Solo travel stories often focus on freedom and dramatic sunsets. The less glamorous side is safety – choosing where to stay, how late to be out, and what to do when something feels off.
You don’t need to be paranoid. You just need a set of boundaries and habits that make most bad situations unlikely.
Before you go
- Share your basic itinerary and stay details with someone you trust.
- Save local emergency numbers in your phone.
- Screenshot and download key bookings for offline access.
Choosing stays
Look beyond star ratings and read recent reviews for keywords like “safe”, “well-lit street”, and “24-hour reception”. If arriving late at night, choose locations close to major stations or central areas.
Money & documents: If possible, split cash and cards between two places – one on you, one locked in your bag or room. That way a lost wallet isn’t a total disaster.
Out and about
- Trust the feeling when a street, bar, or person feels “off”. You can always leave.
- Have a polite but firm line ready to shut down unwanted attention.
- Use maps with offline areas saved so you’re not stranded without signal.
Good solo trips feel like you’re in control even when plans change. Safety is what lets the adventure parts shine instead of turning into stories you’d rather not tell.