Staying Safe While Traveling Solo

Traveling solo is one of my favorite ways to see the world around me. When you travel solo, you are able to do whatever you want whenever you want, and you don’t have to compromise. Want to spend 15 minutes admiring a tree? Great! Want to do a short 2-mile hike and then stay in your hotel the rest of the day? Fantastic! When traveling alone you have the flexibility to choose all of the actives to your heart’s content. BUT, the most important thing about traveling solo as a woman is knowing how to keep yourself safe. I have been solo traveling for over 10 years and have yet to be in a situation where I feel unsafe, but this is only because I prevent unsafe situations as much as I can before they happen. That being said, even if you are experienced at traveling along like I am, NEVER become complacent. Just because you have been safe so far, doesn’t mean that will always be the case. Here are ways that I have keep myself safe:

• I always carry a taser with me. I don’t feel comfortable carrying a handgun around, but if you do then feel free to do so (but only do so if you know how to use one).
• I always keep bear spray on me while hiking. I haven’t had to use it yet, but it is always there in case I need it.
• Invest in a Garmin or a similar type of inReach devise (mine was gifted to me). I have the Garmin Mini 2 with the Freedom Safety Plan that I only have active during months I hike. There are other plans to choose from that offer more features, but I only wanted the basic SOS plan for peace of mind if I get into a situation where I need help.
• I carry a pocketknife in case I need to cut something (or someone, but hopefully it never comes to that).
• Every time I go on a trip, I tell someone where I will be (hiking trail, park, ect.) and when I will be back or where I am sleeping if it is an overnight trip.
• I always am at my hotel or campsite around or before sunset. The dark brings out animals and crazy people who could potentially see a woman by herself as an easy target. The only time I travel at night is if I am driving back to the safety of my own home.
• I always know where I am staying on overnight trips. I will book hotels or look at camping spots beforehand so that I know exactly where I am staying every night. The last thing that I want is to be in an unfamiliar place without a safe place to sleep.
• I don’t talk to many people. I am antisocial by nature, but even more so when I travel alone. I will be friendly on hiking trails if someone says hi or whatever, but I do not try to get into in depth conversations or talk about how I am by myself. The less other people know the better.
• I use an offline google map when I know I won’t have service. I talk more about google maps here. If I have an offline map, I know I will be able to navigate in areas where there is no cell service or if it is spotty.
• I map out my hikes and stops beforehand. I like to know where I am going when I start my day so that I know what to expect and can tell people where I’ll be. I do understand that spontaneity happens, especially in new places. When I’ve made a spontaneous stop, I’ve at least had a rough idea of where I was and where I was going next.
• I research every trail that I do before hiking them. Researching trails not only tells you the most important information, elevation gain and length, but also what to expect. I’ve hiked a few trails that have had multiple split offs or that had dangerous areas such as water crossings or landslides.
• I use common sense and follow my gut. If something feels off or unsafe about a situation or a person, then I will immediately get myself out of it. I’d rather look silly in the moment than potentially get myself into harm’s way. (Luckily, I haven’t had to get myself out of any dangerous situations yet).
• I’m always aware of my surroundings. I don’t walk around with my face in my phone and am aware of what is going on around me at all times.
• I never hike with headphones in. I want to know if something is rustling in the bushes beside me or if someone else is walking behind me. Besides, it is relaxing listening to the sounds of nature.
• I don’t go off trail when hiking. The trail is there for a reason and as long as you follow it you will be fine. It is very easy to get lost or hurt yourself if you stray too far from the trail. Going off trail also damages the environment around you. You can crush flowers and other vegetation.