1. Research the place (city, country, etc.)
It is important to know a little about the destination you want to visit before the trip. Research the history of the place, language, culture, security and if you already have an itinerary ready, it’s nice to know how to leave and arrive at the airport or bus station.
2. The choice of hosting
Hotel , hostel , Airbnb or couchsurfing ? Most of the time I traveled alone I chose to stay in a hostel . In addition to being much cheaper than a hotel, in general hostels tend to have a very high-spirited vibe. It is one of those places where you will have the chance to meet people from all over the world and thus make new friends .
I’ve also done a lot of couchsurfing, but I still prefer hostels. Whatever your traveler profile, one thing is essential, pay attention to the location . The tip is to choose locations that are closer to shops, bars and restaurants. As you will be alone, I recommend avoiding more isolated places for safety.
Another thing, research the reputation of the place. I have the habit of reading guest reviews (infrastructure, location and security count a lot when choosing). Also, I try to stay in hostels that already offer breakfast, but that’s not a rule, it’s just a detail that I usually look at.
In summary, staying in hostels is always the best way to meet people. If you’re not a big fan of staying in shared rooms, many hostels also offer private rooms. Hotel is also an option, but the chances of making new friends are much smaller.
3. Avoid arriving in cities at dawn or at night
The place is already unknown, you will be holding your suitcase or with a backpack on your back. Now add the tiredness and you’ll still have to worry about how to get out of the airport or bus station. If during the day it can be boring, at night it is even worse.
In addition to running the risk of not having a bus (or other type of public transport) available, depending on the place, you still have to walk to the place where you will be staying. In all my trips, I always planned to arrive during daylight hours.
For example, it is worth noting that unforeseen events can happen. I once had my flight delayed and arrived in Barcelona more than midnight. Result: I ended up sleeping at the airport. It may sound crazy, but I preferred to stay there rather than leave at dawn. And since information is always important, I was already aware of the city’s reputation for being unsafe. And if you ever opt for this adventure, remember to grab your backpack, after all, airport thefts are quite common .
Therefore, the best option is to plan to arrive during the morning or afternoon . Check the timetable before purchasing tickets.
4. Write down the addresses (accommodation, etc) in a notebook, as well as important phone numbers
We never know what can happen when we are traveling alone. Therefore, all care is redoubled. Don’t just rely on your cell phone. Remember that it can fall and stop working . This has already happened to me and luckily I was traveling with other friends. Otherwise, I would be left without any information since I hadn’t written down anyone’s number.
If possible, have a small notebook with important notes . Better yet, an extra sheet to keep in your suitcase.
5. Always be attentive and confident
We know how important it is to be attentive. I confess that even knowing this, I was taken by surprise.
Just to illustrate what happened to me in Valparaiso, Chile. I was having a coffee in a restaurant sitting at a table outside (for a change, looking on my cell phone). Then, when I leave the place, walking distracted, I feel someone pulling my bag that was on the side. As a result, the purse handle broke and the little thief ran out with everything he had. It was carelessness, for he knew the city was dangerous. I wavered 🙁
6. Don’t put money in one place
Already linking what happened in the previous item, let’s point out that very busy streets like Calle Florida in Buenos Aires are the most vulnerable places for petty theft. Pickpockets are smart and keep an eye out for unsuspecting tourists . I was once a target of them and since then I always put my bag in front when walking on the busiest streets.
Still talking about what happened to me in Valparaíso, this experience was expensive since my cell phone was brand new. But the perrengue of having run out of cell phone and money could be even worse. As a precaution, I had my passport in my inner fanny pack.
In addition to the document, I also recommend leaving the money in the money box and only a small amount in the wallet that is in the purse.
To add, the tip is to keep your money in different places . Like a little in the bag, in the wallet and in the inner dole. It’s even worth putting it in the bra or inside the shoe. Just pay attention later so you don’t end up forgetting where you kept it 😉
7. Avoid walking alone in isolated streets or at night
Ah, but I really want to enjoy the night out, go out drinking and dancing. Okay, I know we all want to have fun. But remember that you are alone and in an unknown country or city. That’s why I think it’s important to stay in a more central area or in a busier neighborhood.
8. Drink in moderation
Yay, I found this group of really nice people who asked me out. That’s great and it’s one of the things I love most when I travel alone, the possibility of making new friends. But let’s remember that these people are unknown. Just imagine you decide to hang out with this group, then drink a lot and get so drunk you can barely stand up. So, who will take you back to the hostel?
Of course, there are good and kind-hearted people who can help you, but it’s better to think that this is not always the case. If you get drunk in your city, it could be a perrengue, in another country, multiply.
But back to the point, drinking in moderation is worrying about your safety . For that old saying “drunk ass has no owner”. So keep an eye on your glass and don’t accept drinks from strangers
9. Don’t let go of your luggage or purse
My friend happily went to Barcelona with another friend, both of them loved the city and already knew about its reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in Europe. But out of carelessness, Jé asked her colleague to take a picture of her and, guess what? She dropped her backpack on the floor to strike a quick pose. As a result, in a matter of seconds, her beautiful backpack was gone.
So, don’t hesitate with your luggage. When I say stay glued, I mean keep your suitcase and purse with you at all times.
10. Take copies of your documentation and hotel reservations, etc.
Whenever I travel I send a scanned copy of my passport to my email and I have a printed copy with me. In addition to the documentation, it is essential that you have printed all the proof of accommodation and tours you are going to do. But for what? Taking proof of reservations is one of the documents that immigration inspectors may require to enter the country as the United States (among others). Also, I’m going to hit the key again on the question of the cell phone stopping working or running out of battery.
This tip is also valid for airline tickets, buses or other means of transport. To get organized, try to leave everything inside a folder that goes in your backpack or handbag.