Solo travel is one of the most exciting, liberating, and rewarding experiences you can have. It is a wonderful way to explore the world, giving travelers extraordinary freedom to operate at their own pace and indulge their own unique travel style.
However, exploring the world by yourself does sometimes leave you vulnerable to bad actors, and solo travelers can be targets for scams and con artists. It is always worth paying attention to potential scams when on the road, particularly as a solo traveler, whether you are sailing from Vancouver to Seattle, exploring Europe by train, or backpacking around South America. Here are a few things to keep in mind that will help you avoid scams while traveling solo.
Research Common Scams in Your Destination
Scams can vary widely from destination to destination, so just ‘being savvy’ isn’t always enough to avoid being conned. It is always a good idea to do some research before you travel on the most common scams where you will be traveling, particularly if there are some regional specialties, so to speak. Travel forums, official tourism websites, and sites like Google Reviews and TripAdvisor are great resources for this sort of thing, giving you a heads-up in advance so you can identify the hallmarks of a scam and avoid it.
Stay Cautious with Strangers
One of the best things about traveling solo is the chance to meet new people and make new friends. However, it is important to be cautious with strangers when traveling alone, particularly when someone approaches you unsolicited. If someone is overly friendly or seems a bit too keen, with an offer to guide you to an amazing place or a fun game or activity, be wary. Remember that the person approaching you might not be the one running the scam, as con artists often work in groups to distract or trick you.
Keep Your Belongings Secure
An incredibly common scam is a distraction to enable theft of personal belongings, so remember to always keep your valuables close and secure. Things like anti-theft bags, money pouches, or accessories that are difficult to pickpocket can help, and always avoid displaying valuables or expensive items so you don’t make yourself a target.
Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Offers
Sadly, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scams often involve incredible deals for accommodation, activities, or tours, and if you can’t quite believe your luck, investigate a bit further. When traveling alone it is always worth doing things through official, verified organizations and websites, to avoid this sort of thing. Deals that require immediate payment, particularly in cash, are often suspicious, so be cautious.
Protect Your Digital Identity
These days, scams are not confined to the physical world. Digital theft and cybercrime are rife, and there are plenty of ways that bad actors can take advantage of solo travelers online. Always be wary of using unsecured public wi-fi, as cybercriminals can use it to hack into your devices and access personal information or secure accounts. Similarly, try not to give too much personal information to unknown people, even if it is ‘required’ for booking an activity. Avoid isolated ATMs as well, as these can be targeted both digitally and physically. A VPN is a great idea if you are planning on accessing sensitive information online while you are on the road.
Exploring the world by yourself is a fantastic experience and a great way to discover more about yourself while seeing incredible sights and places. However, when you are by yourself in an unfamiliar setting it is vitally important to be especially vigilant when it comes to your security. The tips above will help you avoid the most common travel scams and give you the confidence to enjoy your trip, safely and securely!
