Solo travel safety tips from TPG's globetrotting team

Solo travel has plenty of perks, but it can feel overwhelming when you're responsible for everything, including your own safety. The Points Guy's staff shared their road-tested advice for staying safe on solo trips.

Start with the planning stage, which means choosing a safe destination and a place to stay where you'll feel comfortable. TPG managing editor Lyndsey Matthews always books hotels over vacation rentals when traveling alone. "It's nice knowing someone will be there when I'm coming and going and there's a level of security between me and my door," she told TPG.

Matthews does most of her solo travel in cities, as she feels safest when surrounded by people. Senior editor Christine Gallipeau, however, prefers noncity destinations on her solo trips. "Starting with quieter, smaller destinations and mostly staying put has helped me feel less nervous about safety and things going wrong once there," Gallipeau said.

Stay aware, trust your instincts

Solo travelers face a higher risk of scams and other opportunistic crimes. Editor Olivia Mittak advises travelers not to advertise their solo status. "If anyone asks, I tell them I'm either visiting friends or meeting up with friends later," she said. She also recommends writing down your room number when asked, rather than saying it aloud at a hotel bar or restaurant.

Matthews emphasizes that you shouldn't be afraid to be rude when necessary. "I often gravitate toward people pleasing and being polite in new countries, but if the vibe shifts and it's clear a man is scamming me or it could be unsafe, I give a strong but firm, 'no, thank you,'" she said.

Build connections, not loneliness

Making new friends while traveling alone can stave off loneliness and often becomes a trip highlight. Managing editor Madison Blancaflor fills her solo trips with group activities such as walking tours, cooking classes and art workshops. "It's a great way to meet people and do activities solo without being fully alone," she said.

Senior writer Tanner Saunders combats loneliness by moving around within a destination. "I made a rule for myself on longer solo trips that I wouldn't stay in the same place for more than three days, because I might start to get lonely or fall back on the things I liked the first day or two," he said.

Plan for help when things go wrong

TPG recommends enrolling trips in the State Department's STEP program, a free service that sends alerts about emergencies like natural disasters or civil unrest in your destination. Gallipeau stresses sharing your travel information with a trusted friend or relative. She learned this while flying to New Zealand when a delayed connecting flight threatened to make her miss an international flight. "Fortunately, I had just enough of a connection to get through to my mom," she said. "While I was in the air, she was calling the two airlines involved to get everything sorted out."

Multiple TPG staffers swear by location-sharing apps like Find My. Make sure your loved ones have your location in case something goes wrong.

Pack smart for safety

Saunders advises solo travelers to keep some cash (in local currency) on hand for cash-only shops or broken ATMs. A portable power bank is especially useful for solo travelers. Gallipeau suggests not relying solely on Wi-Fi. "I go a bit overboard and print out details for everything I have going on while abroad," she said, including flight payments, hotel details and tour contacts.

Capture better solo photos

Blancaflor swears by a flexible tripod with a Bluetooth remote. "Obviously don't set up your phone away from you in a busy place where it's likely to be stolen. But it's a game changer for good non-selfie photos of yourself when you're traveling solo," she said.

Social media and talent producer Emily Geraghty recommends a screen-mirroring selfie monitor. "It takes your Bluetooth remote and tripod/selfie stick to the next level," she said.

Solo travel safety doesn't have to get in the way of enjoying your trip. Incorporate these small changes into your routine to minimize risk and feel confident while you travel.

• Christine Gallipeau
• Lyndsey Matthews
• Madison Blancaflor
• Safety tips
• Solo travel
• The Points Guy