Downward angle icon Downward angle icon. I often travel alone to different countries. Latifa Al Hazza I've been traveling alone since I was 18 and have been to over 80 countries. I've made a lot of mistakes, but I've learned how to stay safe while traveling alone. Simple measures like sharing my location have helped me avoid unpleasant situations.
I've been traveling solo since I was 18. I've visited over 80 countries and after 13 years of trial and error, I've learned some important safety tips.
Although airfares appear to be increasing ahead of the busy summer season, they are still significantly cheaper than this time last year, so I can't wait to start planning my next trip.
I follow these rules wherever I travel, it doesn't matter how upscale or “safe” the destination is.
While some situations are unavoidable, here are some things I do to stay safe and alert while traveling solo.
I always share my location and itinerary with people close to me.
My mother always knows where I am when I am traveling. Latifa Al Hazza
Before every trip, I always share flight and hotel details with my mom, and I've also gotten into the habit of sharing my location with her (indefinitely).
Not only does it give her peace of mind, but I know that if something happens (or I don't get the communication I was hoping for), she'll have enough information to call and make sure I'm OK.
It only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference in the long run.
It's important to wear a flat crossbody bag or belt bag underneath your clothes.
I keep my valuables close to my body. Latifa Al Hazza
I always try to avoid backpacks or trendy see-through bags because I don't want to arouse curiosity. I don't like exposing my wallet or valuables too much because they make an easy target for pickpockets.
In colder conditions it's easier to wear a belt bag when layering, but it's fine when you're wearing light clothing too.
The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, Athleta Pacesetter Lambert, and Peak Gear Travel Money Belt are some of my favorite travel essentials. They're small and thin enough to wear under clothes, yet big enough to hold the essentials (cash, credit cards, phone, passport, and copies of ID).
I don't wear expensive jewelry or designer clothes.
I love good designer accessories, but not when I'm traveling. Latifa Al Hazza
I usually want to look good in photos, but wearing expensive clothes and eye-catching jewelry always attracts unwanted attention.
Wearing a Gucci tracksuit and sparkly necklaces and bangles makes me look rich, which is the opposite of what I want people to think when I'm traveling alone.
They are also less likely to be able to negotiate or barter for goods at a good price in the market.
There are some basic things I research about each city or town I stay in.
I always read reviews of hotels I book. Latifa Al Hazza
I am a very impulsive traveller and although I usually have a list of places I want to visit, I rarely follow a daily itinerary.
Either way, once I know where I'm going, I try to plan which area I'll stay in and book my hotel in advance: I find the perfect area, go through a list of hotel options, and choose based on reviews, location, and overall vibe.
Also, once you check in, be sure to ask the front desk staff if there are any areas you should avoid – not everything is online.
Sometimes I look for hotels that cater to women or have a lot of female staff, because then I feel a bit more secure.
Appearing confused or scared will invite trouble.
I am trying to put on a brave face and remain calm. Latifa Al Hazza
How you act matters. When I get lost, I usually use the Maps.me app, which allows me to use maps even offline.
I try to stop at coffee shops and restrooms to check my location on the map, and if I can't find a place to rest, I walk to a populated area with heavy traffic.
Worst case scenario, I'll just call a taxi and go back to the hotel.
If you appear lost, you give the impression that you are a tourist and would be happy to accept help from anyone. Unfortunately, some people will take advantage of the situation.
For the same reason, I never walk around looking scared, even if inside I am panicking.
There are many different transportation apps available around the world, so I try to choose one that suits me best.
I have a lot of ride-sharing apps on my phone. Latifa Al Hazza
Not everywhere has Uber, and not many taxis either, so I always research popular transportation apps for my destinations and download them to my phone.
They usually also enter and save your credit card information so that when you arrive at your destination, you're ready to go and there are no surprises.
Make sure you have enough cash.
Withdraw all your cash before you leave on a trip. Latifa Al Hazza
I've traveled to places where credit cards aren't very popular and where you can't withdraw cash from an ATM.
To avoid such panic, I always carry cash and exchange it for local currency at the airport or hotel.
When you're exploring, don't take everything with you – just take some with you and leave the rest safely locked away in your suitcase.
I've learned not to say yes to everything.
I'd rather have dinner at a hotel than party with strangers. Latifa Al Hazza
When I travel alone, I am bound to meet new people and get invited to parties and drinks, but I always politely decline.
In my experience, nothing good ever comes from drinking with strangers in a foreign country, and I always want to be sober enough to recognize strange or dangerous situations.
I don't share my plans with strangers I meet, and I don't post my real-time whereabouts on social media.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but I also won't accept rides from strangers because they might know where I am.
