Before setting out on a solo adventure, travelers can make some preparations for their safety both on the road and at their destination.
Keeping Family And Friends Informed
It can be exhilarating to feel the freedom of being able to take off and drive whenever the mood hits, but somebody somewhere needs to know the general plan of travel. One way a solo traveler can keep their family informed is simply to call someone, but another way is to write a note and place it somewhere that friends and family can find easily if they look for it.
The driver should write out the general destination or direction he or she is going, the time they left and the approximate time they intend to be back. This note should be left inside the house, so as not to attract unwanted attention (and so all valuables will still be there when the traveler returns).
Even those living alone can use this method. Arrange ahead of time to tell neighbors or family members so they know where in your home to look for this type of note, such as the television screen or refrigerator.
Staying Safe From Strangers
IndependentTraveler.com says in it's article "Single Travel: Tips For Going Solo" that there is nothing wrong with a white lie when it comes to asking for directions from strangers. The article suggests that when asking for directions, the traveler should throw in a phrase such as "I'm meeting a friend there," to make it look as if the traveler is not alone.
The article also suggests staying in open, public places and not to draw attention by wearing flashy clothing or jewelry.
Another tip is to stay alert. A traveler should not be so absorbed by the sites that they forget to pay attention to the people around them. If a tourist finds himself or herself in a place they are uncomfortable, one way to protect himself or herself until they can walk to a safe place is to keep a key ring in hand, threading the keys between their fingers and pointing the keys outward. Then, if someone attacks, those keys can be used as a weapon to poke or gouge the attacker.
Staying Safe On The Road
MSNBC travel columnist Mark Sedenquist suggests keeping an itinerary in your glove box in case law enforcement finds the car, but not the driver. He also suggests having an "in case of emergency" listing in a cell phone's address book, in case the driver is unable to communicate after an accident.
Whether or not the driver intends to get out of the car, he or she should take along a comfortable pair of walking shoes, in case of a breakdown. Another plan is to know the weather and dress accordingly, and know ahead of time if can possibly get cold, so the traveler can decide whether to bring a jacket.
Those who cannot or don't want to change a flat tire can always bring along a can of Fix-A-Flat or Quick Flat Fix, but when the tire is taken in for repairs, the mechanics must be told that these products have been used. They are flammable, and mechanics need to take precautions when removing a tire that has had one of these products used on it.
 |
