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If you have never before traveled alone, it is natural
to feel rather daunted. We each go through life trying not to be afraid,
comfortable within our envelope of security. The idea is to stretch that
envelope. Keep stretching it until there is no envelope at all, and nothing
separates you from your world.
To travel fearlessly, we obviously must avoid danger. Life involves risk
whether you travel or stay at home, but there are ways to minimize a traveler’s
risk - standard precautions we should all take.
These safety tips and more can be found in my book,
Travel Alone & Love It: A Flight Attendant’s Guide to Solo Travel.
- Avoid places with terrorist activity or violent street crime
directed toward tourists. Research the safety of your destination
at these three websites:
- Travel with the address and phone number of your country’s embassy
at your destination. Call if you need help or advice.
- Don’t look like a tourist. Do not sport white athletic shoes,
waist packs or camera bags. Dress conservatively and a bit more
formally than you would at home. Avoid expensive or designer clothing,
luggage and jewelry.
- Make at least a tentative itinerary and leave a copy with a
relative or friend. Phone home or send e-mails with periodic updates.
- Be discerning about whom you tell you’re American, and do not
advertise your nationality with lapel pins or flag imprinted clothes.
- Be selective about whom you tell you’re alone. Normally, you
can trust people with this information but, when in doubt, say
you’re with friends or a tour group.
- When you register for a hotel room, do not let the desk clerk
announce your room number within earshot of strangers. If they
do, ask for another room and explain why.
- Be careful about giving the name of your hotel to strangers.
When you meet someone you’d like to see again, arrange a public
place to meet.
- Before you go out with a new friend, get some information about
him or her - preferably a business card and home phone number.
Leave this information with a member of your tour, a member of
the hotel staff, or just leave it in your room. Your instincts
will tell you if this person is safe, but leave evidence in case
your instincts are wrong.
- Limit your alcohol intake to what you can easily handle without
becoming impaired. To avoid being drugged, keep an eye on your
drink and never leave it unattended.
- Ask your hotel staff to mark your map with the location of your
hotel and any areas you should avoid. Ask if it’s safe to use
public transportation after dark.
- After dark, try to walk on well-lit streets with other people
around. If you find yourself in a questionable area, duck into
a public place to check your map or call for a taxi.
- When you are out and about, be alert, not fearful, and not caught
up in daydreams. Be aware of your surroundings and the people
around you.
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Despite all the safety tips, I assure you the world is a safe place. Traveling
alone will restore your faith in humanity. Wherever you go, guides and helpers
will be there when you need them. Wander, and know that you have friends
all over the planet. You just haven’t met them yet. |
