Traveling alone might seem intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. These are the top tips for solo traveling, from the perspective of …
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Traveling alone might seem intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. These are the top tips for solo traveling, from the perspective of …
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45 comments
What advice would you give a solo traveler? Share your little-known tips to help others!
P.S. follow me on IG for more updates between videos (I share lots of stories) @tangerinemaddie
Mexico sounds too stressful for me
😊
Hi Maddie, watching this 2 years later…i would seriously suggest when getting a taxi, please DON'T sit in the back seat. I suggest always sit next to the driver near the controls, also you can quickly see if the car has central locking, keep your car door open until you're confident this driver is ok and not creepy.
Also please make a mental note of the taxi NUMBER PLATE and text it to your friend or family.
There are cases of
taxi drivers with fake ID cars displayed. Your video is great, happy and safe travelling Maddie, thanks..👍🌅✨🧡
weapons, valuables, should always be able to be tied around your wrist. there are cellphone strings that are long enough to go around your wrist. Women's hands are relatively weak, so weapons are more likely to be used against us than by us, because the criminal simply takes it out of our hand. a hand wrap won't be enough. you need it tied around your wrist or some other part of your body.
always always have a boyfriend! (obviously not literally, but when men ask say you have MANY boyfriends). I don't drink so its very nice not to be tempted when going out to get drunk but when I did drink I only ordered from the bartender, watched them make the drink, and if I got the bottle I asked for the bottle cap back and then held it on top of the bottle while I danced!
I carry a whistle around my neck.
Stay safe ❤
this gave me anxiety for 5 years ahead
I agree (and do most of these things as well) Almost every taxi or uber I get into I tell them my “husband” insists that I send him a photo of the driver and the car because he’s very protective (I am a fellow solo traveler, no husband at all 😂) No one has ever said no and are always agreeable to my request. I also get the drivers talking about themselves. I learn something new and never have to reveal much about myself – win/win 😊
what are situations you have experienced and how did you cope with it afterwards?
Very smart tips. Something’s I never even thought of. Thanks
I travelled the world during the 1970's, must admit I visited some dodgy places but always steered clear of trouble. I see you are very dependant upon your phone, many places don't have mobile phone coverage so I assume you only travel to populated areas?
Mobile phones were not around in the 1970's and I'm very pleased that was the case, I can't imagine having to stay in contact with others whilst travelling. I would go for months without contact, only when I returned home in the UK would anyone know I'd even been away. Times change though and I agree a mobile phone could be useful, enjoy your travels! 🙂
Thank you for the tips! Also, does anyone have any tips if you're going to the beach and want to swim, how do you keep your stuff safe while you're in the water?
Thank you Maddie for your tips !
My dad once gave me some pretty paranoid advice: always carry a gold ring or chain when traveling alone in a foreign country. He got his wallet robbed in Rio during his 20s, leaving him stranded with no way to get back to his hotel. Luckily, he was able to sell his chain at a downtown jewelry store and use the money to get back safely. I've never had to use that advice myself, but it's definitely an interesting tip lol
Great video, I really appreciate all your advice. Nothing beats learning from other people's experiences
If you’re staying in a hotel in Mexico, let them call you a taxi. The driver usually can give you a card so you can hire them again. When I was in Mexico City recently, I was warned about unsafe taxis. Another tip—I had my phone on airplane mode to save the battery when I lost it in a taxi. I could have gotten the phone back if I had simply carried a battery pack instead of turning off the phone. Luckily I had printed out all reservations and flights.
Ehhhhh i do not want to travel anymore after this video ……..
Two of the best things they told us in the cop-run self-defense for women course that I took was to always carry a personal break-away alarm somewhere on your bag, hooked to your key chain or just in your hand. The one they recommended was the Vantamo. Super loud, has a strobe light that can temporarily blind an attacker, double speakers, affordable, rechargeable, one charge lasts about a year. They also recommended (for outdoor runners/walkers/hikers) a gel pepper spray glove or strap. It securely hooks onto your hand so it is always at the ready, leaving your hands free. The one they recommended was the Sabre runner pepper gel. While it is legal in every state in the USA, it gets trickier when traveling to other countries, so do your research before bringing it. But I always carry my Vantamo everywhere without issue.
Excellent video – thank you!!!😎
❤❤❤❤❤❤
Bruh, I am 17 year old girl and I just moved out to another state for school. Watching this. Better be safe than sorry.
I sing salvation salvation salvation alot
You have helped me so much while making my decision to make mexico my home. Love your enthusiasm and directness.
I have no tips for you and I'm sorry you have to go through this.
I'm a big man, I have never had to think about this. My wife is a tiny woman, and is always thinking about this if she is not with me, One time she was telling our son what he should do for safety, many tips of what you are talking about. He just looked at her and said, "Thanks Mom, but I'm 6'2" and I'm travelling with Tom, who is 6'4".
Criminals look for the least path of resistance, for the most part.
As for safety for me, I just try and stay away from where I might think trouble may be happening.
Great advice 👍
Wow! I should have waited until the end to comment. Could you pretend that you can’t speak Spanish? Or say “I’m using a translator on my phone” and hit the panic button! Maybe wear granny clothes and wig or a wig and press on stach so they’ll think you’re a dude. And then start talking about all of your health problems.. jajajaja! Yes! And a cane!
Wow! I finally found you again! You are looking great! Thank you so much for the helpful tips! I have been a solo traveler also and I love it because you can keep your head so clear, and I have a tendency to recall more “wow” moments. I am sure everyone would love to join you, you’re at such a beautiful area! Congratulations on your new channel and your amazing journey and thanks again for the helpful tips!!!
Wow I thought I was the only one who had fake phone conversations for the purpose of being a less desirable target. Nice!!
My additional tips:
Never ever let anyone take your stuff from you. Was traveling with my emotional support animal before the pandemic, and someone at the airport, insisting he was a cabbie (even though we were nowhere near the cab pickup area) tried to grab her carrier saying he would carry it for me… NOPE.
Stay with the crowd at the airport, and do not be afraid to SCREAM if needed.
Wear layers, look less attractive where you can.
Have a safe word with a friend you can call any time of day or night, so if you are walking alone and someone seems creepy to you or you're concerned, call that friend and say the safe word, then start describing where you are. Streets and cross streets. Store names.
And this one my mom and I argue about but if I have to be out alone… I prefer to be out at night. during the day people can hide being a creeper by blending in with a crowd, or can seem to be going about normal business, making you question yourself. But someone watching you or following you at night is MUCH more obvious, and you can get a head start on looking for a safe space. Also it tends to be more quiet at night, so if you scream you are more likely to be heard. That said, when walking at night try for a course that takes you past 24 hour open locations, even if that means a longer walk, and know what places are likely to be open.
thank you for the tips, all is well in fantasizing solo traveling but putting effort into safety is the best way to having fun, seeing new places and having adventures.
Thank you so much, another thing I do is I speak with English people more than Mexican people to ask some questions.
As a retired cop I can say each and every tip in this video is valuable and good. Everyone should take it by heart. I travel a lot in Mexico but they are valid everywhere.
I don’t walk at night but if I have to or even in underground parking lot I always carry my keys in between my fingers like a weapon. Great tips your doing all the right things. Take a picture of the taxi licences plate and let the driver see you do it and send it to someone.
thanks for this video, I am amazed by the (sadly strongly adviced) effort you put into your own safety! I will keep your tips in mind
These are all great pieces of advice Maddie! I plan to save this video and review often so that these safety measures become second nature.
What is the utility of taking a pic w the cab driver or a panoramic of the restaurant?
I am a 65 year old male, solo traveler. I wear a wedding ring when I travel. I have been approached several times in different countries and have been asked, "where is your wife"? My response, "my wife and daughter are shopping". Then I will look at my watch and say "Oh, I need to go".
@MaddieGold, this video was Gold! haha pun intended! Do you have any tips of how to make sure your Airbnb is safe? And where should you keep super important personal items like your passport?
Thanks for the tips. I was wondering if you would consider moving to a country where you would feel safer?
Soooo many useful tips!! Thank you!
Great tips. Thanks.
I honestly can’t think of another safety point to bring up, that’s how well you’ve covered things.
I personally think lying to a stranger is never wrong, even if you don’t necessarily feel in danger.
If they’re truly just making small talk and mean you no harm, they’d understand anyway why you did.
I once had a taxi driver in my home town of Ft. Lauderdale suddenly turn the conversation to being about my body. I discreetly took out the cash amount that was on the meter and threw it in the front sit and got out at the next stop light.
For that reason, I always have cash on me.
Both at home and traveling.
Great ideas !!!! Thank you
Excellent tips, thanks!