How to Stay Safe while Travelling Alone

Travelling alone requires special attention to safety, whether you are going abroad or walking to the shops; therefore, it is vital for everyone to learn safety tips to prevent problems from arising, to help become aware of your surroundings, and to decide how to manage an issue if one occurs. When it comes to travel safety, prevention is the key to encountering little to no problems, so I have created a quick and easy guide for everyone to keep in mind when you go outdoors, specifically when you are alone and it is getting dark.

Planning:

• Safety begins before you leave – check your journey, the destination, and how public the area is, as these steps will prepare your brain to be alert and understand the situation you are in as well as what situation you could potentially end up in.
• Strengths and weaknesses – if you are someone who forgets to take their keys when going out or leaves their phone somewhere unknown occasionally, then keep a checklist or a note with you to make sure that you keep every important thing in your bag when travelling. That way, you will never forget something like your documents if you are travelling abroad, or keys and cards if you are going to the corner shop down the road.
• Choose the destination carefully – everyone has a different idea on what safety is, so make sure that the safety level of your destinations meets your own personal travel safety needs, as it will aid you in terms of comfort and care.

Travelling:

• Bag safety – make sure you always have a hold of your bag and do not let it loosely sit on your shoulder, as that is how it could easily get snatched off or fall; keep it close and stay aware of your belongings. 
• Cash and cards – make sure you have them in a safe place in the bag or pocket, as you do not want to end up losing these. 
• Theft and pickpockets – some places or streets display posters and warnings of pickpockets in the area, so always check where you are in the journey or destination, as well as how busy and crowded it is to make sure no one steals anything amongst the business of the crowd.
• Walking in the dark – it can be scary walking alone in the dark, but making sure that you walk quickly and straight to your destination, no matter if you are going home or out, will help to ensure that you face no problems. If you find that there are groups or individuals walking close by and you feel uncomfortable, simply move to the side and allow them to overtake you; you can even do the “need to tie my shoelaces” act if it helps!

Hopefully these safety tips were useful and something new to help you stay safe and alert, but also confident and ready whenever you travel by yourself. Just remember, above all the points I made, make sure you check in with someone regularly and let at least one or two people know about your whereabouts, otherwise, happy travels!