solo traveler looking at a map
solo traveler looking at a map
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August 1, 2023

9 safety tips for solo traveling

Solo travel is on the rise. In fact, according to a 2019 Travelzoo survey, 13% of respondents said they’ve embraced traveling alone, while almost half say they’ve traveled solo at least once. And what’s not to love about traveling alone? You get to go where you want, eat what you like and meet new people, all on your own schedule.

But traveling alone can definitely be intimidating. That’s why car sharing companies like Avail can ease concerns about staying safe while traveling alone and still keeping your trip costs affordable. Here are some of our best tips for traveling solo.

Safety tips for traveling alone

We’ve got step-by-step travel safety tips to make sure your solo vacation (or business trip!) is a stress-free experience:

1. Share your travel itinerary

Let a trusted friend or family member know where you’re going and what activities you’ll be doing, so someone always knows where you should be.

2. Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

If you’re traveling internationally, you can opt to receive safety updates from STEP about your destination, and in the event of an emergency, the U.S. State Department will be able to find you.

3. Line up secure and reliable transportation to the airport.

Ideally a friend or family member will be able to drop you at your terminal. But even if you use a ridesharing app like Lyft or Uber, you’re still pretty safe. These companies conduct driver background checks and allow you to share your ride information with a trusted friend. 

4. Choose a reliable rental car service at your destination.

Discount rental agencies can be enticing with their low prices, but they are often located far from the airport and may require you to wait a long time for a shuttle. Instead, opt for well-known companies with trustworthy reviews.

You may also consider a car sharing service like Avail for a safe, affordable car rental. Avail offers the service of a traditional car rental agency without the long wait at the car rental counter. The best part? All Avail reservations offer access to Allstate insurance coverage and other protection plans. Additional fees may apply.

How to travel alone safely

Regardless of how you’re moving around, here are a few more tips for safe solo travel: 

1. Keep a list of local emergency services phone numbers at your destination.

That way if you need help from the police or medical services or require assistance from the U.S. Embassy, you’ll know who to call.

2. Conduct due diligence on lodgings at your destination.

Before you book, make sure your hotel or Airbnb is in a safe location with adequate security. Always lock valuables in a safe when you leave your room or rented house.

3. Don’t overshare with strangers.

Meeting new people when you travel is part of the fun, but be careful about sharing information on your lodgings or travel plans with people you don’t know. This is perhaps the most important tip for how to travel solo safely, because you never know who you can really trust.

4. Store your valuables separately.

Pack your passport, a photocopy of your passport, credit cards and cash in different bags or pockets when you travel. That way, if you’re the victim of a pickpocket, you still have access to needed identification and money somewhere else.

5. Use purses or bags with secure closures.

Pack bags with zippers or similar seals that cannot be opened easily, and consider a crossbody bag rather than a backpack to make it harder for a thief to nab personal items.

Learn more about traveling safely with Avail

Staying safe while traveling alone is really about being aware of your surroundings, noting suspicious behavior and taking basic steps to protect yourself and your belongings. Ready to explore the benefits of car sharing as a solo traveler? For starters, when you borrow with Avail, you’ll avoid face-to-face interaction with vehicle owners and pick up your keys using our self-service key boxes. Check out our car sharing locations in Chicago and Denver and get ready for your next adventure.