There are lots of free apps
that provide support for solo travellers, from highlighting areas
of danger based on recent events to supplying quick and easy ways
to contact local authorities. With rising statistics on violent
attacks and sexual harassment, particularly among women, these apps
hope to build safer environments. Check out MissMap,
Chirpey, RedZone and Tripwhistle to see their various
benefits and be sure to familiarise yourself with them before you
fly.

Social media is playing an
increasing role in advocating solo travel, and yet often can
provide rose-tinted glimpses of destinations. Of course, you’ll
want to explore non-touristy locales but remember to research
beyond the filtered allure of Instagram to understand exactly where
you’re headed. Get to know different local traditions so that you
can respect communities by dressing appropriately, as well as
ensure you won’t stick out like a sore thumb, which can make you an
easy target.

While a wariness of Instagram and Facebook is sensible, online
communities have become paramount in connecting solo travellers
around the world. For women, hashtags such as #WeAreTravelGirls and
#TheTravelWomen are useful for creating communities and promoting
safe travelling. Groups such as Black Girls Travel Too sees members
connecting with each other to share tips, safety advice and the
potential to meet up en route. In a similar vein, the Ultimate
Travel Group, a Facebook community for anyone and everyone, has now
reached over 17,000 members and is a great one to check out.

When travelling, it’s easy to get swept up in the adventure and forget to drop a
message to family and friends letting them know where you are. Try
to send a daily update – the more reliable you are, the easier it
will be for someone to know that it’s out of character if you
haven’t touched base, and to track your whereabouts if you were to
go missing. Apps such as Find My Friends are helpful in
allowing others to view your location if you do forget to ring
home.

While pretty pictures of sea views or proximity to the nearest
bars are big draws for hotels and Airbnbs, reviews may tell a different story. Read
people’s experiences, check ratings and examine the security of
each place before booking. Staying with an Airbnb superhost is
another way to further safeguard yourself against danger.

Although it’s never a good idea to walk around flashing your
valuables and you may be hoping for a digital detox while you’re
away, your phone can be invaluable when travelling. Whether you’re
using it for Google Maps, to remind yourself of a hotel address or
for contacting friends, it’s never good when your battery goes red,
blinks and dies. It’s also sensible to print out copies of
important documents (passport, hotel confirmations, flight details,
I.C.E. numbers, etc.) and stow them in different places in your
luggage – that way, if something does happen to your phone you’re
not left stranded.

Travelling can be exhausting, and it’s easy to push your
instincts to one side when you’re having fun. Rest is important in
keeping your head clear and making sensible decisions – as is
knowing your limits when it comes to alcohol. Trust your intuition;
if you don’t feel well, or if something doesn’t feel right, remove
yourself from the situation and find a safe place to regroup.

While this may sound extreme and you’ll hopefully never have to
use it, knowing a few self-defence techniques can help with
confidence when travelling alone. Holding the Guinness World Record
for the fastest time to visit all sovereign countries, Cassi
DePecol practises Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defence system. We’re
not suggesting you learn this (although it would be pretty cool if
you did) but a defence class or two before you travel will give you
that extra bit of armour should a situation arise.