How to stay safe while travelling alone

Solo travel has many benefits, however it is vital to be well-prepared before you set off to avoid any mishaps along the way!

• Back to basics - Try to keep it as light as possible when packing for your travels. Before packing that giant portable pillow, or three pairs of trainers, think... do you really need this? Trust me, you'll thank us when you arrive at the station and have to climb up two flights of stairs!

• Be prepared for any situation at all times - Make sure to always know your next move, and try to keep one step ahead of everything. This is very important when travelling alone, as not only are you more vulnerable, you only have yourself to blame if you miss the train because you forgot to set the alarm the night before!

• Keep important documents in check - We recommend investing in a folder in which you can keep everything from train tickets, receipts, passports and IDs. This way, it makes it much more difficult for you to lose something, and the folder is easily accessible when you need to find something quickly. Perhaps invest in some paper and a pen to keep track of your schedule, as sometimes keeping everything stored in the head might get a bit tricky if you're planning to travel to many different places in a short space of time.

• Be discrete - Whatever you do, try not to splash the cash or flash the stash when in public or when out with people you have just met. By doing so, you'll limit your chances of being taken advantage of... you don't want to be left alone in a night club half way across the city from your hostel with no money or no phone. Having said this, it's best to leave your new watch or fancy jewellery at home, it will still be there when you get back (and the same can't be said for when leaving them in the hostel bathroom)!

• Stay attentive - This is a given when travelling solo, but even if you do end up getting lost, or you are confused about which turn to take next, don't show it. If you look like a clueless tourist stumbling around backstreets with all your belongings, your bets of ending up in a sticky situation will considerably increase. Instead, hold your head high, stand firm, and look like you know what your next step is... even if you have absolutely no clue!

• Lock up your valuables - Hostels are great places to stay for solo travellers. From meeting new people from all over the world, to having a low-cost place to crash in every city you visit, they really are the best way to travel when you're going solo. However, make sure to be careful with your belongings... most (if not all) hostels provide lockers and padlocks for you to store your things, and we recommend using these! Be extra prepared and invest in a padlock before departing, as some hostels charge extra for this.

• Don't overdo the social media - Although this tip might be a bit tricky for the avid bloggers out there, and when visiting a new place we get that it's almost obligatory to snap a few pics and post them online for all your friends back home. However, we suggest steering clear from sharing too much, especially posting your exact locations. Obviously, if you tag yourself in 'Berlin' on Facebook, chances are you're in the clear. But if you start to tag specific locations, and your social media platforms are open to the public, this considerably puts you on the map, so to speak. Be wary of the people around you as you don't want to end up with a stalker on your back!

• Monitor your money - Keep track of all expenses on your travels, whether that be documenting what you've spent in a notepad, or simply keeping all your receipts in a folder to have a look back over if need be. This way, you're always up-to-date with your budget and how much you should be spending each day. Most importantly, if something flags up on your bank records that seems suspicious, you can easily check to see if there is a problem or not. Credit card fraud can be significantly high in popular, tourist cities, so keep an eye on your accounts regularly.

• Be responsible - Yes, we know that travelling is all about the experiences you have and the friends you make along the way. But, it is important not to draw too much attention to yourself, and by this we mean drinking too much, or being disrespectful and rowdy. It's a given that you'll be enjoying the nightlife as much as possible in the short time you're visiting, but try not to overdo it. Always have your wits about you, stay in a group, don't accept drinks from strangers, and make sure you know how to get back home at the end of the night.

• Learn the language - Make an effort to get to know the local people, and try to learn some key phrases in the language of the country you are travelling to. Not only will they respect you for your efforts to get to know their culture, it's always a bonus to have a local on your side if you end up needing any help or advice.

• Common sense - Last but not least, just use your head. If you end up in a dangerous situation that you couldn't have predicted, use your common sense... and remember that your safety comes before everything else!

Follow these tips and your travels will be as safe and smooth as can be. Enjoy seeing the world, and don't forget to share your pictures with us!