1. Stay Connected
Before you leave home, find out whether your
mobile phone has roaming capabilities at your destination. If not, or if the
roaming cost is prohibitive, rent a phone once you arrive (or buy international
SIM cards if you have an unlocked GSM phone) so you have a lifeline.
Smartphones with GPS are good options for drivers.
2. Keep Others Apprised of Your Daily
Itinerary
Let people know where you're going, including
friends and family back home and your hotel concierge. When traveling alone
into the wilderness, always let someone know when you expect to return as well
as your exact route, and then stick to it.
3. Stash Money, Credit Cards and Passport in
Separate Places
Keep some money and credit cards in your
wallet or purse, and additional money and cards in a pocket or money pouch.
When sightseeing, carry only a copy of your passport's data page, keeping your
passport locked in your hotel safe. (It's also good to leave a copy of the data
page with someone at home.) On travel days, carry your passport separately from
your money and credit cards.
4.
Study Up On Your Destination
Be aware of safety concerns as well as of local customs and
etiquette, especially with regard to dress. Women travelers should know in advance
if harassment is an issue and both men
and women should get the safety information on public transportation. Talk to
locals about neighborhoods to avoid, especially after dark. Know the local
number to call for emergencies.
5.
Ensure Your Lodgings Are Safe
Keep your door locked, with the security chain fastened. Try to
snag a room close to where the action is near the concierge desk, or near
elevators. Stay away from ground floors where window entry is possible. Don't
answer the door if you're not expecting anyone.
6.
Stay Healthy
Is the water safe to drink? Are poisonous snakes or spiders a
problem? Are mosquitoes a health issue? Bring an extra supply of prescription
medications and an extra script (with the generic drug name rather than the
brand name). And don't forget hand sanitizer.
7.
Keep Your Wits About You
Traveling alone doesn't mean cowering in a hotel room. Venturing
into unknown territory is one of the thrills of travel. But don't let yourself
get so distracted by sights and sounds (or recording every moment on camera or
cellphone) that you let your guard down. Of all the travel-alone safety tips,
this is the most important: Don't leave common sense at home.
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