For many of you, the thought of traveling, whether it is across the country OR overseas, gives you a feeling of trepidation. Travel CAN be overwhelming—enough to keep you grounded—especially if you are traveling solo.
To ease YOUR mind (whether you are traveling solo, with your family, or in a group), discover practical advice for safe travels with tried and tested information; I include tips, research, and lessons Chris and I have learned through trial and error. Your trip should be as smooth, problem-free, and uncomplicated as possible. You can do it. Let’s get started.
My goal is to inspire YOU to live out your travel dreams, instill confidence as you begin your adventures, ensure peace of mind as you travel, and encourage you to explore the world.
Safe Travels: 20 Tips for Peace of Mind as You Travel
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For years, Chris has been traveling solo for work and making it look easy. And I suppose that is part of his success—the more he does it, the better he becomes. He has streamlined his travel so that he knows exactly how much time he needs to get to an airport gate and how to have a safe travel experience. Chris has encouraged me to travel solo as well to meet up with him in destinations such as Italy, France, and London.
My advice? Embrace life. Don’t give up on or put off your travel dreams simply because travel is unknown or that you don’t want to go alone. Many solo travelers have safe travel adventures and LOVE seeing the world on their own schedule. Discover your inner adventurer and have peace of mind while traveling.
These tips are not a guarantee of safety. Bad things sometimes do happen. Be situationally aware and use common sense. Ensure safe travels with goals to have fun and memorable experiences.
1. Be Confident
One of the amazing things about my husband, Chris, is that being a cheerleader is his superpower. When I am feeling less than confident, he always says to me, “Own it.”
As you plan the logistics to have a safe travel adventure, be confident as you embrace your strengths and acknowledge your weaknesses. Confidently step out of your comfort zone. I once paraglided off of Mt. Pilatus in Switzerland and that was a huge “leap” for me!
2. Create Travel Habits for Safe Travels
Create and follow habits so you remember to gather all of your belongings, are aware of your surroundings, and make smart decisions.
When you veer from your travel habits, maybe due to exhaustion or a busy schedule, you begin to make mistakes. Like forgetting your iPad in the seat pocket of the airplane.
Pro Tip * As you sightsee throughout your vacation, create a travel habit of making sure your backpack is always in contact with your body (ie., on your back, on your chest, or between your feet when you are seated and your back needs a break).
3. Do Your Research for Stress-Free Travel
When you fly to a new destination, be prepared by doing research in advance. Know how much it should cost to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. Determine the best place to rent a car, pick the safest plazas, and read the reviews on the most reputable tour companies.
Plan ahead to know which train or subway to take, where to get off, or how far it is to walk to get to your hotel.
Be sure to read reviews from a variety of different sources if you can for hotels, rentals, excursions, hikes and destinations. Some companies, cough “Airbnb!”, do not always post negative comments on their site. We know because we gave a bad review once and it never showed up!
4. Follow Your Intuition and Practice Situational Awareness
Whether you are enjoying the benefits of solo travel or are exploring the world with family or friends, practice situational awareness for added peace of mind while traveling. What can you do to practice situational awareness?
- Keep your hand on your valuables in crowded areas.
- If you are traveling in a group, learn to keep an eye on each other.
- If you are on a subway or tram, keep your bags close to you. Turn your backpack around and wear it in front.
- Don’t keep anything valuable in an outer pocket of your backpack, purse, or carry-on.
- Wear your wallet in your front pocket.
- Wear a crossbody bag or something similar to hold cash, your phone and other essentials.
- Be discreet with your money and valuables.
- Don’t keep wallets, phones, or cash handy for the convenience.
- Use the in-room safe in your hotel.
- Keep a copy of your passport and itinerary in a secure app online.
- “Mind the gap” and other traffic warnings, especially in countries where they drive on the other side of the road.
- Carry only enough money for the day.
- Disperse credit cards and money to more than one person if traveling with a group.
- Keep one credit card in a separate place (store in the hotel safe when you are out and about).
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Don’t be an obnoxious tourist.
- If it doesn’t feel right, use common sense and don’t do it or simply leave. This is wise advice whether you are on your own or with a group.
5. Stick to Public Places
You may have more flexibility with this during the daylight hours, but even then you need to use common sense. When it is dark, especially when traveling solo, you should be extra cautious. If you aren’t comfortable being out alone in the evening, book a room with a balcony so you can still enjoy the nightlife.
6. Try to Blend In
Wearing your Mickey Mouse ears, sporting a Where’s Waldo outfit, or walking around with a guidebook in hand pretty much shouts “Tourist!” Whether you are traveling on your own or with a group, try to be a little more subtle. Dress modestly as the locals do and be respectful of a country’s dress standards.
7. If You Are Traveling SOLO Don’t Announce that You’re Alone
When asking for directions, suggest that you are planning to meet up with a friend or travel companion.
8. Leave Your Valuables at Home
Don’t flash expensive jewelry, purses, or clothing. Again, try to blend in. Don’t make yourself a target.
9. Keep in Touch with Family and Friends and Let Them Know Your Location
This is a good rule of thumb for all travelers for increased peace of mind while traveling. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends and check in regularly.
Pro Tip * Give your mom peace of mind as you travel! She wants to know that you have a safe travel experience planned.
10. Register with STEP
It is important to register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) with the State Department to receive important information about safety conditions. It will also help your family as well as the US Embassy if they need to contact you in an emergency. (Again, your mom needs the peace of mind as you travel!)
11. Plan your Arrivals and Departures During the Day
For safe travels throughout the world, plan your arrivals and departures during the day if possible.
12. Carry ID in More Than One Place
Keep a copy of your passport on your smartphone. Be sure to store it in secure app or password program. For added peace of mind as you travel, make sure you have secure electronic copies of all of your essential documents, ie., passport, driver’s license, health insurance card.
Pro Tip * Travel with extra passport photos in case you ever have to replace yours.
13. Join Guided Tours
This is a fantastic way to see the world AND meet people. Tours can range from walking tours, cooking tours, wine tours, or adventures.
14. Meet People
A few more tips if you are enjoying the benefits of solo travel but still want to engage with others as you travel:
- Eat at restaurants that are crowded that encourages you to meet others.
- Go on tours.
- Be friendly.
15. Enjoy Your Solitude
If you are traveling solo and appreciate that solitude is one of the benefits of solo travel, “Own it!” You already know that you don’t want to draw undue attention to yourself; bring a book or tablet to read at mealtimes.
16. Stay on Top of Finances
Let Your Credit Card Company Know Travel Dates
Be sure to let your bank or credit card company know the dates you will be traveling. We have had our cards frozen when charges from an unusual location began to show up. To make it easier, mobile banking apps often have a section where you can easily place a travel notice on your account.
Keep Your Receipts
You never know when you might need to reference a receipt from a company that might have overcharged you. This happens somewhat regularly. For example, on a recent car rental in Germany we were charged an extra $25 for a currency conversion “fee” because Hertz elected to charge us in dollars, not euros. The receipt said we’d been given an option, which wasn’t true. Chris had to call and haggle to get that silly fee refunded. Customs may also ask you for receipts.
17. Use a VPN
You may wish to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to shield your connections from prying eyes.
Now, if you are anything like me, and someone nonchalantly says, “Use a VPN…” you’re probably asking, “A VP what?”
To put it simply, we all use public WiFi networks when we are out and about. And while they are a huge convenience for us, they are also convenient for hackers who are looking to compromise your personal data. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection that make your internet connection look as though you’re at home.
VPN services come for free as part of packages on some password managers. Some home internet routers also have VPN servers, which take a little technical setup but won’t require any monthly subscription to use when you’re traveling. You are basically creating a connection to home and then using your streaming services (ie., Hulu, Netflix) while abroad.
18. Avoid Theft
We have been blessed thus far to avoid theft via pickpockets. Well, that is, except for a friend who traveled to France with us in the summer of 2017. We were traveling on the Metro in Paris and she had her phone in her purse in an outer pocket. As we exited the Metro, our friend sadly noted that her phone had been stolen.
Before leaving on that trip, I purchased Flipbelts for my girls and myself to wear. They weren’t always convenient and probably looked weird for us to be pulling our phones in and out. But, knock on wood, our electronic devices and valuables have been safe thus far. The waist belts have zippered slots and are worn as a band around your waist under your clothing.
I also purchased a few Columbia travel shirts that have zippered pockets in the side seams. While nothing is 100% safe, I wear them often and keep my phone and credit cards in them where I can easily hold my hand over a pocket as needed.
One of my favorite purchases is my Travelon Crossbody bag. The Travelon Crossbody Bag is my best piece of travel gear for travel in Europe, travel close to home, and for cruise travel. I even convinced my husband that he would love one too!
19. Invest in Peace of Mind as You Travel with Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is affordable and offers peace of mind and stress-free travel. World Nomads and Safety Wing are two companies that I am familiar with (also check your credit card coverage). Their policies may cover the following:
- Trip cancellation
- Delayed, damaged, or stolen gear and baggage
- Needing to see a doctor when you are sick
- Emergency evacuation via helicopter out of a danger zone
- Needing to be sent home (as well as from death overseas)
- Assaults or terrorist attacks
Travel insurance is easy to obtain (and is renewable online if you extend your stay). It can save you thousands if something happens to go wrong.
20. Leave Your Home in Good Order
While you are away, plan to have a safe travel adventure by leaving everything in order at home. Make arrangements for some essentials to be taken care of before you leave your house. For example:
- Put a hold on your mail and newspaper.
- Have a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member check your front door for packages.
- Make arrangements for someone to mow your lawn and check on your yard (ensure that sprinklers are working properly). Mow right before you leave.
- Arrange for someone to water your houseplants. Also, water plants right before you leave.
The goal is to put your mind at ease while giving your home and yard a lived-in look so you can enjoy your time away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the benefits of solo travel?
You can be independent.
You are in control of your schedule.
You can travel at our own pace.
You can do and see what interests you.
You get to see the world.
What are some disadvantages of solo travel?
Eating alone isn’t always fun
There is no one to bounce ideas off.
You have to figure out bus, train, and airplane schedules on your own.
It is more expensive when you pay for taxis, hotels, storage, and groceries for one.
Where is the best place to exchange or withdraw money while on vacation?
Try to use ATMs attached to banks and avoid exchanging money at the airport.
How do I avoid popular scams and have safe travel experiences?
Be sure to research your destinations in advance to learn about local scams. Be aware of scams using RFID scanners, ploys using teens girls and children to play on your sympathy, or pickpocketing schemes.
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Final Thoughts on Safe Travels: 20 Tips for Peace of Mind As You Travel Solo or With Others
Have a safe travel adventure!
If you are new to travel, be prepared for an exciting and educational experience. You will explore beautiful locations and create unforgettable memories. To prioritize safe travels and adventures, focus on your safety and well-being—it can be the difference between a delightful vacation and regrettable experience.
Whether you are traveling to Instagrammable places around the world, planning solo travel, or going on a family vacation, be aware of potential risks as you take the necessary precautions. These 20 tips for your safe travels are mentioned to help you stay safe and enjoy peace of mind as you travel.
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- 15 Top Trending Apps for Planning Adventures and Travel
I always try my best to follow the last tip. Returning to a home where everything is in order, helps overcoming travel anxiety in no time.
These are great ideas. Using a VPN is so easy and yet most people don’t think about using it when close to home or traveling abroad.
You’ve nailed it! This is an excellent set of tips. I, too, have (so far) evaded pickpockets but one friend I was with in Lisbon had a fat purse and it took her many hours during and after the trip to deal with the messy outcome. Thanks for the post.
Those are some great tips! When I travel, safety is my first priority, whether I’m travelling alone or with others.
Such great, helpful tips, regardless of whether you’re travelling solo or not. It’s always great to be reminded of these things. Thank you.
What a comprehensive list! I especially like that research before the trip is included. It’s better to know in advance what to expect. Thanks for sharing!