, before you pack your bags and hit the road (or airways), there are a few guidelines you
must keep in mind to make sure that you and your possessions back home are safe and sound.
1. Designate a House Sitter
Whether you’re traveling for a weekend or for a week you want to make sure that you have
designated someone to check up on your house.
There are certain clues that criminals look for and a few of them are no lights, no cars, and
a filled mailbox.
To avoid the potential of being burglarized while you’re away (which would totally ruin the
whole purpose of the trip), having someone to stop by periodically is advised.
This way they can turn on/off the lights, feed any pets you may have left, bring the mail in,
and do a walk around to make sure no one has entered your home.
It gives you peace of mind and ensures that everything is in its place.
2. Make Sure Your Home Alarm is Secure
Many of us have home security systems to try and deter burglars from entering the home.
If you have one in your home, now is the time to make sure that it is working properly since
you’ll be away for a period of time.
If you have the funds available, you might even consider getting upgrades to your system
which can include a security camera along with adding an alarm that can be accessed by
your mobile phone.
Homesecurity.io, a website that provides information on ADT Security for Los Angeles homes
along with many other areas in the US, gives a breakdown of the various features you could consider.
Having a home security system adds another layer of protection to your personal possessions and
allows you peace of mind as you travel.
3. Study The Area You’re Visiting
There are plenty of security risks to be aware of when traveling internationally.
To make sure that you don’t end up in any danger, you want to make sure that you’ve done your
homework on the area you intend to visit.
Check for any areas you should stay away from and any rules or regulations that you should follow
in order to remain safe.
4. Check-in Often
Since you’re going to be traveling alone it is a good idea to make sure that you’re checking in with
someone back home on the regular basis.
Maybe you call mom and let her know you’ve arrived, then call her at least once per day while you’re
away so she knows you’re okay.
This way, if she doesn’t receive your call, she knows that something is wrong and can try to get help.
Social Media Warning:
There are some people who post everything about their lives on social media as a method of sharing
information with friends, family members, and followers.
While it is nice to share these joyous occasions, it is probably not a good idea to post that you’re going
on vacation as the Huffington Post points out.
It’s simply the easiest way to let potential criminals know, “No one will be home for the next few days.”
So keep the vacation posts to a minimum and post pictures once you’ve returned home.
5. Keep Your Eyes Open
You want to have a good time and enjoy yourself while on vacation but you must pay attention at all times.
This means making sure you know where you’re going as it pertains to directions, being aware of where
your hotel is and contact information, and paying attention to your surroundings.
While you hope nothing happens to you while on vacation, staying vigilant will ensure that you can get out
of the matter safely.
Hopefully this has given you something to think about before you plan your next trip alone.
As you embark on a new destination to learn about yourself and to get away from the daily stresses of life,
safety should be a top priority.
Other than that experience things, let your hair down, and simply enjoy the time you have to yourself
without distractions or obligations.
Do you like to travel alone?
What other travel safety tips would you like to add?
Share your suggestions, thoughts and comments with us.
I’ve never traveled alone – not yet, at least! – but these are great tips to keep in mind. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Laurel,
Yes, many of these tips are applicable to travel in general. It’s always important to plan ahead, secure your home and take safety precautions. Thanks for sharing your comments with us.
A few good tips there. I have to admit I don’t have a sitter but I have good neighbours who keep an eye out on my house. I also don’t post on social media while I’m away.
I’ve travelled to Greece, Czech Republic, Italy and Hungary alone and Spain with my (then 3 year old) son. My top tips are to time your flights to arrive in the day, and well in the day, you don’t want to be stuck at 10pm on your own in a strange country if your flight is delayed by 2 hours. Try and arrive any time between morning and 3pm if you can. Plan how you will get from the airport. If you can, really plan it. How do ticketing systems work on trains or buses? What are the key information you might need? Print out a guide so if you don’t speak the language you have a picture to point to or a useful phrase at hand. In some countries (e.g. Czech Republic when I went) taxis are notorious for ripping you off and best avoided. In others, (e.g. Spain, at least where I went) they are plentiful, safe and reasonable value as a transfer option.
Buy a good guide book. You can’t guarantee you will always have internet access and a guidebook doesn’t need charging. When walking around though, try to refer to guidebooks and maps as little as possible. It says “TOURIST” to anyone out there. If you need to refer to one, do so discretely or stop for a coffee.
Look after bags and belongings as you would anywhere but again, bum bags (or fanny packs) and money belts on display scream “TOURIST”.
If you don’t like eating out alone or get bored easily, it’s useful to have a book with you. This can also fend off unwanted attention while eating. I tend to judge a place by how I feel and the time of year. I will always happily eat out alone at lunchtime but sometimes return to my lodgings with some food from the market and some wine to enjoy if I feel the atmosphere isn’t as good in an evening but in most places I’ve been happy to eat out in the evening too. On that note, it’s always advisable to keep your wits about you. If you do like to have a drink, don’t drink too much when you’re alone. Although I always get frustrated with advice on women travelling alone that there seem to be so many restrictions, it does pay to be a bit cautious and not do something abroad you’d never do at home.
That all said, in most countries I’ve felt more confident and safe in many places than I have at home. Generally the most contact I’ve had with locals in the countries I’ve visited has been when they’ve thought I’ve also been a local (particularly in Greece and Hungary where the way I look blends in) or to try out English or to help. For example in the Czech Republic when the hotel I’d planned to stay in was full and a local helped me find another place. Use your gut feel. If things don’t feel right, leave but don’t let that spoil your enjoyment.