Planning a solo trip? 9 expert-backed safety rules you have to follow before packing your bags

Published on: Jul 29, 2025, 20:55:15 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Check out 9 essential safety tips for solo travellers to ensure a secure adventure. (Pexels)

Thinking of travelling solo? Before you pack your bags, check out these 9 expert-approved safety rules to stay smart, secure, and stress-free on the road.

Planning a solo trip can be exciting, liberating, and full of unforgettable moments, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. When you're navigating unfamiliar places on your own, staying safe becomes even more important. From dealing with emergencies and trusting your instincts to using tech wisely and blending in with the local crowd, solo travel requires a mix of courage and caution.

To help you make the most of your adventure without compromising on safety, Sanjay Jadoun, CEO, YoloBus, shared with HT Lifestyle 9 important rules every solo traveller should know before setting off.

(Also read: Solo female traveller lists India among countries where she felt most unsafe: ‘When I was alone in the North…’ )

1. Keep someone in loop

Always inform a trusted friend or family member about your itinerary, accommodations, and check in with them daily.

2. Share your live location

Use apps like Google Maps location sharing or Apple's Find My to let someone track your movements in real time.

Stay connected with trusted contacts and opt for secure lodgings to enjoy your adventure. (Pexel)

3. Carry physical copies of important documents

Keep printed copies of your passport, ID, tickets, and bookings, especially when internet access is limited.

4. Trust your instincts

If something doesn't feel right, a person, place, or situation, don't second-guess yourself. Leave immediately.

5. Stay in well-populated areas after dark

Avoid deserted streets and don't flaunt expensive gadgets or jewellery.

Prioritise safety by booking verified accommodations. (Unsplash)

6. Choose verified stays

Book accommodations with strong, verified reviews on travel OTAs.

7. Respect local customs

Dress and behave according to local norms to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

(Also read: Travel vlogger shows India’s most luxurious train with fancy bar, spa, 5-star restaurant; tickets cost up to ₹4 lakh )

8. Be discreet with personal info

Don't reveal you're travelling alone or share details like your hotel or next destination with strangers.

9. Prioritise security features

Choose places with lockable doors, 24/7 front desk staff, safety lockers, and visible CCTV.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.