Solo travel is quite thrilling as it unlocks adventure and freedom. However, the question of safety sometimes remains a major concern for most solo travelers who want to discover new grounds. In this article, I am going to discuss travel safety tips for solo travelers in the USA that make your trip stress-free.
The USA, though diverse in landscapes and cities, presents a great challenge for solo adventurers. In this travel safety guide, we will pay particular attention to 7 safety tips for traveling alone in the USA. I will integrate practical advice with real-life experiences that help you to travel safely and confidently.
1. Research Well Your Destination
The best way to secure your safety while solo traveling in the USA is to thoroughly research your destination. Each state, city, and even neighborhood is unique in aspects of safety, local customs, and resources available. Keep the following points in mind –
• Find Travel Advisory Websites: Use websites to gather the most recent safety information for any location. For example, the US federal website Travel Advisories offers great tips that help in your travel.
• Checking Travel Forums: Places like Reddit, Quora, and Tripadvisor host many experiences of real-life people that can help you as a solo traveler.
• Identify the Safe Zone: Some zones might be supposedly popular tourist destinations, but areas within it may be good to avoid or skip after night in the USA.
2. Choose Accommodation Wisely
Your accommodation can have a significant impact on your safety and comfort. Therefore, you should select accommodation that is known to be safe and concerning solo travelers. These safety tips for traveling alone in the USA will help you on a stress-free trip. Keep the following points in mind while choosing the accommodation –
• Read Online Reviews: Scan the reviews of other solo travelers on different platforms such as Booking.com or Airbnb.
• Choose properties with consistent security: You can opt for hotels or hostels that have round-the-clock guards.
• Don’t hang out alone: Try to avoid quiet or dimly lit areas at night.
Bonus Tip: Many solo travelers prefer boutique hostels or guesthouses over large impersonal hotels. This type of accommodation offers a good atmosphere and allows you to be friends with other traveling companions who might accompany you on your journey.
Also read: Safe Travel Tips: Smart Ways to Carry Money While Traveling
3. Stay Connected with Close Friend or Family
It is really important to always keep your family and friends up-to-date on the places you will be going to if you are traveling alone. To stay in touch with them, you can employ the following methods –
• Share Your Itinerary: Let a trusted friend or family member know your travel plans before embarking on your journey. Provide them with all your flight information, hotel addresses, and your planned activities.
• Set up Regular Check-Ins: Discuss a schedule for checking in with friends and family. This can be a daily call or a quick text update.
• Use tracking apps: You can share your real-time location with someone back home through Google Maps. This can be very reassuring for you and your loved ones.
4. Keep your Belongings Safe
Theft is a thing that most people experience during travel. I already discussed this in my previous article about how to travel safely with your money and belongings, must read that for traveling safety. Let’s have a quick tip to keep your valuable assets safe –
• Use a Money Belt or Hidden Pouch: Store cash, cards, and passports in a money belt worn under your clothes.
• Don’t Show off Your Valuables: Keep expensive gadgets and jewelry out of sight.
• Theft-Proof Bags: Invest in a backpack with locking zippers and cut-proof straps.
Bonus Tip: A decoy wallet may be your best friend. Carry around an old wallet filled with cash and expired cards so that if you are being robbed, you can hand them the decoy wallet.
5. Don’t let others that you are New Here
Looking for travel safety tips for solo travelers in the USA then try to conceal your traveler identity. Acting and dressing like a tourist makes you an easy target for robbers and greedy shoppers. Try to dress like a local or at least show some familiarity. This can be achieved by following these tips –
• Dress like a Local: Your dressing sense speaks a lot about you. The last thing you should be wearing is for sure clothing and accessories that mark you as a tourist fanny packs and oversized maps.
• Be Confident: If you don’t know where you are headed, pretend like you know it.
• Trust Your Gut: If something or somewhere feels wrong, your instincts may be right. Don’t be afraid to change your plans and leave.
6. Plan Transportation Carefully
Exploring ways of transportation in a strange city can be quite uncomfortable, especially for a solo traveler. For safe transport, public or government-owned transport is the best if you are in a new city. However, you can follow these more tips –
• Avoid arriving during late night hours. Plan flights and bus trips during the day, whenever possible.
• Safe transport: Consider using app-based taxi services such as Uber and Lyft or using established taxi services; avoid using street hailing.
• Renting a Car: If you are renting a car, familiarize yourself with local driving laws and road conditions. Some parts of the USA have unique driving customs that may be different from what you’re used to.
Bonus Tip: Always carry a map of public transport systems and download offline maps when the internet connectivity in a particular region is not working properly.
Read more: Camping Checklist: What to Take on a Camping Trip
7. Be Prepared for an Emergency Situation
When you are looking for travel safety tips for solo travelers in the USA, being prepared for any conditions is a must. Preparation makes it perfect for staying safe. Here are a few final tips that will keep you in readiness –
• Know Emergency Numbers: The general emergency number in the USA is 911. Make sure you save it to your phone, along with other local emergency contacts including 311 for non-emergency police.
• Carry a First Aid Kit: A small first aid kit may save you when you sustain minor injuries or any accident come across.
• Have a backup plan: Always ensure that you have a backup plan in case your main plans do not materialize. This would include having a backup credit card and copies of important documents.
Conclusion
Traveling alone in the USA can be a once-in-a-lifetime moment and incredibly fulfilling, especially for first-time travelers. Indeed, if you take all these safety tips for solo traveling in the USA as we discussed in this article and adequately prepare, you will have enough confidence to explore. The essence of this guide is to stay informed, recognize your surroundings, and trust your instincts.
