#Article: Tips for Staying Safe for Solo Travel

Traveling solo can be an amazing experience, but it's important to take precautions in order to keep yourself safe. So I rounded up some of the best tips from the BuzzFeed Community and the r/solotravel subreddit. Here are some ways to stay safe and protect yourself while traveling alone.

1. "Travel with an imaginary significant other or spouse. Even consider wearing a fake ring. It's a good deterrent against creepy people who might otherwise bother you."

2. "Scan copies of your important documents and email them to yourself or upload them to the cloud so you always have them, just in case."

3. "Get an unlocked cellphone and buy a local SIM card or minutes as soon as you arrive at your destination. Learn the emergency numbers for where you are, and always keep your phone charged and on you."

4. "Save those social media posts for after you leave your location. When you're traveling solo, don't post photos in real-time. If you're tagging locations, you never know who's following you. It's best to post after you leave the location to be safe."

5. "Read up about the country (or countries) you're planning to visit before you get there. Before our trip to Iceland, reading about the country not only got me excited about my trip but also helped me prepare after reading other travelers' experiences and recommendations."

6. "If you wear prescription eyeglasses or contacts, always bring an extra pair in case you lose or break them during your travels."

7. "Minimize eye contact with people, but make sure you are aware of what's around you, including potential exits and routes if you're walking alone."

8. "Split your cash and cards between different bags, and leave some at the hotel/hostel/Airbnb. Don't carry all of your money and cards with you when it's not completely necessary."

9. "If you are taking cabs alone, always make a note of the taxi driver's name and medallion number upon entering the vehicle."

10. "Pack light. Not only is it convenient, but it can actually be a safety tip. Nothing says 'rob me' like someone wheeling four large bags along the side of the road. Packing light also makes you more mobile in case you need to move quickly." 

Source from Buzz Feed