Seeing the world on your own terms can be pure joy but there are lots of practical things to consider
Have you ever felt the urge to pack in your office job and travel to far-flung locations?
While this was merely a pipe dream for many a few years ago, taking off to the other side of the world is very much a reality for people who are lucky enough to work remotely.
Once you’ve made the decision, had the discussion with your employer and bought the plane ticket, all that’s left is to take off and start living your best life, right? Not exactly.
There are a lot of other things you need to consider, especially as a solo traveller. Here are a few tips from Stress Free Car Rental on how to stay safe while exploring exotic locations:
Sign up for a VPN
Using a VPN on an international trip will ensure sensitive information doesn’t get intercepted and helps with privacy and security, which is important for a solo traveller. A good travel VPN can also provide access to geo-restricted content and even save money on airline tickets.
Share live location
There are many apps around to keep people safe by sharing locations in real time. Turn on the live location features for trusted contacts at home, but always keep them updated on changes to your itinerary.
Worldwide SIM cards
Purchase an international SIM card before arriving at a destination that works around the globe to stay connected and ease your anxiety. It is also important to have a WiFi connection for safety reasons, whether there is an emergency or simply for navigation purposes.
Study important phrases in the local language
Anything can happen to you when you’re alone, so prepare for emergencies by learning key phrases in the local language such as ‘Can you help me?’, ‘I’m looking for – ‘ or ‘May I use your phone?’
Learn phone numbers
Solo travellers should learn the local emergency number for the services in your destination. It’s also a good idea to learn personal contact numbers from home in case a phone is lost or broken.
Get insurance
Travel insurance can protect travellers from trip cancellation, luggage insurance can recover losses from theft, while medical insurance can cover unexpected injury costs. A comprehensive policy is recommended if travelling widely for a long time.
Request a ‘women-only’ room
If you’re staying in a hostel, females can often request to stay in a women-only room, which can make them feel more comfortable.
