The Must-Know Ways Men Can Stay Safe Solo Traveling
Stay safe and confident while traveling alone as a man with these must-know tips. From self-defense to situational awareness, this guide covers it all for solo travel.
On my X account (of which you should follow me!), I often engage in conversations with fellow travel bloggers, and one such conversation that piqued my interest in this topic was a quick exchange I had with the terrific Hack Solo Travel Guidebook account (fantastic follow by the way):
This is a great point and it got me thinking about how men and women approach solo traveling, and the different perspectives both men and women have. I have written extensively about how solo traveling can be fun and exhilarating. It's also challenging and can be quite scary, even for men. After nearly a decade of solo traveling, I've gained valuable insights into what works and what doesn't. While there are plenty of resources available online for women to ensure their safety while traveling solo, and rightfully so, I wondered what advice exists for men. How can men protect themselves while still enjoying their travel? I'll share my own tips and also highlight the views of other male solo travelers.
The Red Solo Traveler Podcast
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Do Your Research Ahead of Time
For over 15 years now, I have been working in the insurance industry, starting in claims and moving into an underwriting role in recent years. One key lesson I've learned in this field is the importance of managing and mitigating risk. When driving on the highway, even with all in the tech in our cars to prevent collisions, you still need to use your mirrors before moving into that center lane from the left lane. You wouldn't cross a lane unless it was safe to do so, so why travel to a destination without doing the research first? This is so important not only for navigating where you're going, but avoiding the crime infested areas. This goes for travel within the United States and all around the world. It all starts with a purpose - why are you traveling? What do you want to see and do? No matter what you intend to do, men need to do their research and explore if this is an area right for them to visit. There's no shame in deciding against a destination or in favor of another destination. After all, solo traveling is about what you want to do.
- X and Pinterest are great places to start. You can follow me and/or other travel bloggers if you wish. Generally, you will find our reviews to be authentic and based on personal experience. We're also going to be honest with you and tell you where to go and where to avoid.
- When you settle on that particular destination you want to visit, start doing your research. Will you be flying or driving there? Where are you staying? How are you getting around? What activities do you want to do?
- Safety is paramount when you select a destination, so you will need to see how safe that area is. If it isn't safe, how does that accomodation protect its guests? What security measures are in place? You wouldn't buy a house without looking into crime scores, so why would you subject yourself to a destination that isn't safe?
One such research tool I use in my day job is Spotcrime. Simply type in where you are staying, and it will show you the crimes that occur in any given area. It's not meant to scare you, but it will prepare you (hey, that rhymes!). You can also download the app to your phone as well.
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Avoid Large Crowds
Large gatherings can be enjoyable, especially during good times. However, like fire, water, and other forces that can have both beneficial and harmful effects, crowds are one of those forces. They can quickly turn from pleasant to chaotic. Moreover, there are individuals with ill intentions, such as kidnappers and pickpockets, who can easily blend into a crowd. As a solo traveler, regardless of gender, it's wise to steer clear of large crowds unless you are confident in your safety. This highlights the need for thorough research and careful planning, including opting to visit your destination during quieter times or off-peak seasons. But how can you avoid arriving at an event or location only to find yourself in a large crowd? Additionally, what measures can you take to prepare for such scenarios?
Nomadtreneur offers three great examples of utilizing technology to help manage and/or avoid large crowds altogether.
- Crowd-sourced reviews: Websites like TripAdvisor and Yelp provide user reviews and ratings, which can help you gauge the popularity and potential crowdedness of an attraction.
- Real-time crowd-tracking apps: Apps like Avoid Crowds and Google Maps provide real-time crowd data for popular attractions, allowing you to plan your visits accordingly.
- Online ticket booking: Booking tickets online for popular attractions can help you skip long lines and save time during your trip.
Crowd tracking applications are likely the most effective method for completely steering clear of crowded areas. Personally, I tend to be cautious around large crowds, so I make a conscious effort to avoid them entirely.
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Blend In and Be Yourself
At my core, I would describe myself as an "extroverted introvert." I genuinely enjoy connecting with others. A close friend of mine has witnessed my interactions during countless happy hours and trips, and he often expresses amazement at my natural talent for striking up conversations and putting people at ease. I’m not entirely sure how I manage it—perhaps it’s just part of who I am. I also have a knack for sensing people's intentions. If I get the impression that someone isn’t being genuine, I tend to keep my distance. It’s not meant to be rude; it’s simply a way for me to safeguard my own well-being. I share this not to brag, but to emphasize the importance of blending in and being yourself. I don’t actively seek out attention; I prefer to keep to myself and only engage when I feel compelled to. It’s all about being aware of your surroundings. I also know that not everyone is like me. While it’s great to be excited about a new place and advertise it to everyone, sometimes it’s best to hold back a bit.
BemusedBackpacker offers a humorous but perfect take on this:
Spot the backpacker? No that garish Hawaiian shirt or that Tiger Beer singlet you just bought is not the height of fashion, those board shorts are great for the beach but you are going to a fancy restaurant for crying out loud so put them away! I don’t care what that tout told you when he chased you down the street shouting ‘sir, sir, suit for you!’ You don’t look like god’s gift wearing that god awful T Shirt.
Sound harsh? Maybe. There’s nothing wrong with the odd beer branded vest top and shorts when you are relaxing on a tropical island somewhere, but wherever you go you should be mindful of the way you dress so as not to stand out and draw even more attention to yourself than you are already getting.
One of the best ways to stay safe is not to make yourself a target in the first place, and if you look like a typical tourist or backpacker and you stand out like a sore thumb, then you are going to have a huge tout target on your back whether you realise it or not. Those opportunistic thieves and muggers will think they have won the jackpot when they see you, assume you will have a ton of expensive gear and probably a lot of cash on you and will simply bide their time until they can relieve you of it all.
When you seamlessly integrate into your surroundings and carry on with your daily routine as you would in the comfort of your home, you avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself, and crucially, you won't appear as a potential target.
Use Credit Cards
Safeguarding your well-being extends to your financial health as well. Credit cards come with a distinct advantage over cash, offering a level of security that cash simply can't match. When you make a purchase using a credit card, you typically enjoy protection on all your transactions. Additionally, you can enhance your security with debit cards, travel insurance, and by keeping minimal cash on you. The reality is, in today's world, you really don't require as much cash as before.
HostelWorld offers a unique and random list of the other aspects men should be aware of, and among these - credit/debit cards and cash on hand are in mind:
You can’t guarantee you’ll avoid anything dangerous or dodgy, just like at home, but the fear is that, while travelling, you’re on the back foot. You can reduce your chances of getting involved in anything unpleasant.
Avoid confrontation and don’t swear at anyone – not even under your breath, not even if you’ve been overcharged by a taxi. Accept it as a loss. In the grand scheme of things, it probably isn’t that bad.
Know your landmarks – knowing where things are in relation to one another – and to your hostel – means you can keep your phone tucked away. Religious and government buildings are often signposted.
Have a couple of debit cards – if you lose one or it gets stolen, you’ve got a backup. Keep them in separate places – like one in your big backpack, one in your daypack.
Keep important things hidden away – pockets can soon be picked. Keep your passport, emergency cards and spare cash hidden away (but always within reach).
Get travel insurance – even if you get in a spot of bother – if your bag’s stolen, or you get horrendous travel trots – it means you’ve got a way out or a way home.
Book ahead – if you’re travelling from one city to another, have a room or bed booked for your arrival, and head there first. Settle yourself in, then explore.
Have some money spare – easier said than done, but keeping some money to one side can act as an emergency fund. If you’ve got a one-way ticket somewhere, make sure you’ve got enough for a one-way ticket back home, too.
Be nice, get some travel insurance, and use your debit and/or credit card. Simple enough!
Research and Judgment Will Always Save the Day
This guide is designed to empower you, providing you with the confidence and knowledge to embrace the idea of traveling solo, rather than allowing it to intimidate you. Traveling alone can be a transformative experience, offering opportunities for self-discovery, personal growth, and the chance to explore the world on your own terms. While this guide may not encompass every conceivable scenario you might encounter on your journey, the strategies and insights I share here are the ones I personally rely on to ensure my safety as a solo male traveler. At the heart of safe solo travel for men are two key principles: research and judgment. Research involves gathering information about your destination, understanding its culture, customs, and potential risks. This preparation allows you to make informed decisions and helps you feel more at ease as you navigate unfamiliar environments. Judgment, on the other hand, refers to trusting your instincts and being aware of your surroundings. It’s about listening to that inner voice that guides you in making choices that prioritize your safety and well-being. In the end, these two principles have been my guiding force in maintaining my safety not just with solo travel, but in life in general.
