Safety 101: Travelling Solo

Here are a few tips that you can implement to help you feel safer on those solo adventures:

1. Never post on social media in real time. What this means is leave the posting for after you leave your location, whether it is the city, campground, vacation home, hotel, etc. You don't want someone to see your location and show up uninvited. Believe me, it does happen!

2. Consider a small group tour. If you haven't travelled solo before, small group tours are an amazing way to feel more comfortable in a new country and help you feel more confident. Bonus: solo travel, even within a small group, will enable you to learn and connect so much more than travelling with friends.

3. Share your travel plans with family and friends. I recommend giving those close to you your travel itinerary, where you are staying, daily excursions, etc. I also always try to stay in contact even if it's a quick text to say hey, I'm here and I'm safe.

4. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Trust that and leave or go get help.

5. Stay alert! When I'm out exploring I make sure I'm always aware of my surroundings. No headphones, keep your head out of your phone and keep those eyes up.

6. Research, research, research. Learn about the country, cities and customs of where you are going, which areas are safe and which areas to avoid. Learn some key phrases in the local language so if you need help you can let someone know.

7. Avoid the bling. We always keep valuables at home or locked in the hotel safe. We try to blend in as much as humanly possible and keep our phones and cameras out of sight when not in use.