Solo Travel Security 101: Tips So You Don’t End Up On a Dateline Episode

Young man from the back wearing a back pack walking down a long wooden pier along the sand towards the water

Traveling by yourself can be an amazing adventure filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. That is unless you let your guard down and end up becoming a special two-hour edition of Dateline.

Headshot photo of Keith Morrison from Dateline NBC with blurry brick arches in his background
Does this taste like Anti-Freeze to you?

We all want our solo travel stories to be epic tales of self-discovery, not cautionary tales of avoiding suspicious strangers and dark alleyways. While most places you visit will likely be completely safe, it never hurts to take some basic precautions so your trip doesn’t turn into a true crime documentary.

From situational awareness to keeping in touch with loved ones, use these tips to make sure your unforgettable solo vacation doesn’t turn into an unsolved mystery.



Research your destination thoroughly

Knowledge is power, my friend. Like a detective solving a mystery. Know the local customs, culture, and any safety concerns before you embark on your solo adventure. Perform a search for things like “Has Liam Neeson ever needed to travel there”?

Tip: With the use of Google Maps, many locations allow you “zoom in” on many of the areas you might be traveling to give you a feel for the area.

Stay connected with friends and family

Let someone back home know where you’re going and when to expect you. That way, even if you’re busy making memories, someone’s got your back.

Probably best not to choose someone that benefits financially from your demise, more like a close family friend.

Tip: Carry a fully charged phone (and a charger) and keep emergency numbers handy. It’s like having a superhero hotline in your pocket!

Blend in with the locals like a chameleon

Don’t blow your cover by sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the locals. Instead, blend in like a chameleon! For starters, ditch the flashy tourist attire that screams “I’m here, Ready to Disappear!” for subtle fashions and poker-faced ambiguity.

Moreover, sip coffee nonchalantly at a cafe rather than snapping selfies at landmarks. With the right wardrobe, attitude, and hangouts, you’ll shape-shift seamlessly into the local populace. Subsequently, before you know it, you’ll be getting nods of acceptance from old ladies, high fives from school kids, and swiped right by hot locals on dating apps.

Furthermore, stay incognito long enough and they may even grant you honorary citizenship! Therefore, you’re not just a solo traveler anymore – you’re practically a native!

Keep your valuables secure

Meme of a scene from the movie Fight Club with Brad Pitt in the foreground of other fighters with the overlay "The First Rule of Fanny Pack Friday is There is no Fanny Pack Friday
No Fanny Pack Zone!

Like a treasure locked away in Fort Knox. Invest in a good lock for your bags and carry a money belt or hidden pouch to keep your passport, cash, and other important documents safe from any sneaky hands. Certainly not a fanny pack, I mean hello? 80’s!

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Being street-smart is a superpower for solo travelers. Picture yourself strutting down the street. You wear a cape of common sense. Cool savvy sunglasses too. Keep alert. Be aware of your surroundings. Be like Sherlock Holmes when traveling. But skip the deerstalker hat.

Embrace your inner detective. Explore the world with confidence. But stay flexible. If you must be-bop your way around with headphones in tow, consider keeping one out so that you are not oblivious to noises and sound around you.

Be cautious when interacting with strangers

A dripping vanilla ice cream cone with chocolate bar lodged in it being held in a man's hand with a torn wrapper on a blurred ocean background
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Unless they’re offering free ice cream—then, by all means, go for it! It’s great to meet new people on your travels, but use your superhero instincts to assess their intentions before sharing personal information or going off the beaten path with them.

Use common sense when using public Wi-Fi networks

Avoid accessing sensitive information or making online transactions on unsecured networks—unless you want to accidentally fund someone’s wicked plans. Consider using a VPN for traveling. (What is a VPN – Norton Securities)

1️⃣ Treat public Wi-Fi like you would treat a suspicious-looking sandwich – with caution! 🥪 Avoid logging into sensitive accounts or entering personal information unless you absolutely have to. Better safe than sorry, right?

2️⃣ Make sure you’re connecting to the right network, my tech-savvy amigo. 📶 Some sneaky cyber-criminals set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots that are just waiting to snatch your sensitive info. Double-check that you’re connecting to the official network before diving into the digital pool.

3️⃣ Say no to autopilot mode! 🚫 When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, turn off any auto-connect features on your devices. This way, you won’t accidentally connect to a sketchy network while strolling through the cyber-jungle.

4️⃣ It’s time to channel your inner secret agent and use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). 🕵️‍♂️ This nifty tool encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for cyber villains to spy on your online activities.

Keep copies of important documents handy

A young man traveling solo smiling holding a binder and papers with an airport as a blurred backdrop.
Solo Traveler

Keep copies of important documents handy. It’s like a backup plan for your superpowers. Make digital copies of your most critical documents – your passport, identification cards, and insurance policies. Copy them now, before your quest begins.

Do not leave your fate to chance! Make hard copies too, and keep them under lock and key at your hotel in the event that you lose your phone or it is stolen. If you have the luxury of having multiple credit cards, leave at least one back at the hotel with the critical documents.

Have a Plan B

Have an alternative plan of action for use if the original plan should fail. Similar to unprotected sex.

Have emergency numbers saved on your phone and have some extra cash tucked away for unexpected situations. Like important documents, keep a hard copy of your emergency phone numbers. Hey, you may lose your phone.

Remember, my adventurous friend, with proper preparation and these safety tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to conquer the world solo style! Safe travels and may the travel gods be with you!