How Can I Stay Safe While Traveling Alone?

Dear Lifehacker,
I'm planning on taking a trip by myself soon. I'm excited but also a little nervous, because I'll be completely on my own and especially after hearing about that woman who was killed while vacationing alone in Turkey. What do I need to know or do to make the best of my solo trip and stay safe?

Signed,
Single Road Tripper

Dear Single,
Traveling solo can be an amazing experience. You're free to follow your own schedule and might very well discover something new about yourself. On the other hand, it's not always as safe as traveling with a group. When you're on your own and in foreign territory, a few simple precautions can ensure a smooth and safe trip.

Follow Basic Safety Guidelines You'd Use at Home or Anywhere Else

The recent murder of young mom Sarai Sierra, as you point out, has put the spotlight on solo travel and the risks involved. Scores of comments on NBC revealed a certain bias against solo travel?particularly female solo travel: "A single woman traveling alone is risky. In a foreign country, it is downright foolish" and "No way I would even let my beautiful wife out the door to travel to any country alone."

The truth is, though, traveling domestically or even commuting daily can be as treacherous (if not more so) as traveling abroad. Being in a foreign country might feel more frightening because you're not used to it, but the same basic safety guidelines you'd follow in your neck of the woods also apply here:

Follow Personal Security Guidelines for Travelers

The US Department of State offers some basic, additional security measures you should take when you're traveling. These include:

• Dressing casually and according to local custom
• Selecting a hotel room on the third to fifth floor
• Not letting your room number be overheard in the lobby or elsewhere
• Knowing where the exits near your hotel room are

Also give family and friends your itinerary and keep them updated during your trip. Leave a trail in your hotel room too: When you go out, leave a note in your hotel room of where you're going, whom you're going to meet, and when you'll be back.

You'll also want to be able to make a quick getaway in case of danger or signal for help. Smarter Travel recommends keeping a phone card and enough cash for a cab on you, as well as the hotel's business card. Also make sure you know at least the key phrases in the local language, including the word for "help."

Act Like a Local and Make Friends

Blending in and not looking like a tourist can also help you avoid pickpockets and other bad guys. We've recently detailed how to actually act like a local when traveling?all it takes is a little preparation and research into local customs. It's good to know, for example, that in some parts of the world, a friendly outgoing smile means more than it does here in the States and even baring your shoulders could be considered risque in some cultures.

If you want to make friends you can trust, consider staying at a bread-and-breakfast. Visiting the same restaurant more than a few times could also help you become friendly with the staff. Janice Waugh, author of The Solo Traveller's Handbook, recommends on Skyscanner eating at a restaurant with a bar or communal tables, where you can meet locals.

In the end, traveling alone shouldn't be frightening. It's not a huge, terrible world out there, and most people you'll meet in your travels are genuinely nice. With a little preparation and common sense, you can protect yourself from the other sorts of people whether you're traveling abroad or at home. When in doubt, do the "mom" test recommended by Smarter Travel :

As a solo traveler, always be in tune with your instincts. If you think a situation is bad, it probably is. Don't be rash or foolish.

"Assess the situation," says [photojournalist Jamie Rose]. "If she can say, 'my mother would be so disappointed in me right now because I'm taking an unnecessary risk,' she'll decide to change her behavior. Before you put yourself in a potentially bad situation, think of the consequences. Would your mom approve or disapprove?

Happy travels!

Love,
Lifehacker

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Photo remixed from an original by Bevan Goldswain (Shutterstock)

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/67yhjAOt0Tc/how-can-i-stay-safe-while-traveling-alone

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