Solo travel can be refreshing and fun. It offers you the opportunity to explore the world on your terms. According to The Journal of Personality, Social Psychological and Personality Science, Social Psychology, and The Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology, travel offers significant mental health benefits. Studies have found that travel can help overcome cognitive rigidity and emotional instability. It can increase cultural awareness and aid in developing creativity.
It allows you to determine what you want your experience to look like. You can spend four hours people-watching at a Parisian cafe or wander through the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal grounds in Porto without thinking about someone else’s needs.
It also opens you to the dangers that can occur to someone on a journey abroad alone.
Here are some tips for enjoying your summer solo travel safely.
Take The First “STEP”
The United States Department of State has the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to allow citizens to remain informed about the places that they are traveling to. The program sends alerts about the status of the country you are traveling to. Sometimes, they arrive in real-time as short bursts of average information. Other times, they offer a broader perspective on the landscape in the area that could impact your long-term plans.
This program also allows travelers to register their trips with the department so that the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate knows their trip to the area. This is helpful in case of an unexpected obstacle.
You do not need to visit an office and stand online to achieve this. There is an online enrollment process.
Research The Area You Are Traveling To Thoroughly
Staying up at night and scrolling through pictures of the hotel balcony you plan to snap selfies on is excellent, but don’t forget to look up the surrounding areas. Memorize street names and landmarks so you can move around confidently and not scream “vulnerable tourist” with your mannerisms.
Share Your Ride Details With A Loved One
Many rideshare apps that operate abroad allow you to share your ride route with a designated person. You can do it manually with each ride you choose or do it automatically so that every ride you take is followed. This feature lets you know someone is paying attention to your whereabouts.
Research the rideshare service you choose before heading out to your next destination.
Use Theft Proof Bags To Stay Protected
Anti-theft bags allow you to carry the essentials close to you so that a pickpocket cannot snip the cord on your bag without you noticing.
Be Mindful Of Your Surroundings
Even the most picturesque and quaint corners of the world can have pitfalls. Keep an eye out when you are moving, especially in a big city, and it is always good to check in with other groups who have recommendations or warnings about the city you’re in. The same dangers exist in any dense area, even a beautiful one.
Skip The Bling
Those layers of necklaces might look cute on social media, but skip them as you walk on the street alone. Even the cheapest jewelry can draw attention if it is loud and clunky. If you are moving on foot, consider leaving your chunky baubles behind.
Prepare For The Worst And The Almost Worst
It would be ideal if everything went smoothly with your body while traveling, but just as it does at home, your physical self decides when it wants to act up. Travel also often leads to experimenting with new cuisine that may not agree with your body.
Prepare for minor emergencies by stashing items you might need in your bag. Purchase over-the-counter items like diarrhea medication, allergy pills, and sleep gummies. Update the emergency contact information on your smartphone so that if there is a larger emergency, the attending first responder can contact the people in your life who need to know what happened.
Looking for a place to go? Check out the top destinations for Black female solo travelers on TravelNoire.
