I get it—travel safety tips may seem like common sense. With so many travel memoirs out there, it’s easy to think you’ve heard it all. But when you’re globetrotting across unfamiliar destinations, some tips can make all the difference between a great adventure and a troublesome experience.
Some of what I’ve learned comes from experience—the hard way, in some cases. If there’s anything I can do to help you avoid the same mistakes, I’ll gladly share my travel safety tips.
Here are some ways to make sure you get back to your loved ones in one piece.
Research and Preparation Before You Go
I can’t imagine travelling in pre-internet times! While the internet has its ups and downs, it’s opened up a world of opportunities for planning safe travel. Gone are the days of scouring books or relying solely on word of mouth. Today, travel safety tips are just a click away.
Research Your Destination
When you travel abroad, you’ll experience cultural norms that are different from what you’re used to. On my first trip to Egypt, for instance, I was startled by the local mosque’s call to prayer early in the mornings, which took some getting used to.
It’s important to be aware of local laws and customs, as even what feels normal to you could be seen differently abroad. For example, my Nan once offered Chrysanthemums to a French person, only to learn they’re used for decorating tombs in France!
Blogs, TripAdvisor, and government websites are full of useful travel safety tips to help you avoid awkward (or risky) situations while you’re travelling.
Book Accommodation with Good Reviews
One of my top travel safety tips is to always book accommodation with good reviews. I’ve learned this the hard way—after one particularly bad stay in Rhodes. (If you ever find yourself heading to Rhodes, avoid this Airbnb at all costs!)
These days, I won’t book an Airbnb with less than 4.5 stars, and I look for places with ratings of at least 9 out of 10 on other platforms. Reviews can give you a clear picture of the security, amenities, and cleanliness of a place. The last thing you need on a trip is a poorly maintained or unsafe accommodation that ruins your experience.
Doing your research and reading reviews is essential, and it can make all the difference between a relaxing trip and one full of unexpected problems.
Make Copies of Important Documents
Whether you’re on a short trip or a longer adventure, having copies of your important documents is essential. Print out copies of your passport, insurance details, and emergency contacts so that if something goes wrong—like losing your phone, wallet, or passport—you’ll have a backup plan.
I learned this lesson the hard way. In September 2023, I lost my phone in Budapest, which had all of my friends’ boarding passes on it. Luckily, I had checked us in the night before, but if I hadn’t prepared, it could have been a much bigger problem.
It’s one of those simple travel safety tips that can save you a lot of hassle later.
Share Your Travel Plans & Your Location
Many younger travellers might already do this automatically, but it’s still one of the most important travel safety tips: share your travel plans and location with someone you trust. My mum, for example, insists on having my location on no matter how old I get—and it’s actually a smart move.
Sharing your location gives loved ones peace of mind and provides an extra layer of safety. If something were to happen, someone would know where to find you. I use Life360 to let my family track my location. While it’s mostly for their reassurance, it’s a great way to stay connected.
If you’re interested in other travel apps that can help keep you safe, I’ve compiled a list here.
Meeting People Safely
I’m a big advocate for meeting new people when you travel. Whether in hostels or bars, it’s one of the easiest ways to connect with like-minded travellers. When I was at Boundary Festival recently, my friend joked that I was ‘constantly pressing X to interact’ with people, and that mindset works wonders when you’re travelling.
In places like hostel bar crawls you’ll meet all sorts of nationalities in one night. Most of the time, you’ll find yourself making friends and having a great time. However, it’s important to trust your gut. If you meet someone who gives you a bad vibe, don’t overshare personal details, and always keep an eye on your drink.
Staying Safe While Moving Around
Sometimes, the most basic travel safety tips are the most important ones to remember, even if they feel like common sense. Writing them down can raise awareness and help prevent mistakes.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
While some destinations are safer than others, it’s always smart to take basic precautions. For example, when walking around at night, avoid dark alleys or areas known for trouble (thanks to the research you did earlier!). The goal is to minimise risk by staying alert.
When partying with new friends, it’s tempting to let your guard down. But when travelling alone, remember that you are your own safety net. I always make an effort not to overdo it when I’m out alone, no matter how safe the environment feels.
Opt for Safe Transportation
Choosing licensed taxis or Uber is always a better option than hopping into an unmarked car late at night. Most countries have reliable rideshare apps, so stick with those to ensure your safety.
When using public transport, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously, and try to avoid travelling alone late at night if possible.
Look Confident
Scammers are less likely to target a confident tourist who looks like they know where they’re going. On the other hand, if you look lost and unsure, you might attract unwanted attention.
You don’t have to be overly confident or act like you know everything, but it’s smart to stay cautious about who you trust. From my experience, you can often get a good sense of someone’s character through early conversations. While most people you meet when travelling are kind and helpful, it’s always best to use your judgement and stay aware.
Securing Your Belongings
I once met a girl who had her laptop stolen while staying in a hostel. She left it in an unlocked locker for about an hour and returned to find it gone. Unfortunately, she paid the price for letting her guard down—especially since she worked as a freelancer and relied on her laptop.
While it might feel pessimistic to assume the worst, when it comes to your belongings, it’s always better to be safe. Make sure to lock up your valuables in a secure locker or use a lockable bag. The last thing you want is for your trip to be ruined because your important items were stolen.
Security in Public
When I travel, I like to use a crossbody bag for my essentials, like my phone, wallet, and passport. Having those items zipped up and in front of me gives me peace of mind, as it’s much harder for a pickpocket to access them compared to when they’re in my pockets.
Pickpockets often target distracted tourists, so it’s important to keep your belongings in sight and avoid flashing expensive items like cameras or phones. As I mentioned earlier, researching your destination will help you know when and where it’s best to keep your valuables out of sight.
Trust you Instincts
I’ve mentioned this already, but it’s worth repeating: trust your gut. If something, someone, or someplace doesn’t feel right, listen to that instinct and remove yourself from the situation before anything goes wrong.
From my own experience, I can say that those extremely quiet ‘clubs’ that promoters try to lure you into at 3 AM are often a bad idea. While it might feel easier to stay safe as a man, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down when travelling solo.
For women, there are additional safety considerations. Rather than advise outside of my own experience, I recommend checking out a helpful post specifically directed at female solo travellers here.
This is probably the top of my travel safety tips list. Trusting your instincts is essential for staying safe abroad, and I always manage my drinking when I’m travelling alone—alcohol can quickly impair your judgment in tricky situations.
Conclusion
99 times out of 100, you’ll be perfectly fine while travelling solo, especially if you take the time to prepare and follow some basic travel safety tips. By staying aware of your surroundings, trusting your instincts, and securing your belongings, you can minimise the risk of anything going wrong. Most of the problems travellers face are preventable with a bit of common sense and a clear head.
If you’re feeling anxious about meeting people during your travels, remember that you’re not alone in this. Hostels, local events, and bars are great places to connect with others. I’ve written a post that offers 10 easy ways to meet people during solo travel, so feel free to check it out if you need more ideas.
Travelling solo can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life—embrace it, stay safe, and enjoy the journey.
Safe travels!
