Despite the surge in holidaymakers looking to jet off alone, safety is still a major concern for the majority of travellers. Almost 70% of female travellers say personal safety is a leading factor in them not embarking on a trip alone. Downloading a VPN before travelling can help solo travellers enhance their security, and stop hackers from accessing bank accounts and social media profiles while alone and vulnerable.
Solo travellers to America must take extra precautions to protect themselves by remembering the emergency phone numbers. Other tips include sharing their location with family and friends, checking insurance policies and hiring a car for safety. John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “It is normal to feel anxious about travelling into unknown territory, and the lack of companionship can leave people feeling more vulnerable to dangers.
“Travelling alone to America will be a fantastic experience, but it can feel risky when going solo. Taking simple steps like downloading a VPN and buying a US travel SIM card beforehand can help keep jet setters safe. We advise solo travellers to take extra precautions to protect themselves, including by sharing their live location with a trusted contact.
Seven top safety tips for solo travelers
Sign up for a VPN
Using a VPN on a trip to the US 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, help travellers avoid censorship 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.
US sim cards
Purchase a US tourist SIM card before arriving to stay connected and ease anxiety. It is important to have a wifi connection for safety reasons, whether there is an emergency, or simply for navigation purposes.
Learn phone numbers
Solo travellers should learn the emergency numbers used in America - 911 will call fire, medical or police services. Ringing 112 can also be used for emergencies, but only on certain carriers so it’s crucial to check ahead of the trip. Travellers should also learn personal contact numbers from home in case their phone is lost or broken.
Insurance
Travel insurance can protect travellers from trip cancellation, while medical insurance can cover unexpected injury costs and luggage insurance can recover losses from theft. Insurance can protect solo travellers in a range of circumstances, and a comprehensive policy is recommended if travelling a long way for a long time.
Women-only rooms
If staying in a hostel, females can often request to stay in a women-only room, which can make them feel more comfortable.
Hire a car
Car rental in America allows for the freedom to plan itineraries and drive along iconic road trips such as Route 66. Having a hire car will keep solo travellers safe without having to navigate the foreign public transport systems.
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