This year’s shaping up to be big for solo travel – Epic Universe opens in May, King’s Island in June, HHN in September, and a long-overdue re-visit to Dollywood in October. I’m super excited, of course, but also optimistically cautious. Traveling alone as a woman can be a thrilling and empowering experience, but it’s essential to put safety first on your itinerary. Here are my top solo travel safety tips – everything from booking the hotel to must-have safety devices – to ensure a secure and enjoyable trip.
Hotel Safety
Choosing the right hotel and implementing your own safety measures during your stay are crucial.
- Research and Choose Wisely:
- Location: Opt for hotels within the theme park vicinity or those with good reviews on safety and security. Hotels inside or very close to the parks are often safer due to increased security and surveillance. Read recent reviews on trusted platforms like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews. Pay attention to comments about security, cleanliness, and staff behavior.
- Transportation: Consider how you will be getting around during your stay. Does the hotel offer shuttle services to the locations you want to go to? Or is ride-sharing a plentiful option in the area? I hesitate when I see comments like “within walking distance” to local attractions, especially if it means I might be walking back to my hotel room in the dark.
- Official Websites and Reputable Platforms: Book through the hotel’s official website or reputable travel platforms and agents to avoid scams. Keep copies of your booking confirmations and payment receipts.
- During Check-In:
- Request a Room on Higher Floors: These are less accessible to non-guests and are typically safer. Ground-floor rooms are more vulnerable to break-ins and suspicious activity.
- Do Not Disclose Your Room Number Publicly: If the receptionist announces it loudly, politely ask them to write it down instead.
- In-Room Safety:
- Lock Doors and Windows: Most hotels come with a deadbolt and a chain or latch lock, but for extra security, I also pack a universal portable lock.
- Use a Doorstop Alarm: This device stops the door from opening completely and triggers a very loud alarm. I always carry at least one on my trips, but if you are staying at a rental home, you might want more than one.
- Check for In-Room Safes: Store valuables in the room safe. If the room lacks one, ask about secure storage options at the front desk.
- Do Not Open the Door for Unverified Individuals: Always check through the peephole or call the front desk if someone comes to your door claiming to be hotel staff.
Social Media Safety
While sharing your adventures in the moment is tempting, practicing social media safety can prevent unwanted attention and protect your privacy.
- Avoid Real-Time Updates:
- Delay Posting: Share photos and updates after leaving the location. This prevents anyone from knowing your exact whereabouts in real time. Even innocent-looking posts can reveal more than intended. A picture of your morning coffee might show a distinctive feature of your hotel or location.
- Geotagging: Turn off location services or avoid tagging specific locations on social media until you’ve moved on from that location. Instead of broadcasting your location to the world, keep a trusted friend or family member updated on your whereabouts. Mobile apps like Google Maps and Life360 allow you to share your location with specific people so they will know when your travel plans go awry. It can also help you locate your phone if you misplace it during your travels.
- Limit Personal Information:
- Avoid Sharing Itinerary Details: Don’t post your travel plans, such as flight times, hotel details, or daily schedules.
- Secure Personal Data: Be mindful of sharing photos that might reveal personal information like hotel room numbers, tickets, or IDs.
General Safety Tips
- Emergency Contacts:
- Local Emergency Numbers: Know the local emergency contact numbers.
- Hotel Contact: Keep the hotel’s contact details handy in case you get lost or need assistance.
- Stay Connected:
- Mobile Phone: Ensure your phone is charged and has a local SIM card or an international plan for reliable connectivity.
- Portable Charger: Carry a portable battery charger to make sure you don’t run out of power when you need it most.
- Stay Alert:
- Avoid Oversharing: While you may want to make new friends on your travels, be careful of sharing too many details about yourself with strangers.
- Alcohol Consumption: I enjoy a well-earned vacation drink as much as the next person, but be careful of drinking too much and impairing your alertness. At busy bars, use a drink cover to prevent spiking.
- Make Some Noise: Carry a small, easy-to-use personal safety alarm or whistle. I have several of these that attach to my purse, wristlet, or fanny pack, but you can also wear them around your neck or attach them to your belt loops.
- Listen to Your Gut: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to leave the area or seek help.
Traveling alone to theme parks or new cities can be a magical and memorable experience. By taking precautions with hotel safety, being vigilant after dark, and practicing smart social media habits, you can enjoy your trip while staying safe. Remember, the key to a successful solo adventure lies in preparation, awareness, and trusting your instincts. Enjoy the adventure, and stay safe!
See you in the Single Rider Lane 😉