5 Rules for the Solo Traveler

It goes without saying that the first rule for any traveler is “If it feels wrong, leave,” and that’s great, but for those of us out there who don’t have razor sharp instincts, we need some more practical advice. It can be nerve wracking, being on your own in a foreign country for the first time, but please don’t let that stop you! Being able to travel on your own is such a freeing and confidence building experience.

These are the rules that I use to keep myself safe when I travel, but keep in mind that most of the places I’ve visited are pretty safe countries in general. If you’re planning to visit somewhere that isn’t on my desintations list, you might want to consider extra precautions.

#1: If you look like a gazelle, you will be treated like a gazelle. Look like a lion.

If you look lost, flustered, or like you’re unsure of yourself, you may find yourself becoming a target for pickpockets, or other less than savory characters. I’ve personally found this especially holds true in places like Paris and Rome.
Take a moment at night in your hotel, or when planning your trip, to study the street, subway, or bus maps of the city you’re staying in. Knowing where you’re going in advance will not only help you keep to schedule if you have one, but it will also give you an air of confidence. You look like you know where you’re going, because you do!

#2: Learn self-defense.

Consider it an investment in yourself. Learning a martial art will improve your mood (exercise does that, weird I know) and build your confidence. You’ll no longer just look like a lion, you will be a lion.

#3: Know which places need to be avoided.

You can’t prepare for every single street corner, but a quick internet search can give you a broad sense of which areas aren’t safe. I’ve had the privilege of visiting Dublin on two occasions, and both times I made it a point of googling which places were unsafe. Turns out any place west of O’Connor street is a bit of a no go after dark and so I made sure to visit those areas earlier in the day.

#4: Know how to get help.

What are the emergency telephone numbers for the place you’re visiting? They vary from country to country! It’s 911 in Canada, but it’s 999 in England! Look it up, and program it into your phone so that even if you panic and your mind goes blank, you’ll still have it.

#5: Leave your travel plan with someone you trust and check in with them.

When I travel I leave my plans with my parents and one of my aunts. I used to cringe at the thought of my family keeping tabs on me but the reality is that if something goes horrifyingly wrong those plans will help them find me, hopefully alive.
I also keep in regular contact with my parents and my friends throughout my trip. Try to think of it less like a check in and more of a chill out. After a long day of being on your feet it’s nice to kick back in your hotel room and be able to say hello, share a funny story, and maybe a photo or two.

Solo travel can be so rewarding, so take the necessary steps to keep yourself safe, then get out there and explore your world!