More than a quarter of Americans (25.6 percent) say they have been overcharged or ripped off while traveling alone.
One of the biggest concerns for both male and female solo travelers is
the safety of their accommodations. More than 26 percent of Americans
listed it as the factor they are most concerned about when traveling
alone.
Other top concerns for male travelers include: violence/terrorism (17.8
percent), a natural disaster (17.8 percent), being out after dark (14.8
percent), riding public transportation (10 percent), security/safety of
drivers (6.9 percent) and visiting a restaurant/bar (also 6.9 percent).
Females concerns are similar: Being out after dark is the second most
concern for women (26.3 percent), followed by violence/terrorism (15.7
percent), natural disaster (9.6 percent), riding public transportation
(9.4 percent), security/safety of drivers (7.8 percent) and visiting a
restaurant/bar (3.7 percent).
Women employ a variety of strategies to stay safe when traveling solo.
Nearly 60 percent (59.9 percent) of women avoid walking at night to
keep themselves safe while traveling alone. Forty-seven percent inform
others of their location, and more than 32 percent avoid conversations
with strangers. Other strategies include dressing in a way that won’t
draw attention (30 percent), moderating alcohol consumption (27
percent), and avoiding busy tourist areas (14 percent). Surprisingly,
there are still many female solo travelers who don’t employ any of
these strategies, nearly 20 percent, according to the survey.
That number is even more for men. Over a third, 34.1 percent, said they
don’t use any of these tactics to stay safe. Nearly 35 percent avoid
walking at night, 22 percent inform others of their location, 16.9
percent dress in a way that won’t draw attention, 16.7 percent avoid
talking to strangers, 16.1 percent practice moderate alcohol
consumption and 8.4 percent avoid busy tourist areas.
Allianz Global Assistance suggests the following safety tips when traveling alone:
• Save your emergency contact in your phone under “ICE” (In Case of Emergency).
• List your emergency contact or next of kin on all travel documents.
• Keep your passport in your hotel safe, and leave copies of it with a friend or family member at home.
• Bring the following to store in your hotel safe: a copy of driver’s
license, credit card information, list of medications, any past medical
history, a copy of health and travel insurance cards.
• If possible, arrive at your destination while it is still daylight.
• Bring bandages, antibiotic ointments, anti-diarrheal and analgesic medications with you.
• Keep your belongings close to you at all times. If using a purse,
make sure that the strap is worn across your body, so it can’t be
grabbed off your shoulder.
