STAY SAFE. STAY HEALTHY.
As someone who travels solo regularly I have learnt many ways of being organised and safe, minimising the worry of your loved ones and being prepared incase things go wrong. Here are my tips....
CONTACT / PHONE
Enable your passcode on your phone!
Carry a backup battery pack.
Always keep in regular contact with loved ones. Don't forget to write their numbers down, the embassy number also.
Don't want the fear to stop you from doing what you want but want to go it alone?... Download an Emergency SOS App.
Create a group on Facebook messenger where you can send quick updates all in one place.
In a dodgy location or lost? Enable 'Live Tracking' onto your Facebook messenger group.
Travelling to a foreign country - Download Google Translate (works offline).
Carry a rape alarm, a small body spray or even a small whistle for attracting attention or repelling unwanted attention!
Tie bells onto your bag so if you fall asleep whilst travelling, anyone messing with your bag will be rumbled.
Hotel or AirBnB? Secure your door with a very simple lightweight device... A door wedge!
Not staying 5 star? Maybe wipe down the toilet, tap and remote control with some antibacterial wipes!
Learn and write down a few phrases which could be useful.
Be careful when accepting drinks. See the bar tender making it infront of you, or it has a screw cap? Only then accept it.
Offers and tours - If it's too good to be true, it probably is! Only book tours via people you know are official.
Travelling in the wilderness - Don't forget essentials. map, compass, waterproofs, bivvy, extra food & water, first-aid kit.
Camping? Tie bells onto your tent zip and guy-lines so anyone messing will wish they hadn't.
Going somewhere with mosquito's? Don't forget your spray (AND a plug in for your room).
Undrinkable tap water or natural water sources - drink safe with some of these options... Best Water Filters
Don't forget ice, fruit and vegetables if washed in unsafe water may not be good for your stomach. Ask for no ice and wash all fruit and veg yourself. If in doubt, peel or don't eat. If a restaurant or street vendor is busy with locals, then this is the best indicator it has good food!
Antibacterial wipes, gel, spray... whatever you can, take with you.
Pack some anti-diarrhoea tablets and anything else incase of food poisoning. I also take Charcoal tablets incase my stomach is a little upset.
MONEY & DOCUMENTS
Don't carry too much cash at one time! If you do have cash, find a safe place to store it. A hidden pocket in your bra or waistband.
Use a currency card, Google Pay or Apple Pay. Revolut is the best! They even have a 'Virtual Card' each time it creates a new card with new numbers, so safe!
Always use a safe if you are in a hotel.
Make copies of your passport, visa, hotel, car rental, insurance documentation.
NEVER leave items in your back pocket.
NEVER leave your bag open, always keep the zipper closed and where you can see it. If it doesn't have a zipper then use a 'bag inside a bag' so someone can't slide their hand in and grab loose items.
NEVER leave your bag unsecured wherever you are. I always unhook one strap and wrap it around my friends bags and the table or chair so it can't be grabbed.
Whilst all these tips in one place may look scary or over the top they are there just incase. Some are easy and it is always better to be prepared than not. There are so many lovely friendly trustworthy people out there just like myself. I know if a tourist in my country was in trouble I would help them any way I could. So prepare and then enjoy your travels!
