Yes many a time.
Being streetwise is no different than being streetwise at home. Read about the culture of where you are going, stick to their rules, basically research where you are going every area has it’s no go spots |
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I’ll add, don’t walk around with a map in your hand, know where you are going. If you need a map use it discreetly. Don’t carry all of your money on you, always make sure you have a copy of your passport with the original stored in a safe place. Finally know if there is an embassy there, the address / phone number just in case you need it. |
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I always travel alone OP.
It has its pros and cons but I just enjoy it.
I'm not worried in the cities but I do get worried when I trek alone - what if there are wolves...are there in the UK/Ireland? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Solo travelling is fantastic. If you want to do it but nervous to, perhaps start with some locations which are more tourist friendly, one where you have a common language and is easy to get around etc. Love travelling and letting myself wander. |
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I have visited over 50 countries and worked on my own in about 17 or so.
In general there are things that make you vulnerable and things that make you resilient. Research (or lack of) can make you vulnerable or aware of the dangers you may face.
The first thing to do is to really get a handle on local laws and socially accepted behaviours. Urban areas tend to be riskier than rural areas but understand that what you earn in a week what most people around the poorer parts of the world take years to earn. Your economic disparity makes you a target so don’t display outward signs of wealth, it is too tempting.
In general, having worked in some of the world most dangerous places, I have only ever been shot at 3 times, blown up once and held against my will once. All of those experiences were down to my own stupidity. Without exception. |
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"Has anyone travelled alone to any part of the world? I want to travel on my own but how do you be streetwise alone? "
Many times to many locations, sometimes without even booking the first night accommodation. Just do a bit of research before you go |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Yeah I've done that quite a bit. Actually prefer it coz you can sightsee at your own pace. As for street smarts, just simple things like don't count money in public, don't carry anything you don't absolutely need, stick to main streets if in any dodgy areas & don't stand anywhere busy with a big map looking like a completely lost and vulnerable tourist (do that somewhere a few yards away in a more subtle way). |
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"Im planning Greece, so somewhere not too far. Ive been the cinema alone before, how bad can it be x"
The easiest option for a first time is to book a package holiday so your accommodation is sorted and you get transport to/from the airport included so no hassle. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Oh and I always get a card that lets you use cash points for free abroad. That way you can use them little and often so you don't end up carrying loads of cash. I also spread cash out amongst different pockets so if I do get pickpocketed the buggers won't get the lot. Nothing bad has ever happened to me but I still take precautions just incase. |
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"Has anyone travelled alone to any part of the world? I want to travel on my own but how do you be streetwise alone? "
I've been away many time on my own , several times to Thailand and Cap d'Agde .
Cap d'Agde doesn't really count as I have friends there , as for Thailand I just use the same common sense as I do here in the U.K .
I've also been to all inclusive resorts but didn't venture anywhere but organised excursions . |
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I love to travel solo. Explored most of Europe solo. The only thing that can get to me is eating alone in a restaurant. I take a book or read on my phone. The only place I felt uncomfortable was Dubrovnik as it felt as tho there were just couples everywhere. I’d say go for it. |
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"I go on hols alone, the only annoyance I have is when people try to adopt me because I must be lonely on the holiday  "
Oh so true ! When I went to Egypt, trip down the Nile it was hard to get time alone. We had one day totally on the boat and I asked one of the crew members where I could hide. They arranged a spot where no one could find me, I got up at 6.30 and spent the day hiding watching the world go by, they bought me my lunch and I reappeared at evening meal..... bliss |
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"I have visited over 50 countries and worked on my own in about 17 or so.
In general there are things that make you vulnerable and things that make you resilient. Research (or lack of) can make you vulnerable or aware of the dangers you may face.
The first thing to do is to really get a handle on local laws and socially accepted behaviours. Urban areas tend to be riskier than rural areas but understand that what you earn in a week what most people around the poorer parts of the world take years to earn. Your economic disparity makes you a target so don’t display outward signs of wealth, it is too tempting.
In general, having worked in some of the world most dangerous places, I have only ever been shot at 3 times, blown up once and held against my will once. All of those experiences were down to my own stupidity. Without exception. "
Yes, travel to Cornwall is perilous !
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Both of us have done solo travel and tend to use hotels (always someone to have a natter with) or AirBnB, the hosts are a mine of information on what is best to do/go locally  |
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Love holidaying alone, it’s great to wake up and not have a debate over what you’ll do that day. Go to the pool or exploring, up to you.
I go to Thailand, so a single guy on his own isn’t unusual, but you will have bar girls trying to get a lady drink out of you. So enjoy their company or not it’s up to you 
Agree with all of the other advice, learn about the country as much as you can before you go. But the main thing is just don’t look like a tourist, walk as if you know the place like the back of your hand. If you’re lost find a cafe or bar get yourself a drink and work it out, where you went wrong.
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"Yes many a time.
Being streetwise is no different than being streetwise at home. Read about the culture of where you are going, stick to their rules, basically research where you are going every area has it’s no go spots "
As above.
Research is the key to solo travel. Lonely Planet provide good advice on individual countries and the Foreign Office has (usually) up-to-date detailed country specific information.
Generally you will be unlikely to run into problems if you apply a degree of common sense when you are travelling:
Be aware of your surroundings
Use licensed taxis / public transport
Don't get d*unk
Don't stand out / flash valuables / cash
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Yes travelled the world on my tod, was at a crossroads in my life and really needed to find myself after a stint under lock and key.
I went home put my gear on picked my passport up and went to the airport and was on the next available flight. I met some amazing people along the way.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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A good mate of mine went backpacking through many countries, including Syria and Egypt.
He's written books about it and there were many points that seemed rather unsafe, many that seemed really cool and many that seemed very dull (such as an eight hour bus ride in 35 degree heat).
It's made him a better person i think, and he's never short of a story to tell. |
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