By AU HUI SHAN
Nowadays, travelling alone as a backpacker has become a popular past time.
With today’s advanced technology, it has become more convenient for solo travellers to travel around the globe. However, unlike before, travelling alone is no longer as safe especially with increasing crime rates in tourism hot spots.
Here are six important guidelines for you to travel alone safely:
1. Hide your valuables
Bring your personal credit or debit card. Keep your valuables safe in hidden pockets. You can also opt to wear a slim waist pack to protect your belongings.
It is not advisable to bring cash while travelling. This is to reduce the chance of falling prey to pickpockets. However, if you insist on bringing along your money, try not to bring too much then. Bear in mind that you should keep your passport and valuables with you at all times.
2. Act like a local
Never give others a chance to think that you are not familiar with the place. Avoid the act of holding a map because you would become an easy target. Never mark your map with the route you are taking, it is a lot more dangerous if you accidentally leave it behind.
3. Know where you are going
Plan your trip before travelling and go through them again before you leave your hotel. Refer to a GPS app instead of a map.
If possible, be more aware of the police stations nearby or emergency numbers to call, in case of emergencies.
4. Choose your hotel wisely
Do research and make reservations before you travel. You can refer to other travellers’ reviews and recommendations on websites like TripAdvisor. Do not only decide where to stay after you reach your destination.
5. Ask locals
Ask locals such as the staff of the hotel you are staying or a waiter in a restaurant. They know better where are the dangerous places which need to be avoided. Get advice from them about the do’s and don’ts in the particular place you are at. This is to prevent you from getting into unnecessary trouble or danger.
6. Limit your alcohol consumption
For those who are active nightlife/clubbing individuals or occasional social drinkers, be vigilant about your own safety. Do not socialise too much with strangers and avoid getting drunk.
It is better to be safe than sorry. Take caution before it is too late!
With today’s advanced technology, it has become more convenient for solo travellers to travel around the globe. However, unlike before, travelling alone is no longer as safe especially with increasing crime rates in tourism hot spots.
Here are six important guidelines for you to travel alone safely:
1. Hide your valuables
Bring your personal credit or debit card. Keep your valuables safe in hidden pockets. You can also opt to wear a slim waist pack to protect your belongings.
It is not advisable to bring cash while travelling. This is to reduce the chance of falling prey to pickpockets. However, if you insist on bringing along your money, try not to bring too much then. Bear in mind that you should keep your passport and valuables with you at all times.
2. Act like a local
Never give others a chance to think that you are not familiar with the place. Avoid the act of holding a map because you would become an easy target. Never mark your map with the route you are taking, it is a lot more dangerous if you accidentally leave it behind.
3. Know where you are going
Plan your trip before travelling and go through them again before you leave your hotel. Refer to a GPS app instead of a map.
If possible, be more aware of the police stations nearby or emergency numbers to call, in case of emergencies.
4. Choose your hotel wisely
Do research and make reservations before you travel. You can refer to other travellers’ reviews and recommendations on websites like TripAdvisor. Do not only decide where to stay after you reach your destination.
5. Ask locals
Ask locals such as the staff of the hotel you are staying or a waiter in a restaurant. They know better where are the dangerous places which need to be avoided. Get advice from them about the do’s and don’ts in the particular place you are at. This is to prevent you from getting into unnecessary trouble or danger.
6. Limit your alcohol consumption
For those who are active nightlife/clubbing individuals or occasional social drinkers, be vigilant about your own safety. Do not socialise too much with strangers and avoid getting drunk.
It is better to be safe than sorry. Take caution before it is too late!