14 Safety Tips for Travelling Solo

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  • Опубліковано 4 лис 2024

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  • @cmg2651
    @cmg2651 6 місяців тому +24

    I travel from New England to Pennsylvania and to Florida alone, when asked where my husband is, I say “he’s waiting for me in the car”. They think someone is watching for me. Safe travels.

  • @nemoemanon6679
    @nemoemanon6679 6 місяців тому +26

    Just discovered your channel. You’re great. I’ve lived alone all of of my adult life. Now I’m a retired university professor taking care of my 90 year old mother. Many people have tried to make me feel odd for my choice to live alone. Your channel makes me feel good about my independence.

    • @lillianbarker4292
      @lillianbarker4292 6 місяців тому +3

      You have no idea of how many couples wish they lived alone-at least some of the time 😂. My husband and I take separate trips sometimes just to get a break.

  • @maryegeland932
    @maryegeland932 5 місяців тому +8

    I love to travel alone. I’ve been to New York several times by myself. It’s so much more fun. I can do what I want when I want.
    I don’t have to waste energy on syncing time with another person.
    I also meet people much easier. When you are with someone, people tend to leave you alone with your travel companion.
    When I am by myself, people are always much more inclined to speak with me.
    I have actually made many friends while traveling alone.
    It’s so much more fun.

  • @renaissancewomanfarm9175
    @renaissancewomanfarm9175 6 місяців тому +20

    I can't seem to make it out of state, let alone out of country! But I WILL go somewhere, someday!

    • @monicaluketich6913
      @monicaluketich6913 6 місяців тому +3

      I'm in Texas. I finally snuck out last month to Oklahoma for a weekend! First time out of Texas in 8 or 9 years.

  • @elisawinter4520
    @elisawinter4520 6 місяців тому +23

    My first solo trip (divorced a year ago, 62 years old) was to Iceland January 2024. Iceland is a great place for solo women travelers.

    • @silverandsolo
      @silverandsolo  6 місяців тому +2

      It's on my list! Welcome aboard!

  • @cindyschroyer326
    @cindyschroyer326 6 місяців тому +10

    This was all new to me. I'm 70 years old and I had to fly through countries I didn't speak the languages, I went through security twice and everything else by myself. One of my planes was rescheduled. I was just going home, the rest of the trip was with friends. I was so proud that day.

  • @eusews
    @eusews 6 місяців тому +17

    I kinda wish I had known of van travel years ago, although I could not have done it anyway until my Mom passed away 9 years ago and I was already 70 so now I travel with UA-cam and dream. Thank you.

    • @sylviaskinner6849
      @sylviaskinner6849 6 місяців тому +6

      Isn’t it wonderful that we can travel with UA-cam. I love it. I’m 65 and just retired and went through a divorce a couple years ago so I don’t think I will have the money to try abroad. But that’s OK because I can certainly see it on UA-cam and live it through their eyes.

  • @EveningShadeLori
    @EveningShadeLori 6 місяців тому +8

    American 🇺🇸 here. When I’m traveling alone which is most the time. I always call one of my sons when walking into a rest stop bathroom keep them on speaker as I’m walking in. Our conversation is scripted-I’ll say so where you at? My son will respond- I’m about to pull into the rest stop now see you when you come out. ❤
    This will in my mind make myself and my vehicle less of a target. Making the next vehicle that arrives look like it is with me. I had a friend get luggage stolen from her car while in a rest stop bathroom. That’s why I’m extra careful.

  • @33Jenesis
    @33Jenesis 6 місяців тому +26

    I travel solo 95% of the time in my life starting in college. Being a tiny Asian, I didn’t stand out too much in third world countries. I don’t drink, don’t go to bars and dance halls, don’t take drugs. Most of the time I was back in my lodging before 7pm. I don’t wear ear buds to hear footsteps. When sleeping in bus/train stations and airports, i would limit my liquid intake to not have to use bathroom during the night. I don’t get into ocean or trails by myself. I’d rather go with a group or a local guide.

  • @LurkerSmurf
    @LurkerSmurf 6 місяців тому +19

    So many good points, not just for singles but for everyone. Not exactly a safety tip, but bring a copy of eyeglass and medication prescriptions in case they go missing while you're traveling. You may be in a different time zone than your doctor. I've never had a problem getting pre-authorized before a trip.

  • @NatCampbell-kw6yl
    @NatCampbell-kw6yl 6 місяців тому +12

    Trust your gut. Always. I travelled alone years ago and found that I instinctively knew who to speak to and who to ignore. One person I had an icky feeling about followed me all day (without me realising) and made a grab for me near the YHA. I yelled the place down and they let me go.

  • @ShellyWest-d8x
    @ShellyWest-d8x 6 місяців тому +13

    Carry some small change of whatever country you are in, someplace handy. Some public toilets require you to pay for use. And keep some tp handy too!

  • @denaroper2321
    @denaroper2321 6 місяців тому +44

    Thanks! I’m 52 and do a lot of traveling on my own. I lean toward road trips. I had another woman recommend to me to wear a baseball cap when driving. It makes it harder to tell it’s a woman alone in a car.

    • @cherylmcnutt9905
      @cherylmcnutt9905 6 місяців тому +13

      That’s smart! I’ve been on my own pretty much since I was 17, and I’ve had some pretty harrowing experiences in the road locally and far away. The weirdest of which is men bumping my car with theirs to ask me out.
      Has anyone else had this issue? Seriously! The first time, I was 17. Home from college for Winter Break. Heading to a mall to buy Christmas presents. I’m in the middle of Main Street, in traffic. The car behind me hits my car, not too hard, but hard enough to stop and exchange insurance information.
      Because traffic was awful and everyone wash rushing around to the shops, he suggested we move our cars to an auto dealership lot on the corner.
      I drive and pull into a parking spot. He pulls his car in BEHIND mine, basically boxing me in. It was at that time I noticed the dealership had closed (gone out of business). I’m starting to feel uncomfortable. We exchange registrations and insurance cards. While I’m writing down his info, he asks me if I want to go to a party with him. 🤷‍♀️
      I said no, that I was on my way to meet friends (I lied). Fortunately, it was still light out, but it was getting near dusk and he kept talking.
      Finally, I asked him to move his car because I was going to be late meeting my friends, and jumped back in my car. He slowly left. Whew!
      It hasn’t happened often, but it happened to me again four more times, once every 10 years. How weird is that?!? Each time it happened near a holiday. The last time I was 57, and it was dark out. I was heading home from having Thanksgiving Dinner with friends.
      I kind of understood why it happened in my younger years, but who hits a 57-year-old woman’s car and then he offers to buy her a drink?? There are crazy people out there, so stay vigilant and stay safe!

    • @silverandsolo
      @silverandsolo  6 місяців тому +3

      Great tip!

    • @linak7155
      @linak7155 6 місяців тому

      @@cherylmcnutt9905 I'm sure it has been potentially dangerous but a tad humorous in the way you relate it. It may have something to do with the way you drive? some sort of a chick magnet in reverse going on? Lol! Thank you for lightning up my day!😊

    • @sjordan7085
      @sjordan7085 Місяць тому

      Sounds like a good idea. I have always hated baseball caps, so may have to change my mind...lol

  • @lindadorman2869
    @lindadorman2869 6 місяців тому +23

    This should be obvious but you'd be surprised how many people forget the basics. Lock the doors and windows in your hotel or Airbnb, and car rental. Don't leave anything unattended. Use the safe in your room or front desk to store valuables, and put items in the trunk of your car rental. Avoid street-level accommodations and opt for higher floors. Never open the door to unexpected guests. Inform your host (or hotelier) that you must have advance notice via text or phone call before you allow anyone in.

  • @ennasus5964
    @ennasus5964 6 місяців тому +16

    Good tips. I would recommend not to rely too much on all your phone has to offer though. It can get damaged, stolen or malfunction. Have the important things in paper and a Plan B. Bon voyage!

    • @lillianbarker4292
      @lillianbarker4292 6 місяців тому +1

      When I lost my phone in a Mexican village it was scary. If I hadn’t been with a group I wouldn’t have been able to contact my husband to tell him I was safe. I had paper copies of flights and hotels.

  • @tracygellatly1267
    @tracygellatly1267 6 місяців тому +10

    Pack CONFIDENCE! Head and chin up, shoulders back and go for it!

  • @lisaemerick6108
    @lisaemerick6108 6 місяців тому +5

    I am so happy to follow you - I appreciate your calm and direct way of sharing your experiences to de- mystify how to be a solo traveler. 😊

  • @XzadforSpacefox
    @XzadforSpacefox 6 місяців тому +10

    Super important: NEVER TAKE A RIDE OR CAB YOU DID NOT CALL. You can be driven out and robbed and left somewhere. Also - Never let someone convince you to go to their bar or a certain bar. You can be drugged and robbed. These things happen!

    • @XzadforSpacefox
      @XzadforSpacefox 6 місяців тому +3

      Also never let a stranger use your phone. People have lost money when a stranger using a phone used a cash type app to send money from the phone owner and robbed them digitally.

    • @sjordan7085
      @sjordan7085 Місяць тому

      Actually, staying far away from all bars is a good plan. I prefer to lessen my chances of interacting with alcoholics and/or drug addicts. Head towards those participating in more wholesome activities, even a coffee house would be a better choice. Where possible, I also like to sit near an exits in public spaces, in case I want to leave in a hurry, not paranoid about it, just a good idea. I am also not a big fan of crowds, movie theatres and the like. I don't get on an elevator if I don't have a good feeling about someone already on it. Same with walking in parking garages, avoid where possible at night, and park close to the attendant's booth if I can. When driving, I am not a fan of using Rest Area toilets, especially at night, and will limit my liquid consumption ahead of time. Having a modest RV solves such problems when on long trips.

  • @kf1439
    @kf1439 5 місяців тому +3

    The thing about a crossbody bag is that if someone in a car or on a motorbike grabs it, you can be strangled.

  • @cathyphillips679
    @cathyphillips679 6 місяців тому +19

    I always wear a wedding ring when I travel solo.

  • @JLKeener77
    @JLKeener77 6 місяців тому +13

    I find your videos to be very relaxing and peaceful. I will sometimes just listen in the car, even if the topics aren’t especially relevant to me. Keep up the good work!

  • @marissacannon3416
    @marissacannon3416 5 місяців тому +3

    Great travel tips, Jen -- thank you! I also walk as if I know exactly where I'm going when I'm travelling; especially, when solo travelling 😊❤

  • @wendybowman5305
    @wendybowman5305 6 місяців тому +7

    I have travelled solo to Europe a number of times. Most of these I have used and they are invaluable. I always stay on a higher level floor and the bldg if not a hotel is locked and then of course my room. I avoid tourist areas always later towards evening. I get up early and arrive back before dark. I stayed in Paris and was unaware the subway finished at midnight. It was the Fifa games and it took ages to locate a cab. Luckily for that trip I was with my daughter so there were 2 of us and I can speak some French. I never did that again. I always check ahead of time is there any large event going on that would add more people, chaos or transportation issues. Thanks for the video. good for solo and others.

  • @33Jenesis
    @33Jenesis 6 місяців тому +12

    I write down credit card numbers and customer service numbers, copy of passport/id, embassy phone numbers and addresses, insurance member number and customer service number, and anything i might need in email and save as a draft. As long as there is internet access i can get to my email to get important info in case of theft.

    • @sjordan7085
      @sjordan7085 Місяць тому

      Good idea! I keep photo copies of passports.

  • @Syl-Vee
    @Syl-Vee 6 місяців тому +6

    All great tips. Also, it helps to check in with your phone company, as well as your bank / credit company before you leave so you can use these services as expected. Be wary of people that approach you like a friend or seem very willing to help in some way when you didn't ask for it. I like to keep as much distance as possible between me and anyone else and avoid crowds where possible.

  • @SimplyKatieWalks
    @SimplyKatieWalks 6 місяців тому +5

    I'm 56. I travel solo quite often. Thanks for the video 🎉

  • @87plaid
    @87plaid 6 місяців тому +3

    I've just discovered your channel. I'm in my 40s and I'm wanting to start solo travel. Thank you for all of your informative videos.

    • @silverandsolo
      @silverandsolo  6 місяців тому

      Welcome aboard!

    • @lillianbarker4292
      @lillianbarker4292 6 місяців тому

      It can be a little scary at first. Start with an easy place (Europe, the US or Canada). I like to sign up for small, short group tours or workshops at the location to stave off loneliness. I have a small journal and a kindle when I eat alone in restaurants.

  • @freemantle252
    @freemantle252 6 місяців тому +7

    Never understand people travelling without insurance. Some people's idea of a plan is setting up a "Go fund me" if things go wrong. Thanks for the tips 😊👍

    • @sjordan7085
      @sjordan7085 Місяць тому

      Love the little English robin, haven't seen one for a long time, now that I live "Across the pond."

  • @johntenuto-motivationalcon8810
    @johntenuto-motivationalcon8810 5 місяців тому +1

    love what you are doing on UA-cam! keep up the good work john

  • @cjesse01
    @cjesse01 6 місяців тому +4

    Love your channel. Thank you for your videos. I struggle with my third act, similar situation to yours. You are very inspiring and informative.

  • @majelthesurreal5723
    @majelthesurreal5723 5 місяців тому +1

    These were all great tips! Some ive learned the hard way. TY

  • @Pacman398
    @Pacman398 3 місяці тому

    It is stunning to me how many people go out of their way to look as touristy as possible. Backpacks. Big cameras. Fold out maps. They just make themselves a target.

  • @deniseclarkart
    @deniseclarkart 4 місяці тому

    Jen you are so knowledgable ! Thank you , what an incredible video, full of important and useful tips for solo travellers.

  • @DreaLightrider
    @DreaLightrider 6 місяців тому +12

    I never carry a purse and especially not across my body an attacker can grab your purse and use the stape to choke you. I carry all my cards and cash and id's in a RFID blocking men's wallet

  • @thedecorlifestylecenter4853
    @thedecorlifestylecenter4853 5 місяців тому +1

    Came at the right time....thank Jen!

  • @shawneeb3771
    @shawneeb3771 6 місяців тому +2

    All great tips, especially the insurance. My friend travels a lot and has used it all several times. I agree with you, don't tell people you are alone even when you travel locally. I go back and forth from Florida to New Mexico and when asked I say he's around. Thanks for sharing.

  • @garyrobinson8665
    @garyrobinson8665 2 місяці тому

    I travel to the same destination every year. I use the hotel accomodations transfer service. I get picked up from the airport and taken to the airport so I don't have to deal with taxis or public transport. I agree with you about learning some of the local language and carrying some currency with you.

  • @kathleendoor6847
    @kathleendoor6847 3 місяці тому

    Watched it again…… good advice for all

  • @lovestolaugh
    @lovestolaugh 5 місяців тому +1

    When I traveled to Mexico by myself I didn't tell anyone at the resort that I was alone.

  • @VickiKech
    @VickiKech 6 місяців тому +3

    Great tips, very technology heavy which is great for me. I'm tech savvy but not always up-to-date on it.

  • @kayhammock
    @kayhammock 6 місяців тому +4

    Great video!! Thank you.

  • @brenyule
    @brenyule Місяць тому

    Great info I love your channel

  • @lillianbarker4292
    @lillianbarker4292 6 місяців тому +1

    I just made a stupid mistake on a solo trip to Mexico. I forgot my debit card. Luckily I got a good amount of cash at the airport, and I was also able to pay for things with a credit card. But most taxis didn’t take credit cards and since I’m 74, I was using taxis. Even a bank wouldn’t give me cash with my credit card and the many airport banks couldn’t help me. It was only cash exchange booths that could. Then I lost my phone! Luckily I had printed all my flights and hotels. What a trip!

    • @looloo4029
      @looloo4029 6 місяців тому

      😳that would have been very scary!

  • @shess1640
    @shess1640 6 місяців тому +1

    great reminders! Thank you.

  • @bessieoriotis5104
    @bessieoriotis5104 6 місяців тому +2

    Good tips. The problem is though family will be waiting at the airport or friends so the skill I have to work on is the making sure my purse and mobile is safe. Being in Greece
    for the last few years means that when you're in more rural areas we take a backpack because you may have to take important medical info, umbrella etc so unless you're in Athens it's a lot safer and comfortable for back and leg problems. But helpful ideas esp in areas of a lot for theft and crimes. Thanks ❤❤GREECE.

  • @s.e.2280
    @s.e.2280 4 місяці тому

    Hi
    Thank you so much for these really helpful tipps.
    Can you tell something about preparing a trip to far countries for women? Like choosing the destination, what you take in consideration? What or which locations you avoid? Which routes do you choose (city, landscape, nature etc.), which means you prefer (car, plane, foot, train etc.) and why, how you keep yourself from dangerous situations and so on?
    Thanks 🫶🏻

  • @kathleenabell5933
    @kathleenabell5933 6 місяців тому

    Glad I found your videos - such great tips

  • @Keep-on-ok
    @Keep-on-ok 6 місяців тому +2

    Here is another tip. Freeze your credit at the credit reporting agencies. It’s free and no one can open an account in your name! Prevents fraud.

  • @leena118
    @leena118 6 місяців тому +1

    I've always purchased insurance before I go. If you're take several trips a year, an annual insurance policy may be worthwhile. In the US, Allianz provides this type of insurance.

  • @melblacke5726
    @melblacke5726 6 місяців тому

    this was eye opening for me.

  • @allisonspeer649
    @allisonspeer649 6 місяців тому

    Great ideas. I'm planning on some solo travel in the future so this was so pertinent to me. I travel light and never bring valuables, I"m a pretty causal kinda gal. LOL. I'm not going to be traveling in another country but most of these tips apply.

  • @dianaw248
    @dianaw248 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for your excellent post. I am really enjoying your channel

  • @sydneykasmar
    @sydneykasmar 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for all these tips.

  • @rubycorman469
    @rubycorman469 6 місяців тому

    Thank you , great tips ! We're traveling to England next month and i always have firm grasp on mt cross body bag . I've never used VPN so looking into it . Appreciate all your tips . 💕🇨🇦

  • @bcworth444
    @bcworth444 6 місяців тому

    Great tips, Jen!

  • @MsMaria990
    @MsMaria990 6 місяців тому +1

    Thank you!!!! ❤❤

  • @jcampbell100
    @jcampbell100 6 місяців тому

    When my girls were young drivers I thought of making a life-size torso of a man to prop up in the passenger seat. He could be a cowboy, lumber jack, construction worker depending on the hat, asleep in the passenger seat. I have heard of police using something like this in a parked patrol car to slow traffic. Didn't do it but I think is would work.

  • @maryl234
    @maryl234 6 місяців тому

    Pepper spray and a knife helps too (for US travel).

  • @flossyflue4305
    @flossyflue4305 6 місяців тому

    Thank you.

  • @marianfrances4959
    @marianfrances4959 6 місяців тому

    Awesome! 👍😎🇨🇦

  • @smartmom7758
    @smartmom7758 6 місяців тому

    Great video

  • @JonTanOsb
    @JonTanOsb 6 місяців тому +4

    For men, carry your wallet in the front pocket of your trousers. You'll know if someone is groping around to steal it. :)
    Jon in rural BC, Canada

    • @silverandsolo
      @silverandsolo  6 місяців тому +1

      I've heard of this tip for men before, thanks for adding it!

  • @Sarah33Kaufman
    @Sarah33Kaufman 6 місяців тому +1

    My husband died and I’ve been alone since then. It was like pulling a rock off my feet, hasn’t been able to discover. Fortunately, I don’t like to travel. I don’t like to deal with long lines, TSA, flight delays and so on. I work from home and I enjoy being with my pets very much. I’m a happy camper. But I should admit, I don’t like people so it does get very lonely.

    • @lillianbarker4292
      @lillianbarker4292 6 місяців тому

      I’m not crazy about people, but we humans need some social interaction. You can meet like minded people by volunteering, taking a class or joining a club. You may be surprised by how much you like it.

    • @Sarah33Kaufman
      @Sarah33Kaufman 6 місяців тому +1

      Been there, done that, no thank you!

  • @linak7155
    @linak7155 6 місяців тому +5

    There is so much to learn!
    Mobile pay technology? I had not even heard! Oy! Frankly, this technology stuff scares me. Your parents may be boomers (so am I) but open n obviously quick to learn. I have visited a total of three countries, and aside from currency exchange and travelers checks, I did not plan for much else. TY for the great tips!

    • @teresaforsyth6185
      @teresaforsyth6185 6 місяців тому

      Travelers checks? Not making fun----I didn't know they still existed.

    • @linak7155
      @linak7155 6 місяців тому

      @@teresaforsyth6185
      No offense taken.😁 Travelers checks were once an item when going abroad, but with the widespread use of credit cards, they are no longer as common.

  • @suec9881
    @suec9881 6 місяців тому +1

    I stupidly became locked out of my online Canadian banking while spending a month in Spain last year. Guess what? The 800 numbers that are posted on the bank’s website don’t work from europe so I was unable to get it sorted until I returned to Canada. Fortunately my debit card still worked so I was able to get cash but had to really fly by the seat of my pants as I couldn’t check my account balance.

  • @jaatrack912
    @jaatrack912 6 місяців тому

    Excellent tips. What do you do for health insurance when you travel? Or does the travel insurance cover that?

    • @silverandsolo
      @silverandsolo  6 місяців тому +1

      I have supplemental health insurance through my employer which covers me for up to three weeks abroad. Anything longer than that I buy health/travel insurance together.

    • @jaatrack912
      @jaatrack912 6 місяців тому

      @@silverandsolo Awesome, thanks!

  • @libbyannstew8775
    @libbyannstew8775 6 місяців тому +2

    Great tips here - excellent video. I also ensure I know where the Canadian embassies are in the countries that I’m travelling to in case I need their help.

  • @gardenkeeper7639
    @gardenkeeper7639 2 місяці тому

    Lots of great advice here but I would add a fake wallet. 63 year old North American woman. I’ve been cycling around the world since 2017. I mostly wild camp with a few hostels when weather is awful or if I’m in a city . I’m convinced that the majority of people are good. Just be smart about keeping your valuables on you. I’ve been robbed twice; both robberies were in South America (Colombia & Chile). I never was concerned for my life but it’s hard to hide when you are a fair skinned woman on a bicycle. I do not let fear stop me though. Follow your gut and get off the tourist trail if you want a more authentic experience in a foreign country.

  • @Keep-on-ok
    @Keep-on-ok 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for the insurance link!

  • @NonaMaryGrace1952
    @NonaMaryGrace1952 6 місяців тому

    Thank yo Jen. 💕NonnaGrace 🐓

  • @muskaana9162
    @muskaana9162 Місяць тому

    Did you travel by yourself only ? As I am planning to take a trip by myself for the first time

  • @paulavaden5139
    @paulavaden5139 6 місяців тому +1

    Put your cash in more than one place on your person. In certain countries athleisure wear clothing-leggings, yoga tops/bottoms, bright colors, baseball caps scream tourist.

  • @voyageinthepast8752
    @voyageinthepast8752 Місяць тому

    If you end up in an area you don t feel ok, just leave !

  • @marnasorensen988
    @marnasorensen988 6 місяців тому +1

    Fairly new here and enjoying your articulate, rational content. Also trying to read the titles on your bookshelf....

    • @silverandsolo
      @silverandsolo  6 місяців тому +1

      One of these days I'll make a video about the bookshelves....there are more...so many more.... :) Thanks for dropping by!

  • @susangunther5441
    @susangunther5441 6 місяців тому

  • @evelyndorman5301
    @evelyndorman5301 6 місяців тому

    Learn your numbers, basic questions of information and Google translate if necessary. Ask politely if someone speaks English.

  • @saramclaughlin2470
    @saramclaughlin2470 6 місяців тому +1

    Great ideas. Thanks for the video.

  • @pattiebravata7462
    @pattiebravata7462 6 місяців тому

    Great tips. Thank you for sharing.