6 safety tips to follow if you're traveling solo

Be safe while exploring the world on your own! While an increasing number of people are traveling alone every year, there are some differences from hitting the road with a group. Here are a few safety tips for the solo traveler:

1. Daytime Is the Right Time
Plan your trip so you arrive at your destination during the day. This eliminates any problems that may arise from navigating an unfamiliar city after dark.

2. Try to Blend In
If you get lost, don't call attention to yourself by opening a map in the middle of the street! Duck inside a cafe or even a bathroom so you don't alert everyone around you that you're a tourist.

3. Know Your Limits
Even if you're wine tasting at a vineyard, make sure to watch your alcohol consumption. Keep your wits about you while traveling alone.

4. Technology Is Your Friend
If you're traveling to a foreign country, download a currency converter and language translator app to your phone before you go.

5. Selfie-Preservation
Take pictures of all of your important documents and reservation info, and keep the pictures on a document-sharing site like Google Drive or Dropbox, so you can access them from any computer.

6. Keep In Touch
Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program when going abroad. It lets the nearest U.S. Embassy know that you're in their country and helps family and friends reach you in case of emergency.
So be safe and remember: The world is your playground, even when you're playing alone!

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