Are you planning a solo trip? Travel is one of the most amazing ways to experience the world around you and grow on the journey. Solo travel is a bit more special as you get the opportunity to know yourself better, and the whole experience can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you are planning to join a group tour or cruise alone, the tips mentioned here will help you enhance your experience.

Enjoy your freedom, discover yourself, and get a chance to connect with new people on a deeper level. Here is a curated list of solo travel tips to help you in your endeavour:

1. Make Google Maps Your Friend:
   Use an application like 'Google Maps' for android devices or 'Maps' for iOS devices to track where you are going and check whether the route is correct or not.
2. Keep Local Emergency Numbers in Your Phone:
   Always keep the local emergency number saved on your phone. For example, you can dial 911 in case of any emergency when you are travelling to the USA and use the new emergency aid app-112-launched by the government for travelling in India.
3. Make Sure You Have an Active Phone Plan:
   Having a dead phone while travelling can be a safety hazard in addition to being inconvenient. Recharge your phone with sufficient data in case you don't get Wi-Fi.
4. Share Your Trip Details With At Least One Person in Your Social Circle:
   It is a good practice to tell at least one of your family members or close friends about your itinerary when travelling solo to a new place. This can help them track you in case of an emergency. This is perhaps the most crucial solo travel safety tip.
5. Carry a Pepper Spray or a Small Knife for Safety:
   Although people are generally quite helpful, you need to be prepared to defend yourself.
6. Carry Some Form of ID With You:
   A valid form of ID can help you prove your identity to concerned authorities and ask for help if needed.
7. Avoid Drinking Too Much:
   It is important to stay alert and conscious, especially when you are travelling solo in a foreign place.
8. Share Your Real-Time Location with Only Trusted Individuals:
   Avoid posting frequent updates about your current location on social media while you are traveling solo.
9. Keep a Mini First-Aid Kit in Your Handy Bag:
   Be prepared for any health emergencies; take medicines for fever, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, acid reflux, and any other pre-existing conditions in addition to band-aids with yourself.

Convenience Matters!


10. Keep a Stash of Emergency Cash in Local Currency for Any Just in Case:
    Although many places accept digital forms of payment, keep some cash with you for emergencies; this is one the solo travel essentials.
11. Pack Comfortable Clothing for Your Trip:
    Make sure the clothes you plan on carrying are easy to wear and appropriate for the activities you have planned.
12. Check for Reviews Before Booking Any Accommodations or Activities:
    Check several websites and online portals for genuine reviews before booking anything for your solo travel.
13. Keep a Power Bank with You to Charge Your Devices:
    Carry a charged power bank with you that can be used to recharge your devices for entertainment or emergency purposes.
14. Conduct Some Research About the Places You Will Visit and Activities You Will Do:
    Gathering information about your destination and desired activities can help you prepare for the trip.
15. Avoid Overpacking, Consider Repeating Your Outfits:
    Carrying more than you need will unnecessarily increase the weight of your luggage.
16. Avoid Taking Any Valuables with You:
    If you carry valuable items like jewellery on your solo travel, you are likely to keep worrying about your stuff and may invite trouble with pickpockets and thugs.
17. Download Some Music, Audiobook, or Movie on Your Device:
    Travelling solo can be a bit boring sometimes, especially if you are not going as a part of any group. Download some media to enjoy offline during such times.
18. Leave Some Room for Rest in Your Itinerary:
    Avoid overstuffing your itinerary with things to do and leave ample time for rest and relaxation, as you will need it.
19. Reach Your Destination Before Nightfall:
    Avoid arriving at an unfamiliar place late at night, book your travel tickets accordingly.

Take It up a Notch!


20. Allow Room for Spontaneity:
    Embrace flexibility and go for interesting opportunities to visit a new place or meet a new person (if it feels safe), and don't worry about ditching your original plan.
21. Get a Local Sim for Certain Areas:
    If you are planning a trip to Ladakh in India or Ottawa in Canada, for example, you will need to purchase a local sim to ensure continued connectivity.
22. Consider Going as a Part of a Large Group on Your Solo Trip:
    Find people who share your preferences for activities and go with them to explore.
23. Wear a Fake Wedding Band to Avoid Unwanted Interactions with Strangers:
    If you want to avoid talking to strangers, you can use the fake wedding ring as an excuse to get out of the conversation and meet your spouse at a different location.
24. Ask for Help When You Feel Confused:
    Don't hesitate to ask for help from the locals in case you feel lost or need help otherwise.
25. Get Comfortable with Talking to Strangers:
    As a solo traveller, it is important to learn how to talk to strangers to get the lay of the land and connect with people.
26. Set Right Expectations:
    Solo travel can feel lonely; stay open for experiences, but don't set high expectations from a trip to avoid disappointment.
27. Be Patient and Take Time to Settle In:
    Don't rush your travel; explore the local culture.
28. Shop in the Local Market, and Make Sure to Bargain:
    You can get the best deals on souvenirs where local people shop.
29. Try the Local Cuisine Safely:
    Try well-known local restaurants to taste unique flavours but ensure proper hygiene; preferably drink bottled water to avoid catching a stomach bug.
30. Just Go for It:
    Solo travel can be a bit daunting, but it opens you up for new experiences like nothing else.

A travel insurance policy is one of the best ways to secure your trip, whether it is expensive flight tickets or your passport. It offers many benefits, and you can easily calculate the tentative premium using a travel insurance calculator. If you purchase your travel insurance from SBI General, you can enjoy round-the-clock assistance and worldwide protection. You can know more about travel insurance coverage from the blogs present on our website.

A. No, but a travel insurance plan provides you with a safety net to explore the world worry-free.

A. It is generally quite safe for women to travel solo, but you must make sure to avoid going to shady areas and unknown places without doing some research about the place.

A. Whether you are travelling solo or as a part of a large group, traveling requires you to step out of your comfort zone; thus, it can be a bit challenging. But solo travel is quite enjoyable for many people.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.