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As rewarding as travelling solo can be, it can also be intimidating. The possibilities that something could wrong means you may have to take extra precaution. There are many safety tips for solo travellers. We shall list a few that should not be ignored to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb.
Protect Your Valuables
Be conscious of your valuables when in public in a new environment. If you are walking around with a handbag or a backpack, secure your bag so it is harder for petty thieves to snatch. You can wrap the handle of your backpack around your leg if you place it on the ground near you when sitting. Keep your eye on your handbags or backpack at all times. Or better yet, get the types whose zips are not easily accessible. When carrying a handbag, hold it tight and carry it in front of you so it is in your line of sight. Better still, leave your valuables in your hotel when you are going out to a new city. Travel with locks and use them on your travel bags when on the move and even in your hotel room.Plan For The Unexpected
When you get to the hotel you are staying at, ask for their business cards. This way, you have a hard copy of their address and can find your way back even when your phone battery runs out. If possible, keep your batteries charged always. Get a power bank, use a USB port on the train or at the airport before you board, or switch off your data intermittently if surfing the internet drains your battery. Always have cash on you so you aren’t stranded. There are some states where certain network providers have poor coverage. With cash, you can sort out payments and issues easily without worry about a poor network for online banking. Cash also saves you from the hassle of closest ATM to your location not dispensing cash when you need it. When you have cash, don’t put it all in one place. Save your cash in different locations like your pockets, inner zip in your bag or shoe.Don’t Make It Obvious You Are Alone
Avoid brightly coloured clothes that scream tourist. Study how the people in that environment dress and emulate it. Wear black or neutral/dull earth colours till you get a feel of the town.Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
When leaving the airport or bus park, if you don’t want it to be obvious that you are travelling alone, wait for someone or a group of people to walk by you and walk behind them. That way, it will look like you were waiting for them or like you are with them. You can strike up a conversation with a total stranger going your way to make it seem more believable. You can also sign up for a group tour package when travelling alone. This way, you will have company throughout your trip which is good for accountability should anything go wrong.
Move Around In The Daytime
Arrange your flight ticket or your transport arrival to your destination for the daytime. It is easier to navigate your way around a new town you travelled to in the daytime than at night. You will be able to see landmarks and directions better rather than relying on the word of strangers concerning how to reach your destination. If you want to do a walking tour, don’t wander around at night either. Getting lost in the dark in a city you are not familiar with is dangerous. Even if you are familiar with the town, limit night movements. If you must wander, so it in the daytime. Also, avoid travelling at night. Most of the bandit attacks we hear on the news these days have been during late or early hours of the day when daylight is scarce.Mind Your Surroundings
Avoid going with the crowd in a busy area like a mall or open market, otherwise, you may get lost in the crowd and miss your way. Same way, you need to avoid passing through small and lonely Ikoro alone. Not sure of your movement? Take advice from the locals. They are the best persons to advise you on spots to check out, the safest routes to take, how to blend into the city.Buy Travel Insurance
This makes sure you have financial coverage if something bad like a fire outbreak, theft of property, missing luggage or any other thing goes wrong on your trip.Keep Calm
Things may not go as originally planned. Don’t focus too much on what went wrong, instead think about solutions. Are there other tips you’ve used to stay safe when you travelled? Do share. Featured Image Source: Globe CruisersGot a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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