Traveling solo is an ideal opportunity for you to be with your own self and explore the beauty of your destination. However, being alone on a trip can be risky if you don’t pay enough attention to some aspects concerning your health and safety. Thankfully, there are some tips for you to have a safe and healthy solo trip so that you can freely enjoy your alone time on the road.
Draft and Share Your Itinerary
The first thing to do for a safe and healthy solo trip is to create an itinerary about where you would like to go, how many days you will spend at each place, and how you can get there. Your itinerary should also include information about local customs, safety concerns, and emergency services available at your destination. After you have completed your itinerary, share it with trusted friends or family and stay in touch regularly. Traveling to a new destination may take you out of your country’s phone service. Therefore, consider using an eSIM for travelers so that you can contact your loved ones whenever you want to.
Pack Light and Include a First Aid Kit
You may love the idea of bringing many beautiful clothes on your solo trip so that you can wear different outfits at different tourist attractions for Instagrammable photos. However, it is more recommendable to pack light and bring with you practical clothes that are suitable for the weather of your destination. Your luggage should also include a first aid kit filled with essentials such as pain relievers, antibiotics, and antibacterial creams to treat minor infections; anti-diarrheal medication for gastrointestinal issues; antihistamines if you have allergies; and any prescription medications. Additionally, your first aid kit should also contain these wound treatment products in case you need them:
- Adhesive bandages or plasters for minor cuts and scrapes
- Gauze pads for applying pressure to wounds or cleaning injuries
- Antiseptic wipes to prevent infection and clean wounds
- Medical tape to secure dressings or bandages
- Elastic bandages for sprains and strains
Consult Your Doctor Before Going
Before traveling, visit your doctor for personalized health advice and to discuss any health concerns. You can also consult your doctor or travel clinic to see if you have all necessary vaccinations for your destination, or what other vaccinations you should have to avoid catching diseases in that country. Your doctor can also advise you on how to stay active and get enough rest so that you can boost your immune system while keeping yourself fit and healthy for your upcoming trip.
Secure Your Belongings and Stay Vigilant
Once you are at your destination, keep your bags close and secure, especially in crowded areas. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use secure storage for valuables. Be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and avoid situations that make you feel uncomfortable. You can increase your level of safety by choosing safe accommodations. Opt for well-reviewed hotels or guesthouses in safe neighborhoods, and check their safety measures as well as their proximity to emergency services. Downloading apps that offer safety features like panic buttons or news alerts is another way to stay informed about local conditions.
Maintain Hygiene throughout Your Trip
Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially before and after eating, and avoid touching your face, particularly in crowded areas. In this way, you can prevent bacteria and harmful substances that cause diseases from entering your body. Drink plenty of bottled or filtered water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Be cautious with ice unless you are sure it’s made from safe water. Avoid raw or undercooked food as well as raw vegetables unless they are washed with clean water. Besides that, ensure utensils are clean and dry before use.
More Tips for Eating Safely while Solo Traveling
Food is a big part of any traveling experience, especially if you travel to countries famed for their authentic street food. However, eating out at street food stalls can be risky if you don’t know the safety food precautions. Here are more tips for you to eat safely while still enjoying the best that a country’s cuisine can offer:
Choosing Safe Vendors
Look for stalls with a high turnover of food, as this indicates that the food is freshly prepared and likely to be safe. Also pay attention to the cleanliness of the stalls and avoid places with poor hygiene. Food stalls that can be trusted will cover their food to keep it away from dirt and display clean utensils. You can also ask some locals or observe where they usually eat, as they often know which vendors are reliable.
Selecting Safe Foods
Go for foods that are freshly cooked, as heat kills harmful bacteria. Be especially cautious with seafood, particularly if it’s raw or undercooked. Stay away from dairy products, unless they are pasteurized or condensed, because dairy products can pose a risk due to the lack of refrigeration on your trip. The best way to see if the food is still good to consume is through smelling and a visual check. If the food doesn’t smell fresh or looks off, you’d better avoid it or throw it away.
Meeting Other People for a More Enjoyable Solo Trip
A healthy solo trip does not concern only physical health; your mental health should also be of consideration. While you may very much love traveling solo, going all by yourself on a long trip can make you feel lonely at times and long for human connections. Therefore, consider meeting other people on your solo trip, maybe other solo travelers, to expand your social contacts. Places to meet other people could be public transportation, restaurants and bars, local events, and even group tours or classes and workshops that you can join during your trip.
No matter where you go to make new connections and friendships, always prioritize your safety and well-being by being mindful of your surroundings and the people you meet. By this way, your solo trip will be a memorable experience full of wonderful memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
