Ten Solo Cruise & Travel Tips

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

Travel experts have shared tips for solo travelers to stay safe and avoid risks while traveling alone. The tips include researching local scams, creating an emergency plan, and securing valuables. Panache Cruises is among the companies providing advice for solo travel.

The number of people booking solo travel has almost doubled since the pandemic, with 23% of travelers now planning a solo trip compared to 14% in 2019. However, personal safety remains a top concern for solo travelers, particularly females. To protect themselves, solo travelers should share their live locations with others, create an emergency plan, and research local scams. It’s important to remember that safety always comes first when traveling alone.

Panache Cruises’ Top 10 Safety Tips for Solo Travellers:

  1. Inform people of the location– Before going away make sure to let friends and family know of the trip and make sure to keep them updated with any changes to the itinerary. Keep in regular contact and turn on live location so someone at home knows where you are at all times.
  2. Create an emergency plan– Be prepared for emergencies by knowing where the local hospital, police station, and other useful spots are in each city. Learn key phrases such as ‘I need help’ or ‘Ring for an ambulance’ in the local language as well as the emergency phone numbers.
  3. Protect valuables– It’s a good idea to not pack anything of sentimental value and only bring along what is really necessary – like a credit card, local currency, passport, and a mobile phone. Keep these hidden in a secure bag out of sight at all times.
  4. Protect themselves against crime– Solo travelers should stay safe from local crime and tourist scams by researching the destination beforehand. Read up on travel guides, blogs, and news sites, and talk to others who have visited the area to learn about any potential risks.
  5. Book solo accommodation– Booking shared accommodation such as hostels poses more risks than booking a solo room. Many travel providers now make sure to include smaller rooms or cabins for those who are holidaying alone, such as Oceania Cruises, but it’s a good idea to book ahead early to get a spot.
  6. Choose accommodation with caution– Check the hotel or hostel is in a safe location and close to public transport and restaurants. Travelers should also check the accommodation’s check-in timings to not spend time waiting around in an unknown environment.
  7. Travel Insurance– Travellers are advised to protect themselves from unforeseen events by getting travel insurance. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance can help recover damages from issues such as weather and natural disasters. Medical insurance can cover unexpected costs, while luggage insurance can help recover losses from theft or delays.
  8. Study the local language– Tourists are encouraged to learn the local language not just to enrich their travel experience but also to keep themselves safe, especially when visiting less popular tourist destinations.
  9. Be respectful of local culture– To reduce vulnerability and avoid drawing attention, travelers should dress appropriately to respect the local culture. Some countries may require hair to be covered up and not too much skin to be on show.
  10. Never tell strangers they are traveling alone- Finally, solo travelers should never share too much with strangers else risk making themselves become a target. Instead of telling someone they are solo traveling, let them know that friends are just waiting up ahead or back in the hotel room.

                Photo- Panache Cruises