Are you planning your diving holidays and wondering if it’s safe to travel alone? If you’ve never done that before, you might feel a little bit insecure about it, totally normal. I have been travelling solo for so long that I can tell you: go for it, it’s great! That said, let’s go through some safety tips for travellers that might help you organise your trip and prevent you from worrying about making it on your own.
N°1 safety tip for solo travellers: anticipate
Because this is how you’ll prevent yourself from most of the disagreements you can encounter while travelling solo. Get yourself informed about the place you’re travelling to: are they places and areas safer than others? Which one should you avoid absolutely?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about normal prices in the local currency, so you won’t have trouble paying much more than what it costs while there. Before departure, you can find this information on my travellers’ forum or groups, travel blogs can help too.
Amongst tips for travelling alone for the first time, make sure to check the required vaccines and possible health hazards of the destination. Prepare your first aid kit accordingly and potentially book an appointment for a vaccination. By the way, this is the right time to search and choose your travel insurance.
Learn the basics about how to get around: what transport is available and recommended for solo travellers? Should you prioritise taxi, or can you rely on other options, like train, buses or even tuk-tuk? The more you know, the safer you’ll feel afterwards.
Even by being careful, shit still happens. By sending a scan copy to your e-mail address of all your important papers such passport, ID, flight ticket, etc. if you find yourself in the case you’ve been robbed or you just lost your wallet, your life will be much easier and less stressful.
Scuba divers travelling with their gear need to realise the insane value in the eyes of many people. Having a diving bag that doesn’t scream “expensive gear inside” can be a great way to avoid unnecessary temptations.
N°2 safety tip for solo travellers: common sense
You’ll find out quickly by yourself that the most important tip, amongst everything you’ve been reading, is relying on your intuition and common sense when going on a scuba diving trip alone. Like anywhere else, there are some well-known safety tips to respect, and they’ll be the same while abroad. For example, avoid exposing yourself by going back to your hotel late, drunk or just not in your full capacities.
As a woman, you’ll prefer going out close to your hotel and staying in busy streets with people. If you need to travel through the country, prefer daylight trips. If you’re meeting strangers, avoid saying where you stay straight away. You see, this is mostly common sense! In general, as long as you stay alert and aware, no need to worry more than necessary.
Top safety tips for solo travellers while you’re in the destination
If you’ve never travelled solo before, here are some safety tips to take in account, wherever you go:
- Keep your money and papers on you, in a safety belt for example. And your others papers in a safety box at the hotel.
- Don’t hang around with too much cash on you. Prefer a credit card and a bit of cash.
- Keep your drink in hand while going out. Never let it on a table and go back to grab it. EVER!
- Never hesitate to refuse a proposition, and to insist if people won’t let go, it’s your right.
- If you go somewhere, try giving note to your hotel reception, dive center or agency of where you’re going. At least, someone know.
- If you don’t feel safe, grab a taxi and go back to the hotel straight away. You can also ask someone or a group of people that look safe to walk you back to your hotel.
Now you know the most important safety tips for solo travellers, discovers some safe places to travel alone and finish planning your perfect diving holidays!
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