Travelling alone is a scary thought but it is an adventure. It is something that you might have wanted to do for a long time but never had the nerve. Travelling alone is so much fun and you get to meet so many different people on your journey. There are different ways to travel alone these days and with social media, you can meet like-minded people on your trips.
But as much of an adventure it might be, it can also be scary if you are travelling alone as a woman. In many foreign countries, women are still seen as weak and vulnerable. So it is likely to make you an easy target for scammers and robbers. There are ways you can keep yourself safe whilst you travel and we want to share a few with you.
Have A Phone Tracker
You can get free trackers to place on your phone. They are apps that you download and add your details so people can look out for you. The 360 App allows you to have a family unit within the app and then when you move around, people can see where you are. Of course, it works on your phone, so if you forget your phone, it won’t work. Also, have wheres my phone enabled. If you are lost in a foreign country, you can easily be tracked down
Tag In On Social Media
Tag in on Facebook when you go to a new place or a tourist destination. This leaves a bread crumb trail so people know where you are. If you don’t tag in, put photo’s on there so there is photographic evidence if you get lost or go missing.
Use A Bumbag
I know bumbags are so 1980’s but they are perfect for putting your valuables in. You can hide it underneath your clothes and nobody can take it from you. This works really well if you are travelling at night and want to sleep. Pop your money in there as well as your tickets and passport.
Photocopy Your Passport
if your passport is lost or stolen, then it is always handy to have a photocopy of it. Then you can take this to the embassy and/or police to get a replacement. If you are staying in a hotel, leave your passport locked in the safe.
Always Keep Your Phone Charged Up
Keep your phone charged up in case you get lost. We also know that holidays don’t always go to plan and if you go out for a longer time than you expected, your family can still get hold of you. People also use our phones for so much more than phone calls. We use it for tickets, identification, apps etc.
Make A List Of Important Numbers
Always carry a list of phone numbers that you might need in an emergency. In All the years of travelling, I have never needed to phone an embassy up, but it’s good to have the numbers. Also keep a number handy for your travel insurance, if you are rushed to a hospital you can contact them straight away for some help.
Stick to Main Routes And Roads
Don’t go off the beaten track. Stick to main roads and paths. Don’t go down alleyways. If you go out on an excursion, make sure it is a proper one. Make sure that it is insured and other people are going on it. If your gut tells you not to do something or not to go somewhere, do not go!
Use Google Maps In A Taxi
When you are in a taxi, make sure it is a properly registered taxi. Then put your google maps on so that you know the taxi is going in the right direction. That you are not being taken for a ride. Don’t be scared to let the driver know you are following the trip on your phone. Also, take a photo of the taxi before you get in it and send it to friends.
Take Out Travel Insurance
Take out travel insurance for your trip. You don’t want to be alone in a country in hospital, especially when you don’t talk the lingo. Also if you have travel insurance and carry the details with you, you can be identified if you are unconscious.
Tell random people that you are local
If anyone asks if you are visiting, tell them you are local. It will help you to avoid being conned by random people. It will also make taxi drivers think that you know taxi routes and they will not drive around the houses trying to con more money.
There are so many other ways to stay safe when you are travelling alone as a woman, but hopefully, these ones will get you started on your way.