17 Cross-Country Safety Tips for Travelling Alone in Europe
Want to step out of your traveller’s comfort zone? Then perhaps it’s about time you hit the road alone. Yes, travelling with loved ones can strengthen bonds and make great memories. But travelling alone gives you more control over what you get to experience. The only setback is that there is the risk of being in a foreign place without anyone to rely on but yourself. However, with a little bit of caution, you can still craft a safe yet exciting trip for yourself. Take note of these 15 safety tips for travelling alone in Europe.
Safe Solo Travels: 17 Tips for Travelling Alone in Europe
1. Research on Your Destination
Don’t just stop at researching the places to check out for your itinerary. Also check crime rates, travel blogs with first-hand experiences of people, and the country’s emergency numbers.
2. Make Copies of Your Papers
You may need copies of your IDs, passport, and other travel documents at some point. It’s good to have them on hand and ready
3. Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may be expensive, but it is worth it. It is always good to be prepared with the ‘what ifs’ because you don’t have total control over some circumstances.
4. Leave a Copy of your Itinerary with Family and Friends
Europe is no mere drive away. It is a whole other continent across the sea. You have to let someone know back home where you could be at the moment. That way, you don’t completely disappear from where you are.
5. Book Only Top Rated Rooms
Choose a lodge that has many positive reviews from trustworthy users. Remember that you’ll be lodging alone. When you know that the service is good and the security is high, you’d be able to rest easy on your own.
6. Join Tours
Going on tours during your trip alone in Europe is another way to stay safe. By visiting top destinations with fellow tourists, pickpocketers and thieves are less likely to see you as an “easy” victim.
7. Learn the Language
Knowing the basics of the language in the countries you visit in Europe not only helps you stay safe but also assists you in getting around. Speaking the language connects you better to where you are thus minimizing the chance of getting lost.
8. Always Have Your Cell Phone
Your cellphone is one of the most important things to bring with you when travelling alone in Europe. It can give you directions, translate languages that you don’t speak, and stores all your emergency contacts. Protect your phone at all costs.
9. Don’t Flash Your Wealth
Keep your budget and spending spree discreet. Only purchase items that are important and pay the exact amount as much as possible. It’s best to keep a low profile when you have no one else to turn to for the worst.
10. Ask Select People for Directions
Not everyone you meet will give you the right direction. Tricksters will get you lost, and some genuine people may not be the best at telling you how to get there. People in tourist guide centers or security guards are two of the most reliable places to ask for help.
11. Stay Vigilant
Always be on high alert when you’re in crowded spaces. Secure all precious belongings like your money, passport, emergency kit, and many more to keep you away from trouble.
12. Travel During the Day as much as Possible
Unless you’re hopping on the midnight train, the best time for you to be walking the streets is in broad daylight. Don’t bring with you all your valuable things in case you do decide to go out at night.
13. Never Risk it Too Far
Every adventure junkie out these should stay safe no matter what. That means wear helmets, life jackets, and listen to tour guides and instructors. As a solo traveller, you can’t put yourself in risky situations without anyone you know there.
14. Drink Responsibly
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to try out the nightlife in the European countries that are famous for them. But as a solo traveller, the smartest decision is to stay sober. No one will take better care of you but yourself.
15. Keep an Emergency Contact List
List down all the people you can count on in emergency situations in a notebook and keep it securely. If you lose your phone, at least you’d still have your personal contacts secured elsewhere.
16. Keep Someone Up-to-Date
Call a friend or family member every now and then just so they know where you are in real-time. Feel free to share your experiences with them as well.
17. Trust Your Instincts
Travelling alone gives you the opportunity to meet new people. By all means, try to make friends with locals and other travellers alike. But if you feel like someone is crossing a line or just doesn’t feel right, step away from them. Trust your intuition on things like this.
If it’s your first time travelling alone, then don’t worry. Solo travelling may seem intimidating and strange at first. But once you get past that and focus on the experience, you will eventually see how enlightening it could be.
Travelling alone in Europe is an exciting journey for those in need of an adventure. With so many things to do, so many sights to see, and so many cultures to experience, it won’t even cross your mind that you’re alone. As long as you keep these safety reminders with you at all times, you’ll have fewer things to worry about on your journey. Who knows? You might just find solo travelling something you’d enjoy more often.
Also Read: Travelling to Europe on a Budget: How to Travel Through ETIAS Countries with only C$3,000
Safety is definitely a concern when it comes to people travelling in and out of Europe. And by 2021, the new ETIAS Visa waiver will be implemented to make sure that every citizen and traveler is safe for their trip across Schengen countries. Etiaseurope.ca is a reliable source of results and updates on everything ETIAS related. As a visa assistance service, their company assures that they will be one of the companies dedicated to helping people with their application. Contact us to avail of any of our assistance services!
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