7 Safety Tips for First-Time Solo Travellers

As a solo traveller, you will find it is one of the most enriching things you’ll get to experience. Besides visiting new places and learning about other cultures, it also allows you discover who you truly are. With solo travel gaining popularity, learn how to stay safe on your travels with these 7 tips.

Be alert and safe

Keep your head up and walk like you know where you’re going. Tip: Instead of staring down at Google Maps while exploring a new city, plug in your earphones and let the voice navigation guide you. Download safety apps such as TripIt and bSafe to share your locations with family, friends and co-workers.

Money matters

Stash small amounts of cash on hand, and save copies of your credit cards, passports and other forms of identification. Remember to notify your bank that you are travelling so they won’t freeze your cards when you need to use them overseas.

Packing electronic devices

As a solo traveller, the fewer, the better when it comes to electronic devices. That’s because lugging them around makes you an easy target for those looking to steal. If you really have to bring along your laptop, store it in your hotel room’s safe while you’re out.

Know where to get help

Prepare a local hotline list and bring it with you everywhere you go. Find out the locations of your country’s embassy, nearest hospitals, and police stations in the area. In case of an emergency, you’ll be better prepared.

Dress appropriately

Do some research on what the locals wear and observe when you arrive at the new city. This helps you blend in and hence less likely to be a target of pickpockets and potentially dangerous people.

Stay healthy

If you get injured while travelling, clean and treat any wounds carefully and immediately. Failing to care for a minor wound could result in serious discomfort and potential health issues later. While travel insurance covers you in the event you fall ill during your trip, the last thing you want to come home to is hospital bills.

Safeguard with insurance as a solo traveller

With travel insurance, you’ll get peace of mind so you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest. Protect your trip with TravelEasy, which covers adventurous activities you love, and protects you and your family with over 50 benefits.

This article was originally published by MSIG Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.