By Mark Hedman
When traveling alone, you really need to be prepared to have your own back. There’s no one else to rely on, and you certainly can’t completely prevent horrible things from happening on your journey. However, you can control how you react to incidents and can always have the essentials a lone traveler needs to have the safest and best vacation ever.
1. Secret Pocket Scarf
There’s no place in the world immune from crime and the effect it has on society. As a tourist, you’ll likely encounter locals who make their money robbing vacationers of their travel money. Being the victim of a theft or robbery can have devastating consequences on your trip. Without money, it will be hard to eat, pay for lodging, travel, and more. You may find yourself suddenly stuck in a foreign land with no plan.
Your money and your passport are critical for travel, so bring a scarf with a secret pocket to hide valuables, identifying documents, and necessary paperwork. This scarf keeps you warm while hiding your valuables.
2. Comfortable Footwear
Comfortable footwear is crucial to getting around and feeling good on vacation. The definition of comfortable footwear depends on the type of trip you’re on. You need sturdy hiking boots for a hiking trip in the great smoky mountains or comfortable sandals for exploring a beach town. Perhaps you’re walking through historic towns in Europe, so a pair of comfortable tennis shoes might be the best footwear. No matter where you travel, bring more than one pair of comfortable shoes that work for the activity you plan on doing.
3. Durable Suitcase
No matter how you plan on traveling, you need a durable suitcase that can stand up to arduous traveling conditions. Your suitcase carries everything you need for your trip, and it’s going to get banged around whether you’re on a bus or plane or traveling in a car.
A hard-shell case that rolls is the easiest to tote along and can protect your valuables from damage. A sturdy carry-on bag is another luggage essential so that you can carry the most important items with you if you need to stow your bag somewhere else. A smart carry-on bag is an excellent option to store your valuables, electronics, and a change of clothes. The bag secures your belongings with electronic locks and provides access to a USB charger.
4. Survival Gear
There are certain solo vacations where you may need essential survival gear. If you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail alone, you must bring everything with you that you need to survive. First, you’ll need a sturdy backpack to carry everything. You’ll also need fire, food, water, and shelter.
Carry a way to filter the water that you find out on the trail and fire to keep warm and cook food. Shelter and clothing to protect you from the elements are critical. Your bag needs to be able to carry enough food for however long you plan on hiking as well. It’s also critical for you to carry the necessary first aid supplies that you need to treat most medical emergencies on your own. If you’re planning an extensive solo hiking trip, learn some of the best trails to travel solo and research the supplies you’ll need to pack.
5. TSA Security Lock
Whether checking in your bag for a flight or leaving it in your room at the hotel or hostel, securing your luggage is critical to prevent theft. Why a TSA-approved lock? It’s in case the TSA needs to check your bag. If you’re staying at a hostel, they expect you to bring your own lock for the storage lockers in your room. Even keeping things like your laptop and tablet locked in your suitcase is a good idea if your hotel room doesn’t have a safe.
Consider buying a combination lock instead of one with a key. Many travelers have lost the key, and that could be a problem.
6. Filtered Water Bottle
Whether you’re traveling in a major tourist destination or hiking in a lush jungle, you’ll need water. Plastic water bottles are expensive, over time, so it’s much more efficient to use a re-fillable, filtered water bottle. A filtered bottle allows you to drink from local water sources safely even in developing nations.
7. Portable Charger
As someone traveling alone, you should always keep your phone with you for safety reasons. You’ll likely be taking many pictures and using the apps on your phone as well. It won’t take long to drain your smartphone battery. If you have a portable charger, you can easily charge your cell phone and other electronics no matter where you are.
8. Electrolyte Powder
For the well-traveled person, electrolyte powder is worth its weight in gold if you ever get food poisoning, and it can happen anywhere in the world. You need electrolytes to replace those lost from your body when you’re sick. Powerade or Gatorade isn’t available everywhere, so bring the packets. Add them to your water, and you’ll soon feel much better. Electrolyte powder also helps with fatigue, general illness, extreme heat, jet lag, and even hangovers.
9. Anti-Theft Backpack
This backpack isn’t the same one you take hiking on the trail because you’re less likely to run into thieves and it won’t hold everything you need. It’s perfect for keeping your valuables close and secure. Many of these bags are tear-resistant and repel water, keeping your important items safe and dry. Anti-theft zippers keep criminals out, and there are plenty of pockets to store your things as you sightsee around town. Most come equipped with a USB charger, so you can charge your phone whenever you need to.
By no means is this list all-inclusive, but these are some critical items for your solo journey. Whether you’re travelling internationally or staying in the U.S., ask people who’ve been where you’re going and do some research on what to bring with you. Talking to other people can help you get a feel for the safety problems you may face and give you advice on how to have an amazing solo adventure.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media