Traveling Solo Safely

Whether you are traveling for work or traveling on a fun trip, traveling solo doesn’t have to be daunting. Some people are travel people and the thought of traveling by themselves isn’t even a thought. Some people absolutely hate traveling and it causes them a bit of anxiety. I travel at least once a month solo, if not more and it tends to not phase me. Don’t get me wrong I am not a big fan of flying as I get so motion sick, but there isn’t much you can do about it these days. 

When traveling by myself there are certain things I do to make sure I am comfortable, safe and I have the best trip I can. Making the best of every trip, especially when it’s not for “fun” reasons is the only thing you can do. Be positive, be optimistic and be ready to take on the world. 

Staying Safe

Staying safe as a woman and even as a man has really become a thing you need to focus on. There seems to be so many people out there that don’t have the best intentions for others. I personally feel the thought of “staying safe” has gotten to be more and more of a thing every year. 

1. Be Cautious & Aware

Be cautious and aware of all of your surroundings. Always keep your eyes pealed and watching out for yourself. 

2. Lock Your Doors

Whether it’s your rental car or your hotel room, lock it as soon as you get in the car/room. You just never know. The nicest of people can be the ones that do not have good intentions. 

3. Parking 

Parking when you are by yourself, especially in the dark and as a female can be a daunting and scary thing. I stray away from parking garages. I know this isn’t always possible, so if I have to park in a parking garage I make sure I am close to the exit. 

It’s also smart to use valet parking if it’s dark outside. This way you are right at the entrance of your hotel and you don’t have to put yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable. I do this a lot. Safety is everything!

4. Working Out

I am one of those business people and just people in general who likes to work out early in the morning. It’s not always my favorite thing to get up super early, but I feel so much better when I am done. When I am on the road for work my alarm is set for 4am. There usually aren’t many people in the gym at this time, which is great because I can use whatever equipment I want, but bad when it comes to safety. I have definitely felt eyes on me when I have been in the gym early in the morning, and it has made me feel very uncomfortable. Rules I abide by when working out this early: 

• Don’t work out on a piece of equipment that allows your back to be to the door UNLESS there is a mirror in front of you and you can see completely behind you. 
• Don’t turn your music/headphones up super loud. Keep them at a volume that you can still here what is going on around you. 
• If you feel uncomfortable leave. There is a reason you feel uncomfortable. 

5. Cocktails

Taking yourself to a nice dinner and a cocktail is a great way to end the day, however don’t have copious amounts of cocktails. Have a drink and or two, but don’t go ham. Alcohol impairs your judgment and takes you off of your game. You need to be on your game when you’re by yourself. 

6. Information 

Whether your hopping in a car to the airport or sitting down enjoying dinner, someone is bound to start talking to you and asking you questions. These questions may seem harmless, but giving out too much information can put you at greater risk. If someone asks you specific questions, just scoot around the question and don’t give the full answer. Some questions I answer, but most I don’t. I don’t know a complete stranger to know I am out of town for X number of days, of where exactly I am staying or what I plan to do. 

Cheers!

XOXO