Travel Tips

How to Stay Safe When You’re Traveling Solo

What’s one of the fastest growing segments in the travel industry? It’s solo travelers. Yes, many people are traveling by themselves. But how do you travel by yourself and also be smart about it? Well, it all starts with knowing where you’re going.

Since you’re traveling by yourself, invest in a co-pilot—a turn-by-turn GPS with audio directions so you can drive safely.

Then there’s protecting your money, and your wallet. Separate your cash and put it in two different locations. The same practice should apply to your credit/debit or ATM cards.

Before leaving home, give a close friend or relative a copy of your itinerary with contact numbers. Even more important, set up at least two designated check-in times to call and tell them you’re okay.

Last, but not least, find out the 911 emergency numbers in the locations you’re traveling, just in case.

Here’s my best tip for traveling solo, and it all happens at the hotel. The only thing that’s free at a hotel these days is the wake up call, and that’s if they remember to call you, so here’s what you do. Don’t set a wake up call for 6:00 or 6:15. You know why? Everybody else does.

Instead, set it for two times: 6:13 and 6:27. They have to write that down, so they remember to call you. Then you’re no longer traveling by yourself.

By Peter Greenberg for PeterGreenberg.com