Note that I’m basing these points on my own experiences, which have accumulated during the past 10 years while living abroad in 5 different countries around Europe. I’m quite a visible persona, so if there’s trouble, the odds are it will find me.
So, many of you can easily avoid any difficulties that I have encountered along the way by just avoiding annoying people on purpose, and by not taking unnecessary risks. But here are my points for your consideration on safety when traveling alone:
- Double-check the taxi
Actually, this point is valid in your home country as well. Crazy people are everywhere and most of them don’t stand out from the crowd.
There was an unfortunate case about a woman in South Carolina who mistook a random car that stopped by as an Uber, got in, and was killed. Obviously, this is extremely unlikely to happen, but you can very easily ensure your safety for extra measure:
- When you order a taxi, always use a reliable taxi app! In Europe I highly recommend Bolt!
- An app will give you the register plate and the type of the car in addition to the driver’s name and picture.
- This is ample information, which you should check every time before you get into any car.
Is the register plate the same? And the car type as it says on the app? Match the driver’s face to the picture provided in the app. And last but not least, ask the driver who they are picking up. Do not say “Are you here for Rebecca?” but instead make him confirm that this car is for you.
Or stay a step ahead and ensure your safety when traveling alone by renting a car of your own while abroad. I’ve used DiscoverCars in multiple countries around Europe, and can thus recommend them.
- Avoid walking alone after dark
Wherever you are, taking a taxi to your hotel after dark instead of walking is a cheaper option than risking your life.
I love walking and I walk everywhere. 98% of the time it’s totally safe, but those 2 times that I have been attacked, I would rather have avoided. Thankfully the only thing hurt in those situations was my ego.
If walking alone is required, you can ensure your safety when traveling alone against unwelcome occurrences by holding your keys in your hand. Do this so that the biggest and sharpest key peeks from between your fingers.
Odds are if anything should happen you may not have the opportunity to use that fist. But in case you do, it may save your life.
To be completely honest, pepper spray is what I recommend for everyone. It is available in many grocery or specialty stores in Europe for anyone to buy. I’ve had one, and even though there’s a risk of spraying yourself in addition to the attacker, it brings me peace.
- Familiarize yourself with the local culture and customs
In Western European countries women are used to the fact that their worth is no less than the next person’s. Nobody can tell you what you should eat, look like, and who and when to marry, if at all. I made the mistake of moving abroad thinking that’s how it works everywhere. FAIL!
Don’t be as arrogant as I was. Understanding how the local culture differs from your own will save you a lot of awkward misunderstandings and prevents unnecessary insults made unwittingly. It can even ensure your safety when traveling alone.
Knowing just the basic things will take you far. For example many Catholic countries are much more conservative than Lutheran countries or those without an official religion. Such differences include, for instance, the roles between men and women, which can be very old-fashioned and inflexible in many countries.
- Take extra-good care of your possessions
Funnily enough I’ve never been robbed on my extensive travels. My local friends have, though, and my bank card was stolen from my hand back at home when I was about to pay for a drink.
Pick-pockets exist in every single capital in the world today. So, wherever you are, always make sure that your bag zipper is secured, and don’t carry excessive amounts of cash with you.
A phone can be snatched from your hand, just like my bank card was, so perhaps avoid waving it around when in the midst of a thick crowd. Safety when traveling alone is all about the little things.
- I have one tip, though, which has saved my life more than once.
- And that’s making sure that your phone has enough battery when you leave your hotel, no matter what the time.
- I am hopeless with directions but getting lost is a less frightening prospect when modern technology is present to see you through.
- Get an insurance
I have been playing with my luck in my recent travels! Yes, I have embarked on them without a travel insurance. And knowing the disaster-trap that I am, that’s some bold shit, right there!
Basically I’ve been a bloody idiot not really caring about safety when traveling alone. Insurances are cheap and so easy to purchase these days that there is no excuse for my not getting one.
You can easily compare prices between different companies through the calculators on their websites or by asking for an offer via e-mail.
There is an ocean of options to choose from.
- Do you want to insure yourself, your luggage, or both?
- Would you like an insurance for the whole year or just one week?
- etc.
You can choose the sums and if you want any extras on it, the choice is all yours. Take your pick and stay safe!
Final Thoughts
There you have it, my tips for safety when traveling alone. Honestly, the most important thing you can take with you to any trip is
common sense.
That alone will take you very far. And remember that we people tend to be exactly the same when it comes to core values in life;
We all want safety, love and happiness. Respect other people, be humble, and ask if you need help, and I promise you, you’re up for an epic trip.
