Feature – Safety Trips for Solo Travellers
It’s that time of year again. A-level results have come out and many young people are preparing to set off on their Gap Years, possibly travelling alone for the first time in their lives. And even if you’re not part of the Gap Year crew, you may take a holiday alone at some stage. Here are some tips for keeping safe while travelling solo.
You may think that it’s only women who need to be aware of safety, but men must be vigilant too. Stick to the following pointers:
* Choose a well-known hotel in a safe area. Walk confidently when you’re out, as if you are familiar with the area.
* Be aware of cultural differences. Smiling and flirting can be misconstrued in some countries
* Be prepared for curious questions from locals! Try not to be defensive. Answer politely and move on.
For women travelling alone, the following advice may come in useful:
* Always choose a reputable hotel in a good area, and make use of security facilities like safes. Never tell anyone exactly where you’re staying.
* Avoid poorly lit areas at night time.
* If you use public transport sit next to other women if you can.
* If you don’t want too much male attention, it’s a good idea to wear a wedding ring, even if you aren’t married! Don’t make eye contact, and adopt confident body language.
For all solo travellers, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with some basic phrases in the language of the place you’ll be visiting. Also, for extra peace of mind, learn some simple self defence.
Find cheap flights to world destinations at FlightComparison.co.uk.