Did you often
heard about backpackers or solo travellers sharing all the juicy moments of their journeys? Well, we
all did. Some of us are even excited to try out ourselves hoping we will be in
his/her shoes some day.
Personally, I
love to travel alone and sometimes in small group (max 4 persons) to ensure
plans are not out of hand. My experiences had taught me a lot that going solo
may not be as simple and rewarding as described by our backpacker friends. Very
often travellers tend to neglect the other side of the coin as to how dangerous travelling can be (especially going solo) if we fail to make personal safety a
priority.
Therefore, I would like to share some basic tips as to how travellers can
safeguard themselves and their belongings when travelling around the world.
1. Stay Connected
Before you leave for your destination, find out whether your mobile
phone has roaming capabilities. If not, or if the roaming cost is prohibitive, buy an international SIM card so that you have a lifeline. Smartphones outfitted with GPS or
online maps are good options for drivers.
2. Study Up On Your Destination
Be aware of safety concerns as well as of
local customs and etiquette, especially with regard to dress. When in doubt,
opt for conservative. Talk to locals about neighbourhoods and know the local
number to call for emergencies.
3. Keep Others Apprised of Your Daily Itinerary
Regularly let people know where you're going (including friends and
family back home and your innkeeper or hotel concierge). When traveling alone
into parkland or wilderness, always let someone know when you expect to return
as well as your exact route and ensure you stick to it.
4. Separate your money
Keep some money and credit cards in your wallet or purse, and the rests
in different places (preferably not on your person). It is also advisable to keep
some cash in a separate pocket for general expenditure so that you don’t have
to flash your wallet every time you make a payment. The separated cash will be your life saving
tools in case you lost your wallet or stolen by a pickpocket.
5.
Scan all your major documents
Scan your travel documents and email
them to yourself. It was traditional to photocopy your passport and visas,
travel insurance etc, and keep them in a separate part of your luggage. But
that's old school. These days, digital is the best way to ensure your documents
won't go missing even if your bags do.
6. Get Vaccinated & Stay Healthy
Visit your doctor before you leave to get all
the relevant vaccinations/immunisations for the destinations you're visiting. Always bring an extra supply of prescription medications and an extra script (with
the generic drug name rather than the brand name).
7.
Get Travel Insurance
This is mainly for health costs if you
get ill or injured while abroad. Hospital costs can quickly get into the tens
of thousands of dollars, even for a minor injury. Insurance is worth it.
8. Deal with Authorised Agent only
Only deal with authorised agents when exchanging money and signing up for any tour packages.
9. Don't leave your belongings unattended in public spaces
Do not leave your bags unattended or keep
them at your feet or hanging from the back of chairs when you’re at cafes or
inside the train. Always keep them within sight on your lap or wrap its strap
around your leg.
10. Keep Your Wits About You
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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