Solo Travel Safety Tips for First-Timers

Research Before You Land

Before booking a solo trip, research your destination's general safety reputation, common scams, and areas best avoided at night. Blogs written by other Nigerian or African solo travellers to your specific destination are often more useful than generic guides, since they cover cultural context you can relate to.

Save the local emergency number, your embassy's contact details, and your hotel's address in the local language on your phone before you even board your flight.

Share Your Itinerary With Someone at Home

Always tell a trusted friend or family member your flight details, hotel bookings, and rough daily plans. Simple daily check-in messages, even just a thumbs-up emoji, give peace of mind to both you and the people who love you back home.

• Share your flight numbers and hotel bookings before departure
• Set a daily check-in time with a family member or friend
• Save your accommodation's address as a photo on your phone
• Leave a copy of your passport details with someone at home

Choose Accommodation Wisely

As a solo traveller, prioritise accommodation with good reviews specifically mentioning safety, 24-hour reception, and secure entry systems. Hostels with female-only dorms or well-reviewed boutique hotels in central, well-lit areas are usually a safer bet than isolated budget guesthouses.

Blend In and Stay Aware

Dress in a way that does not draw unnecessary attention, avoid flashing expensive jewellery or gadgets openly, and keep your phone tucked away in busy tourist areas known for pickpocketing, such as central Rome or parts of Barcelona.

Trust your instincts. If a situation or person feels off, it is always fine to walk away, change your route, or ask for help from hotel staff or a nearby shop.

• Avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public
• Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original
• Use registered taxis or trusted ride-hailing apps at night
• Learn a few basic local phrases, including how to ask for help

Stay Connected and Insured

Get a local SIM card or an international roaming plan on arrival so you always have data for maps and emergency communication. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip interruptions is non-negotiable for solo travellers, since you will not have a companion to lean on if something goes wrong.