I admit it; as a (beforehand frequent and) solo traveler, I used to be and am at all times able to go off the crushed path to search out little recognized locations even in touristy cities. There’s simply a lot to see and do, and most of us need one thing distinctive, one thing that makes others understand there’s a lot extra to, say, Paris or Brussels, than what we learn on-line.
Consider Thailand, for instance. With 30 million guests a 12 months, it might be exhausting to search out one thing to see or do in Bangkok that hasn’t been visited or performed by hordes of backpackers earlier than you. However after all, there’s at all times one thing, proper? You simply have to search for it.
The one problem is that visiting these so-called hidden gems can contain security dangers, significantly when you find yourself a girl touring alone.
Listed below are some tricks to make these “treasure hunts” slightly bit safer and undoubtedly extra pleasurable consequently.
Put together for the Surprising
All the time.
Whenever you enterprise out to distant locations, there’s no figuring out whether or not you’ll have entry to meals or healthcare. You’ll have to organize lodging prematurely, in any other case you run the danger of arriving there and discovering out that the one hostel is absolutely booked for the night time.
Issues can get significantly dicey should you get hit by an hostile climate occasion. Final 12 months, vacationers in Thailand had been stranded in buying facilities and different locations attributable to intense flash floods. Cellphone batteries died, and folks did not contact one another for lengthy, distressing hours.
Whereas such situations are usually not in our management, preparation actually is. So, if you wish to go off-the-beaten-path, make sure that to carry:
- a first-aid equipment with provides to deal with frequent accidents, together with cuts, scrapes, swelling, and sprains. Meaning bandages, antiseptic wipes and ointment (like Betadine), gauze, tape, and small scissors. (I at all times carry a first-aid equipment once I journey, and I used it—for the primary time!—throughout our latest journey to Hurghada, Egypt, when my boyfriend brushed by accident towards a coral whereas diving and reduce his finger.)
- fundamental medicines for ache reduction, diarrhea, allergic reactions, movement illness, and naturally, prescription meds.
- insect repellent and sunblock.
- a fully-charged energy financial institution.
- meals and water, even when it’s only a pack of two of nuts and dried fruit.
Use Personal Transport Sparingly
Transport can change into a ache level while you’re looking for as many little recognized locations as potential. Many of those are off the grid (that’s why they’re little recognized within the first place), and lack connectivity to public transport.
From a security perspective, buses and trains can provide the consolation of firm. Fellow vacationers may also information you to your vacation spot. Some European cities, like Vienna, have trams working by among the oldest components of city.
When non-public transport turns into unavoidable, favor a trusted cab supplier that has built-in security options, resembling audio recording. The lively Uber lawsuit raises apprehensions concerning the firm’s sense of accountability for passenger security. A number of customers throughout the U.S. have reported driver misconduct.
In accordance with TorHoerman Legislation, the backlash towards Uber stems from the corporate’s alleged refusal to deal with warning indicators or display doubtlessly harmful drivers. Fortunately, the lawsuit has inspired service suppliers to strengthen security provisions for vacationers, significantly in distant areas.
If you must take Uber or any comparable ride-hailing firm, make sure that to tell somebody you belief of your journey. Share your real-time location with them, if potential.
Insist additionally on utilizing the out there security options within the car, resembling audio/video recording and emergency alarms. Higher secure than sorry, so don’t worry about coming throughout as paranoid!
Construct Native Connections
An area contact may be immensely useful while you tread off the crushed observe. This could possibly be your native tour operator you probably have booked the vacation by a journey company. It could possibly be a fellow traveler you have got met and fashioned a reference to. Consider individuals you work together with regularly within the place you’re visiting.
Native connections can take effort to construct for introverted vacationers, however investing in them will get you somebody who has your again amongst strangers.
Moreover conserving you secure, native folks may also open new experiences throughout your travels. Private insights into touristy locations will help you see them in a brand new gentle. You might uncover truths and meanings that others earlier than you have got neglected.
A 2024 McKinsey report notes that this development is usually seen amongst luxurious vacationers, a lot of whom are centered on assembly new individuals throughout journey. They don’t fret about disconnecting from digital gadgets.
Nonetheless, when unsure, at all times belief your instinct.
Right here’s hoping the following tips will hold you protected in your adventurous travels. The pursuit of little-known locations while you journey makes our expertise particularly uplifting and empowering. Simply make sure that to look at security precautions so you’ll be able to proceed touring years down the highway!
