- I've visited all 50 US states and nearly every national park alone.
- When staying in a hotel by myself, I always bring a doorstop and Addalock device for extra security.
- I also recommend sharing your location with a trusted family member or friend.
I've spent a decade traveling solo, visiting nearly every US National Park and all 50 states at least once.
When I talk to others, the question I'm asked most frequently is what I do to feel safer while traveling.
Although I never want to focus only on what-ifs and worst-case scenarios, the reality is that poor preparation can lead to unintended consequences.
I want to do everything possible to set myself up for safety and success.
These are the top safety tips I give to less-experienced and new solo travelers.
Always bring a doorstop or Addalock with you when staying in a hotel or rental home
I always bring a simple doorstop and a portable Addalock door lock to any hotel room or rental home I stay in.
I place the rubber doorstop on the inside of the door to keep it from being opened from the outside.
The Addalock device connects to the lock in the door frame to add another layer of security and peace of mind.
Carry a whistle or personal alarm with you
I always carry a whistle or personal alarm, whether I'm hiking or in a city center. That way, I can quickly draw attention to myself if something goes wrong.
I recommend the Birdie personal safety alarm, which features a loud alarm and strobe light designed to deter a potential attacker.
However, a simple whistle on a lanyard also works.
If you're hiking, make sure to bring the 10 essentials with you
Many solo travelers — myself included — like to spend part of their trips hiking.
Although I always try to pick well-traveled hiking trails, bringing the 10 hiking essentials with me is crucial.
The essentials include a form of navigation, a headlamp or flashlight, sun protection, first-aid supplies, a knife, something to help you start a fire, shelter, extra food, water, and clothes.
Although it may seem like a long list to hikers who want to travel light, it's better to be overprepared, especially when you're alone.
Invest in a satellite communicator for outdoor adventures and long road trips
Although I prefer to stay in areas with cell service when traveling alone, it isn't always possible to do so.
A satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach, which allows me to contact friends or family without cell service, is a worthwhile investment. It also gives me the ability to call rescuers for help in an emergency.
The cost can be steep, but it's worth the peace of mind it provides.
Don't share on social media in real time
One of the most crucial safety tips that many travelers seem surprised by is that I never share anything on social media in real time.
Although it may seem like no one is paying attention to the details in your post, it's not worth the risk of someone doxxing your current location.
After sharing simple photos without location tags or identifying information, I regularly receive messages from people who know exactly where the photo was taken.
For my own safety, sharing on social media can wait.
Remember to share your location with trusted friends or family members.
Although I don't recommend sharing your location online in real time, I do recommend sharing it privately with trusted friends or family members.
Plenty of apps make it simple to instantly share your GPS location with chosen contacts.
I share my location with my parents and select friends I know would check in if they haven't heard from me in a while.
Use technology to your advantage
Technology is continuously advancing to make solo travel safer and more accessible.
If you think cell service will be spotty, utilize offline downloads of Google Maps and download apps like Cairn, which help users find cell coverage areas.
Cairn also helps users to share their hiking or walking plans with trusted contacts and communicate important details to them if they're on a hike for longer than expected.
Listen to your intuition and have a backup plan in place
Although intuition is hard to explain or quantify, we know when something is off.
Along with the advice to listen to your intuition, it's also essential to have a backup plan in place in case you feel uncomfortable.
If I travel to a hotel or campsite that doesn't feel safe, I will leave without question.