Not everyone gets the appeal of travelling alone. But if you've ever felt the pull to just go somewhere entirely on your terms and enjoy the world around you at your own pace, it's absolutely worth making it happen - at least once in your life. In essence, solo travel is an exercise in independence and (self)discovery. When you travel alone, you can really dive into a destination and spend time doing what you want, however long you feel like it, whether that's hiking a mountain trail, chatting up locals, or savouring an hour in a quiet museum. Plus, nothing tests your problem-solving skills and your resilience quite like figuring things out solo in unfamiliar places. You learn to trust yourself more deeply than you might expect.
Solo Travel Safety: Exploring Remote Destinations Wisely
But solo travel has a side worth considering carefully: safety. This is especially true if your destination is somewhere off the beaten path - like the Galápagos Islands, Papua New Guinea, or the Faroe Islands. Gorgeous? Absolutely. But these places also have their own risks, from tricky logistics and limited emergency resources to cultural nuances. Before you set off, it's smart to have a plan. Here's how to keep safety in mind without sacrificing the thrill of solo exploration.
Pack Essentials for Safety and Health
Packing goes beyond your usual travel basics when you're exploring remote places. You'll want to prepare for any situation since amenities might be minimal. A first-aid kit is essential. Pack water purification tablets, a portable power bank, and any medications you could need (don't count on finding a pharmacy!). Consider a personal GPS beacon if you're headed somewhere with poor cell reception. And think practically - solid shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a backup phone charger can be lifesavers, literally.
Research Reputable Tour Operators and Guides
When you're travelling to remote spots, choosing reputable tour operators is a must. For example, in places like the Galápagos, local operators often provide critical logistics and insights into local regulations. Go for guides with established reputations (certifications help, too). A local guide can offer context you wouldn't pick up on your own, especially when it comes to safety around natural hazards. If you're considering a cruise to explore remote regions by sea, make sure you choose a cruise line that values both safety and comfort. For example, Aqua Expeditions is well-known for offering a luxury Galapagos cruise that combines comfort with a high level of environmental awareness and top-tier guiding.
Choose Secure Accommodation
When booking accommodation, prioritize places with a strong reputation for both comfort and security, and check whether the property staff have undergone safety training or courses from platforms like SaferVRS.com. Properties that invest in improving their safety and loss prevention processes through such resources are often better equipped to handle emergencies and provide valuable advice about exploring the area safely. Many eco-lodges and guesthouses in destinations like the Faroe Islands or Papua New Guinea emphasize safety, ensuring a more secure and enjoyable stay for their guests.
Understand Local Customs and Culture
Familiarizing yourself with the local customs is both polite and smart as it can keep you safe. Different cultures have varied norms around personal interactions, and respecting these can help you avoid unwanted attention. Learn a bit about what's considered acceptable dress and behaviour, especially in more conservative or remote places. For example, in Morocco, it's common for women to cover their bodies. When you show respect for local customs, you're not only avoiding unintentional offence - you're also less likely to attract negative attention. In China, it is important to understand the concept of Guanxi — deep personal trust inter-personal networks take priority over formal agreements and transactions.
Share Your Itinerary (But Not with Everyone)
Tell someone back home where you're headed and when you're due to return, especially if you're going to sparsely populated regions. Send your itinerary to a close friend or family member and arrange to check in periodically. It's also wise to leave copies of important documents (passport, travel insurance) with someone you trust, just in case. But remember, while it's helpful to be known to a few people back home, you don't need to broadcast your location to every stranger you meet. Keep conversations about your plans vague around new acquaintances.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, remember that when travelling alone, you're your own best safety net. If something feels off - maybe it's an overly friendly stranger or an isolated hiking path - trust your instincts and avoid the situation. Gut feelings often stem from subtle environmental cues your mind picks up subconsciously. There's a reason the gut-brain connection exists.
Being alone gives you the chance to listen to yourself without compromise, so if you're uneasy, there's no reason to stick around. Go with your gut! (Image source: Pexels)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
Disqus Comment
Facebook Comment